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I Make $500 a Month Working Only 3 Hours A Day

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One Charles Richards once stated something very profound:           

Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. One man gets only a week’s value out of a year while another man gets a full year’s value out of a week.

While most people may be wired differently in the way they physiologically handle stress and pressure, one thing’s for sure: freelance writers must efficiently meet deadlines and deliver quality content.

Enough said.

I know the picture above is sufficient to give you a glimpse of what kind of person is talking to you. But, allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Bonnke Arunga, student of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery with Information Technology (MBChB/IT) at Maseno University, Kenya.

I finished my training as a freelance writer on 30th April, 2018. It is barely 2 months since I started my training and my earnings are slightly above $1000 – working only 3 hours a day, every day.

To others, it may sound incredulous. Yet others may find it less thrilling. But…read on!

How it all started

Freelance writing journey

My journey as a freelance writer started out of sheer curiosity. One day in November 2017, I was browsing the web for tips on how to earn money online.

Although I didn’t really know what exactly to look for, I wanted a job that would balance well with my studies in medical school.

The search results were not very appealing but one of them stood out. It was Walters Akolo’s landing page message in his blog:

I will help you build a profitable online business…I have also trained more than 2000 writers.

Well, this message was not exactly what I was looking for, but you can bet it is catchy and tempting. I immediately signed up on one of the interactive forms in his blog and started receiving updates from the free mini-course for freelance writers.

Though the updates were quite sincere, I had no idea of what online writing was. Eventually, procrastination took precedence and I lost interest.

What changed my mind will surprise you

It took me 5 months to finally make up my mind on online writing. On 16th March 2018, I was quite broke with no idea of where next to get money.

To my convenience, Walter didn’t lose interest in sending email updates. One email message titled “FREE UP YOUR TIME” really set the pace for me.

Walter Akolo email

And it went on like this:

Scaling client fees

It had many other awesome tips.

I immediately realized that in writing you can be paid more for working less.

Unbelievable!

At this time, Walter’s training fee had already shot up a little bit. He (Walter) had previously informed me in one of the emails that I could start earning as early as 2 weeks into the training. So I instantly paid for the training.

On 20th March,  2018 I was ready to start.

Into the training session

Life is full of pressure. Nevertheless, people find ways to earn a living irrespective of whatever vicissitudes that might come their way.

The reality of the matter is that some finite amount of resources such as time, willpower, energy and money restrain us. Freelancers should put this into account to prevent the feeling of self-pity and failure.

My day as a student is always fully occupied with attending long lectures, group discussions, doing assignments and personal studies. I barely have time for other activities during the day. With few free hours available, I really had to push myself beyond the limit.

The training was set to take one month but on my first day of training, I decided to forego a good night’s sleep and read through the entire concepts.  I wanted to start fast and finish quickly. One month was too long for me.

After getting a glimpse of what the training was all about, I decided to dedicate only 2 night hours for the training (between 11pm and 1am).

My first client (and my biggest mistake)

With so much to do and no time to do them, I focused mainly on how to get clients. I think this was my biggest mistake.

My first client woes

Here is how:

With no history of online writing or freelancer transactions, I secured my first direct client just one week into the training.

The good news is that he agreed to pay me $0.01 per word with a promise to complete transactions every week. Sadly, my first week didn’t yield anything. He refused to pay me my hard earned money. And there I was, feeling sorry, angry and bored.

But I learnt a few lessons from that:

  • Focus first. Take action afterwards – In Walter’s training, there is a lesson on how to avoid getting scammed, appropriately placed just before learning how to get clients.
  • Trust is highly priced – Don’t expect it from cheap people – this experience made me shun all clients who are not trustworthy.
  • Success is in the detail – My mistake was going for clients before learning the rules of the game. I should have read the lessons seriatim instead of selecting topics prima facie.

Medicine has taught me that there is always a positive side of negative, and a negative side of positive.

I chose not to focus on the negative. Interestingly, my one week job for this client ensured that I had samples in multiple niches.

 Upwork completely changed the game

Freelancing game changer

With no more zeal to pursue direct pitching, I opened an account with Upwork.

It seemed fate was dancing to my tune, or so you would say.

