The new me

For years I've always said that if I ever wanted to go into business for myself, I could. Because I'm a writer, and it's easy to decide to become a freelance writer. It's harder to get clients, but it's easy to make that decision.

I just never thought I'd actually set out and do it.

But as of today, I am officially a freelance writer and editor in search of clients. In a span of two months, I found out I lost my job and went into business for myself. A few months earlier, I never would've imagined I'd be where I am today. Actually, I'm still a little stunned by how fast this all happened.

I mean, seriously -- I have business cards and everything!

And this morning, at 7 a.m., I went to my first breakfast schmooze thing. A friend of mine is a member of a networking organization and he invited me to come along as his guest so that I could hand out business cards and drum up some business for myself.

It was a great experience. But it was weird for me.

First of all, I had to be 'on' at 7 a.m. I deal with kids all day -- 7 a.m. means sleepily slopping around in my pyjamas trying to make breakfast for everyone. It's not exactly my best schmoozing hour.

But in all honesty, it was weird because schmoozing has never really been my thing. I'm not very good at interjecting myself into conversations, introducing myself to random people, talking about myself, remembering to hand them my card and generally just doing the schmooze thing. Which is what I need to be doing if I'm in business for myself.

But I can write. So if you need a writer, know someone who needs a writer or just want to check me out, here I am: www.deborahgardnerevans.com.

All I need is a few clients and I'll consider this venture successful. After all, it's only meant to be a part-time affair. I have a full-time job.