For a long time, I thought being a good freelancer just meant one thing: finishing my tasks on time. If a client gave me a list of ten things to do, and I sent back a report with all ten things checked off, I considered that a successful day. I was doing the work. I was present. What more could they want?
I learned the answer to that question from a client I almost lost. The project was a mess before I even started. The client was stressed, and the instructions were a bit confusing. I could have just done exactly what the instructions said, and if it didn’t work out, I could have said, “Well, I just followed what you told me to do.”
But instead, I took an extra hour to map everything out. I found a few places where the steps didn’t make sense, and I sent a message back saying, “Hi [Client Name], I’m excited to start. As I was reviewing the process, I noticed a potential issue at Step 3 that might cause delays. I have an idea for a simpler way to do it. Would you be open to a quick 5-minute chat about it?”
The client was so relieved. We fixed the process together, and the project went smoothly. At the end of it, she told me something I’ll never forget: “Thank you for actually showing up. The last person I hired was present, but they weren’t really here.”
That’s when I finally understood. “Showing up” is not just about being online or completing tasks. It’s about being mentally and professionally present. It’s the difference between being an employee who waits for instructions and a partner who invests in the outcome.
What “Showing Up” Looks Like in Real Life
It’s not about working more hours. It’s about making the hours you do work more valuable. It’s about the small things.
It’s about having the courage to ask “why” when you’re given a task. Understanding the goal helps you do the job better. It’s about giving your client a heads-up that you’re running into a small problem, instead of waiting until it becomes a big one. It’s about organizing your files neatly so your client can easily find what they need without asking you.
This kind of “showing up” builds something far more valuable than a paycheck. It builds trust. And trust is the foundation of every successful, long-term client relationship.
But Here’s the Secret I Learned…
You can’t pour from an empty cup. You can’t show up for your client’s business if you’re not showing up for your own.
I know what it’s like to roll out of bed and open your laptop while you’re still in your pajamas. But when I started treating my freelance work like a real job, my mindset changed. “Showing up for myself” became my first priority.
This meant **showing up to my workspace** with intention. I set up a dedicated corner in my room, and when I sit there, my brain knows it’s time to work. It’s not time to scroll through Facebook or watch YouTube.
It meant **showing up for my health**. I started taking a real lunch break, away from my desk. I made sure I was drinking enough water. I set a firm time to log off at the end of the day. My brain and body had more energy, which meant I could give better energy to my clients.
And it meant **showing up for my business**. I started tracking my income and expenses. I sent my invoices on the same day every month. I set goals for myself. I started acting like a CEO, not just a freelancer.
True success in this industry isn’t just about the quality of the work you deliver. It’s about the quality of the professional you are. When you make the commitment to truly show up—for yourself first, and then for your clients—you stop being just another VA on a long list of applicants. You become a partner. And partners are never easily replaced.
