$40,000 on upwork as a complete beginner - what I learned

Maybe this makes me a "guru" but I just can't give away everything I know for free, I'm sorry. I want to help people, but trying to help everybody requires a lot more time, effort, and energy than I initially thought. And doing everything for free just took time away from me running my own agency and I wasn't really able to help people because I was just giving 1 sentence answers to very complex and complicated questions.
So, I created The Mogul thinking that it would be better to FULLY help 1 person, than to partially help 100 people. Everything, all in one place to help someone succeed to the best of my ability while getting paid for my work. I'm pretty confident I can bring anyone success as long as they are willing to put in the effort on their end. If you watched my free videos on KZbin, imagine the value I would give you if I was actually getting paid.
Join The Mogul: whop.com/themogul
#agencylife #startanonlinebusiness #entrepreneurlife #socialmediamanager #upworkaccount

[@laizerwoolf]

You not only share your experience, but you also encourage people to start! That is so wholesome 👍

[@ThomasIm]

Thanks!

[@TheRealLifeSonicTheHedgehog]

​@@ThomasImhi 👋

[@BlessingIfionu]

​@@ThomasImI am skilled at my work but I have not been able to get a client I use every website and editing...I think the problem is how to use connect despite having a good portfolio and profile...how to get client without misusing connect...is it possible to have clients without connect.

[@leeritenour]

To be honest, you are not an average guy. You have worked really hard to get to where you are right now. I mean, look at your total hours. Consistency is what really matters. Good job!

[@InfiniteLightAura]

+1

[@CringeArt2023]

Exactly. Average guy is someone who wasted 300-400 connections and never got any proposals whatsoever, and no matter experience, dedication or anything else. Honestly, for most of average upworkers it just feels like a scam really.

[@Ashdbdbsn]

Average men can work hard, be consistent and work for long amounts of time. They just dont start.

[@scholas_creative_space]

​@@CringeArt2023yep, tbh I stopped applying for jobs at Upwork. It felt like I'm being played. The only work I've gotten is from projects where someone finds me and they give me work. And that happens like maybe once every year or 2 years lol

[@crocslove4846]

6 hrs per day for a year

[@AT1NE]

This is my favorite type of video, so transparent and informative

[@KarloRIVERAVELASQUEZ]

I did search social media manager and your first (from France) congratulation bro

[@techfixer1543]

Power to "The Normal Dude"! Thomas you say you're not special...but brother, you accomplished your goal of this vid-- and that was to inspire others so thath they (we) have no excuses. That is indeed special. Again...power to the Normals! Thanks for sharing!

[@ThomasIm]

Power to the normals!

[@TheRealLifeSonicTheHedgehog]

I have no money what should I do​@@ThomasIm

[@Pets-px3lu]

You are special because no one else could have done that ❤

[@ggt1380]

I appreciate how genuine you are! Cheering you on!!! 💕💕💕 And congrats on every accomplishment.

[@chrispharaoh4838]

To be honest, you have really worked very hard and I admire you. You have encouraged me to push hard

[@fabian546]

Hi Thomas, from an entrepreneurial perspective, I think you should scale this work and set up your own agency rather than limiting yourself to Upwork. I know it may sound like it's simpler and easier now, but once you scale up you can have people working for you and automate processes, which will make it way simpler than it seems! The potential revenue here is insane. Reach out if you need a hand. I do not charge haha

[@ThomasIm]

Thinking about it!

[@YogaBlissDance]

@@ThomasIm And Upwork has that option built in if I remember right...a way to easily hire underneath you on the platform.

[@EasyTech.Filemaker]

Thanks for encouraging me personally to start, this is my first day

[@alfn2den]

Thomas it's good to see you work hard for your goals!! Keep it up bigdog!

[@PromiseOkeke-o4e]

Thanks for the inspiration dude, especially the part where you mentioned that you weren't super skilled or super special or smart. And also your setup being average, it's nice seeing things like this

[@ThomasIm]

appreciate it!

[@TheRealLifeSonicTheHedgehog]

Hi there 👋

[@BrendaMinja]

brother, your Intention is Beyond Seeking Money, It is to Uplift every Talent. You already have my pre-order for any of your Courses. Wishes of luck from Tanzania.