Within my first week in Upwork, I got 3 clients after sending 20 proposals for health related jobs only. They are currently my clients – specializing in health and wellness, medical and pet niches.

The secret was simple:

  • Select what you are good at – Being a medical student, I can confidently write any medical content. This was my selling point. You just need to convince the client that you know what he/she wants. See the response I got from one of my proposals.
Response to Upwork proposal from my $500 a month client

The sample was priced low, but the client loved my work and increased the payment.

  • Send many proposals to increase your chances of winning – Out of my 20 proposals, only 3 yielded a response.
  • Deliver what you promise – your content is what determines your pay in most cases. If you promise quality, you have no better option than to deliver quality.

Overcoming the newbie syndrome

Getting these clients really changed my writing career. I wasn’t pitching for clients as a newbie anymore.

I immediately branded myself “an expert medical and pet writer.”

Constant learning and the need for advancement makes me strive to be better each day.

How I earn $500 a month working part-time

The greatest challenge I face is that of balancing medical studies and freelance writing.

Theoretically, this course of action may seem somewhat overrated. But in the world of part-time freelance writing, theory and reality are mutually exclusive.

Thankfully, my clients provide steady flow of work with reasonable deadlines. My target is to make at least $140 every week which puts me slightly above $500 per month.

It all revolves around these principles:

Invest in your typing speed

To be a freelancer with a faster turnaround time, your speed will determine the amount of work you can handle in a day.

More words per minute mean you are making more money.

My typing speed is my surest weapon for handling so much work within a short time.

Set a target for yourself

For you to achieve your goals, you have to outline the amount of work you can handle each day and ensure that you achieve them.

You should also set a target for your earnings because it will prompt you to look for the right clients.

Avoid distractions

I have come to learn that phones are the most distractive gadgets of all. Keep yourself off of social media as you work.

Distractions eat into your typing speed and reduce your income.

Why you should go use the direct client approach

Pitching for clients is somewhat difficult. But nothing good comes easy. You can get direct clients from LinkedIn, Facebook or from Upwork.

Content mills will only reward you with earnings slightly above average. Sometimes even way below average.

If you want to build a legendary reputation and a charisma that surpasses all manner of online dominance, then cold-pitching should be your daily quest.

Over to you

You can always achieve what you want if you put the right foot forward and set your eyes on your goals.

There’s always time to make a difference, and that time is now. Keep trying and never give up. People will be willing to give you recommendations. But these recommendations do not take into account that certain resources restrain us from achieving some goals.

Your first step is to understand yourself, specialize on what you do best, focus and make the best out of your abilities.

This way, you will overcome the challenges to becoming an online expert.

Consider getting trained by a professional. This can take you far in a short time.

My earnings may be low when compared to most writers, but I know a full time engagement on my part can yield greater results.

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Godfrey Mulwa
Godfrey Mulwa

Wow! What an inspiration! I have learnt a lot from your insightful article. I did the @walter’s online training and I must admit it’s the best. Being in full time job and with little time to write, you have motivated me to set a target, focus, dream and try to create time, at least 3 hours per day, which is achievable.
I will also select what I can work on best and deliver quality work.
Your article could not have come at a better time, than now.
I will try to hard to try to achieve more from the less time I have, with focus and dedication, it can be achieved.
Ahsante.

JOYCE
JOYCE

Hi Bonnke,

I highly appreciate your inspiring insights. You have talked to me.
I cannot live in the past; I admit my greatest challenge is procrastination and now i have conquered it.
Time to make a difference.

Regards

sharon
sharon

Thanks for the inspiration i will soon also join hopefully and be able also to manage my time

Gakii purity
Gakii purity
Reply to  sharon

I appreciate for help me

Kelvin
Kelvin

Hey Bonnke ,you are such an inspiration my biggest focus to date is to become a freelancer but quitting my job to start leaves me between a rock and a hard place.First i lack the necessary tools ie desktop and the like but your story rejuvinates my urge to become a writer .Thank you for the word of encouragement,am hoping to join you soon in earning +500 Usd that would more than enough to be sincere .keep on bros.

