Why Starting Small is Big
- Kyle Prinsloo
- Feb 20, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 20
“Earn $10K a month in 90 days!”
“Take my course and make six figures before breakfast!”
Blah, blah, blah. All fluff. All disingenuous.
Let’s cut the crap: Anyone selling you “overnight freelancing success” is either delusional or trying to scam you.
Here’s the reality: you’re not going to hit six figures by Friday. That’s not how sustainable businesses—or freelancing careers—are built.
I’ve been fortunate enough to grow a solid six-figure business, but if I could rewind to 2015, I’d probably laugh at the thought.
In this article, I’ll cover:
Let’s dive in!
The Reality of Starting Small is Big
Everybody begins with knowledge gaps. If you’re waiting until you feel 100% ready, you’ll never start.
Even my own success story started with that tiny $5 gig. Sure, it might seem trivial, but it proved that someone—somewhere—was willing to pay for what I offered. That’s a massive mindset shift.
Once you realize there’s a market for your skills, even at a modest rate, you gain the confidence to keep going.
One small gig can lead to another. You refine your services, learn from client feedback, and slowly raise your rates. It’s not the stuff of instant Instagram highlights, but it’s real.
By embracing imperfect beginnings, you’re opening the door to consistent progress—something far more reliable than a get-rich-quick scheme.
Want more on this topic? Check out Start With What You Know for an in-depth look at overcoming the myth of “perfect” readiness.
The “But What If I Fail?” Myth
Worried about botching a project? You’re not alone. It’s natural to fear disappointing a client or underdelivering. But guess what—you might fail occasionally.
Every seasoned freelancer has at least one horror story about mispricing, deadline disasters, or plain miscommunication.
The difference between those who give up and those who thrive is the ability to learn from setbacks. Think of failure as a temporary detour, not a dead end.
Embrace Mistakes
If you never stumble, you’re playing it too safe. Mistakes push you to adapt, which is crucial in an ever-evolving freelance landscape.
Iterate, Don’t Quit
A failed project isn’t a career-ender. It’s a lesson in where you need to improve—maybe in scope-setting, client communication, or time management.
Don’t Let Fear Paralyze You
Fear can be a useful alert system, but it shouldn’t stop you altogether. Taking small, calculated risks is how you develop resilience and confidence.
Ready to elevate your freelance game? Read When to Go All In on Freelancing for insights on managing risk and growth.
The Richard Branson Rule
Richard Branson famously said:
“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes—then learn how to do it later.”
No, this doesn’t mean diving blindly into projects that are way out of your league. But it does mean you shouldn’t reject a promising gig just because you don’t know every detail going in.
Bet on Yourself
When a project requires a skill you’re missing, treat it as your cue to learn. Watch tutorials, read articles, or ask peers in freelancer communities.
You’ll be surprised how quickly you can pick up the basics.
Stay Uncomfortable
Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Taking on a slightly challenging project pushes you to develop new competencies—just ensure it’s not so overwhelming that you flounder.
Find Resources Quickly
There’s a blog post, online course, or YouTube tutorial for almost anything you need to learn.
Be sure to explore Should You Build a Personal Brand? for tips on standing out—skills you can quickly adopt to improve your confidence with clients.
A Simple Game Plan to Get You Moving
Set a Small, Achievable Goal
Forget $10K in 90 days. Aim for your first paying client, even if it’s just $5 or $50.
That initial proof of concept is vital. It shows that someone is willing to pay for your work, and it gives you a psychological boost to keep going.
Focus on One Thing
Don’t try to offer everything under the sun—writing, web design, SEO, social media, and more.
Pick one service you’re confident in or eager to master. You can always pivot or expand later, but starting with a singular focus makes marketing and delivering results much simpler.
Looking to niche down? Check out Sell Websites to Clients if you’re interested in web design, or Value Ladder Strategy to structure your offerings in stages.
Also checkout my video on pricing web design projects:
Deliver Exceptional Work
Sure, a $50 project won’t cover your rent, but do it as if it’s a high-paying contract.
Overdelivering can lead to referrals, testimonials, and long-term client relationships. The client who first hired you for $50 could become a recurring customer worth thousands if they’re impressed enough.
Stack Your Wins
Leverage each success—no matter how small—to get the next project. Highlight the testimonial, the process you refined, or the skills you gained.
When you’re consistently building on each win, your growth becomes exponential rather than linear.
Document these small wins in your portfolio. If you need ideas on how to showcase your work effectively, check out Portfolio Website Tips for Freelancers.
Check out my other video on becoming a 6 figure freelancer in 2025:
Common Missteps to Avoid
Lack of Clear Boundaries
When you’re new, it’s tempting to do everything a client asks for—even beyond the agreed-upon scope.
This leads to burnout and underpayment. Use clear contracts to define deliverables and protect your time.
Analysis Paralysis
Yes, branding and portfolios matter, but they shouldn’t hold you back for weeks or months.
Get something workable out there. You can fine-tune as you go. Perfect is the enemy of progress.
Free Work Overload
One small free project to land a dream client or build a portfolio is fine. But don’t make “exposure” your default currency. Exposure doesn’t pay rent or bills.
Ignoring Your Network
Freelancing doesn’t mean going it alone. Communities like FreelanceFam offer advice, critiques, and support. Networking can introduce you to mentors, collaborators, and even new clients.
Learn 6 more proven strategies to land clients:
Failure to Evolve
Freelancing is dynamic. A skill that’s in high demand today might be outdated tomorrow. Keep learning about new tools, techniques, or market shifts to stay relevant—and profitable.
Final Thoughts
Anyone promising “six figures before breakfast” is selling a fantasy. Real, sustainable success comes from small, intentional steps—often starting with projects that feel almost too small to be taken seriously.
But these humble beginnings are what allow you to hone your skills, define your processes, and build a solid reputation over time.
Before you know it, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come—from a $5 gig to a comfortable, thriving business.
The key is starting small, proving you can deliver, and keeping the momentum going. Because, at the end of the day, starting small is big. ⛰️
Join FreelanceFam for freelancing tips, client strategies, and advice to grow your business.
Kyle