24/07/2025
🚩 Freelancers, Let’s Talk About Red Flags and Rushing Into Proposals
This morning, I got a message on LinkedIn from someone who said he was interested in working with me and asked for a proposal to handle document typing and formatting.
I was excited — hopeful that I’d finally landed a new client. I quickly put together a detailed proposal: clear timeline, pricing, and deliverables.
But shortly after, I found out the person wasn’t offering a job at all.
He’s also a freelancer — still looking for clients, just like me.
And it hit me.
This isn’t the first time it’s happened this month.
I got my hopes up, rushed in, and spent time on a project that didn’t exist.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
🔸 Not every message is a real lead
🔸 It’s okay to be excited — but don’t skip due diligence
🔸 No profile picture, zero connections, and vague communication = red flags
🔸 Always ask clarifying questions before preparing proposals
As freelancers, we pour our energy and time into every opportunity. But we also need to protect that time and verify intent before investing in proposals.
To every freelancer who has been there — I get it.
We live, learn, and grow.
Omowunmi Salami
Virtual Assistant | Admin Support | Document & Client Solutions.
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P.S. To anyone reaching out to freelancers: please be clear about your intent. It saves everyone time and sets the right expectations from the start. Thank you. 🙏
