THE FREELANCER'S
GUIDE TO THE
UNIVERSE

So You’ve Decided to Become Isolated and Weird (A Freelancer)

Congratulations! You’ve made the right choice.There’s no better time to break free from your 9-5 or start planning your escape now.Afterall, it's looking dire out there. You already know jobs ≠ security.With tech layoffs, quiet firing, and pandemic unemployment… it’s only a matter of time you’re next.

"But Isn't It Risky To Launch Something... Right Now?" You Say...

Well, I counter with a quote from one of my mentors:>> “A downturn is the best time to start a business. If you fail, you can blame the economy. If you succeed? Well. You can brag how you did it despite the economy.”(I know this because I started freelancing during the Global Financial Crisis of 2008.)And considering what’s happening right now?

Freelancing Is Safer Than Holding Down A Job... Or Working For "The Man"

Truth is – there are already 70.4M of us in the USA. That’s 38% of the workforce! And globally, there are 1.1B freelancers!What's more...Everybody’s already remote and working from home… why not get paid more for it, control your own schedule, and fire your boss?So whether...

You’ve come to the right place.

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Your Employee Freelance Benefits Package

As you may already know, freelancing is great because…

And what's more, it doesn't take much to start freelancing...

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THE FREELANCER STARTER PACK:

Everything You Need To Begin

You know what’s great about this freelancing business?You can literally work anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection, a Zoom account, and a way to get money (PayPal/Stripe/Zelle, etc.).That’s it.Okay, Okay... That’s a yuuuuge oversimplification. That's the kind of bullshit online "get rich quick" gurus sell you on.It's usually followed by a picture of some hot, young 20-something at a beach smiling at their laptop for some reason.There’s more to this. But it's also not as complicated as some people make it out to be either...We can break every freelance business down to three core components:

Let’s break it down further…

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THREE THINGS EVERY FREELANCER NEEDS:

1: Something You’re Good At

First, you want to develop (or already have) a high-level skill that can make you at least $150 - $250k per year.Some of these skills may include…

Chances are – if you’re reading this, you probably already have one of these skills.But even if you don’t –There’s a way to “get paid while you learn” as a freelancer (I’ll show you how).

And side note:
For those of you who think you’re not good enough yet…Or not experienced enough…Or you got a serious case of “imposter syndrome”?I’ll show you how to overcome that too.

And listen – the above list is not exhaustive.Maybe you’re really good at underwater basket-weaving... painting hyper-realistic buttholes of animals… or writing dirty, dirty erotica about naughty dinosaurs in space…It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you can find…

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THREE THINGS EVERY FREELANCER NEEDS:

2: People Willing To Pay You

This part is important. Obviously.A freelance business is still a… business... which means you’re supposed to make money doing it. ^{(pssst...otherwise, it’s a hobby. That’s the unvarnished, uncomfortable truth. Don't hate.)}And a business means two things…

Both of these can trip up an aspiring freelancer... real bad. I’ve seen it happen. A lot of indecisive tail-chasing.So let's break both down...

The Offer: What Should I Focus On?

With the offer, you may ask yourself questions like…

For example, let’s say you’re a photographer, you might ask…

These are all really good questions when you’re just starting out. I’ve helped several coaching students “design their offers”.It’s also a really interesting challenge, because it's a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem here.Because you see…

The Market: How Do You Find Them?

Sometimes, entrepreneurial-types (that’s you now, btw) don’t start with the offer.They look for a group of people first. People who have paid for similar services you’re looking to offer.This is called “market research”... but I like to call it “stalking people, getting access, and making friends”.Because that’s what it really is: A lot of what “finding markets” means is getting access to the “right rooms”. It could be a private community, a small group of insiders, or a tight-knit network of related freelancers.

In a moment, I’ll show you all the tricks I’ve learned over the years for “getting in” to these groups... sometimes through backdoors or side doors.Personally --I’ve gotten into closed communities where I probably don’t belong…Access to markets most others miss…And even created my own private groups...But of course -- once you have an offer and a market, you still need to...

