Overcoming Mindset Roadblocks as a Freelance Digital Marketing Assistant

Lessons from a Digital Marketer Who Actually Does the Work

I’ve been right where you are now—navigating the exciting yet challenging world of freelancing in the digital marketing realm. From juggling client demands to battling self-doubt, I understand the rollercoaster of emotions that come with this journey.

Keep reading because I’m here to guide you through some common mindset roadblocks that we face as freelance digital marketers and give you actionable strategies to overcome them.

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Fear of Starting and Taking Imperfect Action

It’s time to tackle this common first challenge for many new DMAs– fear of starting.

We’ve all been there, right? That moment when we’re frozen in place because of uncertainty.

Waiting for that elusive moment of perfection won’t take you anywhere. Embrace the concept of “imperfect action.” It’s like taking that bold step into the unknown, knowing that you might stumble along the way. It’s about silencing that inner voice that insists everything has to be flawless from the start. It all begins when you take that first leap, no matter how imperfect it may seem.

Progress happens when you take action, not when you’re standing still.

Silencing Your Inner Doubter

The relentless inner critic – (I call mine Patsy) sits on our shoulders whispering our dreams are frivolous. When that negative self-talk starts to creep in, it’s time to practice the art of silencing. Imagine yourself whispering a soothing “shhhhh” to those doubts. (Sometimes you might need to be a little more blunt with a “shut up!”)

Take a moment to breathe, to center yourself.

Now, instead of dwelling on the doubts, focus on the positive aspects of your journey. Think about the victories you’ve achieved, the progress you’ve made, and the unique talents that make you stand out. Remember, you are your own biggest supporter, and it’s time to let your inner cheerleader shine. Let the positivity drown out the noisy self-doubt.

▶ Related YouTube: Overcoming Your Fear as a Freelancer with Tracy Litt

In this quickie video from our Mindset series, Tracy is dropping some wisdom about how to grab onto help, support, and amazing opportunities without any hesitation.

Video Overcoming Your Fear as a Freelancer with Tracy Litt

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for Online Marketing Techie Skills & Strategies for Digital Marketers

Owning Your Expertise and Conquering Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is that sneaky feeling that makes you doubt your expertise and question your rightful place in the freelancing world. But here’s the truth: You are a unique Unicorn with a skill set that’s truly exceptional. You’ve walked a path that’s entirely your own, and every experience, every talent you’ve gained along the way, has shaped you into the remarkable person you are today.

Embrace your background – those diverse skills and experiences that you think are unrelated. They’re your secret weapons. They’re what set you apart from the crowd, what makes you stand out in a sea of ordinary. So the next time imposter syndrome creeps in – Hold your head high, and know that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Banish “I’m Not Good Enough”

We can get that nagging thought that tells us we’re “not good enough.” We’ve all been there, doubting our abilities and feeling like we’re falling short, especially when we’ve made mistakes. But those feelings of inadequacy? They’re not real. That’s our inner critic trying to control and hold us back from pushing beyond our comfort zone.

Replace that negative self-talk with a more empowering mantra: “I am capable.”

Remember all those victories, both big and small, that you’ve achieved along the way? Keep a record of them in a “Wins” journal. It’s your evidence and reminder that you’ve overcome challenges, delivered exceptional results, and pushed your limits. Each success is a testament to your capabilities. When self-doubt comes knocking, open up your Wins journal and let your achievements shine a light on your true potential.

Recognizing Your Value and Setting Boundaries

Something I see all the time is talented virtual assistants and DMAs with unique skill sets, but they don’t know how to price their services. You might find yourself questioning whether your skills are truly worth what you want to charge. But let me tell you something: You’re not just a virtual assistant; you’re a strategic partner who brings an incredible amount of value to the table for clients.

So, how do you determine your worth?

Dive into research
Understand industry standards
Confidently set your rates based on the value you provide to your clients

Consider the growth, the transformation, and the positive impact your expertise brings to their businesses.

In the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School, we talk about how to package your services and price them correctly so you can have the freedom and peace of mind you want. Remember, your skills are a rare gem, and you deserve to be compensated accordingly. It’s not just about the time you invest; it’s about the impact you make.

Conquering Rate Raises

Another familiar challenge that many of us face is raising rates. You worry that increasing your rates will scare away clients, or you’ll meet resistance. But your growth as a professional deserves to be reflected in your rates.

