Deliberate Freelancer is on a summer hiatus and will return toward the end of August or early September. Take this time to listen to some previous episodes or relisten to favorite guests! Or make a playlist of specific topics, like finding clients or pricing projects.  The Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group will be active during this time, so please join us over there for great conversations with other listeners. You can ask for advice and share your experiences.  If you have benefited from this podcast, please help support the show financially at Buy Me a Coffee. And check out Melanie’s second podcast, Association Station. Season 1 debuted last summer, and season 2 will be released soon. So, subscribe now on your favorite podcast app.

Deliberate Freelancer is on a summer hiatus and will return toward the end of August or early September. Take this time to listen to some previous episodes or relisten to favorite guests! Or make a playlist of specific topics, like finding clients or pricing projects.  The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliberatefreelancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group</a> will be active during this time, so please join us over there for great conversations with other listeners. You can ask for advice and share your experiences.  If you have benefited from this podcast, please help support the show financially at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/deliberate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Me a Coffee</a>. And check out Melanie’s second podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/association-station/id1628417327" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Association Station</a>. Season 1 debuted last summer, and season 2 will be released soon. So, subscribe now on your favorite podcast app.

2023 Summer Hiatus Time (June-September)

Today’s guest is Austin Church from Knoxville, Tennessee. Austin helps e-commerce founders stand out online with their brand strategy. Lately, he’s been working as a fractional chief marketing officer (CMO), consulting for creator economy companies. He also coaches freelance creatives. Austin was one of the six-figure freelancers I featured on the show in May 2021. We’ve since become friends, and his podcast, Freelance Cake, was in my ears during my recent solo business retreat — because I needed all his marketing advice! I realized you all could benefit from hearing some of his great marketing strategies and tactics too, so I invited him back on the show. In this episode, we talk about:   What a “fractional” role is for a freelancer and how Austin moved into that role.  How Austin defines and sells strategy. Why templates are so important.  How Austin works through a “content road map” with clients.  Austin’s marketing strategy and his “freakout” protocol.  The difference between “cold” leads and “warm” leads.  Austin’s 3 R’s of marketing: repeat business, referrals and relationships. How Austin uses LinkedIn to get new clients: tips from Sharon Wu. Don’t be afraid to ask other freelancers you know for referrals.   Biz Bite: Have a shut-down ritual that identifies three priorities for the next day and include “marketing” as one of the priorities.  Resources:  Join the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group.  Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee. Austin’s website and his free freelance course: AustinLChurch.com Austin on LinkedIn Austin’s Freelance Cake podcast episode: 7-Step Freakout Protocol for Getting Last-Minute Freelance Income Episode #98 of Deliberate Freelancer: Six-Figure Freelancing: The Benefits of Selling Strategy and Outcomes, with Austin Church  How Austin uses LinkedIn to get new clients: tips from Sharon Wu Find email addresses: Hunter.io 

Today’s guest is Austin Church from Knoxville, Tennessee. Austin helps e-commerce founders stand out online with their brand strategy. Lately, he’s been working as a fractional chief marketing officer (CMO), consulting for creator economy companies. He also coaches freelance creatives. Austin was one of the six-figure freelancers I featured on the show in May 2021. We’ve since become friends, and his podcast, Freelance Cake, was in my ears during my recent solo business retreat — because I needed all his marketing advice! I realized you all could benefit from hearing some of his great marketing strategies and tactics too, so I invited him back on the show. In this episode, we talk about:  <ul> <li>What a “fractional” role is for a freelancer and how Austin moved into that role. </li> <li>How Austin defines and sells strategy.</li> <li>Why templates are so important. </li> <li>How Austin works through a “content road map” with clients. </li> <li>Austin’s marketing strategy and his “freakout” protocol. </li> <li>The difference between “cold” leads and “warm” leads. </li> <li>Austin’s 3 R’s of marketing: repeat business, referrals and relationships.</li> <li>How Austin uses LinkedIn to get new clients: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sharewrites_linkedintips-clientoutreach-freelancewriter-activity-7049028159979065344-gHxZ/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tips from Sharon Wu</a>.</li> <li>Don’t be afraid to ask other freelancers you know for referrals. </li> </ul> Biz Bite: Have a shut-down ritual that identifies three priorities for the next day and include “marketing” as one of the priorities.  Resources: <ul> <li>Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliberatefreelancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group</a>. </li> <li>Support Deliberate Freelancer at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/deliberate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Me a Coffee</a>.</li> <li>Austin’s website and his free freelance course: <a href="https://austinlchurch.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AustinLChurch.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinlchurch/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Austin on LinkedIn</a></li> <li>Austin’s Freelance Cake podcast episode: <a href="https://www.freelancecake.com/podcast/7-step-freakout-protocol-for-getting-last-minute-freelance-income" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7-Step Freakout Protocol for Getting Last-Minute Freelance Income</a></li> <li>Episode #98 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/98-six-figure-freelancing-the-benefits-of-selling-strategy-and-outcomes-with-austin-church/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Six-Figure Freelancing: The Benefits of Selling Strategy and Outcomes, with Austin Church </a></li> <li>How Austin uses LinkedIn to get new clients: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sharewrites_linkedintips-clientoutreach-freelancewriter-activity-7049028159979065344-gHxZ/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tips from Sharon Wu</a></li> <li>Find email addresses: <a href="https://hunter.io/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunter.io</a></li> </ul>

#164: Using a “freakout” protocol to get work now, with Austin Church

Helen Jane Campbell

Jane Campbell

Today’s guest is Helen Jane  Campbell. Helen is from Wales and recently moved from Hay-on-Wye, Wales, to Worthing, England. Helen is a life and business coach for ambitious and creative entrepreneurs, bringing authenticity and energy to all she does. Clients turn to Helen when they feel ready to bring more joy, energy, and abundance into their lives and their teams. She helps people create space and reconnect with their self-worth and creative freedom. Prior to becoming a coach, Helen spent two decades of her career in PR and communications strategy — with a focus on creativity and on building and leading effective teams. She worked directly with decision-makers and CEOs.  Helen is the author of the book “Founders, Freelancers &amp; Rebels” and the co-founder of Hay Pride, the Pride celebration Hay-on-Wye. She also hosts monthly sessions on Zoom called Powerful Journaling.  In this episode, we talk about:  How Helen went from employee to freelance PR professional to business coach.  Helen’s book, “Founders, Freelancers &amp; Rebels.” What Helen’s clients are feeling and dealing with now in 2023. Ask yourself: What assumptions are you making about your business?  Dealing with the feeling of uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. How Helen responds when people are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. What did you love to do when you were 12? “RAIN” technique to try when you’re feeling scattered or unmoored.  The phrase Helen hates and why.   Biz Bite: Fall Back in Love with Your Business  Resources:  Helen’s website Helen’s monthly Powerful Journaling workshop Helen’s book, “Founders, Freelancers &amp; Rebels” Helen’s Substack newsletter Helen on Twitter Tara Brach’s RAIN technique Join the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group.  Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee. 

Today’s guest is Helen Jane  Campbell. Helen is from Wales and recently moved from Hay-on-Wye, Wales, to Worthing, England. Helen is a life and business coach for ambitious and creative entrepreneurs, bringing authenticity and energy to all she does. Clients turn to Helen when they feel ready to bring more joy, energy, and abundance into their lives and their teams. She helps people create space and reconnect with their self-worth and creative freedom. Prior to becoming a coach, Helen spent two decades of her career in PR and communications strategy — with a focus on creativity and on building and leading effective teams. She worked directly with decision-makers and CEOs.  Helen is the author of the book “Founders, Freelancers &amp; Rebels” and the co-founder of Hay Pride, the Pride celebration Hay-on-Wye. She also hosts monthly sessions on Zoom called Powerful Journaling.  In this episode, we talk about: <ul> <li>How Helen went from employee to freelance PR professional to business coach. </li> <li>Helen’s book, “Founders, Freelancers &amp; Rebels.”</li> <li>What Helen’s clients are feeling and dealing with now in 2023.</li> <li>Ask yourself: What assumptions are you making about your business? </li> <li>Dealing with the feeling of uncertainty brought on by the pandemic.</li> <li>How Helen responds when people are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.</li> <li>What did you love to do when you were 12?</li> <li><a href="https://www.tarabrach.com/rain/?cn-reloaded=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“RAIN” technique</a> to try when you’re feeling scattered or unmoored. </li> <li>The phrase Helen hates and why. </li> </ul> Biz Bite: Fall Back in Love with Your Business  Resources: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.coachingbyhelen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Helen’s website</a></li> <li>Helen’s monthly <a href="https://www.coachingbyhelen.com/workshops-group-coaching" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Powerful Journaling</a> workshop</li> <li>Helen’s book, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Founders-Freelancers-Rebels-Independent-Creative/dp/1953349765/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WSNBV0I8G516&amp;keywords=Founders%2C+Freelancers+%26+Rebels&amp;qid=1683591677&amp;sprefix=founders%2C+freelancers+%26+rebels%2Caps%2C84&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Founders, Freelancers &amp; Rebels</a>”</li> <li><a href="https://helenjanecampbell.substack.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Helen’s Substack newsletter</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/coachingbyhelen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Helen on Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.tarabrach.com/rain/?cn-reloaded=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tara Brach’s RAIN technique</a></li> <li>Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliberatefreelancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group</a>. </li> <li>Support Deliberate Freelancer at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/deliberate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Me a Coffee</a>.</li> </ul>

#163: Dealing with Overwhelm and Uncertainty: A Mini Coaching Session, with Helen Jane Campbell

On today’s show I share my structure, agenda and my action plan developed during my most recent solo business retreat. Here’s what I share with you in this episode:  Please leave a rating and review for Deliberate Freelancer on Apple Podcasts or any other podcast platform.  Why I chose Thomasville, Georgia, for my latest solo business retreat. How I structured my retreat and my theme for the two days. What happened when I stopped consistently following my Always Be Marketing rule. How Austin Church’s podcast Freelance Cake helped me. The two big questions I asked myself as I started my retreat.  How I evaluated my best income months from 2022 and built lessons and action around what worked in those months. How I created a list of top-level services that bring in money and are services I enjoy — so I can focus on getting work in those areas first.  The two areas I am focusing on as part of the new marketing strategy and action plan I created.   Biz Bite: Let an app do your errands The Bookshelf: “The Verifiers” by Jane Pek Resources:  Join the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group.  Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee. Melanie’s other podcast, Association Station Episode #153 of Deliberate Freelancer: My 2022 and Q4 Audit and Six Lessons from Last Year Episode #152 of Deliberate Freelancer: How Mary Tindall Began to Earn $200,000 a Year as a Freelancer Episode #160 of Deliberate Freelancer: The Dreaded Feast or Famine! Episode #98 of Deliberate Freelancer: Six-Figure Freelancing: The Benefits of Selling Strategy and Outcomes, with Austin Church Freelance Cake podcast: 7-Step Freakout Protocol for Getting Last-Minute Freelance Income From the Front Porch podcast The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia 

On today’s show I share my structure, agenda and my action plan developed during my most recent solo business retreat. Here’s what I share with you in this episode: <ul> <li>Please leave a rating and review for Deliberate Freelancer on Apple Podcasts or any other podcast platform. </li> <li>Why I chose Thomasville, Georgia, for my latest solo business retreat.</li> <li>How I structured my retreat and my theme for the two days.</li> <li>What happened when I stopped consistently following my Always Be Marketing rule.</li> <li>How Austin Church’s podcast Freelance Cake helped me.</li> <li>The two big questions I asked myself as I started my retreat. </li> <li>How I evaluated my best income months from 2022 and built lessons and action around what worked in those months.</li> <li>How I created a list of top-level services that bring in money and are services I enjoy — so I can focus on getting work in those areas first. </li> <li>The two areas I am focusing on as part of the new marketing strategy and action plan I created. </li> </ul> Biz Bite: Let an app do your errands The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Verifiers-Jane-Pek/dp/0593313798" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Verifiers</a>” by Jane Pek Resources: <ul> <li>Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliberatefreelancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group</a>. </li> <li>Support Deliberate Freelancer at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/deliberate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Me a Coffee</a>.</li> <li>Melanie’s other podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/association-station/id1628417327" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Association Station</a></li> <li>Episode #153 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/153-my-2022-and-q4-audit-and-six-lessons-from-last-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My 2022 and Q4 Audit and Six Lessons from Last Year</a></li> <li>Episode #152 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/152-how-mary-tindall-began-to-earn-200000-a-year-as-a-freelancer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How Mary Tindall Began to Earn $200,000 a Year as a Freelancer</a></li> <li>Episode #160 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/160-the-dreaded-feast-or-famine/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Dreaded Feast or Famine!</a></li> <li>Episode #98 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/98-six-figure-freelancing-the-benefits-of-selling-strategy-and-outcomes-with-austin-church/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Six-Figure Freelancing: The Benefits of Selling Strategy and Outcomes, with Austin Church</a></li> <li>Freelance Cake podcast: <a href="https://www.freelancecake.com/podcast/7-step-freakout-protocol-for-getting-last-minute-freelance-income" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7-Step Freakout Protocol for Getting Last-Minute Freelance Income</a></li> <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6Ho4m67AKwifRW1Ry3vBXB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">From the Front Porch podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://bookshelfthomasville.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Bookshelf</a> in Thomasville, Georgia</li> </ul>

#162: My Solo Business Retreat Reminded Me to Always Be Marketing

Today’s guest is Eman Ismail, an email strategist and copywriter who is originally from England and now lives in Finland. She also coaches copywriters.  Eman is the person to call when you want to make money from your emails. As an email conversion strategist and copywriter, she helps six-figure-plus online business owners and ecommerce brands fire up their conversions, evergreen their sales and turn fans into superfans. Eman is also the host of the podcast Mistakes That Made Me, which asks extraordinary business owners to share their biggest business mistake, so you know what NOT to do on your road to success. I confess I had trouble coming up with a title for this episode because we cover a lot of ground and Eman shares such great advice and lessons. We talk in-depth about finding your niche and figuring out who the perfect clients are for you. Eman also goes into great detail about her intake form, which weeds out all the not-right clients.  In this episode, we talk about:   How Eman niched down from a copywriter to an email strategist How finding your niche is not the only way to be successful but is perhaps the fastest way Try a bit of everything at first — your niche will often find you Don’t get distracted by going after the niche where you think you can charge the most; you have to enjoy your niche also How defining your core values as a business owner helps you focus your business goals Switching from monthly income goals to quarterly income goals Paying yourself first, with the same amount every two weeks or every month How Eman prepared for maternity leave Defining and focusing intently on the clients that are right for you Creating a detailed intake form so sales calls happen only with the right clients How to go from an intake form to the sales call to landing the client Tips for freelancers when creating their own email newsletters  Why Eman records all her sales calls Eman’s podcast Mistakes That Made Me   Biz Bite: Session Buddy (Google Chrome extension to save your tabs) Resources: Eman is offering Deliberate Freelancer listeners 50% off her A Week of Workshops bundle. Go to the link for more information. Click through to checkout and use coupon code: EMAN-MEL-PODCAST. Eman’s website: Emancopyco.com Eman’s free 35-minute class The Email Rules Eman’s Like a Boss course about the business side of running a copywriting business.  “Preparing for Maternity Leave with Eman Ismail” on the Being Boss podcast Eman’s podcast Mistakes That Made Me  Eman on Instagram Join the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group.  Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee.

Today’s guest is Eman Ismail, an email strategist and copywriter who is originally from England and now lives in Finland. She also coaches copywriters.  Eman is the person to call when you want to make money from your emails. As an email conversion strategist and copywriter, she helps six-figure-plus online business owners and ecommerce brands fire up their conversions, evergreen their sales and turn fans into superfans. Eman is also the host of the podcast Mistakes That Made Me, which asks extraordinary business owners to share their biggest business mistake, so you know what NOT to do on your road to success. I confess I had trouble coming up with a title for this episode because we cover a lot of ground and Eman shares such great advice and lessons. We talk in-depth about finding your niche and figuring out who the perfect clients are for you. Eman also goes into great detail about her intake form, which weeds out all the not-right clients.  In this episode, we talk about:  <ul> <li>How Eman niched down from a copywriter to an email strategist</li> <li>How finding your niche is not the only way to be successful but is perhaps the fastest way</li> <li>Try a bit of everything at first — your niche will often find you</li> <li>Don’t get distracted by going after the niche where you think you can charge the most; you have to enjoy your niche also</li> <li>How defining your core values as a business owner helps you focus your business goals</li> <li>Switching from monthly income goals to quarterly income goals</li> <li>Paying yourself first, with the same amount every two weeks or every month</li> <li>How Eman prepared for maternity leave</li> <li>Defining and focusing intently on the clients that are right for you</li> <li>Creating a detailed intake form so sales calls happen only with the right clients</li> <li>How to go from an intake form to the sales call to landing the client</li> <li>Tips for freelancers when creating their own email newsletters </li> <li>Why Eman records all her sales calls</li> <li>Eman’s podcast Mistakes That Made Me </li> </ul> Biz Bite: <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/session-buddy/edacconmaakjimmfgnblocblbcdcpbko?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Session Buddy</a> (Google Chrome extension to save your tabs) Resources: Eman is offering Deliberate Freelancer listeners <a href="https://inkhouse.lpages.co/week-of-workshops/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">50% off her A Week of Workshops bundle</a>. Go to the link for more information. Click through to checkout and use coupon code: EMAN-MEL-PODCAST. Eman’s website: <a href="http://emancopyco.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emancopyco.com</a> Eman’s free 35-minute class <a href="https://inkhouse.lpages.co/the-email-rules/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Email Rules</a> Eman’s <a href="https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Like a Boss course</a> about the business side of running a copywriting business.  “<a href="https://beingboss.club/podcast/preparing-for-maternity-leave-with-eman-ismail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Preparing for Maternity Leave with Eman Ismail</a>” on the Being Boss podcast Eman’s podcast <a href="https://pod.link/1635998876" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mistakes That Made Me</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eman on Instagram</a> Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliberatefreelancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group</a>.  Support Deliberate Freelancer at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/deliberate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Me a Coffee</a>.

#161: Getting Very Specific on Who Your Perfect Clients Are, with Eman Ismail 

On today’s show, I discuss how I found myself in the dreaded “famine” part of the feast-or-famine cycle and what I’m trying to do about it. Here’s what I share with you in this episode:  A few tips when you’re in the “feast” phase. How to tell clients no — and turn down work when you’re too busy.  My three-pronged approach to get out of the famine stage.  The importance of figuring out where your potential clients are and getting involved in that space. The upcoming Content Marketing World, which will be outside Cleveland, Ohio, for the first time. It will be held in Washington, DC, September 27-28, 2023. The importance of my Always Be Marketing rule.  Asking yourself big picture questions surrounding “how did I get stuck in this famine stage?”   Biz Bite: Use the two-minute rule to get things done The Bookshelf: “Nora Goes off Script” by Annabel Monaghan Resources:  Join the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group.  Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee. Episode #158 of Deliberate Freelancer: My Four Client Wins and One Fail in Q1 Content Marketing World, Washington, DC, September 27-28, 2023 

On today’s show, I discuss how I found myself in the dreaded “famine” part of the feast-or-famine cycle and what I’m trying to do about it. Here’s what I share with you in this episode: <ul> <li>A few tips when you’re in the “feast” phase.</li> <li>How to tell clients no — and turn down work when you’re too busy. </li> <li>My three-pronged approach to get out of the famine stage. </li> <li>The importance of figuring out where your potential clients are and getting involved in that space.</li> <li>The upcoming Content Marketing World, which will be outside Cleveland, Ohio, for the first time. It will be held in Washington, DC, September 27-28, 2023.</li> <li>The importance of my Always Be Marketing rule. </li> <li>Asking yourself big picture questions surrounding “how did I get stuck in this famine stage?” </li> </ul> Biz Bite: Use the two-minute rule to get things done The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/nora-goes-off-script-annabel-monaghan/17805383?ean=9780593420058" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nora Goes off Script</a>” by Annabel Monaghan Resources: <ul> <li>Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliberatefreelancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group</a>. </li> <li>Support Deliberate Freelancer at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/deliberate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Me a Coffee</a>.</li> <li>Episode #158 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/158-my-four-client-wins-and-one-fail-in-q1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Four Client Wins and One Fail in Q1</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.contentmarketingworld.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Content Marketing World</a>, Washington, DC, September 27-28, 2023</li> </ul>

#160: The Dreaded Feast or Famine! 