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THREE THINGS EVERY FREELANCER NEEDS:

3: Get Them to Pay You

Most freelancers hate this part.I get it.Sales & Marketing. Ugh, right? Ickiness.But if you’re even contemplating the idea of becoming a freelancer…There are probably a few things I know about you…

I mean, I know I’m being presumptuous here…But those three traits is why I ended up a freelancer.And let me share a lil’ secret with you…

Those Are Weaknesses Strengths You Can Lean On For Sales & Marketing

Truth is – when it comes to selling high-ticket services…Introverts actually do better.It’s because the best way to sell high-end expensive services is to use what’s called “consultative selling”.Consultative selling doesn’t require you to glad-hand, schmooze, and make dumb small-talk jokes.Consultative selling is about asking smart, insightful questions in a strategic way.What’s more – once you get the hang of consultative sales… you’ll realize sales (done this way) isn’t about qualifying prospects so much as DIS-qualifying them.In other words – you are in a position of authority. (You like that, don’t you?)I’ve got a lot more to share with you…But let’s quickly summarize what we've talked about so far...

When You Have All Three of These "Core Components" As A Freelancer…

The freelancing world is your oyster.And in just a moment…I’ll share with you exactly how to find your perfect trinity of those three things…But first, allow me to introduce myself…

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Hello [YOUR NAME HERE], I'm Colin Y.J. Chung

I was laid off from eBay in July of 2009 during the Global Financial Crisis (the one The Big Short is based on)...On my last day as an employee…

But I had made a promise to myself eBay would be my “last job”.So against better reasoning…During one of the scariest, ugliest economies…As a young father with a second one coming…I did something extremely stupid. I decided to go "all in" with freelance copywriting. (BTW - I don’t recommend such drastic moves to my students).Fortunately, by sheer will, a whole lotta luck, and with...

What I'm About to Teach You...

Within 18 months of freelancing, I managed to double my 9-5 income… earning six-figures for the first time in my adult life.And then, in 2011, I doubled my income… again.By the end of 2012, I was making more than most doctors and lawyers. (Not bad for an English Lit drop-out).What’s more –

But most important of all – I choose my own hours. I charge above-average fees. I control what projects I take on.Now, don’t get me wrong… this didn’t come easy. It’s hard work. I was working seven days a week during those first 18 months. (Starbucks was my "office").And I’m not going to bullshit you with the line of “if I can do it, then you can too blah blah blah”But I will tell you this: it is doable. There are strategies, mindsets, and workflows you have to follow. And I can teach them to you.But how do I know what I've done is replicatable and repeatable?Well, I didn’t just do this for myself…

I’ve Also Coached Others to Six-Figure Freelancing Careers

Here's what some of my past coaching students and consulting clients have said about me...

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Six Figures in Three Months

“When I met Colin, I was a beginner copywriter, barely struggling to make a living on Elance. Colin helped me reinvent my service offering, reposition myself as a professional advisor, multiply the value of my work, and generate new client conversations out of thin air. After barely three months, he had helped me build a six-figure practice working with my dream clients. The year that Colin coached me was one of the best of my life. I found freedom. I travelled the world and lived in two foreign countries. Colin had a profound impact on my life and career, and I would recommend this course to any copywriter or freelancer who's ready to grow their income and enjoy a better life."L.B., London, England

Create Income Whenever

"I'm still not quite sure how I managed to pay the rent in my early freelancing days. But I do know that meeting Colin transformed my whole life. In the first year, he helped me triple my income. And even more than that, he gave me the skills (and confidence!) to generate business from nothing, pitch and close projects, and become indispensable to my clients. Today, I have peace of mind knowing I can create income for my family whenever needed."Joshua H., Chicago, IL.