The key is to start small and gradually increase your rates as you gain experience and confidence. As you complete successful projects and consistently deliver exceptional results, your confidence will grow. You’ll recognize the value of your skills and the impact you make.

And clients recognize quality work when they see it. They understand that investing in your expertise is an investment in their own success. So let your rates be a testament to your growth, your dedication, and your commitment to high-quality work!

Setting Clear Boundaries

Setting boundaries is often overlooked but incredibly important for a healthy freelancing journey. As you step into the freelancing and digital marketing world, remember that your time is a precious asset. Establishing clear boundaries right from the start is the key to maintaining a work-life balance that supports your well-being and productivity.

Boundaries are not about restriction; they’re about empowerment. When you communicate your availability, response times, and working hours, you’re creating a framework that lets you do your best work without burning out. By respecting your own boundaries, you’re sending a powerful message to your clients – that you value your time and expertise.

Clients appreciate professionals who prioritize their own well-being.

Related Podcast Alert: Unicorns Unite Mindset Series

Tune in to this Mindset Series on my podcast to hear my guest experts discuss:
⭐Overcoming Fear
⭐Calming Your Inner Critic
⭐What’s Standing Between You and Your Dream Business

Embracing the Learning Curve

There are moments when we stumble and face challenges that test our skills and show what we don’t know– yet. Those hurdles aren’t dead ends; they’re stepping stones to help you learn and grow as a service provider.

Think of it this way: With every challenge you overcome, you add another “Win” to your journal. Each setback is a lesson, a chance to learn and refine your skills. This learning curve means every stumble brings you closer to your goals. Understand that you’re not defined by your failures but by your willingness to adapt.

Overcoming Fear of Success

Success, while exciting, can also be intimidating. It brings new responsibilities and challenges. But you’re more than ready to embrace it.

Fear of success is a sign you’re pushing your boundaries and stepping outside your comfort zone. You’re venturing into exciting territory and you’re not alone on this path. You have a community of fellow Unicorns who understand the journey’s twists and turns.

The fear you feel is simply a reflection of your potential. You’ve got all the tools you need to conquer whatever comes your way.

Embodying Self-Confidence

We all want to enter a room with our heads held high, shoulders back, and a confident walk that says “I know my sh*t”. But confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s a quality you nurture and develop over time as you gain more and more experience doing the work.

Confidence is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. It’s okay to start by “faking it till you make it.” As you keep putting yourself out there, you’ll start to feel that inner confidence growing too.

Confidently Navigating Discovery Calls

Discovery calls happen when you connect with a potential client and provide the solutions they need. I know these calls can be intimidating – but you’ve got this.

Approach each call with the understanding that you’re not just selling yourself; you’re offering solutions. Your expertise and skill set are the keys to unlocking solutions to your client’s pain points. Active listening is your superpower during these calls.

Ask questions, probe deeper, and really understand the challenges your clients are facing. And remember, you’re not just a freelancer, position yourself as a strategic partner who can make a significant impact. Use these calls as opportunities to showcase your talents, insights, and ability to overcome challenges.

Welcome Change as Growth

Change can be intimidating. As the saying goes, change is the only constant, especially in the world of freelancing and digital marketing.

It involves learning new skills, exploring new specialties, or pivoting in an entirely different direction. The good news: change can open doors you never knew existed. It’s an invitation to discover unique aspects of your potential.

Shift your mindset and start to see change as something that moves you forward, not as a roadblock. Every time you go into uncharted territory, you add new experiences and tools to your arsenal.

The Takeaway

Take a minute to celebrate yourself! Everyone’s story is different. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, measuring your progress against others. But remember– your journey is yours and yours alone.

Instead of fixating on what you haven’t achieved, take a moment to celebrate your wins: the big ones AND the tiny ones. Recognize your growth, the positive impact you’ve made, and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Your journey is a testament to your dedication, your resilience, and your unwavering spirit. Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination. It’s the sum of your experiences, your growth, and your unique contributions.

— Emily, Digital Marketing Consultant and Implementer

Yes, you really can work online.

Feeling overwhelmed about how to start working from home or build your own digital marketing business? Take a deep breath — you can do this!

Start with my list of 10 in-demand tasks that online business owners are constantly asking for help with. These are the exact skills clients look for when hiring a virtual assistant. Grab your free download now, update your VA toolkit, and see where you might want to grow next as you build your freelance business with confidence and purpose.

Download: Online tasks you could be doing as a work-from-home digital marketing service provider — Download the services you could be doing from home here.