82: 5 Skills You Need to Succeed as a Freelancer

82: 5 Skills You Need to Succeed as a Freelancer

Author: Michael Leonard: Copywriter & Freelance Writing Coach April 20, 2020 Duration: 21:25

In this Monday with Michael episode I go over 5 skills you need to succeed, even if you don't think you are a good writer. 

What You Need to Succeed as a Freelance Writer

If you're like most people, you probably think that you have to be a world-class writer to get paid to write words online. That is just not true, you actually have to be a better freelancer first and have these skills to be an amazing freelance writer.

1. Willingness to Learn

My willingness to learn is why I was able to 10X my monthly income in 12 months as a writer and earn $20,050 in my 20th month as a writer.

2. Strong Work Ethic
No amount of sitting around on the couch imagining five-figure writing months will magically attract clients.

3. Growth Mindset
With a growth mindset, you believe that your most basic abilities develop through consistency and dedication.

4. Thick Skin
If you want to make money writing and learn to become a great writer in a short amount of time, you need to love getting feedback. This is one of the fastest ways to improve!

5. Perseverance
Just keep going, learn your lessons, and stay persistent and consistent to give yourself time to let the magic happen.

Final thoughts: Thinking you have to be a good writer before you can land writing jobs and get paid is a losing mentality. Do not set yourself up to fail with this attitude. Many businesses and blog owners want to outsource stuff like this and need your skills. Stay persistent and consistent! 


Michael Leonard was a professional copywriter earning a solid salary before he walked away from that career in 2017. With no safety net, he built a thriving online writing business from the ground up. In his Inspire Your Success podcast, he gets into the real work behind that transition, moving beyond simple inspiration to offer a practical roadmap. Each conversation is grounded in his experience as a freelance writing coach, focusing on the actionable steps needed to build a sustainable independent career. You’ll hear honest discussions about the mental shifts required to leave a traditional job, the systems that actually generate income, and how to navigate the common pitfalls of entrepreneurship. This isn't about vague motivational talk; it's a detailed look at creating a business that affords more freedom, whether that means paying off debt, traveling, or simply designing a life with more flexibility. Tune in for a blend of strategic business advice and personal development insights, all drawn from Michael’s own journey from a structured 9-5 to successful self-employment. The podcast serves as a direct mentorship for anyone feeling stuck, providing the tangible tools and mindset needed to turn professional aspirations into a working reality.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Inspire Your Success
Podcast Episodes
118: 5 Ways to Land Writing Clients in 2022 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:29
​All you need is one person to say yes and give you a chance as a freelance writer. Today, I want to share you with the five most common ways to land your first freelance writing client so that you can find success as we…
117: The #1 Tip to Start Writing in 2022 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:06
Quit dabbling and start taking action. This is your time to start landing clients and making money as a freelance writer. To learn more about working with Michael, check out: inspireyoursuccess.com/coaching
115: How I Got My First Freelance Writing Client [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:53
On this Writer's Wednesday podcast, I take a trip down memory lane to tell you how I landed my first freelance writing client. Landing that client was a game-changer as it gave me the confidence to go pitch more clients…
114: 9 Lessons from Leaving My $100K 9-5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:47
Do you want to quit your job and learn how to make money online? Before you give your notice at work, make sure you listen to this episode a few times. Because in 2017, I did just that. I left my corporate job and 6-figu…
113: How Kathrine Became a Top Writer & Quit Her 9-5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:44
Learn how one of my Freelance to 5K students became a top writer on Medium.com and quit her 9-5 (in only 5 months)! Kathrine is a writer and mindset coach. She helps people with insecure attachment, in life and relations…
112: 7 Lessons From My Failed Blog [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:46
I quit my $120,000 career after making $200 in affiliate sales from my blog. Most people thought I was crazy. But I was determined to prove everyone wrong and show that you could make money blogging. After reading endles…
111: How to Beat Overwhelm As a Freelancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:33
In this Monday with Michael episode, we talk about overwhelm versus busyness and go over five tangible action steps to keep your freelance business moving forward. The Difference Between Being Overwhelmed and Being Busy…
109: 5 Ways to Upgrade Your Life During This Pandemic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:33
When the world nearly ended 12 years ago, I was an immature 20-year old drifting through life. As I had nothing invested (as I had pretty much no money) and my job was delivering pizzas, the recession didn't affect me mu…