"Courage before confidence"

How Megan Catalano turned a love of dogs turned into a fantastic project

Hi Friend,

Freelancing is often a journey of reinvention, and Megan Catalano’s story is a perfect example. After pursuing a traditional communications career, Megan found her passion by taking a bold step into the world of freelancing. Her love for dogs blossomed into an incredible project, and her philosophy of "courage before confidence" has driven her success. In this interview, she shares her insights on embracing new challenges, following your passion, and building a fulfilling freelance career from the ground up.

Let's dive into Megan's incredible journey…

Big smiles from Megan, Koloa, and Hurley (photo credit, Wally & Roops Pet Photography)

Tell us about your journey to becoming a freelancer

I worked in communications in the public sector (at a crown corporation, two post-secondary institutions, and a municipal government) for more than 10 years before I started freelancing. 

Following the pandemic and several losses of very important people and pets in my life, I started reevaluating everything from how I was spending my time to my career choice which was draining me. I knew I needed a big change.

I had never considered starting my own business before that point. I started to think about what I really enjoyed doing. Writing was one of the aspects I loved most about working in communications, but I wasn’t doing as much of it anymore in my role managing a team. Something clicked and I realized I could shift away from the more demanding media relations and issues management focus of my job and do something less stressful and more creative using my writing skills and expertise.

I enrolled in the Freelancing for Editors course at SFU while I was still working full-time. The course helped answer a lot of questions I had about the freelance world. I’d been in a 9 to 5 for my entire career and didn’t know many people who freelanced. The course gave me the reassurance and confidence to get started.

I reached out to practically everyone I know personally and professionally to tell them I was going to start freelancing and to ask if they would keep me in mind. My goal was to plant seeds for opportunities that may sprout down the road so people would think of me when they or someone they knew needed writing support. I eventually left my job in early June 2023 and became a full-time freelancer. 

How did you market yourself once you became a freelancer?

I feel fortunate because the majority of my clients so far have come to me through referrals from past colleagues and friends who either hired me or referred me to someone they knew who was looking for a writer. Relationship building was an important part of my past communications roles and it’s served me well as a freelancer to continue making connections and fostering existing relationships.

I use LinkedIn, and to a lesser degree Instagram (I prefer using IG for fun to share and follow dog-related content), to share information and testimonials about my services and to connect with potential clients.

I’ve met some clients through a women’s business mentorship program I joined to connect with more people and learn from other entrepreneurs. I’m also starting to attend more in person networking events - there are some out there that are actually fun!

I have submitted a few responses to public sector RFPs and applications on freelance writer job boards. I don’t do submissions too often because I find them quite time-consuming.

Fritz wonders when Megan will write a book about cats (photo credit, Megan Catalano)

What made you write a book about dogs? 

I’ve always loved dogs and as an adult I became more obsessed when I adopted my own. Sadly, my husband and I lost one of our dogs to bone cancer in 2018. When we knew the end was near, we created a doggie bucket list to complete with her before we said goodbye. This sparked the idea and she became the inspiration for my book, Happy and Healthy Hounds. It’s a list book full of activities – some practical, some very silly - for pet parents to make the most of the time we have with our dogs.

I was curious about writing a book and didn’t know if I had it in me. When I was exploring different career options and enhancing my writing skills, I took a course on self-publishing. The course taught all the steps to write, design, publish, and market a book with a focus on “tiny books” making a big impact. The writing part came more naturally to me but designing and marketing the book myself was a challenge.

Some great opportunities came to me through my book. I was interviewed by local media outlets and accepted into the Greater Victoria Public Library Emerging Local Authors Collection. It’s been a fun and rewarding experience.

I’m currently working on a book proposal to find a literary agent and secure a traditional book deal for my second nonfiction book. It’s also dog-related. 😊 These projects give me a creative outlet to focus on topics and styles in a way I don’t normally do for my clients. 

You recently posted about a project that combined your love of animals with content for an automobile company. How did that project come about?

This was a dream project for me!

The communications manager from Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada found me on LinkedIn somewhat serendipitously. He was searching for a writer who was also a dog parent/lover and I ticked both of those boxes!

Side note: I think it’s important to showcase your personality on your social channels because who you are is part of what makes you appealing to potential clients.

They hired me to write an article (page 42) for their blog and corporate magazine to showcase their new hybrid SUV and how it fits into the life of a dog parent. I know nothing about cars, but I knew what I’d look for in a vehicle as a dog mom who takes her fur babies everywhere I possibly can. It turned out to be one of my favourite projects to date. I’d love to do more work like this combining feature-type writing with dogs (you can clearly see my passions have a theme). 

What is your best piece of advice for freelancers?

Always continue to learn and try new things. I’m enjoying working on a bunch of different projects and don’t have a niche yet. I’ve been gaining experience with different types of clients, industries, and styles of writing to figure out what I want to focus on longer term.

Also, listen to your gut. I’ve taken on some work just for the money to pay the bills. But whenever I accepted work only for the money and wasn’t excited about the client or the project, I always ended up resenting it and not enjoying it. It ended up as a valuable lesson about what kind of work I do and don’t want to do and what kind of clients I want to work with. That’s the beauty of working for yourself and getting to choose!

I don’t know who said this first, so I can’t give credit, but I remind myself all the time “courage before confidence.” You gain confidence by taking action even when it’s scary. You’ll be amazed by your growth!

Hurley and Megan (Photo credit A. Keen Photography)

What is something you now know about freelancing that you wish you knew before you started?

Before I started, I wish I better understood the resiliency you need to have as a freelancer. Heidi touched on the idea of feast and famine in the course, but I was a bit naïve thinking I would never have challenges finding clients. I’ve had slow months where the self-doubt and worry creep in, but I spend a lot of time working on my mindset and building trust and belief in myself that it will all work out because I make things happen.

What do you love about freelancing? 

The freedom and flexibility mean everything to me. I absolutely love setting my own schedule, walking my dogs in the middle of the day, and choosing to work on projects that align with my values. Not dreading the commute and getting animal snuggles throughout my day are also wonderful perks. 

Where can people connect with you?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megancatalano/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megancatalano/

Website: https://www.megancatalano.com/

Did you like this interview? Read some other inspiring interviews:

• Laurie Siblock “I’m as eager as a historian stepping into a Time Machine”

• Helen Palmer “I now try hard to achieve a work-life balance”

• Lisa Orchard “I did it for my self-respect and mental health”

Share this interview with someone who would enjoy it.

Here’s to your ongoing freelance success,

Heidi