No pitch decks. No cold DMs. Just coffee, community, and a bit of courage.
- Confession: I Hate Networking
- “Real Clients, Real Conversations
- “What Didn’t Work — My Awkward Tries to Be ‘Professional’”
- “Building a Gentle System: What Keeps the Work Coming In”
- ✅ 1. Create a “Circle of 10”
- ✅ 2. Use “Soft Follow-Ups” That Don’t Feel Pushy
- ✅ 3. Create Templates for Reaching Out or Saying No
- ✅ 4. Build a Mini Client Intake Flow (No Website Needed)
- ✅ 5. Have a Go-To “Freelance Buddy” (Even Just 1!)
- 🌱 What I’d Tell a Mom Just Starting Now
- 🎁 Bonus: My “Freelance Mama Starter Kit” (Free, No Signups)
Confession: I Hate Networking
I know I’m not supposed to say that, especially as a freelancer.
But the truth?
Networking always felt fake to me.
Small talk in crowded rooms.
Business cards I’d forget in my diaper bag.
That awkward “So… what do you do?” moment. 🙃
I thought I’d have to play that game if I ever wanted to get freelance clients.
But guess what?
I never had a website.
I didn’t use LinkedIn.
And I still got my first 3 clients.
How?
With coffee, curiosity, and conversations that didn’t feel gross.
🍵 The Myth of “Professional Presence”
When I first considered freelancing, I read every blog post I could find. Most of them said some version of:
“You need a niche. A portfolio. A personal brand. A client avatar. A polished website.”
I had none of those.
I had:
- A Google Doc resume
- A Gmail address
- A toddler who refused to nap
- And about 3 hours a day (on a good day) to do anything
But I also had something else—and it turned out to be more valuable than a fancy portfolio:
A community.
💬 Real Talk: Community Is the Quiet Power Tool
I wasn’t going to networking events.
I wasn’t pitching on Instagram.
I wasn’t even “marketing” in the traditional sense.
But here’s what I was doing:
- Going to playgroups and chatting with other moms
- Asking my partner’s coworkers what their teams needed
- Listening to people talk about their work headaches—and offering small help
- Volunteering for the PTA newsletter
- Helping translate a flyer “just for fun”
None of these were “client strategies.”
But they opened doors.
Because people began to trust me.
Not as a freelancer.
Just as a helpful person who follows through.
That trust?
It turned into paid work.
🛠️ The Shift: From “Looking for Work” to “Being Useful”
One day, a friend from my baby circle said:
“Hey, your English is really natural. My husband’s company needs help translating their training slides—would you be up for that?”
That one casual offer turned into a 6-month project.
No cold emails.
No proposal decks.
Just one mom telling another: “You’re good at this.”
From that moment on, I stopped thinking of networking as “selling myself.”
I started thinking about it as planting seeds.
- A kind email here
- A free resource there
- A useful comment in a Facebook group
- A referral to someone even if I wasn’t the right fit
Not everything “came back” right away.
But over time, enough did.
🪴 What This Blog Post Is (and Isn’t)
This isn’t a guide to building a personal brand or closing big contracts.
I’m not a 6-figure freelancer.
I don’t have a viral LinkedIn post or a sleek landing page.
But I do have:
- A steady rhythm of small projects
- Clients who found me through real-life connections
- A business that fits around my family—not the other way around
And if you’re someone who feels like networking is a mountain too high to climb—
I want to show you: it doesn’t have to be loud or polished.
Sometimes it starts with a conversation at the park.
Sometimes it starts with asking, “How can I help?”
“Real Clients, Real Conversations
— No Website Required”
How I landed my first 3 freelance jobs by just showing up and being helpful
☕ Client #1: A Friend of a Friend at a Café
Where it happened:
A coffee meetup with another mom in my neighborhood.
How the conversation started:
We were chatting about part-time jobs, and I mentioned casually:
“I used to do some light translation work before having my kids. Mostly Japanese to English—nothing fancy, just clear and natural writing.”
She nodded and said:
“Actually… my sister’s company always struggles with that. They’re constantly reworking their English manuals.”
I didn’t pitch. I just asked:
“If it ever helps, I’d be happy to take a look. I’m not a corporate translator, but I do a clean job and hit deadlines.”
Three days later, she texted me:
“Do you want me to introduce you?”
I said yes.
That turned into a test assignment →
which turned into monthly projects for the next 8 months.
🧾 What I learned:
Don’t underestimate everyday conversations.
Your story might remind someone of a need they didn’t realize they had.
💻 Client #2: A Former Coworker of My Partner
Where it happened:
A casual home dinner with my partner’s colleagues.
What I said (when someone asked “So what do you do?”):
“I work freelance now—mostly writing and translating small business content, like websites or newsletters.”
He perked up and said:
“Our intern struggles with writing client emails. We’ve been thinking of hiring someone part-time to polish them.”
My response (low-pressure):
“If you ever want a second pair of eyes, feel free to send a sample my way. I can give some quick edits—no pressure.”
He did.
I edited one email.
He liked it.