[@GrowthGeniusAU]

Hello - i commented only a couple of days ago on this video, and have watched a couple more of your clips. I followed your instructions and setup a profile on Upwork yesterday. Today I got my first contact from a potential client wanting to work with me! I am awaiting the contract / offer, and although only a small job (proofreading / editing), I think it is a good start. I'd just like to thank you for all your patient instruction etc. 😊 And I wanted to pass on the good news to someone who understands.

[@ambitiousbeauty1013]

So how is it going so far?

[@5855-moa]

really? tell us more. I created my profile last month but since I hadn't any connects and didn't have the money to buy some I couldn't reach any clients. This is encouraging for me so please share your progress with us.

[@GrowthGeniusAU]

@@5855-moa Hi there. My apologies for the delay, I was on holiday in Dubai. I ended up leaving Upwork, unfortunately it was just too much like a full time job, and I was sitting at my desk for far too many hours of the day. Instead I have started my own business. However, I would recommend ensuring that your Upwork profile is fully optimised, with full use of keywords, a full portfolio and references. I hope this helps.

[@Coco__not]

I had already seen a couple of your videos before, and I gave this one a chance without realizing it was exactly what I needed: someone talking sincerely and openly about working as a freelancer. Lately, 've been considering it a lot and have taken an interest in it, but I still have many doubts, and it never occurred to me that there would be someone like you making this kind of videos. THANK TOU!!

[@henrykinggraphics]

I just started on upwork 3 weeks ago as a graphic designer. I've been sending proposals for weeks now & i've almost ran out of connects, and still I have'nt gotten any job. but watching this video has helped me not to give up and keep going. I've learnt a couple of things too; to start with the low paying jobs.

[@Karl-ps9ns]

Webdesigner here but not in Upwork. Maybe it the problem is your portfolio

[@nomadicsoulart]

Upwork is a waste of time . I have wasted 100 dollars on connects . Don’t listen to this channel . He just want to sell his course.

[@xienthing6190]

​@@nomadicsoulart😂

[@maniac3449]

@@nomadicsoulart Then every single freelancing platform is a waste of time if "spending money" is really the case. I am a web developer (Frontend development only) and with my 3 other friends, I was able to get a project in under 20 days. The project was simple since he just needed a landing page with a few functions so he paid us 50 euros (received 40 euros since I live in Pakistan lol). I would say that yeah if you have a decent set of skills like in IT sector, you have a chance, and once you have got a project then incomes are usually huge in IT sector. Invest 30% of that income in buying connects, or whatever it is on freelancing platforms, and the rest is yours.

[@SlavaBagmut]

@@nomadicsoulartwhat is better than Upwork then?

[@badibuddy9587]

I probably already watched this video 5 times just to keep myself on track. Thank you Thomas for these videos! You are amazing and I feel like you genuinely want to help.

[@icecofffeee]

appreciate you doing this man definitely a big motivator

[@ThomasIm]

Let's get it

[@vincentnnyc]

Can you do a video how to be a social media manager? What skills do you need to have? What software do you need to know etc.?

[@jeeves9233]

I really appreciate the humble approach Thomas. I made a profile on Upwork a couple of months ago, despite not really having a talent or education to refer to. I don't have any talents or education so I listed I could do voice over / voice acting in English and Norwegian. A week after, still afraid of taking this seriously I dipped out because I felt like a scam artist, despite not having done anything. After seeing your video, I think you've sparked something within me to give it another go. Wish you the best of luck from Norway.

[@itstreheart]

this video randomly came up, without a doubt one of the best Ive ever seen

[@Hydrodex]

Thanks for the video, I’ve got to jump in and build my profile with small jobs and good reviews.

[@MRJMXHD]

This is what I want to see, KZbin. Just normal peole giving it their all. Respect man!

[@aldorodriguez7310]

Thank you for sharing ! This was a very inspirational video ! Seeing you can do it from you room and achieve the amazing results you have accomplished.Thanks for showing your profile and set the expectations right for me. I appreciate it bro.

[@mjxone]

thank you Thomas for making this channel and sharing your experience. I find most of your videos very valuable. Wish you more success in your journey! thanks

[@kimhengmok]

Thank you man. That's such an inspiration to see your work.

