THE FREELANCER'S
GUIDE TO THE
UNIVERSE
Build a Six-Figure
Freelance Business
in 18 Months or Less!

Also Discover How To...☞ Find Clients Who Pay Well 💵
☞ Land Zero-Drama Projects 🙅
☞ Quit Your Job & Go Full-Time 🖕
☞ Overcome Imposter Syndrome 🥸
☞ Become Recognized In Your Field 🦁
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’re looking for your escape hatch, or…
You got a side hustle going (and you want to take it to the next level)...
Or you’re looking to reinvent your life & career…
You’ve come to the right place.
⇓
Your Employee Freelance Benefits Package
As you may already know, freelancing is great because…
Your income is tied to your work. No performance reviews. No office politics. No paygrade that says you’re only allowed a 2-3% raise because… corporate said so. 😡
You're free from the 9-5. You don’t need to start at 9AM. You don’t need to work for “eight hours”. You can nap whenever you want. (I nap. A lot. 😴) You can take days off when you need to.
You can fire your
bossclients. At any given time, you’ll be working with 3-5 clients or more. If a client becomes toxic, you can refund their money and fire them. You can say no. 😱No more commute. It can be as short as walking downstairs to your home office, a walk to Starbucks ☕ (or the library 📚), or a short drive to a co-working space. You get to define this. Point is -- no more long commutes into the city.
You can choose your work and projects. As you build your career, you get your choice of what you want to work on or not. Just like choosing which clients you work with, choosing what projects you take on... that's priceless.
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:
A skill you’re good at
A market willing to pay you to do it
A way to sell your services
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…
Copywriting | Web Design | Ghostwriting |
Photography | Videography | Media Buying |
Programming | Graphic Design | High Ticket Sales |
Brand Management | Project Management | Marketing Consulting |
Affiliate Management | Content Management | Social Media Marketing |
Email List Management | Life Coaching | Relationship Coaching |
Business Coaching | Financial Coaching | [Whatever] Coaching |
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…
⇓
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…
One, figure out exactly what you’re selling (the offer), and…
Two, find people willing to pay money for it (the market).
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…
Do I diversify or focus?
Which niche should I go after?
What types of projects?
How much do I charge?
What do I like doing?
For example, let’s say you’re a photographer, you might ask…
Should I focus on weddings, corporate, headshots, pets, boudoir, or family? Or all of them? (That's going to be one messy website. lol)
Is there a niche I’d shoot myself in the head if I had to do it?
Do I have 100% customized packages… or three standard ones I "gently guide" each client to?
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.
Some of these are straight-up clients you can sell to. It could be an online group, a forum, a conference, mastermind, or access to a list.
But some of these groups can also be your "freelancer family"... people who can get you jobs, send referrals, and tell you where the good clients are.
Yet another one of these groups could be what I call weird sideways contacts (or more professionally... "weak-ties"). These are folks in your network you never expect to get jobs from... but they deliver sometimes.
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…
You’re >just< crazy enough to think you can make it on your own. You’re a dreamer. You believe you can overcome the odds. You might even think you’re “special”... or possibly “better” than others. (No judgment here!)
You’re anti-authoritarian, if not a little (or full-out) anti-social. You’re a bit of a loner. A rebel. An introvert. You question things. You don’t like being told what to do. You might be honest to a fault.
Because of those above two traits… you’re probably also a creative thinker. You have deep insights. Maybe you’re more analytical, more strategic, or more artistic… either way, you see the world slightly differently from most others.
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…
A skill you’re good at
A market willing to pay, and
A way to sell your services
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…
⇓
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…
I had next-to-no-experience as a copywriter…
I had barely any contacts in (any) industry…
I had made a grand total of zero dollars as a freelancer…
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 –
My clients include Jim Kwik, Brian Tracy, Agora, NYT bestselling authors, one of the Shark Tank investors, and even a Hollywood producer.
Between 2014-2020, I was the primary coach for John Carlton’s Simple Writing System.
