The Referral Hopium Audit

Referral hopium is the drug of waiting and hoping. Refreshing your inbox. Asking past clients if they "know anyone." Saying yes to scope creep because you're scared of losing them.

Most freelance designers are on it. The work is fine. The income's there. But the pipeline is a black box and the quiet weeks are getting longer.

This audit tells you where you actually stand. Answer honestly. Your result reveals at the bottom.

Question 01

When was the last time you said NO to a project because your pipeline was full?

Never. I take what comes.0 pts

Over 6 months ago.0 pts

Within the last 6 months.1 pt

Within the last 30 days.2 pts

Question 02

In the next 30 days, how many client conversations do you have on the calendar?

Zero.0 pts

One or two.0 pts

Three to five.1 pt

Six or more.2 pts

Question 03

What percentage of your last 5 paying clients came from referrals, recruiters, or agencies?

100% (all of them).0 pts

80% (four of five).0 pts

60% (three of five).1 pt

40% or less.2 pts

Question 04

When was the last time you proactively reached out to a stranger about working together?

Never. Or can't remember.0 pts

Last quarter.0 pts

This month.1 pt

This week.2 pts

Question 05

If your top referrer stopped sending you work tomorrow, how long until you'd be in financial trouble?

Less than 30 days.0 pts

30 to 60 days.0 pts

60 to 90 days.1 pt

90+ days. I'd be fine.2 pts

Off the hopium. Onto a pipeline.

The Sprint is the system that fixes this.

An 8-week live cohort for freelance designers who are done waiting on referrals and ready to build a system that brings clients in on purpose. Run with Huw, alongside other designers doing the same.

Apply for Cohort 5 DM Huw "SPRINT"