[@Aspiiire]

Amazing achievement! It's inspiring to see your progress starting from scratch on Upwork.

[@ThomasIm]

thanks, I appreciate it!

[@KDTechverse]

You are no way normal, normal's definition is changing. You're selfless, caring and passionate which are rare traits in people these days ! You are a great human being which is the most important thing man ! ❤ keep up the great work and thanks for the video. Just know that you inspired me and woke that kid in me back who when at your age had the same spirit, unstoppable and highly self-driven ! 💥🙌

[@ucoan2457]

I want to personally thank you for this video. Despite others (and maybe in the future), you will be shifted toward selling courses, but this exact video got me back on Upwork, and I have my first contract after more than 1 year of trying. It is only $5 for the first week, and I'm from a third-world country and trying to migrate to another country. This is exactly what I need to gain more money to live in another country. Thank you

[@kbwn2634]

i am gonna watch you until your channel grow

[@BorisBidjanSaberi11]

Im just a regular fella like you, but inspired by your work ethic. Thanks man

[@wambomedia]

Blessed to have stumbled upon your video, Thomas. You have no idea what impact you had on my hesitation

[@oskrmaister7525]

This is so inspiring Thomas "transparent as hell" thank you You are my man Keep it up 🎉

[@humadi2001]

This is extremely inspiring. Much respect Thomas!

[@joeannlubiano]

Hi Thomas, I am new to upwork.Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@sheyalovely9504]

You earned a fan from Indonesia. Love your content, Thomas! ❤

[@JonnnBullion]

With markets tumbling, inflation soaring, the Fed imposing large interest-rate hike, while treasury yields are rising rapidly-which means more red ink for portfolios this quarter. How can I profit from the current volatile market, I'm still at a crossroads deciding if to liquidate my $125k bond/stocck portfoli0

[@BlackoHyper]

It’s precisely at times like these that investors need to be on guard against the next certainty. You don’t have to act on every forecast, hence i will suggest you get yourself a financial-advisor that can provide you with entry and exit points on the shares/ETF you focus on.

[@KeziahMounter]

Right, I've been in constant touch with a fiinancial-analyst since covid . You know these days it's really easy to buy into trending e task is determining when to buy or sell . My advisorr decides entry and exit commands on my portfoliio, I've accrued over $300k from an initially stagnant reserve of $150K.

[@YuvalGunnery]

please I want to invest but I don't know any F/A that can help me, can you leave behind the info of the lady you just mentioned?

[@BlackoHyper]

*"She's mostly on the telegram with her ID name Below"

[@BlackoHyper]

Marieslopie

[@livingsouloftimestudio2887]

your consistent work ethic and ability to focus is the key alot of people struggle with that call it traumas, habits, disabilities, will power anyone can do it if they can be consistent and have a work ethic of focus.

[@evwatch]

Man, you're such an inspiration. I have put off building my upwork profile for years now. You've given me the greatest motivation to start ASAP! Thanks so much Thomas! Much love from Toronto

[@5855-moa]

How is it going, brother? Did you have any success?

[@AmiraKhaled-ul6li]

One of the best videos I've ever watched on KZbin. Thanks, Thomas❤

[@CodingPhase]

great video this is just the beginning for you bro

[@wyfiz4485]

Every day there's a new market for self employed people to take advantage of and most of them won't spend a single second to share their experience on their journey for gatekeeping purposes but watching your video made me feel welcomed to this new world of online freelancing gigs that makes banks. Thank you for making this video as transparent as you can!

[@vincetangerine5254]

making bank? He said he works 12 hours a day....for 11 months. Do the math. 40,000 divided by slave labor = ???

[@Lucas-jq2yy]

I have no interest whatsoever in working with social media but it's cool to see someone making money on the web. Kudos

[@naihascorner]

More power to you, man. I'm going to take a fresh start . Thank you for your motivation.

[@JoeyBeard-f1f]

Great video Thomas! Thanks for sharing your experience, very inspiring! Your work ethic is your superpower my brother, keep up the great work!