In the "direct response copy"/I.M. space, I've written for Jay Abraham, Clayton Makepeace, and Mike Dillard...
As a copywriter… sales letters, VSLs, and webinars I've written (and consulted on) have driven an estimated $250 million total in direct sales.
And these days... clients pay me to hire, train, coach, build, and manage copywriting teams for them...
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
Within a few months of coaching L.B., he closed enough retainers to make six-figures (in his first year!)...
Working closely with Alicja J. (now my business partner), she was closing $18k jobs inside the first three months of freelancing...
I helped Daniel S. turn his freelancing career into a seven-figure publishing business...
I coached J.H.'s career from copywriter to J.V. manager... and now he's the CEO of a supplement brand...
Yet another took what I taught and eventually negotiated equity with his main client...
Here's what some of my past coaching students and consulting clients have said about me...
⇓

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
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
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.
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
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
Now, For the Most Part...
I've kept my coaching fairly low-key. Never promoted it. Never thought to.For most of the last 15 years I've been doing this... I was simply "under-the-radar" and too busy being a freelancer: landing clients, writing copy, hitting deadlines.Once in a while though (as you saw above), aspiring freelancers would find me and ask me to coach them.But over the past few years...
Something Began to Bother Me...
It became very clear to me that for more and more people (especially folks trapped in a 9-5 office job, constantly in threat of lay offs)...Becoming a freelancer (or having the toolkit to do so) was no longer so much a "viable option"... as it was becoming a necessity in today's economy.Especially with what's happening now (web3, Creator Economy, the Pandemic, the Great Resignation, yet another recession, etc. etc.)...Having a side hustle, moonlighting, or a few freelance gigs is today's income insurance.If employers aren't loyal to employees, why should we be loyal to them?And so...I started to share my knowledge on how to be a successful freelancer more publicly... on podcasts, webinars, and live events...
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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
So, The Logical Next Step...
More and more, I saw freelancers needing help...Something that would help them make their first dollar $100,000.So I sat down to plan out what that would look like... And when I thought back to those first few months as a freelancer (way back in 2009)...I realized how crucial, how foundational, how important those first 18 months are.How your first 18 months as a freelancer can really set the tone for the rest of your career.So I started thinking about how I could help new and aspiring freelancers make sure those first 18 months are a success.And that's when I came up with...
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INTRODUCING:
The Freelancer’s Guide to the Universe!
The Freelancer's Guide to the Universe is a 10-module course that will teach you everything you need to launch (or reignite) your freelance business.Whether you're just starting out, have a side hustle you're looking to take full-time... or you're stuck at an income ceiling of under 100k...I'm going to show you how to...
Find and land good clients. Help you figure out where they are, who (and how) to approach them, even find those willing to take on a newbie...
Build a radar for avoiding bad clients. See the signs of toxic people. People who will rip you off, not pay you, gaslight you... and how to handle them...
Develop the ability to manage clients. How to juggle multiple clients, deal with clients who argue with you, how to get more work out of them...
Activate your resilience to freelancer life. How to recover when you mess up (because you will), how to "surf" the feast-or-famine cycle, pay bills and keep the lights on...
Turn on your inner sales monster. How to hustle and get leads on the phone/Zoom without burning out, close projects at higher rates, network without schmoozing...
And a whole lot more!!! So let me tell you more about each of the ten modules inside the Freelancer's Guide to the Universe...
⇓
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:
What are you selling?
Who are you selling it to?
How will you deliver it?
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).
⇓
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 Freelancers Guide to the Universe - a 150+ page self-paced training course, along with video training on...
VIDEO 1: How to do "consultative sales" calls along with scripts, mind maps, and smart questions...
VIDEO 2: An in-depth discussion on how to find (and break into) "the right rooms"...
VIDEO 3: A conversation on the "freelancer mentality", mindsets you need to adopt to become resilient, resourceful, and reserved...
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...
Lead Organization Sheet: This is my trusty spreadsheet for tracking clients and closing jobs (No need for an expensive CRM!)...
