My Second Anniversary of Freedom and a Gift for You

Two years ago today, I left my day job to turn my side hustle into a full-time career.

Now, Socialexis has become something I never expected.

I’m no longer a solopreneur; I’ve got a team of 10 impressive go-getters helping me do great work. We’re an LLC, offering content marketing services like blogging and social media to a roster of stellar clients we love helping succeed.

I’ve also got a bookshelf of guides and courses, with several new offerings coming down the pipeline in the next few months. Plus a new website, The Write Life, that launched just six weeks ago and is already growing into its own community.

I am actually getting teary-eyed as I write this, because I never expected all of this goodness when I swallowed the fear in the back of my throat two years ago and left a steady paycheck behind. Now I am earning more money, being more creative and producing more top-notch work than when I worked for someone else — and all on my own schedule. I didn’t do this alone — I had the help of my team, friends and family — but it’s happening.

What’s next?

Of course, building a company isn’t all roses and rainbows, and my stress level has peaked over the last few months as Socialexis goes through a growth spurt. But having autonomy over my work and life makes it worth it.

I still consider my career one big experiment, and I’ve got a long way to go to get exactly where I want to be. But I love that I’m on this path. I love taking charge of my own future. And I love sharing all the ups and downs with you.

My big goals for the year ahead include streamlining the business, so my team can create greatness without me overseeing every step; releasing several new guides and courses, including a soon-to-launch course called Social Media for Writers; and beginning to move forward on self-publishing my travel memoir. My story of backpacking solo through Africa realistically won’t get priority until 2014, but it is on my list, and I want to thank all of you who have emailed and tweeted me, encouraging me to get it out into the world.

Taking time to celebrate

While there’s still lots of work to be done, too often we forget to revel in what we’ve accomplished, in what we’ve learned and who we’ve become.

So today is my celebration. I promise to do something special for myself… but first I want to do something special for you.

After all, none of this would be possible without YOU. You make the journey worthwhile.

Last year on my anniversary of freedom, I offered 50 percent off all my guides for 24 hours.

I’d like to continue that tradition, putting the same deal out there for you to snatch up if you so choose. So from now until 10 a.m. EST tomorrow — that’s Tuesday, August 20 — download any guides you’d like for 50 percent off. Just use the code “celebrate” at checkout.

This offer includes…

• My most popular guide, How to Build a Part-Time Social Media Business. We just updated this guide earlier this month, so you’ll receive a fully updated version.

• How to Create a Freakin’ Fabulous Social Media Strategy. This is next on our list to update, and when we do, we’ll send you an updated version, even if you purchase today.

• Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business. This guide details my own journey, so it’s particularly useful for anyone who might want to work ebooks and email marketing into their career strategy.

• How to Take a Career Break to Travel. My career break changed my life, so this is an ebook that’s close to my heart. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re even thinking about going this route, remind yourself to live with no regrets.

Again, this celebration sale will only last 24 hours, so act quickly! I make it short in part to reward loyal readers, but if you have a friend or family member who would benefit from one of these guides, feel free to pass the link along.

Cheers to discovering whatever type of freedom you’re looking for!