They offered me a weekly retainer to review outgoing English communications.
🧾 What I learned:
You don’t have to pitch—just position yourself as a resource.
That soft invitation (“Feel free to send something over”) opens doors.
🧺 Client #3: PTA Volunteer Project That Turned Into Paid Work
Where it happened:
The local PTA newsletter. I offered to help edit the English version.
Why I volunteered:
It wasn’t strategic.
I just wanted to make sure the foreign parents got accurate info.
What happened next:
One of the dads in the PTA worked for a local startup and said:
“This is super clear. We’ve been needing someone to help write English blog posts like this. Are you open to side work?”
My response:
“Absolutely! That’s right up my alley. Do you want to chat over coffee next week?”
That 15-minute coffee chat turned into an ongoing contract for blog editing.
🧾 What I learned:
Generosity creates visibility.
When you help for free (in aligned spaces), it shows your skill and your heart.
🗣️ Scripts That Worked for Me (Feel Free to Copy)
These are not “sales lines.”
They’re soft, conversational ways to express what you do—without sounding like you’re pitching.
If someone asks what you do:
“I do freelance writing and translation—mostly helping small businesses or individuals make their English sound clear and natural.”
If someone says they struggle with English materials:
“That’s something I could probably help with. If you ever want a second opinion, I’m happy to take a look.”
If someone mentions they “need help”:
“Would it help if I drafted something quick for you? No pressure—just to see if it fits.”
If they ask about rates:
“Let me send you a simple price list after this. It depends on the length and type of work, but I keep it affordable and transparent.”
🪴 The Power of Low-Key Networking for Moms
Real talk: I don’t have time to “optimize my LinkedIn strategy” between school pickups and meal prep.
But I do have time to:
- Send a kind follow-up message
- Volunteer when it aligns with my skills
- Be honest and clear about what I do (without pressure)
- Offer small samples to build trust
And honestly?
That’s been more effective for me than any digital campaign.
Because people hire people they know and trust—not the ones with the fanciest portfolio.
💡 Quick Tip: Create a “Mini Portfolio” in Google Docs
You don’t need a website to showcase your work.
Start with a clean Google Doc and include:
- A 2–3 sentence bio
- One sample of your writing or editing (before/after if possible)
- Testimonials from friends/colleagues, even unpaid ones
- Contact info
- Services and basic rates
This way, when someone asks, “Can you send something?”—you’re ready.
“What Didn’t Work — My Awkward Tries to Be ‘Professional’”
Spoiler: Trying too hard to look legit actually slowed me down.
When I started freelancing, I was scared no one would take me seriously.
I didn’t have a flashy website.
I wasn’t “branded.”
I didn’t even have a real logo—just my name typed in Arial on a Google Doc.
So I started chasing what I thought professionalism looked like.
And, honestly? It backfired.
Here’s what I tried (and why it didn’t help):
❌ Mistake #1: Rushing to Build a Free Website (That I Never Shared)
The advice I read everywhere was clear:
“You need a portfolio website to be taken seriously.”
So I spent two weekends building one on a free platform.
I used a trendy template, uploaded my bio, listed services… and then froze.
Why?
Because:
- I didn’t feel confident about my experience yet
- I didn’t have many samples to share
- I felt weird asking people to “check out my site” when it was still half-baked
In the end, I never shared it with a single person.
It became a stress magnet instead of a confidence boost.
💡 What I learned:
Just because “everyone” says you need a website doesn’t mean it’s urgent.
Start where you are—not where the internet tells you to be.
❌ Mistake #2: Sending Cold DMs to People I Didn’t Know
At one point, I got bold.
I started messaging people I found on job boards or social media.
Something like:
“Hi! I saw you’re looking for a writer. I do freelance writing and translation. Here’s my info!”
Most people ignored it.
A few replied “Thanks!”
No one hired me.
And I get it.
I wasn’t personal. I wasn’t relevant. I wasn’t invited into the conversation.
It just felt… intrusive.
💡 What I learned:
Don’t slide into DMs unless you genuinely have context or connection.
Instead of cold outreach, focus on warmth: real relationships, shared communities, and genuine value.
❌ Mistake #3: Overexplaining What I Do (And Sounding Insecure)
Early on, when someone asked what I did, I’d go into a 2-minute spiral:
“Well, I sort of do translation… but it’s not like professional-professional. I mostly help small businesses. But not like big projects. I’m still kind of new to it, so…”
Yikes. 😅
I was trying to be humble, but I came across as unsure.
No one wants to hire someone who sounds unsure—even if you’re perfectly capable.
💡 What I learned:
Say what you do with clarity, even if it’s simple.
Confidence isn’t about bragging—it’s about being clear and calm.
Now I say:
“I do freelance writing and translation—mostly helping people communicate clearly in English.”
Period.
❌ Mistake #4: Undercharging to “Get the Job”
I remember offering to do a 5000-character translation for ¥2,000 just to “get experience.”
It was a rush job, I worked through the weekend, and the client ghosted me after asking for a revision.
The worst part? I didn’t feel proud of the work.
