Today’s student success spotlight is with Maya Elious. It’s our hope that we’re able to share a different story each week of how a past student has been able to significantly grow their freelance business by applying the concepts they learned from Double Your Freelancing (check out last week’s with Bart Mroz). If you feel your story would be a good fit, share why!
Last year, Maya Elious brought in just over $38,000. After taking Double Your Freelancing Rate and implementing what she learned, she’s on track to earn between $80-100k in 2015. Did I mention she’s only 24? Let’s learn how!
Tell us about yourself, Maya.
I’m a personal branding consultant, that also offers web design and branding services through my company, BRNDWCH. BRNDWCH is a creative agency dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and non-profits develop valuable brands.
What got you into freelancing? Was it what you expected?
One day someone I knew offered me money to do something I enjoyed doing – making graphics online. I thought it was cool that I could get paid doing what I liked.
I didn’t think to myself, “I can be an entrepreneur!” I thought, “Wow, I can make extra money doing fun stuff.” I was 18 at the time, but it’s now what I’ve been doing for the past 6+ years.
Did you ever want to quit or give up?
No – I really love what I do. I’ve never had an exit strategy. I just kept working and finding new ways to grow. If there was a part of the business I didn’t like, I would remove it and focus on the things I enjoyed doing more.
“The most challenging part has been trying to build a team whose work ethic matches mine.”
What were you struggling with the most when you ran into DYFR?
When I began Brennan’s course, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of raising my prices although I knew I needed to.
Once he shared with me how to explain my value, I became way more comfortable creating proposals that would quote clients $2,000+ (rather than $700 or $800 at the most before that).
What are some big successes you’ve had recently?
January was my best month bringing in about $6,900. Doing proposals made a huge difference (which I got the verbiage for through the DYFR book/course). I learned how to explain value, rather than just sharing cost.
“My clients focus more on what they’re getting, rather than what they’re spending.”
Has your income changed as a result?
My income increased by at least $1,000/month after reading/implementing the suggestions in DYFR. I made $38k+ in 2014 and I’m on track to bring in $80k-$100k in 2015.
What specific tactics or strategies really helped you grow?
“No one wants to pay for web design,” was the best thing Brennan said that resonated with me. Being able to show my clients value was what really transformed my business. I learned how to price better and justify my increased prices.
I knew that I had to narrow my target audience. I think it’s one of those things that people know, but they never actually do. In the book (and in the email course), the “What to do when you can’t guarantee ROI?” story was really an “aha” moment for me. It really sunk in for me, when he asked his client how much a customer was worth to him.
It’s easier for me to justify a $2,500+ website for my audience (life coaches) who expect $500+ from one client, then it is to try and sell a website to someone who sells $12 accessories.
“I can confidently find my ideal client, explain the value of my services and provide a kick-ass proposal to earn their business.”
What are you most excited about for your business in 2015?
I’m excited to see how much more I can grow. I love learning, implementing and executing. There’s really no ceiling to success and I enjoy breaking new barriers.
Ever since I was 22, I knew I wanted to make six-figures with my business by the time I was 25. I finally feel like I’m on the right path. I’ve almost brought in $11.6k so far this year, which is way more than I’ve made in the past!
Maya Elious is dedicated to inspiring dreamers to live a life of abundance. She enjoys helping passionate people develop valuable businesses built on the foundation purpose.
She’s able to fulfill this on a daily basis through her blog MayaElious.com and through her business BRNDWCH, which focuses on building effective web design and branding for solopreneurs and non-profits.