Chapter 1: The Clickbait Dilemma

At the outset, let me clarify my disdain for clickbait headlines. They often lead to content that offers little real value, filled instead with recycled ideas and ineffective formulas. I’m not the type to promote "How to Earn Six Figures While Sitting on the Toilet." If it appears unappealing and smells off, it probably is!

However, sometimes a bold statement is necessary to convey a genuine message. Today, I want to share how I managed to generate over $80,000 in business with minimal effort.

Chapter 2: From Struggles to Opportunities

Two decades ago, I was a freelance designer grappling with financial hardship while supporting a family of four. My situation was dire; without a friend sending us military Meals Ready to Eat, we might have faced starvation. It was that critical!

Then, out of the blue, I received a call from an individual named Rick.

Rick was an experienced professional building a successful grant writing business and sought assistance with graphic design. After a 30-minute conversation, we arranged to meet the following day at his office.

What occurred during that meeting was unexpected.

Rick was a modest, soft-spoken individual with a subtle sense of humor. His demeanor was hard to interpret, and the hour-long meeting felt somewhat intimidating. After I presented my ideas for enhancing his brand, he sat silently, staring at me as though I were delusional.

In that moment, doubt crept in; I feared I had ruined my chances and would disappoint my family again due to my inability to provide. Then, Rick broke the heavy silence.

"How much will it cost to get started?"

A flicker of hope ignited, quickly followed by panic. I realized I hadn't considered my pricing! In preparing my presentation, I neglected to think about how much to charge.

In that instant, I recalled my wife urging me to have faith in myself and value my work. I suspect she was tired of the MREs and overdue bills.

With a deep breath, I doubled my initial thought and told him it would be $2,500—a significant increase from what I usually quoted. To my astonishment, Rick simply replied, "Okay," and wrote a check for the full amount upfront, without a formal proposal or invoice.

I was utterly speechless.

Rick not only alleviated our financial struggles that day, but he also evolved into a lifelong client and close family friend.

Chapter 3: The Ripple Effect of Opportunity

So, how did this experience lead to making over $80,000?

Years later, after completing numerous high-paying projects for Rick, I asked why he chose me among many talented designers. His answer surprised me: "You showed up."

I was taken aback! It wasn’t my skills or portfolio that secured the job; it was simply my response to his inquiry.

Rick had reached out to numerous designers, yet I was the only one who followed up and made an appearance. This commitment earned me over $80,000 in business from him over the ensuing years.

He became the ideal client—easy to work with and always paid in advance. But wait, there's more!

In 2015, as I sought an investor to launch a new venture, guess who came through? Yes, Rick wrote me a $25,000 advance check with no formal agreement, encouraging me to go after my goals.

Chapter 4: Key Takeaways

Here are my essential lessons from this experience:

1. Believe in Your Value: Confidence in your skills and pricing is crucial. If you doubt your worth, others will too, hindering your growth potential.
2. Follow Up: Timely responses to inquiries can lead to significant opportunities. Simply showing up can set you apart from the competition.

These two principles were transformative for my career and life. For a decade, I struggled in the creative industry until these lessons reshaped everything. I believe they remain as relevant today as when I first learned them.

I’m eternally grateful to Rick Short; without him, I wouldn’t enjoy the business success I have today.

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