10X'd My Market Size

“In less than 20 minutes, Colin was able to expand my market ten times. He showed me how I could sell to a much larger audience. I can’t wait to tweak my speaking business.”Sam Cawthorn, Speaker - Sydney, Australia

While Traveling Mexico

"Colin's advice has helped me get more work, improve the quality of my writing and even helped me land an in-house gig. I've personally worked with him on a few projects and his insight is always spot on! Best of all, I did all of this while traveling throughout Mexico and Central America."Dalton B., San Diego, CA

$160,000 After Coaching

For the longest time I was the type of student who could go to class (or not at all), study the bare minimum and still get straight A's. During university this got harder. But I still managed to do well despite skipping nearly all of my classes my last semester.Working with Colin showed me that wasn't going to cut it if I wanted to make it in this industry. No more cutting corners. No more taking the easy route. If I wanted to make money, REAL wealth, I needed to truly understand things on a deep level.We worked on a VSL and every step of the way Colin showed me what made sense, what didn't, why it didn't, and the level of quality I must aim for...I had to rewrite pretty much everything so many times. But this was needed. This level of deep understanding and effort showed me how to think.Colin showed me how to give 100% in every step of the VSL (research, big idea, unique mech, etc.) and in everything I do. And how if I didn't, I wasn't going to get the results I always wanted. I'm happy to say a few months later I was on track to hit 6 figures, and by the end of the year I hit about $160k 🙂Gurleen Singh, Copywriter - Toronto, Ontario

Demand Rates You Deserve

"If you want to get to a point where you rarely ever sell yourself, you might want to listen to what Colin has to say. Because he helps you become more than just a better copywriter. He helps you become a business owner, one who finally sees their worth to the point where you demand the rates you know you truly deserve."Reginald B., New York City, NY

Cuts Through The Noise

"Colin's coaching helped me produce my first control in the financial niche. I had studied plenty of courses and written multiple projects up to that point. Colin's advice was refreshingly simple and cut through all the elaborate frameworks I knew. I still apply his teachings today."Tian Y., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

A Lot More Clients!

"Thank you Colin for your brilliant strategic mind, your amazing writing skills, your caring heart and helping me reach a lot more clients!"Christine Kloser, Transformational Author Coach & Speaker - York, PA

Companies Reach Out To Me

"In one brief e-mail, Colin gave me some tips that led to bigger companies reaching out to me.”Arlina A., Social Media Manager - Eagle, ID

Colin's advice to freelance writers is invaluable and on target. We've invited him to speak to our audience of freelance writers on at least three different occasions. And each time, the information he provided on how to get clients was most impressive. If you have a chance to work with Colin, take it.”-- Sandy Franks, Senior Copy Chief, AWAI

"I've known Colin for years. It's been an inspiration to watch him excel in his career. He's been a great inspiration, mentor, and supporter for freelance copywriters."-- Kevin Rogers, Founder of Copy Chief after I appeared on Ep #252 of his podcast

"Each time we've had Colin as a guest instructor for our group, he's given our members amazing strategic advice backed up with step-by-step tactical practices that ensured that even the most shy newbie could put his teachings into practice and get results."-- Jen Adams, Director, Professional Writer's Alliance

I invited Colin to speak to the Copy Posse and share his wisdom from his long and successful career as a copywriter and copy coach. His insider advice on how to be a freelancer and navigate this industry was invaluable!-- Alex Cattoni, Founder of Copy Posse

PRELAUNCH SEQUENCE:

MODULE 01/10: Inventory Check

First thing we do is look at what you already have that can help you launch: resources, contacts, assets.A lot of new freelancers think they're starting from scratch. That's not true.You have to do an inventory check because you might have a lot of "leverage points" you've simply forgotten about...We'll also talk about... The bare minimum you need to get started. Why a website might be a waste of time. Uncovering entry points to your industry.