[@IBGNW]

The video is simple, the content is simple, audio quality is not kind of youtube standard but information is so on point and rich for beginner like me. The way you look normal and genuine might inspire more people like me because it seems achievable by being normal ourself.

[@symbionictitan4074]

Even though you succeeded at Upwork I don't like to do that it looks boring to me. I feel like I need to find my own thing and get "addicted" to it. In fact, I already have it in my mind I just did not dare to take a risk or get out of my comfort zone yet. Watching your progress and advice has been very important to me. Thanks for being so transparent and genuine! Congratulations, I hope you make a million!.

[@alitarichi7183]

There is nothing better than being TRUE! Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@mockmoodylove]

Flames Brah! You are the humble GOAT. "There is no excuse!!" No cap

[@xTranceRave]

Wow Thomas I’m from Orange County and this might have been a sign from above for me to work harder. Thank you for not being afraid to post this video up. You may have changed a lot of lives!!

[@mediocretakes]

Your humble attitude makes you more inspirational

[@savingday]

Thank you for sharing Thomas. Your contents are special and authentic.

[@okoroaforstephanie3665]

I love how open and honest you are. Kudos❤️

[@amr.saad_98]

Thanks for the good vibes Tom.

[@rocketmonster7503]

This is honestly so motivating! Thank you so much for sharing your journey

[@juanpaulovargas3756]

Congrats Thomas!!! I hope as a newbie too in Upwork I can make it as well as you :) Keep it up, you did an awesome amount of time! :)

[@florianroske3416]

Thanks for the inspiration. That's good stuff.

[@ppride1]

Awesome man! I think you can easily focus on higher ticket clients. Start testing 60$ an hour. You're already putting 10/10 effort, now focus on 10/10 opportunities.

[@MoonLight-oo4ik]

I love your honesty

[@i.am.rossalex]

Very inspirational! I tried several times to start on Upwork and no luck! I get my clients from ads, cold calls, recommendations, reviews, etc. Also I think you location helps you to get a well payed job. I have lived in Barcelona since 2014, originally from Ukraine, and still trying to find enough payable clients.

[@inezharis]

I guess there is a reason why this video enter my feed in KZbin.thank you❤

[@bakasenpaidesu]

Average Guy ❌️ Hardworking Guy ✅️ You just reminded me I have to start working right now ❤

[@kaima8002]

In other words he worked for 2 months straight to achieve a little over 40K. Now this is a valid option for some but remember, he is one of the top ranked social media managers, I can only imagine how many others are either unknown or much less paid. However, the hours are probably pretty good for this but I see he charges only 18$ an hour which is around minimum wage. There are pros and cons, but I would choose a skill which has a higher chance of landing me a higher ticket job, like software development, web design, even ux/ui, etc.

[@ThomasIm]

I do not work on an hourly basis and I've been working a lot more than 2 months

[@deeezwebos]

You fucking rock, bro. Respect. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@fermion4945]

Hi,Thomas..This video is an eye opener for a newbie freelancer like me .One thing I must say,the level of success you're getting now is not a cup of tea for everyone,it requires serious dedication and a tremendous hard work to reach this stage.Upwork,fiver all of these have huge competition now-a-days and it's extremely hard to stand out.But ,you really did it .Hats off to you man 🎉

[@ThomasIm]

Wanted to show people that all it takes is hard work

[@knuckleshots968]

Bro you are too humble God bless you 🙏🏽

[@RobsonDepaula-zo9gk]

You are inspiring so many people man! Thanks for your work!!

[@Maya-mj6kv]

Wow! I mean I'm so glad i randomly got to see this. Thank you!

[@itsybitsy8385]

'like look at me, look at my setup, look at my room' THIS WAS SO FRIGGIN CUTE THOMAS. made my day!

[@ThomasIm]

😅

[@0xC47P1C3]

Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing and being transparent

[@jamesofallthings3684]

Super inspiring to make 15 an hour.

[@rudi-batubara]

I'm a software engineer with 8 years of experience and still struggling to find work, until I saw this content, it made me interested in doing the same thing as working as a freelancer

[@ivandropereiramendonca9271]

Thank you for your sincerity. You are the best!

