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Guest contributor Alexandra of Real Simple Finances shares a lesson from her first Fiverr sale.
“Guess what? I got my first order!” I squealed, showing my husband the phone. The job was simple: post 10 comments on blogs in the buyer’s niche, using their URL and email to drive traffic. I figured I’d finish the job, get a positive review, and start making money online. No problem.
Then life happened. I was packing for a family vacation and facing a five-hour drive. I can’t read in cars without getting sick, so I put the task off until we reached the condo. Once there, the internet was painfully slow. Sites and email wouldn’t load, and my Fiverr account wouldn’t verify. All I could see was the ticking countdown on the order page and my panic growing. I worried I’d lose the sale and never succeed on Fiverr.
In the end I completed the work and received a positive review. But the experience taught me a few key lessons for being a better entrepreneur.
1. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.
I hadn’t realized the order would arrive at midnight before a long drive and a busy travel day. Promising fast turnarounds can help win business, but be realistic about the time you allow so setbacks don’t derail you.
2. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
I nearly had a meltdown over a $5 job (really $4 after fees). I had to remind myself it wasn’t worth ruining my vacation. Worst case, I’d start with a bad rating and lose $4. There are plenty of other clients and opportunities online; one small setback won’t end your freelancing career.
3. Value your time and charge accordingly.
I didn’t account for research time, stress, or the toll on my family’s day. That $4 felt expensive once you factor everything in. Now I still offer 10 comments, but I give myself three days instead of one. That buffer saved me from stress when another order arrived during a busy day. Having a regular customer who knows my niche also cuts down on research time.
I’m not getting rich on Fiverr, but the experience taught me to handle stress better and be realistic in my promises.
Alexandra runs Real Simple Finances, where she writes easy finance tips for real people.