The Reputation Score Sheet: This tracker tells you if you have a "good reputation" in your industry. This is the "real metric" for building a sustainable business...
The Connection Tracker: Are you strengthening your famiglia and ensuring you have an endless stream of jobs? This will tell you...
My Collection of Intro Emails: What's the easiest way to build your famiglia? Introducing the right people to those who need them. I've collected my best "intro emails" here for you...
Interviews With Other Freelancers: I'm talking to solopreneurs in other industries like lawyers, project managers, programmers, designers, photographers... and you'll get a library of folks who've done what you're looking to do...
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...
Only 250 copies of The Freelancer's Guide will be set at this price. That's 250. No more, no less.
And as I complete more of this course, the price will go up in tandem at $10 increments as well... meaning $79, $89, $99 and so on...
So if you want to grab the $69 offer, click on the button below...
(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.
Done right, you find your famiglia -- lifelong friends you can rely on, some of whom end up as your business partners...
Done right, you discover a freedom to work that very few people ever experience... with 100% control over your schedule, income, and growth trajectory...
Done right, you develop a resourcefulness and resilience 9-5ers don't have (and can never understand)...
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...
(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...
(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?
(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.
FAQ
You got questions? Of course you have questions. Let's answer the most frequesntly asked ones...
I'm a [ ___ ], not a copywriter. Will this work for me?
Short answer? Yes. In every profession, industry, and niche, there are "right rooms". Once you get in, you become a part of the community.I have good friends who are successful lawyers, photographers, mortgage brokers, Kindle authors, and designers. When we talk about "how we got started", our stories are similar... in the sense of figuring out where the "right rooms" are and then how you get access to them.While my lessons will be based on my specific, unique story, the skills and tools you'll learn will be applicable to your industry, profession, or niche.
How fast can I expect to get results using your course?
That is a really complex question. It comes down to several factors. First of which are the two questions I ask every student and copywriting client:1. What are you selling?
2. Who are you selling it to?Let me put it this way --If you're selling Lambos, but in a small rural town with one rich dude... you're not going to do well.So the first part of this answer is the level of service and if there's a market for it. We'll talk about that in modules 02 and 03.The next part is... how hard are you willing to work and/or do you have the time/resources to?I worked seven days a week first eighteen months of my career. In 2011, it was six days a week. It wasn't until 2012 I felt safe enough to go back to the M-F schedule.And your "starting situation" matters too. Are you a single mom working two jobs just to support yourself and your kid? If so, how many hours can you actually dedicate to your side hustle without burning out? Those things matter.There are a lot of stupid alpha bros online who say wake up at 5AM, drink water, and meditate. OK, but are you single and living at home? Or do you have to get your kids up and ready for school before you can do anything? Or maybe you're the one sibling who stuck around to take care of their sick parent. I don't know your situation. Those things matter.
$100,000 income in 18 months sounds unrealistic?
See the above answer.Listen - I picked a profession (direct response copywriting) that pays really, really well.If you're writing say, listicles for $50 a pop... you'd have to do a hundred of them each month to make $5,000. That's a lot of work.A direct response copywriter can charge $10-25k for a sales letter (or VSL script) and get royalties on top.The two questions I asked above applies here too.1. What are you selling?
2. Who are you selling it to?I have a good friend who's a wedding photographer. He charges $15-20k for a package these days. That's for one engagement shoot, the day of the wedding, plus a few hours of mindless editing. He does 12-20 of these each year.Again --
1. What are you selling?
2. Who are you selling it to?Embedded in 2 is "where do you live?". If you live in a major urban city in a developed country... you're going to hit that $100,000 much easier than someone who's not.Or, maybe you, like me, have a highly-paid skill that's not location dependent. That's something to consider as well. In my entire career, I've only had three clients from my city (Vancouver). THREE! That's it! And if I telescope out to all of Canada? Six. Most of my clients are in America.
What's your schedule for creating this content?