MODULE 02/10: Mapping Routes

Next, it's time to start mapping out the key questions:

This module is about creating packages, designing offers, and figuring out all the tools, software, and logistics you'll need.More importantly - it's about making sure you're aware of what's already out there (the landscape), what others are doing (competitors), and what you're doing different (and if that's even necessary).

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NAVIGATION & COMM SYSTEMS:

MODULE 03/10: The Right Rooms

Once we've identified who we're selling to... it's time to find them.This is where a lot of freelancers get stuck. "Where do I find better clients?" they all ask.The key is to be strategic and resourceful in finding what I call "the right rooms". These can be communities, masterminds, conferences, email lists, directories, and private groups.I can attribute 90% of my success as a freelancer to being able to finding, connecting with , and getting into these networks.Which leads to...

MODULE 04/10: Getting Access

Once you've located these "right rooms", you have to gain entry to them (obviously).In a way it's "breaking into" places you don't belong (at first).Personally, this has become somewhat of a "talent" that I accidentally discovered I was good at.Fortunately, it is teachable. A lot of it is doing the inner work of being "likeable"... which sounds woo woo, I know, but there's a "step-by-step" process to it as well.A lot of my training for freelancers is showing them how to connect with people.And one of the best ways to do that is...

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FLIGHT CONTROL:

MODULE 05/10: Effective Stalking

The most effective way to get access into the "right rooms" is quickly figuring out the "family tree" in each network.The "family tree" tells you who the leaders, the influencers, and key people are. A lot of this comes down to using social media really, really well.The key here is to find out who to talk to, know what they're looking for, and reaching out in a way that doesn't feel spammy, annoying, or intrusive.Which leads us to...

MODULE 06/10: First Contact

This is it. You've done your homework, you've scoped out the joint, you've wargamed all the different scenarios. It's time to start firing out cold emails, DMs, and get them on the phone/Zoom.I know "sales" is a dirty word to artistic freelancers (but you're not one of those are you?)You're here to make a living delivering a solid service.And let me tell you something about sales. It doesn't have to be the slimy, annoying "sales pitches" most people think of. It can be done in a subtle, calm, friendly way.I've sold millions in services and products. I can assure you very few people thought I was "aggressive". Firm, yes. Slimy? No.

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LIFE SUPPORT:

MODULE 07/10: The Mindset

Now if you're still intimidated by the idea of putting yourself out there... selling yourself... and you get the heebie-jeebies talking to Internet strangers...It's time to do some hardcore "inner work". And I don't mean meditation or journaling (although both of those things help)...This is more about adapting the right mental frameworks. Adopting a mindset of value... and dare I say "abundance"?Listen -- I get it. I'm an introvert too. I'm a wallflower at parties. And yeah, I had self-worth issues, imposter syndrome, and felt weird asking for money.But with what I'll teach you in this module, you can overcome all of the above... and feel good about yourself.

MODULE 08/10: The Seven Hats

OK, while module 07 is about "internal stuff"... this module is about "external stuff", the business stuff.When you go freelance, you have to put on seven different hats. Each hat is a different responsibility in your newfound business.And if you ignore any one of those hats, your business won't function. At least not in a sustainable, long-term way.At its most basic level -- you're the owner, the boss, the sales guy, and the employee who delivers the work.In this module, we'll separate those roles and responsibilities further... and define what each one does.

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GROUND CONTROL:

MODULE 09/10: Making Friends

Now, while freelancers are technically "solopreneurs"... it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, I highly recommend you don't turn into a "lone wolf" on your path as a freelancer.While you might not have bosses, colleagues, or middle-managers inside a cubicle-filled office...It's important you create your own "ecosystem" of clients, partners, vendors, peers, and associates as a freelancer.I like to call these people my famiglia. (Yes, like the mafia, and I'll explain why inside this module). All you need to know now is your career's survival depends on this famiglia.But even more importantly...