Today’s guest is Ernie Smith, a longtime writer for nonprofits and membership associations. He also has a lot of experience in graphic design, content strategy, content management systems, newsletter creation, and content. Ernie is also a tech writer — that includes writing about technology for Vice magazine — and Ernie is a self-proclaimed tech nerd. His name and voice might sound familiar because I just had him on the ChatGPT episode a few weeks ago. That was episode 156.  So, I thought he was the perfect person to come on the show and introduce us to a variety of tech tools that we might want to try out for our businesses.  We broke this discussion down into various categories of tools, ones that can help with writing, note-taking, audio recording, scheduling meetings, graphic design, and newsletter platform tools. Ernie shares dozens of tools and also talks a bit about the benefits of publishing our own newsletter.  In this episode, we talk about:   Writing tools, including Markdown, Bear, Obsidian, iA writer, Lex AI Tool to synchronize programs between computers and phones: Syncthing Google Docs feature we might not be taking advantage of Note-taking tools: Markdown, Evernote, Notion Task management tools: Flow Pomodoro timer Meeting and interview recording: Otter.ai, Rev Audio routing: Loopback Scheduling meetings: Calendly  The benefits of publishing your own newsletter Newsletter platforms: Substack, Beehiiv, Ghost, Newsletter Glue (a WordPress plug-in) Graphic design tools: Canva, Pixelmator, Affinity Photo The importance of optimizing a few tools that are best for YOU  Resources:  Ernie’s newsletter: Tedium.co Ernie on Twitter Ernie on Mastodon: @ernie@writing.exchange Join the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group.  Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee. Episode #156 of Deliberate Freelancer: The Risks and Opportunities of ChatGPT 

Today’s guest is Ernie Smith, a longtime writer for nonprofits and membership associations. He also has a lot of experience in graphic design, content strategy, content management systems, newsletter creation, and content. Ernie is also a tech writer — that includes writing about technology for Vice magazine — and Ernie is a self-proclaimed tech nerd. His name and voice might sound familiar because I just had him on the ChatGPT episode a few weeks ago. That was episode 156.  So, I thought he was the perfect person to come on the show and introduce us to a variety of tech tools that we might want to try out for our businesses.  We broke this discussion down into various categories of tools, ones that can help with writing, note-taking, audio recording, scheduling meetings, graphic design, and newsletter platform tools. Ernie shares dozens of tools and also talks a bit about the benefits of publishing our own newsletter.  In this episode, we talk about:  <ul> <li>Writing tools, including Markdown, Bear, Obsidian, iA writer, Lex AI</li> <li>Tool to synchronize programs between computers and phones: Syncthing</li> <li>Google Docs feature we might not be taking advantage of</li> <li>Note-taking tools: Markdown, Evernote, Notion</li> <li>Task management tools: Flow Pomodoro timer</li> <li>Meeting and interview recording: <a href="http://Otter.ai" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Otter.ai</a>, Rev</li> <li>Audio routing: Loopback</li> <li>Scheduling meetings: Calendly </li> <li>The benefits of publishing your own newsletter</li> <li>Newsletter platforms: Substack, Beehiiv, Ghost, Newsletter Glue (a WordPress plug-in)</li> <li>Graphic design tools: Canva, Pixelmator, Affinity Photo</li> <li>The importance of optimizing a few tools that are best for YOU</li> </ul> Resources: <ul> <li>Ernie’s newsletter: <a href="https://tedium.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tedium.co</a></li> <li>Ernie on <a href="https://twitter.com/ShortFormErnie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> <li>Ernie on Mastodon: <a href="https://mastodon.social/@ernie@writing.exchange" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ernie@writing.exchange</a></li> <li>Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliberatefreelancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group</a>. </li> <li>Support Deliberate Freelancer at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/deliberate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Me a Coffee</a>.</li> <li>Episode #156 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/156-the-risks-and-opportunities-of-chatgpt/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Risks and Opportunities of ChatGPT</a></li> </ul>

#159: 20+ Tech Tools to Try in Your Business, with Ernie Smith

On today’s show I discuss some client wins, a fail and some ongoing challenges in my freelance business so far in 2023.  Here’s what I share with you in this episode:  A win in which I didn’t dismiss the client because it wasn’t a straightforward proposal and I had to customize it.  A “bridge service” win, in which I took an existing service and skill I’m good at and went beyond it a bit, expanded it to create a new, great project. A win in which I fired a client that forced me to often track down payments. A win in progress in which I’m thinking through how to develop a three-tiered proposal, offering three options at different price points for one potential client who is unclear about the scope of work they need right now.  A “sort of” fail that reminded me of a few lessons. Three challenges I’m facing this year so far: working weekends, lack of consistent marketing, and a feast-or-famine cycle (no!!!!).   Biz Bite: Consider your rubber balls versus your glass balls (thanks to Alysha Love for sharing this at ACES) The Bookshelf: “Wake” by Shelley Burr Resources: Join the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group.  Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee. Episode #153 of Deliberate Freelancer: My 2022 and Q4 Audit and Six Lessons from Last Year ACES–the Society for Editing virtual conference: Sept. 27-29, 2023 ACES–the Society for Editing in-person conference: April 4-6, 2024, San Diego

On today’s show I discuss some client wins, a fail and some ongoing challenges in my freelance business so far in 2023.  Here’s what I share with you in this episode: <ul> <li>A win in which I didn’t dismiss the client because it wasn’t a straightforward proposal and I had to customize it. </li> <li>A “bridge service” win, in which I took an existing service and skill I’m good at and went beyond it a bit, expanded it to create a new, great project.</li> <li>A win in which I fired a client that forced me to often track down payments.</li> <li>A win in progress in which I’m thinking through how to develop a three-tiered proposal, offering three options at different price points for one potential client who is unclear about the scope of work they need right now. </li> <li>A “sort of” fail that reminded me of a few lessons.</li> <li>Three challenges I’m facing this year so far: working weekends, lack of consistent marketing, and a feast-or-famine cycle (no!!!!). </li> </ul> Biz Bite: Consider your rubber balls versus your glass balls (thanks to <a href="https://www.alyshalove.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alysha Love</a> for sharing this at ACES) The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/WAKE-Novel-Shelley-Burr/dp/0063235226/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1679835903&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wake</a>” by Shelley Burr Resources: Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliberatefreelancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group</a>.  Support Deliberate Freelancer at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/deliberate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Me a Coffee</a>. Episode #153 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/153-my-2022-and-q4-audit-and-six-lessons-from-last-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My 2022 and Q4 Audit and Six Lessons from Last Year</a> ACES–the Society for Editing <a href="https://aceseditors.org/conference" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">virtual conference</a>: Sept. 27-29, 2023 ACES–the Society for Editing <a href="https://aceseditors.org/conference" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">in-person conference</a>: April 4-6, 2024, San Diego

#158: My Four Client Wins and One Fail in Q1

Eva Stabenow

Today’s guest is Eva Stabenow, a Pilates teacher and movement coach who helps freelance writers, translators and other desk workers heal their bodies through movement while continuing to pursue the work they love.  In the early 2010s, after a successful career as a German medical translator, Eva began to suffer from severe shoulder and wrist pain caused by long hours at her desk. After years of searching, Eva finally found lasting relief through corrective Pilates. This inspired her to seek comprehensive training and help other writers find the same lasting relief and enjoy the lifelong health benefits of a tailored Pilates practice. Today, in addition to empowering others to take charge of their health through movement, Eva works primarily as a health writer specializing in plain-language patient education. I invited Eva on the show to talk about how Pilates — but also just movement and stretching and strength training is important for our bodies, especially for those of who sit for long periods of time. I don’t think our human bodies were meant to sit in chairs all day, and human evolution hasn’t caught up to the modern world.  Eva shares with us a few things we can do throughout the day and in our lives, in general, to make our desk work less painful and better for our bodies and posture.  In this episode, Eva talks about:  What Pilates is How Pilates helped Eva realign her body and relieve pain What happens to our body alignment when we sit too long (forward head posture, back roundness, low back pain, tight hip flexors) Why it’s important to strengthen your upper back muscles and move more throughout the day Stretching alone isn’t usually enough to prevent pain. You need to work to strengthen certain muscles too.  We also need to focus on strengthening our feet and ankles.  Think of your body as a “walking building” with a strong foundation that moves.  The importance of incorporating movement throughout your day—move in all planes of motion.  The various types of Pilates and how to do it at home versus taking a group or private class Standing desks, treadmill desks and other “solutions” to modern desk work Pilates moves to do at your desk: Mermaid stretch, Pilates roll down How Pilates helps with mental health also Setting timers or booking classes or friend meetups to remind yourself to get up and move How to build movement and exercise into habits How to find a good Pilates studio and teacher    Biz Bite: Make yourself and your physical health a priority.  Resources:  Eva’s website: Sunroom Pilates Eva on LinkedIn Eva’s Sunroom Pilates on Instagram Eva’s Sunroom Pilates on Facebook Physical therapist Melanie follows on Instagram and video of hip flexor strengthening exercise Join the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group.   Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee.

Today’s guest is Eva Stabenow, a Pilates teacher and movement coach who helps freelance writers, translators and other desk workers heal their bodies through movement while continuing to pursue the work they love.  In the early 2010s, after a successful career as a German medical translator, Eva began to suffer from severe shoulder and wrist pain caused by long hours at her desk. After years of searching, Eva finally found lasting relief through corrective Pilates. This inspired her to seek comprehensive training and help other writers find the same lasting relief and enjoy the lifelong health benefits of a tailored Pilates practice. Today, in addition to empowering others to take charge of their health through movement, Eva works primarily as a health writer specializing in plain-language patient education. I invited Eva on the show to talk about how Pilates — but also just movement and stretching and strength training is important for our bodies, especially for those of who sit for long periods of time. I don’t think our human bodies were meant to sit in chairs all day, and human evolution hasn’t caught up to the modern world.  Eva shares with us a few things we can do throughout the day and in our lives, in general, to make our desk work less painful and better for our bodies and posture.  In this episode, Eva talks about: <ul> <li>What Pilates is</li> <li>How Pilates helped Eva realign her body and relieve pain</li> <li>What happens to our body alignment when we sit too long (forward head posture, back roundness, low back pain, tight hip flexors)</li> <li>Why it’s important to strengthen your upper back muscles and move more throughout the day</li> <li>Stretching alone isn’t usually enough to prevent pain. You need to work to strengthen certain muscles too. </li> <li>We also need to focus on strengthening our feet and ankles. </li> <li>Think of your body as a “walking building” with a strong foundation that moves. </li> <li>The importance of incorporating movement throughout your day—move in all planes of motion. </li> <li>The various types of Pilates and how to do it at home versus taking a group or private class</li> <li>Standing desks, treadmill desks and other “solutions” to modern desk work</li> <li>Pilates moves to do at your desk: Mermaid stretch, Pilates roll down</li> <li>How Pilates helps with mental health also</li> <li>Setting timers or booking classes or friend meetups to remind yourself to get up and move</li> <li>How to build movement and exercise into habits</li> <li>How to find a good Pilates studio and teacher  </li> </ul> Biz Bite: Make yourself and your physical health a priority.  Resources: <ul> <li>Eva’s website: <a href="https://sunroompilates.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sunroom Pilates</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-stabenow-ma-ct-ncpt-b6435a/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eva on LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sunroompilates/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eva’s Sunroom Pilates on Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sunroompilates/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eva’s Sunroom Pilates on Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnjxjXBqeT5/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Physical therapist Melanie follows on Instagram and video of hip flexor strengthening exercise</a></li> <li>Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliberatefreelancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group</a>. </li> </ul> Support Deliberate Freelancer at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/deliberate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Me a Coffee</a>.

#157: Pain from Sitting All Day? Here’s How to Get Moving, with Pilates teacher Eva Stabenow

Today’s episode features several guests who all have an interest in ChatGPT and generative artificial intelligence (AI). Their varying backgrounds and experiences in tech, writing and editing provide unique insights into the potential and risks of generative AI such as ChatGPT.   ChatGPT has risks and opportunities. Most of us are hearing how ChatGPT plagiarizes, how we can’t fact-check what the sources are, and how formulaic and repetitive the writing is. But we also have to remember this is the first iteration of this program, and it—or others like it—will continue to improve. I don’t think it’s going away.  We have to use ChatGPT with a lot of caution, but it does have benefits for freelancers right now, including helping you brainstorm and generate article and project ideas, do some research (as long as you fact-check it), and even write headlines.  In today’s episode, my guests provide their unique insight into what all this means for freelancers. My guests are:   Tori Liu, president and CEO of the Association for Intelligent Information Management Ernie Smith, a writer for Manifest content marketing agency and a technology nerd Michelle Rafter, a longtime freelance writer and former business reporter Adrienne Montgomerie, a longtime freelance editor who teaches editing at Canadian universities Ben Pines, director of content for AI21 Labs, which has developed its own generative AI tool called WordTune.  Resources:  The Washington Post article that mentions that ChatGPT makes up information when it doesn’t know the answer (type “Vincent” to go right to that section): “We asked ChatGPT to plan the perfect tour of D.C. Here’s how it went.” Tori’s blog post: “Unpacking ChatGPT for the Information Management Industry” Ernie’s article in Vice: “Are Google and Bing’s Chat AI Going to Change Search Forever?” Adrienne’s series Editor Vs. AI Michelle’s LinkedIn posts AI21Labs’ WordTune Futurism article: “CNET’s AI Journalist Appears to Have Committed Extensive Plagiarism” The New York Times: “A Conversation With Bing’s Chatbot Left Me Deeply Unsettled” The Associated Press (AP) has been using AI since 2014! “Unlocking the power of AI: 6 lessons from AP for publishers” American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) virtual conference June 13-15  Join the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group.  Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee.

Today’s episode features several guests who all have an interest in ChatGPT and generative artificial intelligence (AI). Their varying backgrounds and experiences in tech, writing and editing provide unique insights into the potential and risks of generative AI such as ChatGPT.   ChatGPT has risks and opportunities. Most of us are hearing how ChatGPT plagiarizes, how we can’t fact-check what the sources are, and how formulaic and repetitive the writing is. But we also have to remember this is the first iteration of this program, and it—or others like it—will continue to improve. I don’t think it’s going away.  We have to use ChatGPT with a lot of caution, but it does have benefits for freelancers right now, including helping you brainstorm and generate article and project ideas, do some research (as long as you fact-check it), and even write headlines.  In today’s episode, my guests provide their unique insight into what all this means for freelancers. My guests are:  <ol> <li>Tori Liu, president and CEO of the Association for Intelligent Information Management</li> <li>Ernie Smith, a writer for Manifest content marketing agency and a technology nerd</li> <li>Michelle Rafter, a longtime freelance writer and former business reporter</li> <li>Adrienne Montgomerie, a longtime freelance editor who teaches editing at Canadian universities</li> <li>Ben Pines, director of content for AI21 Labs, which has developed its own generative AI tool called WordTune.</li> </ol> Resources: <ul> <li>The Washington Post article that mentions that ChatGPT makes up information when it doesn’t know the answer (type “Vincent” to go right to that section): “<a href="https://wapo.st/3JiJCq6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We asked ChatGPT to plan the perfect tour of D.C. Here’s how it went.</a>”</li> <li>Tori’s blog post: “<a href="https://info.aiim.org/aiim-blog/unpacking-chat-gpt-for-the-information-management-industry?utm_source=pocket_reader" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unpacking ChatGPT for the Information Management Industry</a>”</li> <li>Ernie’s article in Vice: “<a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/jgpypg/bing-chat-google-conversational-ai-search" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Are Google and Bing’s Chat AI Going to Change Search Forever?</a>”</li> <li>Adrienne’s series <a href="https://scieditor.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Editor Vs. AI</a></li> <li>Michelle’s <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellerafter/recent-activity/shares/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LinkedIn posts</a></li> <li>AI21Labs’ <a href="https://www.wordtune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WordTune</a></li> <li>Futurism article: “<a href="https://futurism.com/cnet-ai-plagiarism" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CNET’s AI Journalist Appears to Have Committed Extensive Plagiarism</a>”</li> <li>The New York Times: “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/technology/bing-chatbot-microsoft-chatgpt.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Conversation With Bing’s Chatbot Left Me Deeply Unsettled</a>”</li> <li>The Associated Press (AP) has been using AI since 2014! “<a href="https://whatsnewinpublishing.com/unlocking-the-power-of-ai-6-lessons-from-ap-for-publishers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unlocking the power of AI: 6 lessons from AP for publishers</a>”</li> <li><a href="https://www.asja.org/events-overview/2023-virtual-annual-conference/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) virtual conference June 13-15</a></li> </ul> Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliberatefreelancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group</a>.  Support Deliberate Freelancer at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/deliberate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Me a Coffee</a>.

#156: The Risks and Opportunities of ChatGPT

The show for those who want to build a successful freelance business. We are NOT about the hustle. We are NOT about the feast-or-famine cycle. We are about building a business. Deliberately.

This podcast is wildly helpful and generous. Thank you Melanie!

So helpful

Loving this new podcast on being an entrepreneur!