[@igorsaginashvili6691]

Thanks man you making an inspiration for us newbies going into Computer Sciences

[@andydataguy]

Legend. Thanks for sharing!!! 🙌🏾

[@BengisuAyse]

this is amazing! as far as I know Upwork had an issue paying out to Turkey as we have an issue with Paypal and they only pay with Paypal? but I'm a newly resigned social media manager with 5 year experience and this was motivating. although it will be hard to get my first clients, I can still try! thank you!

[@nawfelsekrafi]

You are very humble man.. Well I am a front-end programmer at Upwork and I have $4k.. And it is true that I feel that the road to ten is very long, this is taking into consideration that I only work part-time.. Thanks for your encouragement and I wish you good luck

[@hamizbackup]

Just a chill guy

[@Adam-gj7fl]

Good job Brother, thanks for the value in your video. First question that popped up, when receiving so many proposals, is it not time to up the hourly you ask? From $15 to $20-25. People like to pay more, they feel it gets them more value ;)

[@ThomasIm]

Yeah, I've been thinking about that for a while too. Was thinking of upping it when I get to 100k.

[@annakor99]

@@ThomasIm you don't need to wait, I think you deserve more

[@gxyxy1012]

yeah, exactly. some fast food workers getting paid more than 15/hr.

[@AyrasDeLuxe]

I have popped my rate from $25 to $35/hr when I get Top Rated Plus badge (even I was in $10K earning total, after hitting $20K I have increased my rate to $55)

[@EcomCarl]

Great insights on leveraging your Upwork profile for passive client engagement! Your experience highlights the power of a strong profile and reputation-key for anyone aiming to minimize active proposal efforts and maximize opportunities. 🚀

[@elicohen5073]

Nice work brother. Keep it up!

[@nonyecreatives8162]

You such an inspiration, bro! Your dedication really needs to be studied. Watching from Nigeria.

[@floretbreak2468]

"You're not gonna outwork me" Love this

[@Tesfas]

You da man Thomas, we all have to start some where and grind it out.

[@krystalmarie5637]

Hi Thomas, can please do an in depth video about how you went about creating your portfolio and tips about how others can do the same. Thanks

[@jaymisal377]

Hey wow im amazed to hear that you did it in a couple of months

[@rameezkhan2957]

Needed this video, thanks buddy

[@mzomuhlemkhize]

Amazing work, my guy👊

[@kinGOPoLY]

Thanks for being so transparent and honest throughout the whole content. I really appreciate your effort and time in sharing everything so clearly. Can you kindly explain what type of work you do as a "Social Media Manager" freelancer?

[@daosgallery6795]

Very interesting video, congrats! It would be awesome if you could make a video of how you started, explain more in details your journey from 0 to 10k. Thank you ❤

[@kiranrana4306]

thanks mate you have motivated me to give it a try again

[@jaybrown4444]

This is good motivation thanks! Keep up the good work

[@bdoug]

Fascinating! Good stuff!

[@ThomasIm]

Thank you!

[@ameerbey]

Just check your profile. you not lying about be third recommended social media manager. Keep at it 💯

[@TomSGao]

This is awesome I’m glad these pathway are available to zoomer who struggle w traditional pathways due to lack of freedom

[@VaibhavShewale]

well, once you build trust and you been recognize work will come to you

[@zulharry8340]

i started upwork 5 days ago with literally not knowing anything. and 3 days ago i just got my first client. worked on 2 milestones for $45 and moved forward to a full time job. i don't even know if i was lucky or its just normal.

[@ExploreSciFi]

Looking forward to learn upWork from you. Please guide us from the start 🙏

[@priopambudi9533]

we need this tutorial please 🙏🏻

[@OratilejacobBotlhoko]

Much respect sir so humble

[@davidmonteiro6822]

Thank you. Main problem with upwork are very low budget productions, in my opinion

[@HaiderAli-dm3xi]

You're amazing, dude!

[@ThomasIm]

appreciate it!

[@Dom-zy1qy]

Upwork is very saturated for programming related jobs it seems. I literally have programmed multiple scripts, and in my cover letter; demonstrated that i already completed the script and that it works with screenshots- and also undercut their asking price; no responses. Ended up quitting upwork & building my own business now.