MODULE 10/10: Seeking Mentors

Seeking out mentors -- those who have done what you're looking to do -- is über important.Ask any successful freelancer if they've had a mentor, they will inevitably tell you, "yes, yes I did. Several, in fact"For four years, I worked closely with a mentor and wrote to him every single day. It was like journaling, except to a live audience of one who was infinitely wiser than me.He would correct (and shape) my thought process, my plans, and beliefs.Don't kid yourself -- becoming a freelancer is a metamorphosis.You are literally reinventing yourself and how you've worked your entire life. In this module, I'll share with you how to find your mentor. Someone to watch over you as you navigate your new life.

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THE PAYLOAD:

Everything You'll Get Inside This Course

So in summary, here's what you're getting...

The three videos above will be filmed with my business partner. It won't be me monologuing at you. I guarantee you that watching them will "install" the beliefs, strategies, and mindset you need with very little effort on your part.

But Wait! There's More...

I'm also going to include bonus tools, training, and templates, like...

Now, you're probably wondering how much The Freelancer's Guide to the Universe is, so let's talk about that...

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THE $280 BILLION PROJECT:

Wait, Are We Talking Spaceships or Freelancing Here?

$280 Billion. That's how much it cost NASA (inflation-adjusted) for Project Apollo between 1960-1973. That's what it took to launch humankind into the starry sky and land on the moon.And while we're not talking spaceships here... we are talking about the tremendous amount of energy, intent, focus, resources, and teamwork required to LAUNCH SOMETHING.When I started freelancing (first as a side hustle in 2008)... I spent over $50,000 on coaching, mentoring, courses, conventions, books, etc. etc.It was an investment in myself. And it was worth every penny. It built a solid foundation for a career that's still going strong after 15 years.Now the good news is -- I didn't accrue the bulk of these expenses until I started making money as a freelancer...But you do need to start investing in yourself NOW... if you want to take this seriously.

Are You Ready to Invest In Yourself?

If I were to put an honest retail price on The Freelancer's Guide to the Universe...I would say $297-$497 is more than fair. I know of several "coaching programs" that ask $6,000 or more and teach a lot less. cough, cough _{not mentioning any names} cough, coughBut as you know, I want The Freelancer's Guide to the Universe to be affordable for anyone.That's why this course will retail for only $497 $297 $249However -- you're NOT paying $249 today.I'm going to give you an even bigger discount for The Freelancer's Guide to the Universe.A lot more.Why? Well, there's a really good, legitimate, (and embarrassing) reason as to why...

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BUT WHAT'S THE CATCH?

My Last Minute Confession

OK. So here's the deal. I'll just come out and say it...This course ain't done.In fact, as of this writing, I've got less than 10% of it done. That's how not done it is.You see, as a freelancer (and this is something I drill into my students' heads)...I don't do a lick of work until the money hits the bank.And I teach my students the same. Freelancing isn't charity. It isn't pro bono. It's an exchange of value. You pay me, I do work.This one simple lesson will help you weed out flakey clients. Let me repeat: Don't do any freelance work until you're paid.But, uh... this ingrained behavior I have is TERRIBLE for me as a creator. Creators don't get paid unless they make something first!!!oops.

So Here's What I Propose...

If you purchase the course now, (as a "pre-sell")... you will get it delivered to you as it's being made live.You can watch me work in real time!I'll put you on an autoresponder email series... and I'll send you each module as it's written, each video as it's filmed, each bonus as it's made.And for the inconvenience --You can get The Freelancer's Guide to the Universe for $249 $69 today. That's 72% off retail!Obviously, this steep discount won't be around for long. In fact...

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LAUNCH SEQUENCE INITIATED:

T-Minus 250 249 And Counting

I'm going to put two countdown clocks on this discount you're getting...

So if you want to grab the $69 offer, click on the button below...

• $69 (72% Off)

(Only 224 Copies Available)
 

Here's the deal:If you click on the button and it says $249 on the checkout page... it means all copies at that discounted price are gone.When you click on the button, you'll be taken to an order page inside ConvertKit's secure checkout software.Once you've entered your payment and contact information, you'll receive a welcome email from me, along with a schedule of when you'll get the course material.And to make this 100% risk free for you...

