The Freelancers' Show

Panel: Reuven LernerJonathan StarkJeremy Green Special Guest: Erik Dietrich In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, the panelist and guest Eric Dietrich discuss “Future of Labor.” Erik is a software developer, was an executive a software company, but turn to consulting for a number of years. Currently, Erik runs a digital content marketing agency and still does consulting. Erik is the author of a number of developer-related books, including Developer Hegemony: The Future of Labor, which is the basis of today’s episode topic. In particular, we dive pretty deep on: Demands for softwareLabor vs. Knowledge workSoftware architects to DeveloperLaw firm agency, apprenticeshipLeaving big companiesGiving up on staffing IT, etc.OutsourcingHistory of corporationJust sitting in your basement and code…Business skills  - Being an entrepreneur, not an employeeWhat should a developer do to take advantage of this?Start to understand the  fundamentals of a businessMaintenance work vs. designing the futureUpWork -  and

Panel: Jonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Jonathan discusses “Flipping the Switch,” on a solo podcast episode. Jonathan answers questions about shut down his old mobile site jonathanstark.com and replaced the content with ExpensiveProblem.com. Jonathan continues with important insights, in his journey, when you are considering closing doors on one business and starting the next. In particular, we dive pretty deep on: t Combining business at jonathanstark.comClosed doors on the mobile businessWorking with Credit UnionsHorizontal expertisePicking a vertical marketMobile strategyAdaptionThe announcement of the iPhone and mobile focusSmartphone crazeJoining open source projectsJqtouch PhoneGap Mobile platformJonathan book launch on JQT and PhoneGapBeing part of a tribe or a new culture of developersChange in 2012Leads? Budgets for mobile were drying up2017 - Mobile become the dominant computing platformMain StreamBlockchain, AI, etc.Side interest - Hourly BillingCoaching serviceWhere you

Panel: ReuvenJonathan StarkJeremy Green In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Reuven and Jonathan discuss “Keeping Your Skill Shape,” with Jeremey Green. The panelist discuss ways to improve their game to keep ahead of the curb in freelancing. This is a great episode to learn the different avenues of sharpening your skill with technologies, applications, courses,  project, and literature to stay consistent with an ever-changing industry. In particular, we dive pretty deep on: Keeping your skill sharpDoing a mix of things to stay aheadStudents and questionsTeaching, Education, and TrainingStrategy to learn new thingsDoing Side Project to keep aheadBlog, Teach a Course, Write a bookIf you know more about it then everyone else, you are the expertLearning other technologiesBecoming specialized in a specific technologyKnowing how to finding information when you need itCrafting the right Google querySocial Learning TheoryAnd much more!      Picks: Jonathan Revenue Lerner’s Git Course Understanding and M

Panel: ReuvenJonathan StarkJeremy Green In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Reuven and Jonathan discuss “Pros and Cons of Building a SaaS,” with Jeremey Green. Jeremy is going to be a part panelist and guest on this edition of the Freelancer’s Show. Jeremy is a past guest of the podcast, and is a software developer, independent operator, works with clients and companies, and lastly,  has worked with SaaS (Software as a Service) projects for many years. Jeremy and the panelist talk about the pro and cons of working in the SaaS industry. This is a great episode to learn about freelancing in the SaaS industry, and the business perspective of working with SaaS. In particular, we dive pretty deep on: Jeremy talks about his background as a developer and SAAS developer.Reuven asks Why SaaS, and Why not SaaS. (Software as a Service)ShopifyWoking in SaaSReMarkWorking with other technologies to build softwareLaunching to customersSoftware FreelancersBuilding a SaaS is seductive, but?Having a conversation wit