I'm aiming for one module a week. That's the written portion.The video stuff is a little more loosey-goosey and up-in-the-air. I'm shooting these with my friend and business partner, and we're new to video.The reason why I want it in a conversational video is because the two of us really click and can share a wealth of information that wouldn't be as useful if either of us sat down and wrote alone.As for the bonuses, spreadsheets, and trackers. Those are done. I've been using them my whole career. So I'll simply format them and send them to you in the relevant modules.
How will the autoresponder series work exactly?
The moment you purchase this course is the moment you'll be added to the FIRST email in the autoresponder series. The next day, you get email TWO, then THREE, and so on and so forth...As I keep writing this course, I'll keep adding to the series in bite-sized pieces via emails.So, imagine a Netflix series except it's not all released yet. Stranger Things for example.You may be starting on episode one. But all your friends are on episode three already. But you'll get access to episodes two and three as the autoresponder delivers it to your account.The difference is -- you can't skip ahead and binge my course. Everybody starts with the FIRST episode and gets them delivered at the same pace. (This is for your own good).
I don't have any high-paid skills (yet), should I get this?
Depends. Are you working on a high-paid skill right now? Is it good enough to maybe land a few jobs with some lower-tiered clients? If so, yes.Thing is -- as a freelancer, you're gonna have to learn how to network, find the "right rooms," and develop the right mindset.I think the more important question for you is -- do you have the "cognitive capacity" to handle adding on learning these skills right now or are you drinking from the proverbial firehose by getting this course? Another question is -- are you going to buy it and then ignore it? I'd rather you not.
I'm already making $100,000+. Will this help me?
Maybe? How hard are you working to make that $100,000? Are you burning out and working like a dog?If so, have you ever sat down to examine why? Like are you in the "wrong rooms" and/or selling stuff that takes up too much work? Are you undervaluing your skillset?Question is -- why aren't you making $200,000... or $300,000... or more?But let's say you're making $100k+ and you're happy. You're working maybe only 4-6 hours a day. You got work-life balance. Then the answer is probably, "no, this course won't help you".
What makes this different from other freelancer courses?
If it hasn't been clear by now, then I'll be more explicit about it here.I'm not a "follow these seven steps and get rich" kinda guy. I'm just not. You can get those courses anywhere else on the Internet.What I teach ultimately comes down to "inner work". Working on yourself, your leadership and communication skills, your ability to connect, developing your mind to become more resourceful and resilient, seeing opportunities where you couldn't before, and learning how to "hack human behavior".I mean -- take a look at your hard drive and book shelf right now. How many of your self-help/how-to courses were "step by step" methods? How many said "follow my blueprint and you'll make millions"? How many gave you a detailed structured checklist?Did you do them? Are you rich now? Or are those books, courses, podcasts, webinars, seminars, recordings, etc. just sitting there?Truth is -- they all probably work. But if you, the person in charge, can't put them to work, you gotta ask why. And the answer isn't because you're lazy, you ain't got time, or you're stupid.No, the answer is because you're not working on yourself and building the resilience, courage, and strength to put those "steps" into action, to reach out to strangers to make conversation, to be the kind of person clients would say "yes" to.That last bit is the hardest. You're gonna have to talk to people. A lot of online gurus will sell you on some "system" or "blueprint" or "automatic software" that will do those things for you. No. Just no. I'm sorry. That's not how the real business world works.And that is what makes this course different./end rant.
(Only 224 Copies Available)
OK, what's up with the space theme?
I like sci-fi.Also, I turned 42 this year. <- If you got that reference... congrats, nerd.
© MMXXIII Plural Inc. All rights reserved.I commissioned one of my favorite OSR artists, Evlyn Moreau to create the untethered astronaut and space narwhal. The cool icons were designed by Juicy Fish, The rest of the photographs are from Unsplash -- minus the grey canvas I use everywhere. That's a picture I took of some post-modern art in Montreal. Finally, my headshot was taken by Devon Nguyen.