My 365-Day Guarantee

Listen. I know you're taking a risk here. I mean, the course isn't even finished. I get it.So I'll make this easy for you. You can get a refund over the next 365 days. You just need to email me and let me know.

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Engines On: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…

We Have Lift Off!

I remember when I first started freelancing.I had no idea what I was doing.And as a stereotypical Asian kid... (who got straight A's ^{(minus French & P.E.)}, went to church, and "did what he was told")... I had a very tough time becoming my own boss and making my own decisions.There was always a parent, a teacher, a preacher, or a boss telling me what to do... and I was happy to oblige.Freelancing is the exact 180º opposite of that.You are on your own. There is a loneliness to it. It's like you're an astronaut, lost in space, untethered from your ship.

But It Doesn't Have To Be That Way...

The truth is --Freelancing, done the way my mentor taught me... and how I'll teach you as well... isn't lonely.

Let Me Tell You A Story...

In 2015, I goofed off a lot the first nine months of the year (for reasons I'll share another time)... but come October, I was in panic mode at how little money I'd made that year.So I hit my famiglia hard.A famiglia that I nurtured, did favors for, and cherished.Within two weeks -- I had more projects than I could handle. My famiglia delivered.That's what a sustainable freelancing business does for you. It empowers you. You realize you're not imprisoned by a biweekly paycheck, a boss who controls you, or a dead-end job.You can make your own income, choose who you work with, and grow your career the way you want to.That's what I want for you. And that's what my course will teach you.Get The Freelancer's Guide to the Universe today...

• $69 (72% Off)

(Only 224 Copies Available)
 

Another Quick Anecdote...

Summer of 2011. I just got a new MacBook Pro. It's close to dinner time. My then 4yo son comes upstairs to fetch me.I close the laptop and hear a disheartening crunch. My monitor had cracked and shattered..You know that stupid piece of plastic Apple gives you to cover up your MagSafe power adaptor? I had left it on top of the keyboard. This little polyethylene cap broke my new MacBook monitor.After briefly getting pissed off at myself, I realized something. This wasn't a big deal. I mean, yes, it would cost me $400 to fix. But I was no longer budgeting myself based on a bi-weekly paycheck.In fact, in my head, I did the math. I just had to write three or four short emails for a client and this repair would be paid for. This would take me less than an hour of work.That's E.M.P.O.W.E.R.M.E.N.T.Got unexpected bills to pay? Just hit your network and land a few extra gigs. It's the greatest feeling as a freelancer... when you realize "just make more money" is something you can actually do... and not just a mean meme on the Internet.Get The Freelancer's Guide to the Universe today...

• $69 (72% Off)

(Only 224 Copies Available)
 

One Final Note

Listen, even if you think you're not ready to "make the leap" yet... I want to make a case for why you should get The Freelancer's Guide to the Universe anyway.You see, a lot of what I teach inside this course isn't just for freelancing. It's applicable to almost everything else in your life.Don't believe me? Read this webpage from top to bottom again.What I teach can help you in whatever dream you're pursuing in life. Whether it's writing a book, becoming a creator, or fighting for a cause.Because as you know... craft, skill, or talent only gets you so far... the other side of the coin is who you know and who knows you.That's really what my course is about. It's about finding, creating, and growing with your work famiglia.Are you ready to build your famiglia?

• $69 (72% Off)

(Only 224 Copies Available)
 

And that's it!I look forward to helping you build your freelancer business.I can't wait to hear your success story.
 
 
 
Stay Osmotic,Colin Y.J. ChungP.S. No, I do not use that stupid plastic cap that comes with Apple's MagSafe power adaptors anymore.I've learned my lesson. All my adaptors are naked now. Dust and debris be damned.