Panel: Reuven LernerJonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Reuven and Jonathan discuss “Free Advice.”   Reuven mentions the importance of how to handle free advice. Jonathan and Reuven talk about their experience with providing consultation to business owners or developers who need direction. When do you provide advice?  How do you get compensated for your wisdom and expertise? How do you do this professionally and make a profit from your insight?  This is a great episode to learn when and how to provide your expertise with a price tag. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  Jonathan and Reuven do some housekeeping on the upcoming Episode 300!Email jstark@johnathenstark.com about topics of Episode 300Reuven tells his story on advice.Being a mercenary or profiterGiving rules of thumb and web base advice, or best practiceProfit building adviceIt depends? It is advice quick or will it take long to explainProviding advice on low risk verses high riskBeing asked in person, email, or over the

Panel: Reuven LernerJonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancers’ Show, the panelists discuss sunsetting products and services and when to pull the trigger when they aren’t working. They talk about not putting too much time into a product or service that isn’t taking off, having a positive or negative ROI, opportunity cost, and many other topics. This is a great episode for freelancers who are struggling with the question of whether or not to retire certain products or services in their own business. In particular, we dive pretty deep on: When to pull the plugWhy a product or service wouldn’t be workingKilled off Daily Tech VideoThe importance of not waiting too long to pull the plugHard to make a public commitment and then give it upIf you’re doing something and you’re not making money, it’s a hobby not a businessIs your ROI positive or negative?Opportunity costHave clear goals and objectives for products and servicesSunset if they aren’t selling wellGetting rid of Road MappingFinding a better way

Panel: Reuven LernerKai Davis In this episode of the Freelancers’ Show, the panelists discuss common mistakes that they have made in their freelancing and consulting history to help you learn from their mistakes. They talk about mistakes when it comes to raising rates, hiring employees, having a home office or not, and much more and how you can avoid them in the future. They also stress the fact that communication is key when it comes to keeping a health client relationship. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  Common foiblesWhen raising rates, make sure to give your clients some advanced noticeWant to make sure you don’t ruin your relationship with your clientPut yourself in the client’s shoesHow to properly raise your ratesCommunication is keyDon’t get caught up in the illusion that you must hire other people to succeedDon’t discount your ability to sell yourselfOnly hire on an hourly basis not a full-time basisDon’t be afraid to fire people if you have to in order to survive as a businessHire people

Panel: Reuven LernerJonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancers’ Show, the panelists discuss pricing. They really emphasize the fact that you need to think about the scope last when making a sale. You should be focused on the desired future outcome and the intensity of the problem at hand before you think about the scope. They discuss this concept and give many other tips on things you should be thinking about and saying when pitching a project proposal to clients. In particular, we dive pretty deep on: What is scope?Coming at a project from a value basisDon’t think about the scope in a sales meetingFocus on the business goals at firstWhat is going to make their business better?Why do they need your services?Get a picture of their long-term goalsAsking these questions differentiates youHumanizing the conversationThe importance of having the “why” conversationAlways give three options in a project proposalSet prices and then define your scopeShow them that what you are planning on doing will help th

Panel: Reuven Lerner In this episode of the Freelancers’ Show, the Reuven discusses what to do when people call you and ask you if you can train them. He talks about the steps you need to take when someone calls you as well as gives tips on how to be successful in it. This is a great episode for people looking to understand the process behind a successful training career.   In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  Consulting since 1995Training for PythonHe loves teaching peopleHow to get training clientsEasy to become known as an authority for trainingOnce your known, people will remember youThey want to find out about you and you want to find out about themFind out what they’re interested in learning firstWhat are their background and experience level?You want to have a menu of options for peopleLess content and more exercisesWhat versions of software are they using?Semi-negotiation over contentShow them you care and you are listening to themHalf days for training or horribleScheduling problemsHow to sche

