Your talents and skills can create value to be converted into income – Patricia Akpo Uyeh

Patricia Akpo Uyeh is a freelance writer and blogger by passion and a geographer by training. She has a B.Sc degree in Geography and a Master’s degree in Regional Planning and Development. When she is not writing, she reads, surf the net, listen to music, dance or watch the news.

African Freelancers had the honour to speak to her about her freelance journey one more time, and here is what she had to say!

1. What services/products do you offer? 
I do mainly content writing, blog posts, social media marketing, article writing and creative writing. Then occasionally, I do voice-overs.

2. When did you realise that you wanted to become a freelancer?
When I discovered my talents and skills can open doors for me. Writing has been a passion right from childhood, I learnt that I can actually trade with it and give value.

3. What factors determined your choice?
I was motivated to open up other streams of income being unsatisfied with my monthly income. Then with the rise in technology trends and the world being a global village, I found it is easier for you to be anywhere and still provide value with fast internet and your laptop. Also, my zest for excellence and be a notable brand determined my choice to go into freelancing. And then, social media and freelancing
platforms have made it possible to reach your target clients.

4. How did you initially feel when you started getting gigs? 
I felt great. My first gig was the first time I was paid in hard currency. I felt on top of the world. When I did the conversion to the local currency, it was worth it. I got accustomed to platforms like PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill for receiving money from abroad. It motivated me to get more gigs.

5. Was it difficult to pitch to potential clients and how did you source for them? 
Not really. There are a number of freelancing platforms like Freelancers, Upwork, Fiverr that have a huge client base looking for freelancers to do jobs. Once you have a good profile and you write a good proposal tailored to the specific need of the client, it does not become difficult to get offers. Sometimes, it was through referrals. Yet at other times, you had to market yourself and the services you offer to get
clients.

6. What are the major highlights of your career as a freelancer?

Over the years, I have come to build a notable relatable brand. Another highlight is the ability to put my talents to generate income. Since it is a passion, it does not really feel like I am working. I have also been able to increase my net-worth and network.

7. What are the down-times in your career? 
Sometimes, I take on several projects feeling I can multitask. I have learnt to prioritise and give them my best shot. Having so many projects can be overwhelming and draining. Also, trying to keep up with short deadlines too. Over time, I have learnt to manage time properly and take on only jobs of high priority and rewards.

8. What do you love most about your work?
Its flexibility i.e. I can work from anywhere and anytime. And then, I love the fact that I am building my network and giving value through what I enjoy doing. Let me add that I love that I am making legit money.

9. Share a piece of advice with young freelancers
I advise young freelancers to be resilient and hardworking. Give every job your best. You should write different proposals tailored to specific clients’ needs. They should consider under-promising clients but over-delivering. Lastly, they should ensure that works speak for them and earn them referrals.

10. Any other additional information that you would like to share with
young freelancers?
Your talents and skills can create value to be converted into income. Lastly, don’t stop learning. Self-improvement is a continuous process, invest in yourself.

Contact Patricia
patriciauyeh@outlook.com