CADABRA
CADABRA

Thanks to all who have made thismotivating story live. Special thanks to our doc. To be Mr. Bonnke I like the way you have motivated me. I was almost going to give up with this online after my account was closed resently due to violating account rules. As you say the limit is beyond the sky so do I say.
Thanks

Wickliffe
Wickliffe

How will I really join the freelancer team?? Am willing to join kinfly help me where possible

ELVIS KAVAI.
ELVIS KAVAI.

Your story has increased the level of my faith.I look forward to using my time more appropriately and increase my amount of income.Good inspiration.

SEITH OCHIENG
SEITH OCHIENG

Hello Bonnke, it feels really encouraging to hear the tips which made your dreams to come true. Frankly, sharing is one of the nicest things we can do as a family and so I thank you!

Val

I’m glad you satisfied your curiosity and haven’t stopped Bonnke!
It’s one year now since I took up the training with Walter…He still sends inspiring and motivating emails. He never gives up on anyone does he? It’s time to take the step of faith (mostly action).

Fridah
Fridah

Amazing stuff Doc. Many are times when one feels like giving up on this business but when one reads such stories, the faith goes up. Thank you for sharing. At this rate, even the sky is not the limit. Kudos!!

Bonnke
Reply to  Fridah

I’m glad that you find faith in these sentiments, Fridah.

Surely, the limit is beyond the sky.

Thank you.

Denzil Otieno

Quite encouraging! Kudos and keep going.

Bonnke
Reply to  Denzil Otieno

Thank you, Denzil.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

This is very encouraging, two weeks trainy and earning? I’m looking forward to joining the training. Thanks up coming doc. keep up the hard work. Thank you Walter you too are good.

Bonnke
Reply to  Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth,

Please don’t hesitate. Join the training as soon as you can. Nothing is impossible.

Harun

Clearly, i can see why clients pay good dollar for your services.

Bonnke
Reply to  Harun

Thank you for that. I’m glad.

Jeremy
Jeremy

I was taken aback to realize just how you’re pushing yourself beyond your limits to accomplish your goals, doctor to be, Bonnke! You’ve challenged me to use my time wisely, I can be able to spare at least 5 hours a day after finishing my clients’ assignments and use that time to skyrocket my earnings, yet I’m contented with what I’ve achieved. I’ll use that time to add another $1,000 or more in my account and see how “I can give back to society,” which I’ve been doing.

Also, I’d like to encourage novice writers that they can make a good living too, writing articles and blog posts. I don’t want to sugar coat this: it takes great investments of time, effort, and money to build a successful freelance writing business. This is something you can do and get paid well doing it for the rest of your life and nobody can take it away from you. I know some local freelancers who earn about $10,000 USD per month and many more who earn an average of $2,000 – $4,000 USD per month.

Just commit yourself to write on a daily basis, learn and take action with what you’ve learned, and market your skills (through social media, LinkedIn, and writing websites & job boards like Upwork). Then you’ll start seeing the time, effort, and money you’ve invested pay off.

I took Walter Akolo’s – complete article writing course when it was still at $10 – and I’m glad I did! Invest in that course and don’t be in a hurry though. Take your time! It takes time and practice to master some of the things that you’ve learned. And in no time money will start coming in and you will reap what you sow.

PS: I benefited a lot from Walter’s mailing list and I’d encourage you to join too. Occasionally, he would allow potential clients to advertise writing jobs there. Some clients were really good and would give talented newbies a chance. That’s how I made a name and full-time income as a newbie writer. Later on, I tried my luck on freelance writing websites and job boards. And I’ve never looked back…I know it sounds sweet…but you’ll have to put in the work.

Bonnke
Reply to  Jeremy

Thank you Jeremy.

I’m impressed by your service to the community. Keep on!

Your sentiments are also profound and encouraging. I appreciate.

George Asigoh
George Asigoh

A nice piece. Congrats and keep your eye on the ball.

Bonnke
Reply to  George Asigoh

Thank you George.

Jane
Jane

Well put…well structured…

You have actually written this piece yourself but to me its like Walter wrote it himself.

He is a good trainer and mentor…….

The training fee is going up tomorrow, I may not have the fee by then but I will definitely strive to join the training before the end of July.

I have read a lot of posts and have realized that if I do what is required of me, it will yield results, greater and awesome results.

Bonnke
Reply to  Jane

Thank you for the compliment, Jane. There’s always time to make a difference.

Join the training as soon as you can.

All the best!

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