Great new addition to my podcast library

Deliberate Freelancer

Michelle Garrett

Today’s guest, Michelle Garrett, has been a freelancer for 20 years. Michelle describes herself as being at the intersection of PR, content marketing and social media. She is a public relations consultant, content creator, blogger, speaker and freelance writer. She is also the host of the weekly tweet chat #FreelanceChat, which she launched in September 2018. Michelle has grown her freelance business through a strategic and effective use of blogging and social media, primarily Twitter. Learn how Michelle keeps up with blogging and interacts on Twitter and how she repurposes her content. You’ll also hear why she launched #FreelanceChat. Michelle mentions several great online tools; the links are in the resource list below. DELIBERATE FREELANCER SHOW NOTES 4:46—How working at an agency later helped Michelle with her freelance business. 6:57—Providing an array of services helps build stronger relationships with clients. 7:30—How Michelle’s blogging career took off. 12:50—Michelle collects links and tweets as a “blog idea” file so she always has something to write about. 14:15—Michelle offers tips on repurposing your content to market your freelance business. 17:00—Michelle took the time to analyze her blog traffic, which showed her, to her surprise, that Twitter was the primary driver, way ahead of LinkedIn. This analysis changed her marketing tactics. 19:00—Michelle uses a Twitter scheduling tool, but she says that only using a scheduling tool—without engaging with people directly—is a mistake. 21:44—Learn more about the tweet chat #FreelanceChat that Michelle hosts every Thursday at 12 p.m. Eastern (U.S.) time. (Join us!) 28:59—Biz Bite: Schedule Social Media with Buffer Resources: Michelle Garrett’s website Michelle Garrett’s blog  Michelle Garrett on Muck Rack  #FreelanceChat — Twitter chat for freelancers every Thursday at 12 p.m. Eastern (U.S.) time MeetEdgar (social media management tool) Buffer (social media management tool) Pablo by Buffer (image creation tool) Unsplash (royalty-free images) Pixabay (royalty-free images)

Today’s guest, Michelle Garrett, has been a freelancer for 20 years. Michelle describes herself as being at the intersection of PR, content marketing and social media. She is a public relations consultant, content creator, blogger, speaker and freelance writer. She is also the host of the weekly tweet chat #FreelanceChat, which she launched in September 2018. Michelle has grown her freelance business through a strategic and effective use of blogging and social media, primarily Twitter. Learn how Michelle keeps up with blogging and interacts on Twitter and how she repurposes her content. You’ll also hear why she launched #FreelanceChat. Michelle mentions several great online tools; the links are in the resource list below. DELIBERATE FREELANCER SHOW NOTES 4:46—How working at an agency later helped Michelle with her freelance business. 6:57—Providing an array of services helps build stronger relationships with clients. 7:30—How Michelle’s blogging career took off. 12:50—Michelle collects links and tweets as a “blog idea” file so she always has something to write about. 14:15—Michelle offers tips on repurposing your content to market your freelance business. 17:00—Michelle took the time to analyze her blog traffic, which showed her, to her surprise, that Twitter was the primary driver, way ahead of LinkedIn. This analysis changed her marketing tactics. 19:00—Michelle uses a Twitter scheduling tool, but she says that only using a scheduling tool—without engaging with people directly—is a mistake. 21:44—Learn more about the tweet chat #FreelanceChat that Michelle hosts every Thursday at 12 p.m. Eastern (U.S.) time. (Join us!) 28:59—Biz Bite: Schedule Social Media with Buffer Resources: <a href="https://michellegarrett.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michelle Garrett’s website</a> <a href="https://michellegarrett.com/public-relations-writing-services-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michelle Garrett’s blog</a> Michelle Garrett on <a href="https://muckrack.com/michelle-garrett" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muck Rack</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&amp;vertical=default&amp;q=%23freelancechat&amp;src=typd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> #FreelanceChat</a> — Twitter chat for freelancers every Thursday at 12 p.m. Eastern (U.S.) time <a href="https://meetedgar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MeetEdgar</a> (social media management tool) <a href="https://buffer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buffer</a> (social media management tool) <a href="https://pablo.buffer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pablo by Buffer</a> (image creation tool) <a href="https://unsplash.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unsplash</a> (royalty-free images) <a href="https://pixabay.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pixabay</a> (royalty-free images)

#7: Blogging and Tweeting to Build Your Business, with Michelle Garrett

On today’s show I want to help you go through a series of 5 questions so you can evaluate the services you offer clients and think about focusing on the services you LOVE the most—and also think about diversifying your services. You know I believe you need to think like, act like and BE a business owner. And that includes evaluating the services you provide now and figuring out how to diversify your services and your clients. Parts of my business look very different now than they did when I started almost six years ago. And that’s because I evaluated my services several times through the year and I’ve pivoted as needed. And you need to do the same. I want you to ask yourself a series of 5 questions: 1:What services do you offer your clients? List them out and be specific.  2: How many services did you just come up with that you offer your clients? 3: Let’s break down the services that you just listed out. Which ones do you love to do? Are there any that you dislike? Any that are just OK? If you love to do something, why aren’t you focusing more on that? Maybe the thing that you love the most doesn’t pay as well and isn’t as sustainable. However, I encourage you to think about it a bit more. Can you focus on that love with better paying clients? Can you raise your rates for it? Can you package it with something else to increase the fee? 4: What new services can you offer? 5: What do you do as good as or better than any of your competitors? What comes really easy for you? And what do your clients need help with? I encourage you to really take the time to brainstorm on this and think way outside your current services. Think about what you’re great at and what you love and then think about how you can create a service from that that your clients desperately need. Biz Bite: Think like a millionaire. Listen to Ramit Sethi talk about Money Dials on the Financial Independence podcast. Ramit Sethi, “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” Ramit’s Money Dials concept   The Bookshelf: “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead

On today’s show I want to help you go through a series of 5 questions so you can evaluate the services you offer clients and think about focusing on the services you LOVE the most—and also think about diversifying your services. You know I believe you need to think like, act like and BE a business owner. And that includes evaluating the services you provide now and figuring out how to diversify your services and your clients. Parts of my business look very different now than they did when I started almost six years ago. And that’s because I evaluated my services several times through the year and I’ve pivoted as needed. And you need to do the same. I want you to ask yourself a series of 5 questions: 1:What services do you offer your clients? List them out and be specific.  2: How many services did you just come up with that you offer your clients? 3: Let’s break down the services that you just listed out. Which ones do you love to do? Are there any that you dislike? Any that are just OK? If you love to do something, why aren’t you focusing more on that? Maybe the thing that you love the most doesn’t pay as well and isn’t as sustainable. However, I encourage you to think about it a bit more. Can you focus on that love with better paying clients? Can you raise your rates for it? Can you package it with something else to increase the fee? 4: What new services can you offer? 5: What do you do as good as or better than any of your competitors? What comes really easy for you? And what do your clients need help with? I encourage you to really take the time to brainstorm on this and think way outside your current services. Think about what you’re great at and what you love and then think about how you can create a service from that that your clients desperately need. Biz Bite: Think like a millionaire. Listen to Ramit Sethi talk about <a href="https://www.madfientist.com/ramit-sethi-interview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Money Dials on the Financial Independence</a> podcast. Ramit Sethi, “<a href="https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Will Teach You to Be Rich</a>” Ramit’s <a href="https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-dials/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Money Dials concept</a> The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://www.colsonwhitehead.com/books" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Nickel Boys</a>” by Colson Whitehead

#23: Five Questions to Evaluate and Diversify Your Services

Soon after I started my freelance business I quickly realized how much I loved going to conferences. It has become an investment in my business—a way for me to learn new skills, find clients, bond with fellow creative types and get inspired to try new things. I’m always invigorated after conferences, buzzing with fresh new ideas and excitement about things I want to try with my freelance business. Learn how to find the right conference for you, what to do beforehand to prepare for the conference and what “must-haves” you should take to the conference.   DELIBERATE FREELANCER SHOW NOTES 1:50— How I discovered “my people” at ACES–the Society for Editing. 4:51— How to find your “people” in your industry and its conferences. 5:19— There are two types of conferences: the ones with your fellow creatives and the ones with potential clients. 7:10— Why I’m so involved in an organization called Association Media &amp; Publishing.  8:08— The five things you should do before you go to a conference. 11:11— Nine things you should take to a conference.  16:54— Biz Bite: Create a Today List   Resources: Cheat Sheet—5 Things to Do Before a Conference &amp; 9 Things to Take to a Conference ACES–the Society for Editing Association Media &amp; Publishing Association Media &amp; Publishing 2019 Annual Meeting My blog post: Networking Is Not a Dirty Word

Soon after I started my freelance business I quickly realized how much I loved going to conferences. It has become an investment in my business—a way for me to learn new skills, find clients, bond with fellow creative types and get inspired to try new things. I’m always invigorated after conferences, buzzing with fresh new ideas and excitement about things I want to try with my freelance business. Learn how to find the right conference for you, what to do beforehand to prepare for the conference and what “must-haves” you should take to the conference. DELIBERATE FREELANCER SHOW NOTES 1:50— How I discovered “my people” at ACES–the Society for Editing. 4:51— How to find your “people” in your industry and its conferences. 5:19— There are two types of conferences: the ones with your fellow creatives and the ones with potential clients. 7:10— Why I’m so involved in an organization called Association Media &amp; Publishing.  8:08— The five things you should do before you go to a conference. 11:11— Nine things you should take to a conference.  16:54— Biz Bite: Create a Today List Resources: Cheat Sheet—<a href="http://meledits.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Episode-6-Conference-Cheat-Sheet.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">5 Things to Do Before a Conference &amp; 9 Things to Take to a Conference</a> <a href="https://aceseditors.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ACES–the Society for Editing</a> <a href="http://www.siia.net/amp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Association Media &amp; Publishing</a> <a href="http://www.siia.net/ampannual" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Association Media &amp; Publishing 2019 Annual Meeting</a> My blog post: <a href="https://meledits.com/networking-not-dirty-word/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Networking Is Not a Dirty Word</a>

#6: Make the Most of Conferences

On today’s show, I’m going to report on what I did during my most recent solo business retreat and my lessons learned. Some of you already know I love taking a solo business retreat about once a quarter—or at minimum, twice a year. A solo business retreat is just you, away from your regular workspace—even in that means just heading to another room in your home—and taking a half day, entire day or even two days to step back. It’s a time to think big and to work ON your business, not just IN your business. In episode 3, I talk about how to host your own solo business retreat—what you need, where you can go to do it, what to think about. Two episodes ago, episode 40, I gave tips and hopefully some inspiration for things that would work well during a solo business retreat—how you could evaluate the past year of your business and then analyze what you needed to do differently this year. I also mentioned in that episode that I was going to host my first solo business retreat outside my city. It was in Chicago last week, and it was amazing.   I started by making a list of all my clients and how much I made from each one of them last year. Then, I marked which ones were likely one-offs because they were one-time projects from the client’s perspective and which ones were one-offs because I didn’t want to work with that client anymore. The good news is that only two were ones I didn’t want to work with anymore—in one case, it was a one-off project, and in the other I think the client felt the same way I did. So, I didn’t have to fire any clients! My calculations also confirmed what I already knew from past years: My primary anchor client is about 48% of my net income each year. That’s a lot. That security also comes with cautions: What if that client suddenly lets me go or kills our project? The challenge is that because the workload for this client is like a part-time job, I can’t take on a lot of other big anchor clients. So, I’ve tried to prepare myself for losing this client, though I hope that never happens. First, it helps just that I’m aware of it. Knowing that relying on one client for 48% of your income is a gamble is the first step. You don’t want to be blindsided if the client goes away. I’ve also been working to build up my savings to provide a cushion, and I continue to market and stay in touch with past clients. It’s important to always be marketing. It can take months or even years in some cases to get a project from a potential client. Waiting until you need the work will not likely pay off—plus, it can make you desperate. You might take on low-paying clients or clients who don’t treat you well. After calculating where my money came from last year, I made a short list of the clients I really loved who I wanted to work with more. Some of these were newer clients that have started off great, and I want to keep that momentum going. Others are longer-time clients that I need to reach out to more. I also had one client where my editor left last year. So, I quickly looked up the new person’s contact information so I could email them a letter of introduction. The next part of my business retreat was to make a list of my successes, failures and challenges from last year. My successes included two regular clients that I worked with substantially more last year. Other successes were two new regular clients and my podcast launch. Failures included a client who was really difficult to work with. Another was not keeping up with my business receipts in a timely manner. On the list of challenges I added batching, the idea of doing like work all at once and saving time from switching tasks. I’m still working on doing a better job of batching. Another challenge was taking on projects that are not in my sweet spot. I should have said no. In fact, I’ve dubbed 2020 as the year of saying no, particularly saying “no” to volunteering so much in my industry. I love helping other freelancers build their businesses—that’s why I do this podcast—and I also love helping out in my industries. But I need to be careful what I say “yes” to because it can eat into the time I should be focused on paid work or my personal life. It often leads to me feeling overwhelmed and stressed. So, I’m being really picky about this year. One thing that has been harder to say “no” to are coffee dates or email requests. I have had some well-intended friends or acquaintances email me and connect me with a connection of theirs. Usually they say something like “my friend wants to become a freelancer. Can you give her some tips?” First, I would prefer the person I know to ask me first, not assume or pass of the person off to me. Second, those types of questions are vague and broad. And third, I don’t have time to help every stranger who wants a personal list of what they should do to become successful. So, I’m still figuring out how best to say “no” to those requests without feeling rude. My retreat wrapped up with me making a list of the healthy work habits I want to implement this year. Then, I made a list of the systems I could create to make those happen. I talk about habits and how you need a system to make them actually stick in last week’s episode, episode 41. At the end of my retreat, I had dinner with my friend and fellow writer Megy Karydes. Megy was a guest on episode 10, and she reminded me how regimented she is in sticking with her systems each day. Megy knows—to the penny—how much she needs to earn each DAY. And, she keeps diligent track of it. I was inspired to try to do better tracking of my income goals. I will likely break down my monthly goals into weekly goals to track. I hope to tie this into time tracking—which Megy is also quite diligent about—because when I do time tracking it helps me stay on task and be more efficient. Plus, I gather important data about how long certain types of projects take so that I know how to charge for them. Biz Bite: Create an end-of-the-day routine. The Bookshelf: “The Yellow House” by Sarah M. Broom   Resources: Episode #3 of Deliberate Freelancer: Host a Solo Business Retreat Episode #40 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Reflect, Analyze and Plan Now for the New Year Episode #41 of Deliberate Freelancer:  How to Create and Stick to Habits—the Backbone of Your Life and Business Episode #19 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Visualize Your Perfect Work Day—Then Create It Episode #10 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Think Like a Marketer to Grow Your Business, with Megy Karydes

On today’s show, I’m going to report on what I did during my most recent solo business retreat and my lessons learned. Some of you already know I love taking a solo business retreat about once a quarter—or at minimum, twice a year. A solo business retreat is just you, away from your regular workspace—even in that means just heading to another room in your home—and taking a half day, entire day or even two days to step back. It’s a time to think big and to work ON your business, not just IN your business. In episode 3, I talk about how to host your own solo business retreat—what you need, where you can go to do it, what to think about. Two episodes ago, episode 40, I gave tips and hopefully some inspiration for things that would work well during a solo business retreat—how you could evaluate the past year of your business and then analyze what you needed to do differently this year. I also mentioned in that episode that I was going to host my first solo business retreat outside my city. It was in Chicago last week, and it was amazing.   I started by making a list of all my clients and how much I made from each one of them last year. Then, I marked which ones were likely one-offs because they were one-time projects from the client’s perspective and which ones were one-offs because I didn’t want to work with that client anymore. The good news is that only two were ones I didn’t want to work with anymore—in one case, it was a one-off project, and in the other I think the client felt the same way I did. So, I didn’t have to fire any clients! My calculations also confirmed what I already knew from past years: My primary anchor client is about 48% of my net income each year. That’s a lot. That security also comes with cautions: What if that client suddenly lets me go or kills our project? The challenge is that because the workload for this client is like a part-time job, I can’t take on a lot of other big anchor clients. So, I’ve tried to prepare myself for losing this client, though I hope that never happens. First, it helps just that I’m aware of it. Knowing that relying on one client for 48% of your income is a gamble is the first step. You don’t want to be blindsided if the client goes away. I’ve also been working to build up my savings to provide a cushion, and I continue to market and stay in touch with past clients. It’s important to always be marketing. It can take months or even years in some cases to get a project from a potential client. Waiting until you need the work will not likely pay off—plus, it can make you desperate. You might take on low-paying clients or clients who don’t treat you well. After calculating where my money came from last year, I made a short list of the clients I really loved who I wanted to work with more. Some of these were newer clients that have started off great, and I want to keep that momentum going. Others are longer-time clients that I need to reach out to more. I also had one client where my editor left last year. So, I quickly looked up the new person’s contact information so I could email them a letter of introduction. The next part of my business retreat was to make a list of my successes, failures and challenges from last year. My successes included two regular clients that I worked with substantially more last year. Other successes were two new regular clients and my podcast launch. Failures included a client who was really difficult to work with. Another was not keeping up with my business receipts in a timely manner. On the list of challenges I added batching, the idea of doing like work all at once and saving time from switching tasks. I’m still working on doing a better job of batching. Another challenge was taking on projects that are not in my sweet spot. I should have said no. In fact, I’ve dubbed 2020 as the year of saying no, particularly saying “no” to volunteering so much in my industry. I love helping other freelancers build their businesses—that’s why I do this podcast—and I also love helping out in my industries. But I need to be careful what I say “yes” to because it can eat into the time I should be focused on paid work or my personal life. It often leads to me feeling overwhelmed and stressed. So, I’m being really picky about this year. One thing that has been harder to say “no” to are coffee dates or email requests. I have had some well-intended friends or acquaintances email me and connect me with a connection of theirs. Usually they say something like “my friend wants to become a freelancer. Can you give her some tips?” First, I would prefer the person I know to ask me first, not assume or pass of the person off to me. Second, those types of questions are vague and broad. And third, I don’t have time to help every stranger who wants a personal list of what they should do to become successful. So, I’m still figuring out how best to say “no” to those requests without feeling rude. My retreat wrapped up with me making a list of the healthy work habits I want to implement this year. Then, I made a list of the systems I could create to make those happen. I talk about habits and how you need a system to make them actually stick in last week’s episode, episode 41. At the end of my retreat, I had dinner with my friend and fellow writer Megy Karydes. Megy was a guest on episode 10, and she reminded me how regimented she is in sticking with her systems each day. Megy knows—to the penny—how much she needs to earn each DAY. And, she keeps diligent track of it. I was inspired to try to do better tracking of my income goals. I will likely break down my monthly goals into weekly goals to track. I hope to tie this into time tracking—which Megy is also quite diligent about—because when I do time tracking it helps me stay on task and be more efficient. Plus, I gather important data about how long certain types of projects take so that I know how to charge for them. Biz Bite: Create an end-of-the-day routine. The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-House-Sarah-M-Broom/dp/0802125085" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Yellow House</a>” by Sarah M. Broom Resources: Episode #3 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/3-host-a-solo-business-retreat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Host</a> a Solo Business Retreat Episode #40 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/40-reflect-analyze-and-plan-now-for-the-new-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Reflect, Analyze and Plan Now for the New Year</a> Episode #41 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/41-how-to-create-and-stick-to-habits-the-backbone-of-your-life-and-business/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> How to Create and Stick to Habits—the Backbone of Your Life and Business</a> Episode #19 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/19-visualize-your-perfect-work-day-then-create-it/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Visualize Your Perfect Work Day—Then Create It</a> Episode #10 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/10-think-like-a-marketer-to-grow-your-business-with-megy-karydes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Think Like a Marketer to Grow Your Business, with Megy Karydes</a>

