July - Experience Insecurity

8/24/25

I have learned the toughest piece of doing any work for a client is gaining access to all the necessary systems. I may try to have a sit down for an hour and knock it out, but that doesn’t mean the client is aware of everything that is needed nor has all that is needed. 

It took a month to piece together just how much the website was needed yet not available. I threw out a quote of $2500 to build a new one, and he said no understandably. But it wouldn’t matter because we can’t get into the domain settings to change it anyway, because the card that was used to set it up belongs to the guy that created it. So my work around has been social media and linktree to screen the website. And the Google ads team is crafting a landing page specifically to hold the Google pixel. 

Translation for laymen. Website was too much of a hassle and not worth the roí so Google Ads team created a small website to gather leads and track clicks. As well as I created a link website to help customers find what they need short of the website. Like phone numbers,  directions, and social media accounts.

I have also spent several hours on crafting the social media accounts which the client does not appreciate yet, and have done outside of the agreed upon time, but that’s okay as I chalk it up to a learning application of my time. 

The first ad run was very expensive, but that is because we were testing. The next run will yield more as we narrow our target audience. It is a little nerve wracking to run these experiments with real money. But the client looks at it as a good learning opportunity for me. 

He has also taught me much about ordering EDDM and printing postcards. 

We finally got the email list started after a month and a half because the client thought he was paying for an email service but I couldn’t find it until he was charged for it.

I designed new business cards and created an address labels excel sheet for printing 3x11 address labels 

And last night I helped seal and label envelopes to be sent to their existing customers. I did 200 in 2 hours. Idk if that’s fast. But I felt it was a good use of my time even though I was there an hour past closing. 

The only point on contention that I’m wrestling with is I agreed to 4 hours of free time, but he needs me to physically be there 3-4 times per week. And I agreed to 15 hours at $20/hour. But I really can’t afford to do that. Gas and business expenses aren’t compensated. Only my time is, but I’m learning and gaining confidence and building systems to complete social media packages and Google packages more quickly. 

The only problem is the time, energy, and willpower balance. I keep opening my mouth with potential new clients adding more work to my plate in proposals and research that doesn’t pay me but also drains my mental capacity and then I have to complete family responsibilities and existing hourly job responsibilities which don’t cover my costs. So I really need to be working my own leads, and maintaining my own marketing but time is feeling like a squirrel again. 

7/5/25

Internships and Stagging was invented for folk to get experience. 

I walked into a furniture store going out of business with nothing no expectations no phone even as a security blanket to hide behind not even a business card.

Just asked a question 

Why are you closing?

Retiring

Did Google work for you?

So social media is what you do?

Ali! Come back here!

I'm quelling my desire to to say it's just a hobby or don't take me seriously. Just waiting for this middle eastern Russian man to slowly walkover to us. It was only a minute but it felt like f[reverse.

Ali says what can I do for you?

Phil says no for you. She can help with social media.

He looks me over, yeah? You do social media advertising? 

Have a seat.

That couch was phenomenally comfy btw. Coyroroy Grey but plush. $ sale 1799. 2999 normal. 

He asks me how long I do this, do I have experience 

I almost cop out there. Umm I've had some personal issues

You pay me to work for me I like it.

Haha maybe not pay you, but not charge you.

He says we all do

To answer your question I haven't had a paying client yet.

I'm really just now getting my feet wet. I don't want to be in a situation where experience is expected 

So when can you start?

I start to over explain. Doirdash schedule 

Monday

Ok 10am? That's when we open.

Good experience lots of knowledge.

And we'll see maybe get you some money

He gets a call

I explore

Armoire vs hutch? Look up difference 

He gets done with his call

Phil jokes about confusion after taking a muscle relaxer

I feel like I found people who are similar to me

Ali grabs my info I write down email phone and marketing intern with a ?

Really showing my uncertainty but he's good. He says it's good experience for a young one.

I ask how old they think I am? 

Late 20's?

I laugh,  no 34, but to be fair I was wearing a mask. I give em a peak.

Age well be good when in 50's

They joke about Ali forever 49 plus 18 years. I can't even believe that 67? No way.

Phil 76 I would be guessed 60's

Ali's nephew comes in with some friends. Houssain. We shake hands.

Ali introduces him and they start talking about things.

He looks at me to wrap things up. Monday at 10am?

Alright see you then. I smile through the mask nod and head out.