Because I was treating myself like a beginner—even though I wasn’t.
💡 What I learned:
Low pricing doesn’t attract better clients.
It attracts ones who don’t value your time.
It’s better to work for free (strategically) than to get paid poorly and feel resentful.
💡 What Did Work Instead
After all those stumbles, I came back to what worked:
→ Real-life conversations
→ Offering value before asking for anything
→ Following up kindly and consistently
→ Creating trust in low-pressure ways
No fancy branding.
No funnels.
No sales tricks.
Just me, showing up with real skills and real care.
🧠 Reframing “Professionalism” as a Freelancer Mom
For a long time, I thought “professionalism” meant:
- A slick portfolio site
- Perfect grammar in every email
- Never saying “sorry” when your kid interrupts a Zoom call
But I’ve realized something powerful:
Professionalism is consistency.
Professionalism is clarity.
Professionalism is showing up—even if your hair’s in a bun and you’re holding a cup of reheated coffee.
What people really want isn’t a polished image.
They want to know:
- Can you do the job?
- Can you communicate clearly?
- Can they trust you?
That’s it.
And those things don’t require a website.
They require you—present, honest, and steady.
“Building a Gentle System: What Keeps the Work Coming In”
Because sustainable freelancing is less about hustle—and more about rhythm.
When I got my first few clients, I thought:
“Okay, lucky streak. But how do I keep this going without burning out?”
I didn’t want to do constant outreach.
I didn’t want to post daily on LinkedIn.
And I definitely didn’t want to pretend I was running a big agency.
So I started building something simpler—something gentler.
And now, almost two years in, here’s what’s helped me build a stable, manageable freelance rhythm:
✅ 1. Create a “Circle of 10”
I made a simple spreadsheet: just 10 people I liked and who either:
- Had hired me before
- Had referred me before
- Knew what I do and believed in me
Every 2–3 months, I check in with them. Nothing salesy. Just:
“Hi! Just wanted to say thanks again for being so supportive. I’m opening up a few slots in case you know anyone who needs writing or translation support—no pressure at all!”
Sometimes they reply.
Sometimes they forward it.
Sometimes nothing happens.
But over time, this circle has brought me steady referrals.
Tip: Make it personal. Make it light. Make it honest.
✅ 2. Use “Soft Follow-Ups” That Don’t Feel Pushy
I used to panic if someone didn’t reply after I sent a quote.
Now I wait 3–5 days, and say something like:
“Hi! Just circling back in case this got buried. Let me know if you need any clarification—I’m happy to adjust the plan or timeline if needed!”
Often, they say:
“Oh thank you—I totally forgot to reply!”
If they don’t respond after that, I move on.
No begging. No hard feelings.
✅ 3. Create Templates for Reaching Out or Saying No
When you’re a busy mom, mental energy is precious.
So I made email/message templates I can tweak quickly. Here are two that saved me:
✔️When reaching out:
“Hey [Name], I saw your recent project and thought of you. If you ever need help with [thing you do], feel free to reach out. Wishing you continued success!”
❌When saying no (gracefully):
“Thanks so much for considering me! I’m currently focused on projects that align more closely with [your focus], so I’ll pass on this one—but wishing you the best with it!”
Having these ready means no decision fatigue. Just edit + send.
✅ 4. Build a Mini Client Intake Flow (No Website Needed)
Here’s what I now send when someone asks about working with me:
- 📝 A Google Doc with:
- What I do (1 paragraph)
- My rates (range, with clear notes)
- How I work (steps + typical turnaround)
- Testimonials (if available)
- How to contact me (LINE, email, or form)
- 🗓️ A Calendly link or just offer 2–3 times for a quick call
- 💌 A kind message:
“Here’s a quick overview of how I work! Let me know if you’d like to chat more—happy to adjust based on what you need.”
This shows I’m organized without needing a full-blown website.
✅ 5. Have a Go-To “Freelance Buddy” (Even Just 1!)
I have one mama friend who freelances too.
We check in once a month—quick Zoom or just LINE.
We:
- Share what we’re working on
- Encourage each other through rejections
- Trade tips and templates
It makes a huge difference.
You don’t need a big community. Just one person who gets it.
🌱 What I’d Tell a Mom Just Starting Now
If you’re reading this and thinking:
“I want to start—but I have no leads, no confidence, and no time.”
Here’s what I want you to know:
- You don’t need a perfect setup.
- You don’t need to be on every platform.
- You don’t need to pitch like a startup founder.
You just need to:
- Get clear on what you offer
- Let people know in small, gentle ways
- Deliver with kindness and reliability
That’s it.
Start where you are—with what you have.
Your reputation will grow.
Your network will grow.
And your confidence will too.
🎁 Bonus: My “Freelance Mama Starter Kit” (Free, No Signups)
If you want, I’m happy to share a simple template set I use:
- Google Doc portfolio
- Simple rate sheet
- 5 DM/email templates (offers, follow-ups, polite no’s)
- Client intake checklist
→ Let me know if you’d like me to write a future post about it (or just drop the full link here)!
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