#42: Tips from My First Solo Business Retreat of 2020

Latisha Carr

Today’s guest is Latisha Carr. Latisha is a trained life coach and self-care strategist who helps entrepreneurs build both a healthy personal foundation and healthy business cultures. Her signature framework allows her to help business owners find their essence—all while addressing thoughts and behaviors that are ineffective in helping them reach their goals and dreams.  She leads events that help creatives and entrepreneurs develop new businesses, reach higher goals and create effective self-care plans. Latisha has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling and then completed an intensive life coach and leadership training program. After earning her master’s degree, Latisha realized she wanted to help people “create a life that they love” so she became a life coach instead of a therapist. She now focuses on helping entrepreneurs and business owners embrace self-care and wellbeing practices. Latisha experienced burnout herself when she was working in the mental health field. She says we can lose our passion for the thing that we love very easily because being an entrepreneur or solo business owner is so tiring. She has “found it in my heart” to help people create a structure in their business and life that makes self-care and wellness part of the foundation. Latisha explains what burnout is and how it pops up in your business. Signs of burnout include resentment toward your work, colleagues or family, or a feeling of being lost or a loss of passion for your business. Burnout can be a normal part of your life experience. But when you’re an entrepreneur, it might bother you more because your work typically “sparks joy” and suddenly it isn’t. It’s best to recognize burnout when the symptoms first appear. And that means knowing the signs of burnout to watch out for. When you first recognize signs of burnout, Latisha recommends first writing down what you’re feeling in that moment. What is going on in that moment that is different from other times? Once you recognize burnout, identify the things in your life that make you feel “refilled” and that spark joy in your life. What makes you happy? Learn how to hit the reset button on your purpose and your passion. If you’re not fully burnt out, but if you’re just burnt out that day, Latisha recommends having an emergency self-care kit. She created a “happy playlist” of music that peps her up. Maybe you need to treat yourself to some chocolate or go for a 15-minute walk outside. She also points out that a lot of people neglect drinking enough water and go through the day dehydrated. Take some time to drink water, focus on your breathing, sit and relax.   Latisha has created a “refill plan” that aims to help people replenish their mind, body, spirit and business. She encourages people to look at the practices you can build into your lifestyle and business that help you stay refilled and replenished. In the area of your mind, you should set boundaries in your life and business, like setting specific business hours. You might want to adopt mindfulness practices. In the area of your body, adopt healthy sleep habits, have a nutrition plan, drink plenty of water and have exercise goals. In the area of spirit, do you have a connection with your God or with nature or do you have a spiritual component in your life? Consider building spiritual-filling practices into your lifestyle. For some people that’s prayer; for others it might be meditation. Being in nature can also be spiritual for many people. In the area of business, set boundaries like business hours and the way you allow your clients to reach you. Create effective systems in your business that help your self-care. For example, are you on your computer all day long taking care of everything—including administrative tasks like invoicing—without getting any help (like a virtual assistant or an accountant)? When discussing setting business hours and boundaries—not answering client emails 24/7—Latisha gives the analogy of Target’s business hours. If Target opens at 7 a.m., you can’t show up at 6:30 a.m. and knock on the door and expect to get in. Solo business owners and creatives should think the same way. Latisha also talks about imposter syndrome. She sees it from two perspectives: feeling like you don’t belong in the room, but also the flip side of the coin where you are “playing small” in your business. You might actually be the big fish in a small pond and could do more but you’re “sitting in your comfort” instead. Ask yourself: How do you show up as your full, equipped self in every space you go into? Not playing too small but also not feeling like the little kid at the big kids’ table. Acknowledging your imposter syndrome, especially for women, is important. For example, women minimize themselves often by saying “just.” Let’s delete minimizing words in our vocabulary. And acknowledge your achievements and experience and recognize that you are qualified for a certain task or project. Create affirmations to say each day. Saying “I am” statements can be powerful: “I am a leader in my community.” “I am a talented and creative __.” Latisha says we have to stop minimizing our achievements, even in our day-to-day lives because it can have a big impact on your self-confidence.   Biz Bite: Build self-care and wellness practices that work specifically for your lifestyle and business.   Resources: Latisha is offering listeners a free 30-minute consultation. Go to latishacarr.com/schedule and click on “Discover Call 30 minutes.”   Latisha Carr website   Latisha’s The Refill podcast

Today’s guest is Latisha Carr. Latisha is a trained life coach and self-care strategist who helps entrepreneurs build both a healthy personal foundation and healthy business cultures. Her signature framework allows her to help business owners find their essence—all while addressing thoughts and behaviors that are ineffective in helping them reach their goals and dreams. She leads events that help creatives and entrepreneurs develop new businesses, reach higher goals and create effective self-care plans. Latisha has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling and then completed an intensive life coach and leadership training program. After earning her master’s degree, Latisha realized she wanted to help people “create a life that they love” so she became a life coach instead of a therapist. She now focuses on helping entrepreneurs and business owners embrace self-care and wellbeing practices. Latisha experienced burnout herself when she was working in the mental health field. She says we can lose our passion for the thing that we love very easily because being an entrepreneur or solo business owner is so tiring. She has “found it in my heart” to help people create a structure in their business and life that makes self-care and wellness part of the foundation. Latisha explains what burnout is and how it pops up in your business. Signs of burnout include resentment toward your work, colleagues or family, or a feeling of being lost or a loss of passion for your business. Burnout can be a normal part of your life experience. But when you’re an entrepreneur, it might bother you more because your work typically “sparks joy” and suddenly it isn’t. It’s best to recognize burnout when the symptoms first appear. And that means knowing the signs of burnout to watch out for. When you first recognize signs of burnout, Latisha recommends first writing down what you’re feeling in that moment. What is going on in that moment that is different from other times? Once you recognize burnout, identify the things in your life that make you feel “refilled” and that spark joy in your life. What makes you happy? Learn how to hit the reset button on your purpose and your passion. If you’re not fully burnt out, but if you’re just burnt out that day, Latisha recommends having an emergency self-care kit. She created a “happy playlist” of music that peps her up. Maybe you need to treat yourself to some chocolate or go for a 15-minute walk outside. She also points out that a lot of people neglect drinking enough water and go through the day dehydrated. Take some time to drink water, focus on your breathing, sit and relax.   Latisha has created a “refill plan” that aims to help people replenish their mind, body, spirit and business. She encourages people to look at the practices you can build into your lifestyle and business that help you stay refilled and replenished. In the area of your mind, you should set boundaries in your life and business, like setting specific business hours. You might want to adopt mindfulness practices. In the area of your body, adopt healthy sleep habits, have a nutrition plan, drink plenty of water and have exercise goals. In the area of spirit, do you have a connection with your God or with nature or do you have a spiritual component in your life? Consider building spiritual-filling practices into your lifestyle. For some people that’s prayer; for others it might be meditation. Being in nature can also be spiritual for many people. In the area of business, set boundaries like business hours and the way you allow your clients to reach you. Create effective systems in your business that help your self-care. For example, are you on your computer all day long taking care of everything—including administrative tasks like invoicing—without getting any help (like a virtual assistant or an accountant)? When discussing setting business hours and boundaries—not answering client emails 24/7—Latisha gives the analogy of Target’s business hours. If Target opens at 7 a.m., you can’t show up at 6:30 a.m. and knock on the door and expect to get in. Solo business owners and creatives should think the same way. Latisha also talks about imposter syndrome. She sees it from two perspectives: feeling like you don’t belong in the room, but also the flip side of the coin where you are “playing small” in your business. You might actually be the big fish in a small pond and could do more but you’re “sitting in your comfort” instead. Ask yourself: How do you show up as your full, equipped self in every space you go into? Not playing too small but also not feeling like the little kid at the big kids’ table. Acknowledging your imposter syndrome, especially for women, is important. For example, women minimize themselves often by saying “just.” Let’s delete minimizing words in our vocabulary. And acknowledge your achievements and experience and recognize that you are qualified for a certain task or project. Create affirmations to say each day. Saying “I am” statements can be powerful: “I am a leader in my community.” “I am a talented and creative __.” Latisha says we have to stop minimizing our achievements, even in our day-to-day lives because it can have a big impact on your self-confidence. Biz Bite: Build self-care and wellness practices that work specifically for your lifestyle and business. Resources: Latisha is offering listeners a free 30-minute consultation. Go to <a href="https://www.latishacarr.com/schedule" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">latishacarr.com/schedule</a> and click on “Discover Call 30 minutes.” <a href="https://www.latishacarr.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Latisha Carr website</a> Latisha’s <a href="https://www.latishacarr.com/the-refill-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Refill</a> podcast

#34: Recognize and Relieve Burnout with a Refill Plan, with Latisha Carr

Today’s episode focuses on how to raise your rates. Raising your rates is not about if you should raise them, but when and how. On episode 28 of Deliberate Freelancer, my guest Pam Capalad talked about the need to take the emotion out of raising your rates. I thought that was so smart—and easier said than done. Pam recognized that a lot of issues tend to pop up when we talk about raising our rates: imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, wanting to be liked. All of that is emotion. I wish I could help you instantly channel the confidence of a successful businessman who was born into privilege and never questions how much he charges his customers. But I can’t, so let’s talk about how to raise rates for your freelance business.  Start by eliminating your hourly rate. Start charging by the project. If you work fast, you are  penalized for charging an hourly rate. And, an hourly rate doesn’t recognize the value you’re bringing to a project.  Instead, create a secret hourly rate.  Aim to earn way more than your secret hourly rate. This is where project rates shine.  Don’t underestimate that nagging, resentful, frustrated feeling. Don’t agree to rates that you don’t feel good about! Take a beat every time you come up with a rate—right before you send the proposal off—and gauge your feelings on it. This is where it’s OK for emotion to come into play.  And if the potential client comes back to your proposal with a counter-offer, take another pause and make sure you are comfortable with the lower rate they are suggesting.  All clients are not created equal.  One mistake a lot of freelancers make in the beginning is having one rate for everyone. Don’t. You may have rates that are higher for corporations that have more money than what you charge a small nonprofit in your community. You may charge more for more technical projects or projects that are a pain in the butt or have challenging clients. There are a million reasons you might charge differently. Look at each client and each project on a case-by-case basis.  Raise your rates for all new clients. Create project rates based on your new secret hourly rate for all new clients. Raise your rates for existing clients. Start by making a list of all your clients and how much you charge them. Go down the list—treating each client differently—and ask yourself how much you could raise the rate. Once you decide on the new rates, you need to email your clients and inform them of the new rates. Don’t ASK them if the new rate is OK. TELL them what your new rate is. Track your time on specific projects.  Time-tracking specific types of projects you do often will give you a sense of how much time certain types of projects will take you. You might be surprised to learn you are underestimating or overestimating how long a project takes. Be sure to include your research, all that emailing back and forth, any phone conversations. It all adds up.   Biz Bite: Stop talking. The Bookshelf: “Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries” by Kory Stamper   Resources: Episode #28 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Take Charge of Your Finances, with Pamela Capalad Episode #22 of Deliberate Freelancer:  How to Create a Better Work-Life Balance, with Laura Poole Episode #28 of Deliberate Freelancer: Spotting Red Flags and Scope Creep Toggl time-tracking app

Today’s episode focuses on how to raise your rates. Raising your rates is not about if you should raise them, but when and how. On episode 28 of Deliberate Freelancer, my guest Pam Capalad talked about the need to take the emotion out of raising your rates. I thought that was so smart—and easier said than done. Pam recognized that a lot of issues tend to pop up when we talk about raising our rates: imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, wanting to be liked. All of that is emotion. I wish I could help you instantly channel the confidence of a successful businessman who was born into privilege and never questions how much he charges his customers. But I can’t, so let’s talk about how to raise rates for your freelance business. <ol> <li>Start by eliminating your hourly rate. Start charging by the project. If you work fast, you are</li> </ol> penalized for charging an hourly rate. And, an hourly rate doesn’t recognize the value you’re bringing to a project. <ol> <li>Instead, create a secret hourly rate.</li> </ol> Aim to earn way more than your secret hourly rate. This is where project rates shine. <ol> <li>Don’t underestimate that nagging, resentful, frustrated feeling. Don’t agree to rates that you don’t feel good about! Take a beat every time you come up with a rate—right before you send the proposal off—and gauge your feelings on it. This is where it’s OK for emotion to come into play.</li> </ol> And if the potential client comes back to your proposal with a counter-offer, take another pause and make sure you are comfortable with the lower rate they are suggesting. <ol> <li>All clients are not created equal.</li> </ol> One mistake a lot of freelancers make in the beginning is having one rate for everyone. Don’t. You may have rates that are higher for corporations that have more money than what you charge a small nonprofit in your community. You may charge more for more technical projects or projects that are a pain in the butt or have challenging clients. There are a million reasons you might charge differently. Look at each client and each project on a case-by-case basis. <ol> <li>Raise your rates for all new clients. Create project rates based on your new secret hourly rate for all new clients.</li> <li>Raise your rates for existing clients. Start by making a list of all your clients and how much you charge them. Go down the list—treating each client differently—and ask yourself how much you could raise the rate. Once you decide on the new rates, you need to email your clients and inform them of the new rates. Don’t ASK them if the new rate is OK. TELL them what your new rate is.</li> <li>Track your time on specific projects.</li> </ol> Time-tracking specific types of projects you do often will give you a sense of how much time certain types of projects will take you. You might be surprised to learn you are underestimating or overestimating how long a project takes. Be sure to include your research, all that emailing back and forth, any phone conversations. It all adds up. Biz Bite: Stop talking. The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Word-Secret-Life-Dictionaries/dp/110187094X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries</a>” by Kory Stamper Resources: Episode #28 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/28-take-charge-of-your-finances-with-pamela-capalad/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Take Charge of Your Finances, with Pamela Capalad</a> Episode #22 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/22-how-to-create-a-better-work-life-balance-with-laura-poole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> How to Create a Better Work-Life Balance, with Laura Poole</a> Episode #28 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/36-spotting-red-flags-and-scope-creep/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotting Red Flags and Scope Creep</a> <a href="https://toggl.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toggl</a> time-tracking app

#39: Raise Your Rates—Without Emotion

Today’s show is a follow-up episode to last week’s episode with guest Pam Capalad, who taught us how to take charge of our finances. Pam is a certified financial planner and accredited financial counselor in Brooklyn. She created this cool program called Brunch &amp; Budget, which provides people a more comfortable space to talk about their money—over brunch with Pam. Pam gave so many great tips in that episode—and my interview with her served as a good kick in the pants for me to do a bunch of financial stuff I had been putting off or didn’t think I needed to do. So, in this episode, I’m going to update you on my progress and talk through why I did what I did. Hopefully, that will inspire you to take some needed steps to improve your financial situation. I took three steps after Pam’s episode aired last week:  I used Pam’s 12-month cash-flow projection spreadsheet.  Here’s how that works: At the beginning of the year, you try to anticipate how much money you will make that year and you determine what your income goals are. You can break this down month to month and client to client. Because we’re nearly finished with this year, I did a retrospective cash flow analysis, filling in how much money I already made this year each month and from each client and then analyzed that. I plan to use this spreadsheet again to plan for 2020.   I separated my personal and business accounts by opening up a second checking account just for business purposes.  The plan is that I will deposit my checks into this second “business” account. I will pay all of my expenses out of that account. And then I will pay myself by transferring money from that new account into my old personal checking account to pay personal bills like my mortgage, utilities, groceries, etc.  I opened a business-only credit card.  Now, as Pam pointed out in the last episode, while having a separate business card will make tracking my expenses easier, credit card receipts DO NOT take place of actual receipts for individual items, especially in an audit. So you still need to keep all your receipts and hang on to them. So, that’s it. I’m on my way with these new financial commitments to myself. I’m going to project out my income by client and by month for 2020 and then track it better to see if I’m hitting my monthly financial goals.  I have a new checking account that will be business only, so I will have separated my personal and business finances. And I have a business-only credit card to help me better keep track of business expenses. I’d love to hear what areas of your finances you’ve made changes to lately or areas you’re struggling with. And feel free to send me questions for future guests. Also, please send me your financial tips—things you’ve done over the years to improve how you handle your money or improve your overall outlook on money. I’d love to hear from you. Email me at melanie@meledits.com or tweet me @MelEdits.   Biz Bite: Schedule a Power Hour   The Bookshelf: “The Lost Man” by Jane Harper   Resources: Episode 28 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Take Charge of Your Finances, with Pam Capalad   Brunch &amp; Budget  12-Month Cash Flow Projection Template—Download and use this worksheet.

Today’s show is a follow-up episode to last week’s episode with guest Pam Capalad, who taught us how to take charge of our finances. Pam is a certified financial planner and accredited financial counselor in Brooklyn. She created this cool program called Brunch &amp; Budget, which provides people a more comfortable space to talk about their money—over brunch with Pam. Pam gave so many great tips in that episode—and my interview with her served as a good kick in the pants for me to do a bunch of financial stuff I had been putting off or didn’t think I needed to do. So, in this episode, I’m going to update you on my progress and talk through why I did what I did. Hopefully, that will inspire you to take some needed steps to improve your financial situation. I took three steps after Pam’s episode aired last week: <ol> <li>I used Pam’s 12-month cash-flow projection spreadsheet.</li> </ol> Here’s how that works: At the beginning of the year, you try to anticipate how much money you will make that year and you determine what your income goals are. You can break this down month to month and client to client. Because we’re nearly finished with this year, I did a retrospective cash flow analysis, filling in how much money I already made this year each month and from each client and then analyzed that. I plan to use this spreadsheet again to plan for 2020.  <ol> <li>I separated my personal and business accounts by opening up a second checking account just for business purposes.</li> </ol> The plan is that I will deposit my checks into this second “business” account. I will pay all of my expenses out of that account. And then I will pay myself by transferring money from that new account into my old personal checking account to pay personal bills like my mortgage, utilities, groceries, etc. <ol> <li>I opened a business-only credit card.</li> </ol> Now, as Pam pointed out in the last episode, while having a separate business card will make tracking my expenses easier, credit card receipts DO NOT take place of actual receipts for individual items, especially in an audit. So you still need to keep all your receipts and hang on to them. So, that’s it. I’m on my way with these new financial commitments to myself. I’m going to project out my income by client and by month for 2020 and then track it better to see if I’m hitting my monthly financial goals.  I have a new checking account that will be business only, so I will have separated my personal and business finances. And I have a business-only credit card to help me better keep track of business expenses. I’d love to hear what areas of your finances you’ve made changes to lately or areas you’re struggling with. And feel free to send me questions for future guests. Also, please send me your financial tips—things you’ve done over the years to improve how you handle your money or improve your overall outlook on money. I’d love to hear from you. Email me at <a href="mailto:melanie@meledits.com">melanie@meledits.com</a> or tweet me @MelEdits. Biz Bite: Schedule a Power Hour The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Man-Jane-Harper/dp/1250105684/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lost Man</a>” by Jane Harper Resources: Episode 28 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/28-take-charge-of-your-finances-with-pamela-capalad/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Take Charge of Your Finances, with Pam Capalad</a> Brunch &amp; Budget <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GSc7Ibvx9rCE0ZUS8PqY6HeSgMKn3hbwKbIaaTVM9aE/edit#gid=424190008" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> 12-Month Cash Flow Projection Template</a>—Download and use this worksheet.

