13 hours.

That's what I spent in a cafe yesterday.

Everyone talks about cold emailing and client hunting, but nobody talks about what happens afterwards.

I've lost count of the number of client calls, onboarding meetings, and messages I have had to attend to this week. Pheeew! It's honestly a lot, but I can't complain.

Anyway, yesterday I decided to work from a cafe. I got there by 8:15 AM, just after the doors of the cafe had opened.

It was quiet, but of course it was; I was one of the first few people there.

There was soft music playing in the background. There were only a handful of people scattered around the room. A lady was reading a book in the corner. Two people were having a hushed discussion over a laptop and two cups of coffee. Everyone had obviously come there with a purpose.

I took advantage of the silence and the scenery to shoot two videos - one for my YouTube (which I have edited and scheduled to be posted on Saturday morning) and the other a short-form (if 5 minutes seems short to you lol) reel for Instagram and TikTok.

By noon, I had had 2 client calls, replied to 8 emails, and over 15 comments on my socials. I got so swarmed in work, I barely noticed what was happening around me.

The next time I looked up, it was because my tummy had growled in rebellion, reminding me that I hadn't fed it. I placed a simple order and used the time to study the place again. It was quieter. The girl with her book was no longer there; the two colleagues had also gone. Now, there was a table with four women who smelled like money. From their conversation (I couldn't help but overhear), they were professors. Impressive.

By the time my lunch order arrived, I had been in one more meeting and edited a full blog (I cannot wait for you to read it, by the way).

By evening, the lights dimmed. I had completed my major work for the day, but instead of leaving as usual, I decided to observe the environment. I ordered a glass of mojito, closed my computer, and rested my back on the chair.

From my vantage position, I could see everything...

The warm lamps coming alive one by one.

The playlist shifting from upbeat songs to slower jazz and mellow instrumentals.

The staff moving with a little more urgency.

The new set of people that stepped in: couples, two guys laughing over a drink, a bulky businessman trying to wind down from the day's work.

It was all so beautiful to behold, and I made a mental note to share the story with you. So, there you go.🤭

Anywayyy, I think I am getting my YouTube spark back. I've had three videos up this week! lol. I didn't see that coming at all. In my last video, I talked about how I'm finding freelance clients these days. You can check it out.

What's your plan for the weekend?

I have a vigil later tonight, and then I'll spend the rest of the morning tomorrow sleeping.

I'll talk to you soon.

Love,

Professor.

How I'm finding freelance clients these days