The First Key to Freelance Success
By Janice Sakata-Schultze

Janice Sakata-Schultze here, taking over this week at The Writer’s Life.

I have a confession to make … I love watching television. My must-see favorite is the CBS program, “The Amazing Race.”

And over the next week, you’ll see how this reality show can teach you about motivational strategies in succeeding as a freelancer.

First up …

On the show, a team’s success depends on working together, holding each other accountable and not coming apart when the pressure ratchets up.

As someone who works solo, do you sometimes wonder how you can stick with your success goals in your freelance business? I know I do.

Take a cue from these contestants – find people who can hold you accountable, your very own teammates.

Fellow writers can give you encouragement when you feel like giving up, cheer you on when you’ve triumphed, and keep you on track.

You can find them right here on the AWAI website. Visit the member forum and post that you’d like to find an accountability partner or group. Chances are you’ll find someone or a few people who’ll want to join you.

Or attend a live event like Bootcamp or one of the Copywriting Intensives, where you can meet with other freelancers. That’s where I’ve found people with whom I’ve now formed great groups.

From both events – and from my Circle of Success buddies – I’ve publicly stated my goals so others keep me accountable. And nothing else has helped me stick to them better than telling them to several dozen people!

Forming a partnership or group is the easy part. Sustaining it over the long haul is where you and your group will be tested.

Here are some tips to make sure your group keeps going strong:

• Meet through either Skype or Google Hangouts. These free services are the easiest video conference call networks around.
• Plan on meeting at least once or twice a month. If you have one partner, you may want to meet more often.
• Having a tough time meeting for calls? Then form a Facebook group where you can post questions or updates, and members in your group can post and share in return.

Stay tuned tomorrow to find out how forming strategic alliances help teams on “The Amazing Race” boost their chances of winning … and can help YOU reach your freelance goals faster!

Also, I’d love to hear from you and find out how you stay accountable to your goals to live the writer’s life. Let me know in the comments.