#29: 3 Big Financial Changes I Made This Week

Megy Karydes

Today’s guest, Megy Karydes, lives in Chicago and has owned her communications and marketing consultant practice for the past 12 years. Megy is all about systems and structure. She is very disciplined about sticking to a set schedule throughout her work day. Megy uses systems like time tracking and knowing her peak productivity time to create this discipline—and it’s a system to be admired. Hear how she does it and what tips you can pick up to try to build more structure into your routine. DELIBERATE FREELANCER SHOW NOTES Learn the system Megy uses to schedule her day. She is regimented about sticking to her schedule and minimizing distractions. Time tracking every 15 minutes showed Megy how to find more time in her day and how much time it took her to do certain types of projects. Megy’s a fan of Cal Newport’s book, “Deep Work,” which showed her the importance of setting aside uninterrupted two-hour blocks of time to do work that required concentration and deep thinking. Megy uses exercise as a good afternoon break and an energy refresher. Megy and Melanie talk about why knowing their peak productivity times is critical to their work. Biz Bites from Megy:  Ask clients for testimonials. Send clients handwritten thank-you cards.    Resources: Read Megy’s latest blog post, which contains  a link to the Excel spreadsheet she uses to schedule her day. Try the spreadsheet out for a while to see if it works for you. “The Freelance Content Marketing Writer” by Jennifer Goforth Gregory “Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money” by Kelly James-Enger “Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done” by Laura Vanderkam “Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” by Cal Newport Episode #5 of Deliberate Freelancer: Track Your Time for Better Efficiency Episode #4 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Work Only with Nice Clients, with Jennifer Goforth Gregory American Society of Journalists and Authors (an association for freelance writers) American Society of Journalists and Authors  Annual Writers Conference

Today’s guest, Megy Karydes, lives in Chicago and has owned her communications and marketing consultant practice for the past 12 years. Megy is all about systems and structure. She is very disciplined about sticking to a set schedule throughout her work day. Megy uses systems like time tracking and knowing her peak productivity time to create this discipline—and it’s a system to be admired. Hear how she does it and what tips you can pick up to try to build more structure into your routine. DELIBERATE FREELANCER SHOW NOTES Learn the system Megy uses to schedule her day. She is regimented about sticking to her schedule and minimizing distractions. Time tracking every 15 minutes showed Megy how to find more time in her day and how much time it took her to do certain types of projects. Megy’s a fan of Cal Newport’s book, “Deep Work,” which showed her the importance of setting aside uninterrupted two-hour blocks of time to do work that required concentration and deep thinking. Megy uses exercise as a good afternoon break and an energy refresher. Megy and Melanie talk about why knowing their peak productivity times is critical to their work. Biz Bites from Megy: <ol> <li>Ask clients for testimonials.</li> <li>Send clients handwritten thank-you cards.</li> </ol> Resources: Read Megy’s latest blog post, which contains <a href="http://www.megykarydes.com/news/2019/5/3/do-what-you-love-is-bad-career-advice-or-is-it" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> a link to the Excel spreadsheet</a> she uses to schedule her day. Try the spreadsheet out for a while to see if it works for you. “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Freelance-Content-Marketing-Writer-business/dp/1732240906/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1525377623&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=jennifer+goforth+gregory" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Freelance Content Marketing Writer</a>” by Jennifer Goforth Gregory “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Six-Figure-Freelancing-Writers-Making-second/dp/0983663386" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money</a>” by Kelly James-Enger “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Off-Clock-Feel-While-Getting/dp/0735219818/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=off+the+clock&amp;qid=1556910708&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done</a>” by Laura Vanderkam “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=deep+work+cal&amp;qid=1556910754&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World</a>” by Cal Newport Episode #5 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/5-track-your-time-for-better-efficiency/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Track Your Time for Better Efficiency</a> Episode #4 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/4-work-only-with-nice-clients-with-jennifer-goforth-gregory/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Work Only with Nice Clients, with Jennifer Goforth Gregory</a> <a href="https://asja.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Society of Journalists and Authors</a> (an association for freelance writers) American Society of Journalists and Authors <a href="https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/365816?&amp;t=67c9ee2edfd64314658682d8f3c13743" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Annual Writers Conference</a>

#10: Think Like a Marketer to Grow Your Business, with Megy Karydes

Phaedra Brotherton

Today’s guest is Phaedra Brotherton, a career branding and job search coach in the Washington, D.C., area. She helps mid-career and executive professionals who work at nonprofits transition into more satisfying jobs or new careers. She offers career coaching, resume writing, LinkedIn profile writing, and job search coaching services. Phaedra is certified as both a career coach and a professional resume writer. In this episode Phaedra shares tactical tips on how we, as freelance business owners, can optimize our LinkedIn profiles, find potential clients, and learn how to better network on LinkedIn. Learn how going to a conference led Phaedra down a new career path. Phaedra shares why it’s important for freelancers and solopreneurs to be active on LinkedIn. For one thing, potential clients find us often through a Google search, and your LinkedIn profile is often one of the top search results. You need to start by optimizing your LinkedIn profile. This means being clear on what services you provide and who your clients are. There are four main areas in your profile to focus on: your headline, photo, summary or what is now called “About,” and your experience section. Phaedra recommends that we aim to have at least 500 connections on LinkedIn! She explains why these connections are critical. You need to proactively seek recommendations from people to gain “social proof.” Use LinkedIn as a portfolio—and keep it updated!—to show your best samples that highlight the work appropriate for your ideal clients. Phaedra explains how to use the LinkedIn search function most effectively. Consider joining LinkedIn groups primarily to connect with more people. There are two main ways to post on LinkedIn: an update or actually writing an article or blog post in LinkedIn. When you post an update, think about what comment, information or link you can share that best shows your expertise to your potential clients. Consider posting 3–5 times a week and maybe writing a blog post every other week or once a month. Being consistent is important to stay top of mind to potential clients. LinkedIn job boards sometimes have freelance opportunities. You can set up alerts. Connect with your alma mater and university alumni to gain more connections. Look into LinkedIn’s ProFinder service for freelancers. It’s not for everyone, but you might find it beneficial. Biz Bite: Phaedra recommends two apps: Feedly (a news aggregator) to find appropriate content to post on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Pocket to collect and manage that content. Resources: Phaedra Brotherton on LinkedIn Resumes &amp; Career Strategies website  phaedra@resumesandcareerstrategies.com LinkedIn ProFinder for Freelancers: Will It Help You Find Clients?

Today’s guest is Phaedra Brotherton, a career branding and job search coach in the Washington, D.C., area. She helps mid-career and executive professionals who work at nonprofits transition into more satisfying jobs or new careers. She offers career coaching, resume writing, LinkedIn profile writing, and job search coaching services. Phaedra is certified as both a career coach and a professional resume writer. In this episode Phaedra shares tactical tips on how we, as freelance business owners, can optimize our LinkedIn profiles, find potential clients, and learn how to better network on LinkedIn. Learn how going to a conference led Phaedra down a new career path. Phaedra shares why it’s important for freelancers and solopreneurs to be active on LinkedIn. For one thing, potential clients find us often through a Google search, and your LinkedIn profile is often one of the top search results. You need to start by optimizing your LinkedIn profile. This means being clear on what services you provide and who your clients are. There are four main areas in your profile to focus on: your headline, photo, summary or what is now called “About,” and your experience section. Phaedra recommends that we aim to have at least 500 connections on LinkedIn! She explains why these connections are critical. You need to proactively seek recommendations from people to gain “social proof.” Use LinkedIn as a portfolio—and keep it updated!—to show your best samples that highlight the work appropriate for your ideal clients. Phaedra explains how to use the LinkedIn search function most effectively. Consider joining LinkedIn groups primarily to connect with more people. There are two main ways to post on LinkedIn: an update or actually writing an article or blog post in LinkedIn. When you post an update, think about what comment, information or link you can share that best shows your expertise to your potential clients. Consider posting 3–5 times a week and maybe writing a blog post every other week or once a month. Being consistent is important to stay top of mind to potential clients. LinkedIn job boards sometimes have freelance opportunities. You can set up alerts. Connect with your alma mater and university alumni to gain more connections. Look into LinkedIn’s ProFinder service for freelancers. It’s not for everyone, but you might find it beneficial. Biz Bite: Phaedra recommends two apps: <a href="https://feedly.com/i/welcome" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Feedly</a> (a news aggregator) to find appropriate content to post on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. <a href="https://getpocket.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pocket</a> to collect and manage that content. Resources: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/phaedrabrotherton/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phaedra Brotherton on LinkedIn</a> <a href="http://www.resumesandcareerstrategies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Resumes &amp; Career Strategies</a> website <a href="mailto:phaedra@resumesandcareerstrategies.com?subject=Heard%20you%20on%20Deliberate%20Freelancer"> phaedra@resumesandcareerstrategies.com</a> <a href="https://www.makealivingwriting.com/linkedin-profinder/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LinkedIn ProFinder for Freelancers: Will It Help You Find Clients?</a>

#20: How to Use LinkedIn Better to Find Clients, with Phaedra Brotherton

On today’s episode, we’re talking about goals—setting them, working on them, tracking them, achieving them. Goal-setting can be tough, and I think part of that is the words we use. For example, New Year’s resolutions are essentially goals, but about 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. We’re all eager in January to jump on those resolutions, but then we get bored, or we forget or life gets too busy and gets in the way. Goal-setting can happen at any time. You can wait for that feeling to hit you that you want to work toward some new things, or you can be proactive throughout the year. To get started, I recommend setting only a few big goals at a time. Otherwise, you fall into that New Year’s resolutions trap again. First, start by setting one to three goals for your business. Your goals should be specific so that you can later tie them to step-by-step goals and habits to implement. Saying you want to grow your business is not a specific goal. On the personal side, wanting to become a better runner or get in shape are not specific goals. To set goals for your business, take a few hours or even a day to focus on what you want for your freelance business. This is deep work. Turn off the phone and social media notifications. Better yet, set your computer aside and use pen and paper. Physically writing when you’re brainstorming helps spark your creativity and solidify your ideas. And make it fun. This year—although I admitted to myself that I wasn’t going to use the actual calendar in a planner—I bought a planner for inspiration and brainstorming. I bought the Alter planner, which was made just for freelancers. Once you have evaluated some potential goals, you need to set goals that are actually doable, attainable and specific enough that you know how to get started on them. Use the SMART technique: Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time-based When you have a couple of goals that meet all the criteria in the SMART formula, you need to put an actual plan in place to work on those goals. James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits,” says: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” That means if you don’t put a system and habits in place for each of your goals, they’ll just be goals with no structure or plan. You need to create a step-by-step plan for how to achieve each of these goals. Start with one of your goals and begin to write down all the “to do” items you need to make that happen. Then, begin to think of a structure—and the habits you need—to get that to-do list accomplished. Part of the SMART goal formula is to develop a goal that is measurable. Tracking and measuring your goal is critical to that goal’s success, but this is often an area we struggle in. As you set up your systems and habits, include a process for how and when you will measure that goal. I use an Excel spreadsheet to track my financial goals and keep that sheet open all the time on my laptop. There are also dozens of apps that will track things, so a phone app might be the best option for you and your goals. Track your goals regularly, maybe weekly or monthly. But then do a more intensive check-in and measuring of your goal each quarter to make sure that goal is still working for you. Even if you don’t hit your goal, you’ll likely get closer than if you had no goal at all. Or, you might realize you need to adjust your goal at some point throughout the year, and that’s OK. Biz Bite: Create a ta-da list The Bookshelf: “Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder” by Caroline Fraser Resources: Alter planner  The Essential Guide to Writing SMART Goals Episode #3 of Deliberate Freelancer: Host a Solo Business Retreat Episode #13 of Deliberate Freelancer:  How to Set Better Goals for Your Business, with Andrena Sawyer Episode #23 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Five Questions to Evaluate and Diversify Your Services Episode #26 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Delegate, Automate and Terminate to Improve Your Business Episode #40 of Deliberate Freelancer: Reflect, Analyze and Plan Now for the New Year

On today’s episode, we’re talking about goals—setting them, working on them, tracking them, achieving them. Goal-setting can be tough, and I think part of that is the words we use. For example, New Year’s resolutions are essentially goals, but about 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. We’re all eager in January to jump on those resolutions, but then we get bored, or we forget or life gets too busy and gets in the way. Goal-setting can happen at any time. You can wait for that feeling to hit you that you want to work toward some new things, or you can be proactive throughout the year. To get started, I recommend setting only a few big goals at a time. Otherwise, you fall into that New Year’s resolutions trap again. First, start by setting one to three goals for your business. Your goals should be specific so that you can later tie them to step-by-step goals and habits to implement. Saying you want to grow your business is not a specific goal. On the personal side, wanting to become a better runner or get in shape are not specific goals. To set goals for your business, take a few hours or even a day to focus on what you want for your freelance business. This is deep work. Turn off the phone and social media notifications. Better yet, set your computer aside and use pen and paper. Physically writing when you’re brainstorming helps spark your creativity and solidify your ideas. And make it fun. This year—although I admitted to myself that I wasn’t going to use the actual calendar in a planner—I bought a planner for inspiration and brainstorming. I bought the <a href="https://www.alterplanningco.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alter planner</a>, which was made just for freelancers. Once you have evaluated some potential goals, you need to set goals that are actually doable, attainable and specific enough that you know how to get started on them. Use the SMART technique: Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time-based When you have a couple of goals that meet all the criteria in the SMART formula, you need to put an actual plan in place to work on those goals. James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits,” says: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” That means if you don’t put a system and habits in place for each of your goals, they’ll just be goals with no structure or plan. You need to create a step-by-step plan for how to achieve each of these goals. Start with one of your goals and begin to write down all the “to do” items you need to make that happen. Then, begin to think of a structure—and the habits you need—to get that to-do list accomplished. Part of the SMART goal formula is to develop a goal that is measurable. Tracking and measuring your goal is critical to that goal’s success, but this is often an area we struggle in. As you set up your systems and habits, include a process for how and when you will measure that goal. I use an Excel spreadsheet to track my financial goals and keep that sheet open all the time on my laptop. There are also dozens of apps that will track things, so a phone app might be the best option for you and your goals. Track your goals regularly, maybe weekly or monthly. But then do a more intensive check-in and measuring of your goal each quarter to make sure that goal is still working for you. Even if you don’t hit your goal, you’ll likely get closer than if you had no goal at all. Or, you might realize you need to adjust your goal at some point throughout the year, and that’s OK. Biz Bite: Create a ta-da list The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/20/books/review/prairie-fires-laura-ingalls-wilder-biography-caroline-fraser.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder</a>” by Caroline Fraser Resources: <a href="https://www.alterplanningco.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alter planner</a> <a href="https://www.smartsheet.com/blog/essential-guide-writing-smart-goals" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Essential Guide to Writing SMART Goals</a> Episode #3 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/3-host-a-solo-business-retreat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Host a Solo Business Retreat</a> Episode #13 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/13-how-to-set-better-goals-for-your-business-with-andrena-sawyer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> How to Set Better Goals for Your Business, with Andrena Sawyer</a> Episode #23 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/23-five-questions-to-evaluate-and-diversify-your-services/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Five Questions to Evaluate and Diversify Your Services</a> Episode #26 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/26-delegate-automate-and-terminate-to-improve-your-business/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Delegate, Automate and Terminate to Improve Your Business</a> Episode #40 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/40-reflect-analyze-and-plan-now-for-the-new-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Reflect, Analyze and Plan Now for the New Year</a>

#44: How to Track and Reach Your Goals

I like the term anchor client because an anchor on a boat keeps you steady and secure and is something you can rely on. We should all have a couple of anchor clients that provide just that—security and a steady income. I aim to find anchor clients on social media and via email referrals, but I also spend a lot of time meeting up with people in real life. I think many freelance business owners, especially introverts, don’t spend enough time building relationships and expanding their client work through face-to-face contact. In this episode, we’ll talk about using social media—especially Twitter and LinkedIn—to get anchor clients, but also how to get out there and meet people regularly. Deliberate Freelancer Show Notes You need to figure out—and actually write down—the type of work and clients you’re looking for. Ask yourself these three questions:  WHO do I want to work for? WHAT types of projects do I want to work on? What OTHER services can I provide?  Once you figure out all the services you can provide, it’s time to think about social media. WHERE are your potential clients? A mistake a lot of freelancers make is to try to be on several different social media platforms. Maximize your LinkedIn profile. Be very specific with your headline, using searchable keywords. Don’t be catchy with your headline and don’t be too broad. Put your contact information in your LinkedIn description. Don’t make people look for it. Ask clients for LinkedIn testimonials. Consider paying—at least for a few dedicated months—for Premium LinkedIn so you can see the “see who viewed your page recently” list. Reach out to those people to see if they need your help. On Twitter, take part in tweet chats and build public and private Twitter lists of people you want to connect with more often. As for in-person networking—building relationships!—consider what organizations you can join and what local events you can go to. Some ideas: national organizations, including local chapter meetings; local organizations; library events; co-working spaces. And take your local clients to lunch or for coffee! Be ready to expand your work with current clients and learn new skills. Always tell your clients about ALL the services you provide. They may only think you do that one thing you’re already doing for them. Ask for specific work. Tell clients when you have availability or an opening for a new project. Biz Bite: Get Serious about Sleep Resources: Episode 4 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Work Only with Nice Clients, with Jennifer Goforth Gregory Episode 8 of Deliberate Freelancer: 5 Ways to Make Your Clients’ Jobs Easier Email address finder: Hunter.io American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) Association Media &amp; Publishing (AM&amp;P)

I like the term anchor client because an anchor on a boat keeps you steady and secure and is something you can rely on. We should all have a couple of anchor clients that provide just that—security and a steady income. I aim to find anchor clients on social media and via email referrals, but I also spend a lot of time meeting up with people in real life. I think many freelance business owners, especially introverts, don’t spend enough time building relationships and expanding their client work through face-to-face contact. In this episode, we’ll talk about using social media—especially Twitter and LinkedIn—to get anchor clients, but also how to get out there and meet people regularly. Deliberate Freelancer Show Notes You need to figure out—and actually write down—the type of work and clients you’re looking for. Ask yourself these three questions: <ol> <li>WHO do I want to work for?</li> <li>WHAT types of projects do I want to work on?</li> <li>What OTHER services can I provide?</li> </ol> Once you figure out all the services you can provide, it’s time to think about social media. WHERE are your potential clients? A mistake a lot of freelancers make is to try to be on several different social media platforms. Maximize your LinkedIn profile. Be very specific with your headline, using searchable keywords. Don’t be catchy with your headline and don’t be too broad. Put your contact information in your LinkedIn description. Don’t make people look for it. Ask clients for LinkedIn testimonials. Consider paying—at least for a few dedicated months—for Premium LinkedIn so you can see the “see who viewed your page recently” list. Reach out to those people to see if they need your help. On Twitter, take part in tweet chats and build public and private Twitter lists of people you want to connect with more often. As for in-person networking—building relationships!—consider what organizations you can join and what local events you can go to. Some ideas: national organizations, including local chapter meetings; local organizations; library events; co-working spaces. And take your local clients to lunch or for coffee! Be ready to expand your work with current clients and learn new skills. Always tell your clients about ALL the services you provide. They may only think you do that one thing you’re already doing for them. Ask for specific work. Tell clients when you have availability or an opening for a new project. Biz Bite: Get Serious about Sleep Resources: Episode 4 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/4-work-only-with-nice-clients-with-jennifer-goforth-gregory/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Work Only with Nice Clients, with Jennifer Goforth Gregory</a> Episode 8 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/8-5-ways-to-make-your-clients-jobs-easier/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">5 Ways to Make Your Clients’ Jobs Easier</a> Email address finder: <a href="https://hunter.io/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunter.io</a> <a href="https://asja.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Society of Journalists and Authors</a> (ASJA) <a href="http://www.siia.net/amp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Association Media &amp; Publishing</a> (AM&amp;P)

#11: How to Find the Right Anchor Clients

Where do you want to go in the new year (metaphorically)? On today’s show, we’re going to set you up right for the new year. I’m going to talk about how you can reflect back on the past year, analyze the good and the bad, and then plan for next year. The end of the year is the perfect time to think about the big questions surrounding your freelance business. What does success and growth look like to you? To me, growing my business means continuing to earn more money in less time, so I can have a personal life, pursue new interests outside of work and travel a lot. This is the perfect time to schedule a solo business retreat—a time of reflection, analysis and evaluation of the INSIDE of your business. It’s a time to step away from client work and the busyness of our lives. First up, you need to look back to look forward. Evaluate your freelance business in 2019. What were five successes you had or five things you really loved about your work this year? Write them down. Next, write down five things you disliked or hated or that were frustrating this past year. Even areas where you thought you failed spectacularly. Write them down. Now, begin to evaluate those lists. What areas do you love that you want to double-down on? What areas do you hate that you want to avoid getting into next year? Are there things you want to accomplish or achieve, but you’ve just felt stuck? How can you get unstuck from projects? Were there red flags with clients that got you involved in a project that is now frustrating you in some way? Are there clients that just get you down? Do you get emails from certain people and immediately want to run and hide? Maybe it’s time to fire some clients and/or look how to replace that income. Now, do a mini performance evaluation of yourself. What do you personally need to improve upon, what areas do you struggle with, what are you not great at? This is where you can think of the things in your business that you can delegate, automate and terminate. Some things you can delegate to others; some things you can automate through apps and services; and some things you can just terminate from your business. When it comes to delegation, hiring a virtual assistant (VA) might be a good option. Another thing you might want to think about for next year is defining or redefining your value proposition. Your value proposition is WHY someone should hire you. What do you offer that no one else can? What sets you apart? A few years ago, I created an ultimate goal that defines me for the year. My goal states: To be a respected, go-to writer-and editor in the association industry. I printed out that goal, which is hanging near my desk. That sign reminds me constantly that everything I do needs to go back to that goal—unless I have a good reason that a project or client doesn’t meet that goal. This process really helps me from straying too far from what I want to do with my business. So, what would be your big goal that everything goes back to? What are you trying to do with your business? Who do you want to reach? What projects do you want to focus on? See if you can put that in one sentence that encompasses most of what you want to strive to do with your business. Lightning-round questions you could also consider during your solo business retreat:  If money were no object, but you still had a freelance business, what would you be doing? What are your non-negotiables? What do you want to stop doing in 2020? What marketing tool or event would you like to invest in? What is your big financial goal next year? Be bold! What is a dream client or project?  Quotes about Failure: Bill Gates: “It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” Biz Bite: Pick a word of the year The Bookshelf: “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel   Resources: Paul Jarvis’ idea of the Company of One (book, podcast) Episode #3 of Deliberate Freelancer: Host a Solo Business Retreat Episode #36 of Deliberate Freelancer: Spotting Red Flags and Scope Creep Episode #39 of Deliberate Freelancer: Raise Your Rates—Without Emotion Episode #30 of Deliberate Freelancer:  How a Virtual Assistant Can Help Your Business, with Cat DiStasio Episode #26 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Delegate, Automate and Terminate to Improve Your Business

Where do you want to go in the new year (metaphorically)? On today’s show, we’re going to set you up right for the new year. I’m going to talk about how you can reflect back on the past year, analyze the good and the bad, and then plan for next year. The end of the year is the perfect time to think about the big questions surrounding your freelance business. What does success and growth look like to you? To me, growing my business means continuing to earn more money in less time, so I can have a personal life, pursue new interests outside of work and travel a lot. This is the perfect time to schedule a solo business retreat—a time of reflection, analysis and evaluation of the INSIDE of your business. It’s a time to step away from client work and the busyness of our lives. First up, you need to look back to look forward. Evaluate your freelance business in 2019. What were five successes you had or five things you really loved about your work this year? Write them down. Next, write down five things you disliked or hated or that were frustrating this past year. Even areas where you thought you failed spectacularly. Write them down. Now, begin to evaluate those lists. What areas do you love that you want to double-down on? What areas do you hate that you want to avoid getting into next year? Are there things you want to accomplish or achieve, but you’ve just felt stuck? How can you get unstuck from projects? Were there red flags with clients that got you involved in a project that is now frustrating you in some way? Are there clients that just get you down? Do you get emails from certain people and immediately want to run and hide? Maybe it’s time to fire some clients and/or look how to replace that income. Now, do a mini performance evaluation of yourself. What do you personally need to improve upon, what areas do you struggle with, what are you not great at? This is where you can think of the things in your business that you can delegate, automate and terminate. Some things you can delegate to others; some things you can automate through apps and services; and some things you can just terminate from your business. When it comes to delegation, hiring a virtual assistant (VA) might be a good option. Another thing you might want to think about for next year is defining or redefining your value proposition. Your value proposition is WHY someone should hire you. What do you offer that no one else can? What sets you apart? A few years ago, I created an ultimate goal that defines me for the year. My goal states: To be a respected, go-to writer-and editor in the association industry. I printed out that goal, which is hanging near my desk. That sign reminds me constantly that everything I do needs to go back to that goal—unless I have a good reason that a project or client doesn’t meet that goal. This process really helps me from straying too far from what I want to do with my business. So, what would be your big goal that everything goes back to? What are you trying to do with your business? Who do you want to reach? What projects do you want to focus on? See if you can put that in one sentence that encompasses most of what you want to strive to do with your business. Lightning-round questions you could also consider during your solo business retreat: <ol> <li>If money were no object, but you still had a freelance business, what would you be doing?</li> <li>What are your non-negotiables? What do you want to stop doing in 2020?</li> <li>What marketing tool or event would you like to invest in?</li> <li>What is your big financial goal next year? Be bold!</li> <li>What is a dream client or project?</li> </ol> Quotes about Failure: Bill Gates: “It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” Biz Bite: Pick a word of the year The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Station-Eleven-Emily-John-Mandel/dp/0804172447" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Station Eleven</a>” by Emily St. John Mandel Resources: Paul Jarvis’ idea of the <a href="https://ofone.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Company of One</a> (book, podcast) Episode #3 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/3-host-a-solo-business-retreat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Host a Solo Business Retreat</a> Episode #36 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/36-spotting-red-flags-and-scope-creep/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotting Red Flags and Scope Creep</a> Episode #39 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/39-raise-your-rates-without-emotion/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raise Your Rates—Without Emotion</a> Episode #30 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/30-how-a-virtual-assistant-can-help-your-business-with-cat-distasio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> How a Virtual Assistant Can Help Your Business, with Cat DiStasio</a> Episode #26 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/26-delegate-automate-and-terminate-to-improve-your-business/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Delegate, Automate and Terminate to Improve Your Business</a>

#40: Reflect, Analyze and Plan Now for the New Year

Pamela Capalad

Today’s guest is Pamela Capalad, a certified financial planner and accredited financial counselor in Brooklyn. Pam created this really cool program called Brunch &amp; Budget, which helps people who feel ashamed or embarrassed about money have a safe and friendly place to talk about their finances—over brunch with Pam. I think this is genius. It makes people more comfortable and really open up to Pam, whose mission is to make financial planning as affordable as possible for the communities who need it most. We didn’t get into it in this episode, but Pam and her husband teach hip hop and finance workshops to kids, teens and college students across the country through a program called Pockets Change. They also host the Brunch &amp; Budget podcast, where they discuss how personal finance and racial economic justice intersect. And—if that’s not enough—they started a financial planning program designed for the needs of people of color called See Change. In this episode, learn how Pam went from working in wealth management to financial planning—first, for her friends. A conversation with a friend led to Pam’s business, Brunch &amp; Budget. While the first meeting is usually an in-person brunch, Pam then meets with clients virtually every month to help them put together a financial plan and to actually implement it. Pam goes over the most-asked questions she gets from freelancers, which includes issues related to quarterly taxes and an inconsistent income. Pam also helps freelancers figure out how to raise their rates. Pam gives us the scoop on new IRS rules that benefit freelancers—the IRS won’t be charging penalties if you didn’t pay your 2018 taxes on time every quarter. And going forward, they’re going to less strict about freelancers paying taxes every quarter as long as you get all the taxes paid by January. Pam explains why it’s important to build a good relationship with an accountant who works with freelancers. Pam is a big believer in creating a 12-month cash flow projection of how much money you anticipate you will make and what your income goals are. It’s important to have monthly, quarterly and annual goals, partly because a freelancer’s income can be inconsistent. That cash flow projection will help you notice income patterns as income ebbs and flows throughout the year. Then, you can plan your action steps around your income goals and track and measure whether you’re hitting your income goals. She also encourages freelancers to take a VACATION when the months are low. Pam talks about how imposter syndrome relates to money—and sometimes increases as you get more successful. When you are setting your rates, you need to figure out how to take the emotion out of it. Pam admits undervaluing herself when she first started providing her financial planning services. But then Pam took the emotion out of creating her rates by making herself stick to a rule that every time she gained two or three new clients, she had to raise her rates for all future clients. She also recommends coming up with the “least I’m willing to take” rate. If you do take a project below your rate, consider what non-monetary things you can negotiate with the client—a referral, a longer contract, additional projects. Pam helps us figure out how to commit to a savings account. She recommends a “high-yield” savings account so you can gain a bit more interest than what you would at your local bank. Know what your minimum personal expenses and your minimum business expenses are each month. That way when you exceed those, a chunk of that money can go directly into your savings account. Make sure you have a separate savings account just for taxes. That money is not yours. Set aside 25–30 percent of whatever you make and pretend that money doesn’t exist. From there, take your monthly income, subtract the minimum personal and business expenses and put the rest in savings. Pam touches on the supposed upcoming recession. Planning for a recession or an income loss is helped by having a savings account. A potential loss of income is also why it’s important to diversify where your income is coming from—so strive to have several clients and not rely too much on one big client. Pam believes in paying yourself first. Think of your savings account as another bill you have to pay. Think of savings as “self care”—a way to take care of your future self. Pam also recommends having a separation between your business and personal expenses. Don’t co-mingle those—it makes it harder to figure out taxes and track your income and goals. Plus, freelancers are 10x more at risk for audits, so plan ahead for that. Furthermore, you can pay yourself like a regular employee into your personal checking account, which makes budgeting for personal expenses easier. Having all your business expenses on one, separate credit card makes it easier to track also. But note that you can’t use credit card statements for an audit, so continue to save your receipts.   Biz Bite: Outsource! Hire out for work you hate.   Resources: Brunch &amp; Budget Brunch &amp; Budget  12-Month Cash Flow Projection Template—Download and use this worksheet! (Thanks for sharing, Pam!) Great article about Pam and her husband in Forbes, “This Couple Created A Multilevel Curriculum To Teach All Ages Financial Literacy.” Brunch &amp; Budget on Twitter Brunch &amp; Budget on Instagram

Today’s guest is Pamela Capalad, a certified financial planner and accredited financial counselor in Brooklyn. Pam created this really cool program called Brunch &amp; Budget, which helps people who feel ashamed or embarrassed about money have a safe and friendly place to talk about their finances—over brunch with Pam. I think this is genius. It makes people more comfortable and really open up to Pam, whose mission is to make financial planning as affordable as possible for the communities who need it most. We didn’t get into it in this episode, but Pam and her husband teach hip hop and finance workshops to kids, teens and college students across the country through a program called Pockets Change. They also host the Brunch &amp; Budget podcast, where they discuss how personal finance and racial economic justice intersect. And—if that’s not enough—they started a financial planning program designed for the needs of people of color called See Change. In this episode, learn how Pam went from working in wealth management to financial planning—first, for her friends. A conversation with a friend led to Pam’s business, Brunch &amp; Budget. While the first meeting is usually an in-person brunch, Pam then meets with clients virtually every month to help them put together a financial plan and to actually implement it. Pam goes over the most-asked questions she gets from freelancers, which includes issues related to quarterly taxes and an inconsistent income. Pam also helps freelancers figure out how to raise their rates. Pam gives us the scoop on new IRS rules that benefit freelancers—the IRS won’t be charging penalties if you didn’t pay your 2018 taxes on time every quarter. And going forward, they’re going to less strict about freelancers paying taxes every quarter as long as you get all the taxes paid by January. Pam explains why it’s important to build a good relationship with an accountant who works with freelancers. Pam is a big believer in creating a 12-month cash flow projection of how much money you anticipate you will make and what your income goals are. It’s important to have monthly, quarterly and annual goals, partly because a freelancer’s income can be inconsistent. That cash flow projection will help you notice income patterns as income ebbs and flows throughout the year. Then, you can plan your action steps around your income goals and track and measure whether you’re hitting your income goals. She also encourages freelancers to take a VACATION when the months are low. Pam talks about how imposter syndrome relates to money—and sometimes increases as you get more successful. When you are setting your rates, you need to figure out how to take the emotion out of it. Pam admits undervaluing herself when she first started providing her financial planning services. But then Pam took the emotion out of creating her rates by making herself stick to a rule that every time she gained two or three new clients, she had to raise her rates for all future clients. She also recommends coming up with the “least I’m willing to take” rate. If you do take a project below your rate, consider what non-monetary things you can negotiate with the client—a referral, a longer contract, additional projects. Pam helps us figure out how to commit to a savings account. She recommends a “high-yield” savings account so you can gain a bit more interest than what you would at your local bank. Know what your minimum personal expenses and your minimum business expenses are each month. That way when you exceed those, a chunk of that money can go directly into your savings account. Make sure you have a separate savings account just for taxes. That money is not yours. Set aside 25–30 percent of whatever you make and pretend that money doesn’t exist. From there, take your monthly income, subtract the minimum personal and business expenses and put the rest in savings. Pam touches on the supposed upcoming recession. Planning for a recession or an income loss is helped by having a savings account. A potential loss of income is also why it’s important to diversify where your income is coming from—so strive to have several clients and not rely too much on one big client. Pam believes in paying yourself first. Think of your savings account as another bill you have to pay. Think of savings as “self care”—a way to take care of your future self. Pam also recommends having a separation between your business and personal expenses. Don’t co-mingle those—it makes it harder to figure out taxes and track your income and goals. Plus, freelancers are 10x more at risk for audits, so plan ahead for that. Furthermore, you can pay yourself like a regular employee into your personal checking account, which makes budgeting for personal expenses easier. Having all your business expenses on one, separate credit card makes it easier to track also. But note that you can’t use credit card statements for an audit, so continue to save your receipts. Biz Bite: Outsource! Hire out for work you hate. Resources: <a href="https://brunchandbudget.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brunch &amp; Budget</a> Brunch &amp; Budget <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GSc7Ibvx9rCE0ZUS8PqY6HeSgMKn3hbwKbIaaTVM9aE/edit#gid=424190008" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> 12-Month Cash Flow Projection Template</a>—Download and use this worksheet! (Thanks for sharing, Pam!) Great article about Pam and her husband in Forbes, “<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianmitchell/2018/05/23/this-duo-developed-a-multi-level-curriculum-for-all-ages-to-learn-financial-literacy/#5a5233e07a19" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This Couple Created A Multilevel Curriculum To Teach All Ages Financial Literacy</a>.” <a href="https://twitter.com/brunchandbudget" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brunch &amp; Budget on Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brunchandbudget/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brunch &amp; Budget on Instagram</a>

#28: Take Charge of Your Finances, with Pamela Capalad

Jessica Kupferman

Today’s guest is Jessica Kupferman, co-founder of She Podcasts (the podcast, the brand and the live event). She Podcasts has an incredible community, primarily through an awesome female-only Facebook group. The She Podcasts brand currently supports over 13,000 female podcasters and has a digital marketing reach of over 50,000 content creators. And October 11–13 in Atlanta, for the first time, She Podcasts is becoming a conference: She Podcasts LIVE, which was funded through Kickstarter. Jessica talks about how she got started in podcasting around 2013—when very few women were podcasting and especially not about entrepreneurial topics. As her then-podcast, Lady Business Radio, became popular, she was getting pitched a lot of guests and saying yes to many of them. Then, she realized her show was becoming an opportunity for guests to use her show for their gain, but she wasn’t having the conversations she wanted. She decided to let that show go and focus on She Podcasts. Jessica talks about how she met Elsie Escobar, her She Podcasts co-founder, about the same time Jessica realized that the men in the podcasting world weren’t giving advice that was conducive to women or those busy raising children or doing podcasting while holding down another full-time job.  Jessica has been an entrepreneur since 2005, but until 2011 she didn’t have a community of like-minded, supportive people in her industry. But then she took an online course that came with an online community and she realized what she was missing. Jessica talks about all the benefits of forming your own community. Jessica explains how She Podcasts LIVE came about. Hint: The travel bug plays a role. She Podcasts LIVE is happening thanks to a very successful Kickstarter campaign—an idea Jessica and Elsie got from Podcast Movement, which started six years ago with a Kickstarter. The She Podcasts LIVE Kickstarter was a huge success, doubling the $25,000 goal and selling 200 event tickets. Jessica explains how she is planning for a different vibe and aesthetic for this conference, as well as having amazing speakers. She wants the event to have  an atmosphere that is nurturing, that encourages people to ask any questions they have and to feel like they’re in a room full of friends. Diversity is also important to Jessica and Elsie. The 100+ speakers are about 45 percent women of color and/or LGBTQ. Biz Bite: Notion is an all-in-one workspace. Resources: She Podcasts LIVE She Podcasts LIVE Announces Speakers (press release) She Podcasts (the podcast and website) She Podcasts Facebook group—only for women podcasters She Podcasts on Twitter Jessica Kupferman on Twitter  Lady Business Radio—Jessica’s first podcast

Today’s guest is Jessica Kupferman, co-founder of She Podcasts (the podcast, the brand and the live event). She Podcasts has an incredible community, primarily through an awesome female-only Facebook group. The She Podcasts brand currently supports over 13,000 female podcasters and has a digital marketing reach of over 50,000 content creators. And October 11–13 in Atlanta, for the first time, She Podcasts is becoming a conference: She Podcasts LIVE, which was funded through Kickstarter. Jessica talks about how she got started in podcasting around 2013—when very few women were podcasting and especially not about entrepreneurial topics. As her then-podcast, Lady Business Radio, became popular, she was getting pitched a lot of guests and saying yes to many of them. Then, she realized her show was becoming an opportunity for guests to use her show for their gain, but she wasn’t having the conversations she wanted. She decided to let that show go and focus on She Podcasts. Jessica talks about how she met Elsie Escobar, her She Podcasts co-founder, about the same time Jessica realized that the men in the podcasting world weren’t giving advice that was conducive to women or those busy raising children or doing podcasting while holding down another full-time job.  Jessica has been an entrepreneur since 2005, but until 2011 she didn’t have a community of like-minded, supportive people in her industry. But then she took an online course that came with an online community and she realized what she was missing. Jessica talks about all the benefits of forming your own community. Jessica explains how She Podcasts LIVE came about. Hint: The travel bug plays a role. She Podcasts LIVE is happening thanks to a very successful Kickstarter campaign—an idea Jessica and Elsie got from Podcast Movement, which started six years ago with a Kickstarter. The She Podcasts LIVE Kickstarter was a huge success, doubling the $25,000 goal and selling 200 event tickets. Jessica explains how she is planning for a different vibe and aesthetic for this conference, as well as having amazing speakers. She wants the event to have  an atmosphere that is nurturing, that encourages people to ask any questions they have and to feel like they’re in a room full of friends. Diversity is also important to Jessica and Elsie. The 100+ speakers are about 45 percent women of color and/or LGBTQ. Biz Bite: <a href="https://www.notion.so/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Notion</a> is an all-in-one workspace. Resources: <a href="https://www.shepodcasts.live/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She Podcasts LIVE</a> <a href="https://podnews.net/press-release/she-podcasts-live-speakers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She Podcasts LIVE Announces Speakers</a> (press release) <a href="https://www.shepodcasts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She Podcasts</a> (the podcast and website) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/shepodcasts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She Podcasts Facebook</a> group—only for women podcasters <a href="https://twitter.com/shepodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She Podcasts on Twitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JessKupferman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jessica Kupferman on Twitter</a> <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lady-business-radio-with-jessica-kupferman/id645332392" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Lady Business Radio</a>—Jessica’s first podcast

#25: Finding Your Community, with She Podcasts Co-Founder Jessica Kupferman

Randy Dotinga

Today’s episode is a little different. I have invited a guest on to explain a dangerous new law in California called AB5 that all freelancers need to know about. It threatens the very existence of freelancing. Even if you don’t live in California, you need to know about this law because other states are following suit. In fact, after I recorded this episode, I learned that New Jersey Democrats are enthusiastically supporting a bill based on California’s bill. New York state is also working on a similar law, and every Democratic presidential candidate is said to support this type of law because they see it as pro labor. So what is this and why should we worry? Assembly Bill 5—or AB5—takes effect in California on January 1. My guest in this episode, Randy Dotinga, a fellow freelance writer, explains the law and its ramifications to us. Randy is the former president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and has been a full-time freelance writer for 20 years. He lives in California and continues to advocate against this law to state lawmakers. AB5 includes a three-pronged test that says California residents who are paid for their labor or services should be employees unless the companies paying them prove individuals meet the following three things:  They must be free from the company’s control They must perform tasks outside the company’s main business They must operate a truly independent business  It’s that second prong that will be particularly harmful to freelancers. As a writer working for a news site, newspaper or magazine, I am NOT performing tasks outside their main business. Therefore, I don’t meet that criteria and might have to be hired as an employee. One good note for freelance writers and photographers is that they were able to get included in the law a cap, which states that freelance writers and photographers can work as a freelancer for one company for up to 35 submissions of content per year. But after 35 submissions, they should be employees. As Randy says: “It’s like [the AB5 bill author] saved our lives, but it’s like she made us cut off a limb. I don’t know how grateful we should be about that.” And the law is not that simple. In fact, there are a lot of exemptions for certain industries. For some reason, grant writers, marketing professionals and graphic designers were awarded exemptions. Those freelancers who weren’t so lucky and were not exempt include writers, photographers, editors, audio editors, videographers, transcriptionists, translators, court reporters, truck drivers and on and on.   What you’ll hear in this episode from Randy: Companies outside California have already stopped hiring California freelancers. It’s the company’s responsibility to make sure freelancers meet the criteria to NOT be considered employees. It’s complicated and cumbersome, so companies are just looking elsewhere—they can easily hire freelancers in other states that don’t potentially jeopardize their company. Alternative newspapers and websites run by underrepresented communities rely on freelancers and cannot afford to hire writers as employees. In one example, a taxi driver who writes a weekly column about driving a cab for the local alternative newspaper will no longer be able to write that column. Randy says they’ve heard from people with disabilities who say freelancing allows them to have a flexible schedule, something being an employee doesn’t often provide. The law does have a business-to-business exemption. But there is a long list of criteria an individual has to meet to be considered a small business. Creating an LLC doesn’t seem to protect people because the law covers any independent contractor. However, creating an LLC may help convince your clients that you are a small business and make them feel more comfortable about hiring you. New York and other states—particularly Democrat-run states—support this type of law. Just this week, New Jersey announced a bill similar to California’s. Randy is working with ASJA and other groups to try to get the law changed. But they’re up against strong unions and other pro-labor groups. There’s a private Facebook group of mostly California writers organizing against this law. Search for Randy on Facebook and ask him for an invite. There are about 700 members now.   Resources:  The full text of AB5   Friend Randy on Facebook and ask to be invited to the Facebook group of California freelancers organizing against this law. Even if you’re not in California, the group can help you get educated on this issue and how to fight it. Randy Dotinga on Twitter American Society of Journalists and Authors American Society of Journalists and Authors on Twitter Associated Press: “Truckers File 1st Lawsuit Against California Gig Economy Law” Washington Examiner: “Proposed New Jersey Legislation Threatens Independent Contractors” New York Law Journal: “Generation Gig: Can New York State Learn From California’s Legislation?” Dame magazine: “Will This California Law End Freelance Work?” The Hollywood Reporter: “‘Everybody Is Freaking Out’: Freelance Writers Scramble to Make Sense of New California Law” Los Angeles Times column: “Freelancers Fear California’s New Gig Worker Law Will Wipe Them Out”

Today’s episode is a little different. I have invited a guest on to explain a dangerous new law in California called AB5 that all freelancers need to know about. It threatens the very existence of freelancing. Even if you don’t live in California, you need to know about this law because other states are following suit. In fact, after I recorded this episode, I learned that New Jersey Democrats are enthusiastically supporting a bill based on California’s bill. New York state is also working on a similar law, and every Democratic presidential candidate is said to support this type of law because they see it as pro labor. So what is this and why should we worry? Assembly Bill 5—or AB5—takes effect in California on January 1. My guest in this episode, Randy Dotinga, a fellow freelance writer, explains the law and its ramifications to us. Randy is the former president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and has been a full-time freelance writer for 20 years. He lives in California and continues to advocate against this law to state lawmakers. AB5 includes a three-pronged test that says California residents who are paid for their labor or services should be employees unless the companies paying them prove individuals meet the following three things: <ol> <li>They must be free from the company’s control</li> <li>They must perform tasks outside the company’s main business</li> <li>They must operate a truly independent business</li> </ol> It’s that second prong that will be particularly harmful to freelancers. As a writer working for a news site, newspaper or magazine, I am NOT performing tasks outside their main business. Therefore, I don’t meet that criteria and might have to be hired as an employee. One good note for freelance writers and photographers is that they were able to get included in the law a cap, which states that freelance writers and photographers can work as a freelancer for one company for up to 35 submissions of content per year. But after 35 submissions, they should be employees. As Randy says: “It’s like [the AB5 bill author] saved our lives, but it’s like she made us cut off a limb. I don’t know how grateful we should be about that.” And the law is not that simple. In fact, there are a lot of exemptions for certain industries. For some reason, grant writers, marketing professionals and graphic designers were awarded exemptions. Those freelancers who weren’t so lucky and were not exempt include writers, photographers, editors, audio editors, videographers, transcriptionists, translators, court reporters, truck drivers and on and on. What you’ll hear in this episode from Randy: Companies outside California have already stopped hiring California freelancers. It’s the company’s responsibility to make sure freelancers meet the criteria to NOT be considered employees. It’s complicated and cumbersome, so companies are just looking elsewhere—they can easily hire freelancers in other states that don’t potentially jeopardize their company. Alternative newspapers and websites run by underrepresented communities rely on freelancers and cannot afford to hire writers as employees. In one example, a taxi driver who writes a weekly column about driving a cab for the local alternative newspaper will no longer be able to write that column. Randy says they’ve heard from people with disabilities who say freelancing allows them to have a flexible schedule, something being an employee doesn’t often provide. The law does have a business-to-business exemption. But there is a long list of criteria an individual has to meet to be considered a small business. Creating an LLC doesn’t seem to protect people because the law covers any independent contractor. However, creating an LLC may help convince your clients that you are a small business and make them feel more comfortable about hiring you. New York and other states—particularly Democrat-run states—support this type of law. Just this week, New Jersey announced a bill similar to California’s. Randy is working with ASJA and other groups to try to get the law changed. But they’re up against strong unions and other pro-labor groups. There’s a private Facebook group of mostly California writers organizing against this law. Search for Randy on Facebook and ask him for an invite. There are about 700 members now. Resources: <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The full text of AB5</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/randy.dotinga" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Friend Randy on Facebook</a> and ask to be invited to the Facebook group of California freelancers organizing against this law. Even if you’re not in California, the group can help you get educated on this issue and how to fight it. <a href="https://twitter.com/rdotinga" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Randy Dotinga on Twitter</a> <a href="https://asja.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Society of Journalists and Authors</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ASJAhq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Society of Journalists and Authors on Twitter</a> Associated Press: “<a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2019/11/12/truckers-file-1st-lawsuit-against-california-gig-economy-law/?utm_campaign=true_anthem&amp;utm_medium=facebook&amp;utm_source=social&amp;fbclid=IwAR3QLaRocM5UZq9NgaeqiZ6S7z8andRzZ1gAj_ZKjx8ZcXIXCpKPmbWao94" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Truckers File 1st Lawsuit Against California Gig Economy Law</a>” Washington Examiner: “<a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/proposed-new-jersey-legislation-threatens-independent-contractors" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proposed New Jersey Legislation Threatens Independent Contractors</a>” New York Law Journal: “<a href="https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2019/11/01/generation-gig-can-new-york-state-learn-from-californias-legislation/?slreturn=20191018132505" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Generation Gig: Can New York State Learn From California’s Legislation?</a>” Dame magazine: “<a href="https://www.damemagazine.com/2019/10/22/will-this-california-law-end-freelance-work/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Will This California Law End Freelance Work?</a>” The Hollywood Reporter: “‘<a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/everybody-is-freaking-freelance-writers-scramble-make-sense-new-california-law-1248195?fbclid=IwAR3dGmAjTMdLJTFFt8OsV-zlI9hUzVsZymNsnPT82xcc5zLyQ2MMyqBSh5g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Everybody Is Freaking Out’: Freelance Writers Scramble to Make Sense of New California Law</a>” Los Angeles Times column: “<a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-10-25/hiltzik-freelance-writers-gig-worker-law" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Freelancers Fear California’s New Gig Worker Law Will Wipe Them Out</a>”

#37: California’s Harmful New Freelancer Law, with Randy Dotinga

Christy Batta

Today’s guest is Christy Batta, a freelance graphic designer I know in real life. Christy works primarily with nonprofits, creating or freshening up their brands, designing logos or print materials, and developing event materials. Christy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or MS, when she was just 23. A few years ago, when people were debating health care in this country, she remembers hearing a lot of rhetoric about “sick people costing more” and “sick people” driving up all our health care costs. The discussion of how people with chronic illnesses and diseases were being portrayed irritated her. She decided to start speaking out more about living with a chronic illness—and running a freelance business with a chronic illness—because she wants people to understand that so-called “sick people” are all around us and are contributing, valuable members of society. DELIBERATE FREELANCER SHOW NOTES Learn how working with a branding coach helped Christy’s freelance business. She was able to learn why her clients valued her and use that information to promote her business. Christy shares how she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease, when she was just 23 and in graduate school. Hear about the challenges of having a “hidden illness.” It often comes down to how much to communicate to people. Christy has to focus on self-care to manage her MS, but these are lessons everyone needs: eat healthy, get enough sleep, don’t work 24/7. In fact, Christy says it helps her to see other freelancers not hustling nonstop because it validates that you can be a freelancer without working nonstop. Christy talks about why she is now speaking out more about having MS. Christy talks about how she got health insurance as a freelancer. Christy describes how she uses “spoon theory” to manage her illness and why all freelancers should embrace the idea that we have a limited number of “spoons” a day, so we should be intentional about what we focus our energy on. When freelancers take breaks and embrace a better work-life balance, they’re normalizing downtime for those freelancers who don’t have the “luxury” of working nonstop. Christy is the co-founder of the Unofficial Hand Lettering Society of Silver Spring, a club that encourages people to doodle and color and create. Biz Bite: Create a Welcome Package for Your Clients Welcome packages can set expectations and establish boundaries with your clients. Christy got the idea from her friend Rachel Wynn at Starlight Social. Resources: Christy Batta Design Unofficial Hand Lettering Society of Silver Spring Christy’s Etsy Shop: Human + Kind Human + Kind on Instagram Starlight Social and Rachel Wynn

Today’s guest is Christy Batta, a freelance graphic designer I know in real life. Christy works primarily with nonprofits, creating or freshening up their brands, designing logos or print materials, and developing event materials. Christy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or MS, when she was just 23. A few years ago, when people were debating health care in this country, she remembers hearing a lot of rhetoric about “sick people costing more” and “sick people” driving up all our health care costs. The discussion of how people with chronic illnesses and diseases were being portrayed irritated her. She decided to start speaking out more about living with a chronic illness—and running a freelance business with a chronic illness—because she wants people to understand that so-called “sick people” are all around us and are contributing, valuable members of society. DELIBERATE FREELANCER SHOW NOTES Learn how working with a branding coach helped Christy’s freelance business. She was able to learn why her clients valued her and use that information to promote her business. Christy shares how she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease, when she was just 23 and in graduate school. Hear about the challenges of having a “hidden illness.” It often comes down to how much to communicate to people. Christy has to focus on self-care to manage her MS, but these are lessons everyone needs: eat healthy, get enough sleep, don’t work 24/7. In fact, Christy says it helps her to see other freelancers not hustling nonstop because it validates that you can be a freelancer without working nonstop. Christy talks about why she is now speaking out more about having MS. Christy talks about how she got health insurance as a freelancer. Christy describes how she uses “spoon theory” to manage her illness and why all freelancers should embrace the idea that we have a limited number of “spoons” a day, so we should be intentional about what we focus our energy on. When freelancers take breaks and embrace a better work-life balance, they’re normalizing downtime for those freelancers who don’t have the “luxury” of working nonstop. Christy is the co-founder of the <a href="http://www.ssletters.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Unofficial Hand Lettering Society of Silver Spring</a>, a club that encourages people to doodle and color and create. Biz Bite: Create a Welcome Package for Your Clients Welcome packages can set expectations and establish boundaries with your clients. Christy got the idea from her friend Rachel Wynn at <a href="https://www.starlightsocial.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starlight Social</a>. Resources: <a href="https://www.heybattabatta.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christy Batta Design</a> <a href="http://www.ssletters.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Unofficial Hand Lettering Society of Silver Spring</a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HumanPlusKindCo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christy’s Etsy Shop: Human + Kind</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/humanpluskindco/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Human + Kind on Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.starlightsocial.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starlight Social and Rachel Wynn</a>

#14: Freelancing with a Chronic Illness, with Christy Batta

On today’s show I talk about boundaries, both in your business and your personal life. For the most part, I have figured out how to set boundaries. But I also admit I was quite lucky that when I started my freelance business, my family and friends understood that I was actually working throughout the day and that this wasn’t some hobby. I know some of you are not so lucky and have people occasionally bugging you to help them out with things or hang out with them during the day because you “of course you can’t be working.” Boundaries tell you and those around you what is acceptable, appropriate human behavior. They vary from person to person. Knowing what your boundaries are and setting them is critical to building healthy, respectful relationships in your life. This is important in both your personal life—setting boundaries with your partner, your family, your friends, even your neighbors—as well as in your freelance business—with clients, colleagues, subcontractors. I want to talk about setting boundaries in your personal life first. An article on  PsychCentral.com called people who break your boundaries “emotional manipulators,” a phrase I like because if you think of them as manipulating you, maybe you’ll see how wrong and invasive they are being. The article suggests setting boundaries by first writing down the ways that people in your life are hurting you by the things they say. Then, consider what the other person’s motivation might be and begin to write down answers to specific comments. I think it’s important to not only know what you’ll say next time, but also know how to cut the conversation short. You shouldn’t be dragged into a 15-minute conversation in which you’re being forced to explain your life choices. When you’re figuring out what to say, remember what their motivations might be. Then, you might say something like, “I know you only want the best for me and you’re worried that I will have trouble paying my bills, but the decision to be a freelancer is mine. I am going to work really hard at this for a while. I’ve already gained a few clients and am talking with other freelancers about how to build my business. Please don’t criticize or question my choices anymore. I would appreciate your support instead.” And if you hear in return, “but, but, but …” I recommend you cut the conversation short. Be prepared to say, “I’m not going to discuss this with you. I’ve told you my plans and asked you not to criticize me. We’re done talking about this.” Depending on the person’s role in your life, you could even say, “Listen, I love you, but you have to stop.” And then stay strong. Be prepared to hang up the phone, walk away, stop texting. Stop responding and back away or the person will just keep going. And if that same person starts in on you again later on, remind them of this conversation: “No, no, remember this is my life. I have already asked you to not criticize or question my choices. I only want your support or we’re not talking about this at all.” The PsychCentral.com article also makes a couple more recommendations that I think are really helpful to keep in mind. It says “Remember the importance of saying ‘no’ to unreasonable requests, and reasonable ones from time to time, if they conflict with your plans.” Yes, saying no is huge! I am actually really good at saying no in my personal life. Where I have trouble saying no is with volunteering in my industry. That’s where I am practicing saying no this year. One more thing the PsychCentral article recommends is to challenge all insults masked as humor.  I know all of this is really hard. I don’t expect you to get it perfect all the time, and I’m not an expert or a therapist. But I want you to succeed in your business and in your life. I think it’s really important for people—women especially—to learn how to speak up for ourselves, stand up for our own lives, tell people to stop. Next, let’s talk about boundary setting when it comes to your freelance business. For some of you, this needs to start with a mindset shift that you are a freelance business owner. You’re not freelancing on a whim, this is not a hobby, you’re not “just” a freelancer. You own a freelance business. I think something happens in our brains when we start to think of ourselves as business owners. I firmly believe it builds confidence. You’re not just hustling from one gig to the next. You’re not just taking whatever job you’re offered. You’re not taking whatever fee you’re offered. Your language changes. Instead of asking, “how much do you pay?” you can say, “My rate for this type of project is XXX.” You are in charge. When you’re setting boundaries in your business, again, make a list of what boundaries clients and colleagues are breaking. A few big ones are expecting you to reply after hours, creating scope creep in projects, and expecting you to reply on vacation. I have news for you: Most clients are only expecting those things from you because you set that expectation. It’s the hard truth. If you are responding to emails, phone calls and texts at all hours of the day and night, well, what client wouldn’t love that? It is up to you to set boundaries with your clients. One of the biggest boundaries you can set right now, if you haven’t already, is to create office hours for yourself. When do you want to work? Be creative! If you’re not a morning person and your peak productivity time is at night, take advantage of that. I’ve never told my clients my schedule because it falls into the typical 9­–5 workday. But, if I had a new client who was expecting me to check email all hours of the night, I would speak up and say something like, “I wanted to let you know that my office hours are 9–5. I don’t check email after those hours unless we’re on a deadline that we’ve already agreed to.” And then don’t check email! I know some people find this really hard and think checking email at night is particularly harmless if you’re not responding to it. But you’re still working when you told yourself you wouldn’t be. You’re still mentally pulling yourself back into work. Once you’ve set office hours, what other boundaries do you want to set? What is annoying you, getting in the way of your work? Evaluate your days and how you work and where you work. This also means setting boundaries for yourself. We often push against our own boundaries—procrastinating or not unplugging and taking true vacations. Another boundary you might need to set is how you want people to communicate with you (email, phone, text). Another is scope creep—when a client starts asking you to do things you didn’t think were part of the project, things that are taking more time and energy. Biz Bite: Create templates The Bookshelf: “Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World's Greatest Nuclear Disaster” by Adam Higginbotham Resources: PsychCentral.com article “The Importance of Personal Boundaries” Episode #1 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Change Your Mindset: You Own a Freelance Business Episode #36 of Deliberate Freelancer: Spotting Red Flags and Scope Creep

On today’s show I talk about boundaries, both in your business and your personal life. For the most part, I have figured out how to set boundaries. But I also admit I was quite lucky that when I started my freelance business, my family and friends understood that I was actually working throughout the day and that this wasn’t some hobby. I know some of you are not so lucky and have people occasionally bugging you to help them out with things or hang out with them during the day because you “of course you can’t be working.” Boundaries tell you and those around you what is acceptable, appropriate human behavior. They vary from person to person. Knowing what your boundaries are and setting them is critical to building healthy, respectful relationships in your life. This is important in both your personal life—setting boundaries with your partner, your family, your friends, even your neighbors—as well as in your freelance business—with clients, colleagues, subcontractors. I want to talk about setting boundaries in your personal life first. An article on <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-importance-of-personal-boundaries/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> PsychCentral.com</a> called people who break your boundaries “emotional manipulators,” a phrase I like because if you think of them as manipulating you, maybe you’ll see how wrong and invasive they are being. The article suggests setting boundaries by first writing down the ways that people in your life are hurting you by the things they say. Then, consider what the other person’s motivation might be and begin to write down answers to specific comments. I think it’s important to not only know what you’ll say next time, but also know how to cut the conversation short. You shouldn’t be dragged into a 15-minute conversation in which you’re being forced to explain your life choices. When you’re figuring out what to say, remember what their motivations might be. Then, you might say something like, “I know you only want the best for me and you’re worried that I will have trouble paying my bills, but the decision to be a freelancer is mine. I am going to work really hard at this for a while. I’ve already gained a few clients and am talking with other freelancers about how to build my business. Please don’t criticize or question my choices anymore. I would appreciate your support instead.” And if you hear in return, “but, but, but …” I recommend you cut the conversation short. Be prepared to say, “I’m not going to discuss this with you. I’ve told you my plans and asked you not to criticize me. We’re done talking about this.” Depending on the person’s role in your life, you could even say, “Listen, I love you, but you have to stop.” And then stay strong. Be prepared to hang up the phone, walk away, stop texting. Stop responding and back away or the person will just keep going. And if that same person starts in on you again later on, remind them of this conversation: “No, no, remember this is my life. I have already asked you to not criticize or question my choices. I only want your support or we’re not talking about this at all.” The <a href="http://PsychCentral.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PsychCentral.com</a> article also makes a couple more recommendations that I think are really helpful to keep in mind. It says “Remember the importance of saying ‘no’ to unreasonable requests, and reasonable ones from time to time, if they conflict with your plans.” Yes, saying no is huge! I am actually really good at saying no in my personal life. Where I have trouble saying no is with volunteering in my industry. That’s where I am practicing saying no this year. One more thing the PsychCentral article recommends is to challenge all insults masked as humor.  I know all of this is really hard. I don’t expect you to get it perfect all the time, and I’m not an expert or a therapist. But I want you to succeed in your business and in your life. I think it’s really important for people—women especially—to learn how to speak up for ourselves, stand up for our own lives, tell people to stop. Next, let’s talk about boundary setting when it comes to your freelance business. For some of you, this needs to start with a mindset shift that you are a freelance business owner. You’re not freelancing on a whim, this is not a hobby, you’re not “just” a freelancer. You own a freelance business. I think something happens in our brains when we start to think of ourselves as business owners. I firmly believe it builds confidence. You’re not just hustling from one gig to the next. You’re not just taking whatever job you’re offered. You’re not taking whatever fee you’re offered. Your language changes. Instead of asking, “how much do you pay?” you can say, “My rate for this type of project is XXX.” You are in charge. When you’re setting boundaries in your business, again, make a list of what boundaries clients and colleagues are breaking. A few big ones are expecting you to reply after hours, creating scope creep in projects, and expecting you to reply on vacation. I have news for you: Most clients are only expecting those things from you because you set that expectation. It’s the hard truth. If you are responding to emails, phone calls and texts at all hours of the day and night, well, what client wouldn’t love that? It is up to you to set boundaries with your clients. One of the biggest boundaries you can set right now, if you haven’t already, is to create office hours for yourself. When do you want to work? Be creative! If you’re not a morning person and your peak productivity time is at night, take advantage of that. I’ve never told my clients my schedule because it falls into the typical 9­–5 workday. But, if I had a new client who was expecting me to check email all hours of the night, I would speak up and say something like, “I wanted to let you know that my office hours are 9–5. I don’t check email after those hours unless we’re on a deadline that we’ve already agreed to.” And then don’t check email! I know some people find this really hard and think checking email at night is particularly harmless if you’re not responding to it. But you’re still working when you told yourself you wouldn’t be. You’re still mentally pulling yourself back into work. Once you’ve set office hours, what other boundaries do you want to set? What is annoying you, getting in the way of your work? Evaluate your days and how you work and where you work. This also means setting boundaries for yourself. We often push against our own boundaries—procrastinating or not unplugging and taking true vacations. Another boundary you might need to set is how you want people to communicate with you (email, phone, text). Another is scope creep—when a client starts asking you to do things you didn’t think were part of the project, things that are taking more time and energy. Biz Bite: Create templates The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Chernobyl-Greatest-Nuclear-Disaster/dp/1501134612/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World's Greatest Nuclear Disaster</a>” by Adam Higginbotham Resources: <a href="http://PsychCentral.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PsychCentral.com</a> article “<a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-importance-of-personal-boundaries/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Importance of Personal Boundaries</a>” Episode #1 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/1-change-your-mindset-you-own-a-freelance-business/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Change Your Mindset: You Own a Freelance Business</a> Episode #36 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/36-spotting-red-flags-and-scope-creep/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotting Red Flags and Scope Creep</a>

#45: You Need to Set Boundaries

On today’s show I am going over 33 ways you can find new clients. But before you embark on that project, you’ll need to do a little prep work. First, consider what type of work you truly want more of. What do you love to do? What work pays well? Focus on that. Next, raise your rates. Then, be crystal clear on what you want to say to those potential clients. Focus on how you can help them and what they want. Now, you’re ready to find new clients. Here are my tips (scroll down to the Resources section for a printable pdf of this list):  Ask current clients for new work. Ask current or past clients for referrals. Go to industry conferences. Maximize your LinkedIn profile and add keywords. Send a ridiculous number of letters of introduction (LOIs). Follow up on past LOIs or with people you’ve met in real life. Add a new service. Apply to speak at conferences as an expert in your field. Reach out to your contacts who are at new jobs. Write a guest blog post in your industry. Ramp up your social media game. Go old school and mail out postcards to a select group. Join organizations and make sure to fill out your profile in the online directory. Apply to win awards in your field. Be active in Facebook groups and/or Twitter chats. Create a private Twitter list of potential clients. Launch or revive your blog. Create an email list. Create a newsletter. Create a freebie. Set up keyword searches on Twitter. Ask for testimonials from happy clients. Ask for LinkedIn recommendations. Try Facebook Live or Instagram Stories. Be a guest on a podcast. Revamp your website. Update your online portfolio. Consider partnerships. Answer job ads. Go to local events. Connect with a co-working space. Tell everyone you meet what you do. Fire a client.    Biz Bite: Stop reading and listening to things that make you angry.   The Bookshelf: “Daisy Jones &amp; the Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid   Resources:  33 Ways to Find More Clients printable pdf Episode #23 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Five Questions to Evaluate and Diversify Your Services Episode #18 of Deliberate Freelancer: How to Set Higher Rates Episode 22 of Deliberate Freelancer:  How to Create a Better Work-Life Balance, with Laura Poole Episode #6 of Deliberate Freelancer: Make the Most of Conferences Episode #24 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Networking Tips, Especially as an Introvert Episode #20 of Deliberate Freelancer:  How to Use LinkedIn Better to Find Clients, with Phaedra Brotherton

On today’s show I am going over 33 ways you can find new clients. But before you embark on that project, you’ll need to do a little prep work. First, consider what type of work you truly want more of. What do you love to do? What work pays well? Focus on that. Next, raise your rates. Then, be crystal clear on what you want to say to those potential clients. Focus on how you can help them and what they want. Now, you’re ready to find new clients. Here are my tips (scroll down to the Resources section for a printable pdf of this list): <ol> <li>Ask current clients for new work.</li> <li>Ask current or past clients for referrals.</li> <li>Go to industry conferences.</li> <li>Maximize your LinkedIn profile and add keywords.</li> <li>Send a ridiculous number of letters of introduction (LOIs).</li> <li>Follow up on past LOIs or with people you’ve met in real life.</li> <li>Add a new service.</li> <li>Apply to speak at conferences as an expert in your field.</li> <li>Reach out to your contacts who are at new jobs.</li> <li>Write a guest blog post in your industry.</li> <li>Ramp up your social media game.</li> <li>Go old school and mail out postcards to a select group.</li> <li>Join organizations and make sure to fill out your profile in the online directory.</li> <li>Apply to win awards in your field.</li> <li>Be active in Facebook groups and/or Twitter chats.</li> <li>Create a private Twitter list of potential clients.</li> <li>Launch or revive your blog.</li> <li>Create an email list.</li> <li>Create a newsletter.</li> <li>Create a freebie.</li> <li>Set up keyword searches on Twitter.</li> <li>Ask for testimonials from happy clients.</li> <li>Ask for LinkedIn recommendations.</li> <li>Try Facebook Live or Instagram Stories.</li> <li>Be a guest on a podcast.</li> <li>Revamp your website.</li> <li>Update your online portfolio.</li> <li>Consider partnerships.</li> <li>Answer job ads.</li> <li>Go to local events.</li> <li>Connect with a co-working space.</li> <li>Tell everyone you meet what you do.</li> <li>Fire a client.</li> </ol> Biz Bite: Stop reading and listening to things that make you angry. The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Jones-Taylor-Jenkins-Reid/dp/1524798649/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daisy Jones &amp; the Six</a>” by Taylor Jenkins Reid Resources: <a href="https://meledits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Episode-43-Find-More-Clients-Cheat-Sheet.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> 33 Ways to Find More Clients</a> printable pdf Episode #23 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/23-five-questions-to-evaluate-and-diversify-your-services/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Five Questions to Evaluate and Diversify Your Services</a> Episode #18 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/18-how-to-set-higher-rates/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Set Higher Rates</a> Episode 22 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/22-how-to-create-a-better-work-life-balance-with-laura-poole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> How to Create a Better Work-Life Balance, with Laura Poole</a> Episode #6 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/6-make-the-most-of-conferences/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Make the Most of Conferences</a> Episode #24 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/24-networking-tips-especially-as-an-introvert/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Networking Tips, Especially as an Introvert</a> Episode #20 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/20-how-to-use-linkedin-better-to-find-clients-with-phaedra-brotherton/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> How to Use LinkedIn Better to Find Clients, with Phaedra Brotherton</a>

#43: 33 Ways to Find More Clients 

On today’s show I am going to outline several red flags to look out for when you’re a freelance business owner. I’m sure many of you have learned some of these the hard way. I know I have. But it’s important to recognize when they happen and keep a mental list of what to watch out for. In some “red flag” cases, you can find a work-around and figure out a solution that works for you. In other cases, you need to run screaming in the other direction. Red flag #1: Not respecting your rate or low-balling you. Red flag #2: Wanting to jump on the phone too quickly. Red flag #3: An amorphous deadline. Or no deadline. Red flag #4: A client who doesn’t know what they want. Red flag #5: The dreaded phrase from a potential client “let’s see how it goes.” Red flag #6: Scope creep. Red flag #7: Not respecting your boundaries. Red flag #8: A potential client’s personality that doesn’t mesh with yours.   Biz Bite: Calendly The Bookshelf: “Molly” by Colin Butcher   Resources: Episode #4 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Work Only with Nice Clients, with Jennifer Goforth Gregory Episode #34 of Deliberate Freelancer:  Recognize and Relieve Burnout with a Refill Plan, with Latisha Carr Boomerang email scheduling tool

On today’s show I am going to outline several red flags to look out for when you’re a freelance business owner. I’m sure many of you have learned some of these the hard way. I know I have. But it’s important to recognize when they happen and keep a mental list of what to watch out for. In some “red flag” cases, you can find a work-around and figure out a solution that works for you. In other cases, you need to run screaming in the other direction. Red flag #1: Not respecting your rate or low-balling you. Red flag #2: Wanting to jump on the phone too quickly. Red flag #3: An amorphous deadline. Or no deadline. Red flag #4: A client who doesn’t know what they want. Red flag #5: The dreaded phrase from a potential client “let’s see how it goes.” Red flag #6: Scope creep. Red flag #7: Not respecting your boundaries. Red flag #8: A potential client’s personality that doesn’t mesh with yours. Biz Bite: <a href="https://calendly.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calendly</a> The Bookshelf: “<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Molly-True-Story-Amazing-Rescues/dp/1250204771/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1I8W805BD52T3&amp;keywords=molly+by+colin+butcher&amp;qid=1573656911&amp;sprefix=molly+by+col%2Caps%2C129&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Molly” by Colin Butcher</a> Resources: Episode #4 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/4-work-only-with-nice-clients-with-jennifer-goforth-gregory/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Work Only with Nice Clients, with Jennifer Goforth Gregory</a> Episode #34 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/34-recognize-and-relieve-burnout-with-a-refill-plan-with-latisha-carr/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Recognize and Relieve Burnout with a Refill Plan, with Latisha Carr</a> <a href="https://www.boomeranggmail.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boomerang</a> email scheduling tool

#36: Spotting Red Flags and Scope Creep

On today’s show I help you visualize your absolute perfect work day and then help you figure out how to make that happen—providing tips and tactics. I believe you need to visualize your perfect work day step by step so you can start to implement systems, processes, habits and goals to create that type of day. Let’s daydream to start: How would you wake up on your perfect work day? What would you do before work? How would your actual work day begin? Would you exercise? Meditate? Relax a bit with coffee or tea? My perfect morning routine would look like this: Get up naturally or easily at 5:30 or 6 a.m. without using a snooze alarm. Go for a walk in my neighborhood for 15 or 30 minutes, either listening to a podcast or brainstorming on a work problem. Come home, shower and get ready while listening to an inspiring podcast. Fix my healthy breakfast and indulge in my fancy hot tea. Start my day. My perfect work day would end around 3 p.m. To make this happen, I need to be more efficient. To do that, focus on your peak productivity time. Do you know when that is for you? Maximize your time by focusing on deep work without distractions. Maybe try the Pomodoro method, which is when you work in 25-minute blocks, then take a 5-minute break before working for another 25-minute block of time. Next, get rid of distractions. Email is my biggest distraction. I either tackle email first thing for a set period of time (set an alarm) or I skip it for a few hours and don’t check it till mid-morning. Definitely turn off email notifications on both your computer and your smartphone. Those distractions are terrible for your productivity and focus. Try a batch time or day: Combine like tasks into one set period of time and stick to that time period every week. Figure out how to work on projects you love that pay you well. First, analyze your freelance business to determine the projects that you love to do the most—not just the projects you might be good at. To start to make more money, analyze your rates and how you landed your best clients. Make a list of your highest-paying clients. Then circle the ones you love to work with. How did you get these clients? Focus on getting more of those clients from the same places. Make another list of all your regular clients and services and how much you charged. Put them in order of the most money you earn to the least money you earn per client. Why do you have those rates? Did you set them? Or did the client offer them to you? Can you raise those rates? Create a wrap-up-the-day routine. For me, this includes creating a short to-do list for the next day and shutting my laptop, leaving my computer and my smartphone in my office for the night. Biz Bite: Set timers for appointments and phone calls. Resources: My favorite tea (hot Cincinnati spice black tea) from  Churchill’s Fine Teas My favorite podcasts: Before Breakfast Company of One Crime Writers On…True Crime Review Ear Hustle Happier in Hollywood Happier with Gretchen Rubin High-Income Business Writing (with Ed Gandia) Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield Unemployable: Advice for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs What Should I Read Next? Writer’s Bone Boomerang plugin for Gmail Episode #3 of Deliberate Freelancer: Host a Solo Business Retreat Episode #18 of Deliberate Freelancer: How to Set Higher Rates

On today’s show I help you visualize your absolute perfect work day and then help you figure out how to make that happen—providing tips and tactics. I believe you need to visualize your perfect work day step by step so you can start to implement systems, processes, habits and goals to create that type of day. Let’s daydream to start: How would you wake up on your perfect work day? What would you do before work? How would your actual work day begin? Would you exercise? Meditate? Relax a bit with coffee or tea? My perfect morning routine would look like this: Get up naturally or easily at 5:30 or 6 a.m. without using a snooze alarm. Go for a walk in my neighborhood for 15 or 30 minutes, either listening to a podcast or brainstorming on a work problem. Come home, shower and get ready while listening to an inspiring podcast. Fix my healthy breakfast and indulge in my fancy hot tea. Start my day. My perfect work day would end around 3 p.m. To make this happen, I need to be more efficient. To do that, focus on your peak productivity time. Do you know when that is for you? Maximize your time by focusing on deep work without distractions. Maybe try the Pomodoro method, which is when you work in 25-minute blocks, then take a 5-minute break before working for another 25-minute block of time. Next, get rid of distractions. Email is my biggest distraction. I either tackle email first thing for a set period of time (set an alarm) or I skip it for a few hours and don’t check it till mid-morning. Definitely turn off email notifications on both your computer and your smartphone. Those distractions are terrible for your productivity and focus. Try a batch time or day: Combine like tasks into one set period of time and stick to that time period every week. Figure out how to work on projects you love that pay you well. First, analyze your freelance business to determine the projects that you love to do the most—not just the projects you might be good at. To start to make more money, analyze your rates and how you landed your best clients. Make a list of your highest-paying clients. Then circle the ones you love to work with. How did you get these clients? Focus on getting more of those clients from the same places. Make another list of all your regular clients and services and how much you charged. Put them in order of the most money you earn to the least money you earn per client. Why do you have those rates? Did you set them? Or did the client offer them to you? Can you raise those rates? Create a wrap-up-the-day routine. For me, this includes creating a short to-do list for the next day and shutting my laptop, leaving my computer and my smartphone in my office for the night. Biz Bite: Set timers for appointments and phone calls. Resources: My favorite tea (hot Cincinnati spice black tea) from <a href="https://www.churchillsteas.com/Hot-Cincinnati-Spice-Black-Tea.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Churchill’s Fine Teas</a> My favorite podcasts: Before Breakfast Company of One Crime Writers On…True Crime Review Ear Hustle Happier in Hollywood Happier with Gretchen Rubin High-Income Business Writing (with Ed Gandia) Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield Unemployable: Advice for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs What Should I Read Next? Writer’s Bone <a href="https://www.boomeranggmail.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boomerang</a> plugin for Gmail Episode #3 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/3-host-a-solo-business-retreat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Host a Solo Business Retreat</a> Episode #18 of Deliberate Freelancer: <a href="https://meledits.com/18-how-to-set-higher-rates/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Set Higher Rates</a>

#19: Visualize Your Perfect Work Day—Then Create It

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