Panel: Kai Davis Reuven Lerner Philip Morgan In this episode of the Freelancers’ Show, the panelists discuss overcoming objections that your clients might have regarding your experience. They have found that if you have good rapport with your clients, they are more likely to ask you to work on other concepts, even if it’s a little different than what you normally focus on. It’s important not to lean away from your normal too much so that you don’t overextend yourself and fail on what you promise to your clients. This episode is great for freelancer’s who want to hear about the thought process behind pushing the envelope when it comes to your experience with your clients. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  Client objectionsProposing on new projectsPositioning in your businessMore librariesMaturing marketsKnowledge advantageClients are willing to give you the benefit of the doubt if you have good rapportHelps to stick with what you knowLeaning out analogyBalancing actTaking risksFeeling stuck and mov

Panel: Jonathan Stark Philip Morgan In this episode of the Freelancers’ Show, Jonathan and Philip discuss the introduction game. When you have people ask you to refer them to your clients or a colleague, Jonathan has come up with an idea for a referral game, which he calls the introduction game. He has these people who ask for his help send him a draft of what they want and then you can tweak it so it sounds like something that you would actually say. This way you are putting out what your friend or colleague wants and you aren’t having to come up with referrals from scratch.  They also discuss how specializing your business could lead to you getting more leads, even if it doesn’t seem like it should. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  The Referral GameSpecializing your businessRolodex momentShelf-life runs out on the storyThe introduction gameMust have proof to create credibilityHow to play the introduction game“Help me help you”How long does it take for this “game” to play out?2 questions in the r

Panel: Jonathan Stark  Philip Morgan In this episode of the Freelancers’ Show, Jonathan and Philip discuss why it’s important to position your business so that you can generate more leads. They define both positioning and lead generation and give examples as to how you can use these two concepts to your advantage in your business. This is a great episode for freelancers who want to understand the importance behind directing your business towards a certain type of client in order to get more leads, and grow your business in the long run because of it.  In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  Defining positioningWhy it’s important to specialize IntentionalityDefining lead generationDifferent ways to generate leadsHow qualified is a lead?Difference between a lead and a prospectDone for you servicesHow do you get into more sales conversations with leads?You must decide: who are you trying to reach?Hitting your target marketAnd much, much more!      Links: LinodeFreshBooksLootCrate Picks: Philip Value-Ba

Panel: Reuven Jonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Reuven and Jonathan discuss “Optimizing for Conversations.” Jonathan explains what this important tactic is and how it is used to get more leads, raise prices, and increase value. This discussion covers important strategies to help increase trust and between you and the target market, ultimately increasing leads and sales. This is a great episode for the freelancer who wants to add more strategic moves to their marketing. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  Jonathan explains the value proposition?Identifying the target marketedValidationJust ask people you want to help!Listen, Listen, ListenMarket ResearchValidation of the hypothesis, and value proposition!Knowing how to get in touch with the target marketDoing it in a way to not feel scummyReaching out to the buyers and having ESPExisting Clients, Pass Clients conversationsNot a sales conversationTalk about problemsWhat keeps you up at night?And much more! Picks: Jonathan The

Panel: Reuven Lerner Jonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Reuven and Jonathan discuss “How To Get Yourself Notice” as a freelancer.  Reuven and Jonathan talk about the best practices for building yourself up for marketing and getting more leads. The topics covered are, how to let people know you exist, attracting clients,  being different and unique, taking risks, speaking and writing, social media profiles, and much more. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  How to let people know you exist so they can call you for workGetting more leadsClients want solutionsWhat you Ideal client needsYou need to be different, and take risksBeing able to SpeakBeing able to WriteWho do you want to notice you?Examples to those on UpWorkBilling per hour  - what does that say about you?Direct outreachBloggingLinkedInSocial media profilesAnd much more! Picks: Jonathan Lerner on Getting Started in Technical Training Reuven Seminar style Q&A at lecture hall scale

Panel: Kai Davis Jonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Kai and Jonathan discuss “One Obvious Path to Increasing Your Freelancing Income,” Jonathan shares an old pricing story to kick off the discussion. The topics cover issues with hourly billing, estimates, autonomy, value base decision, the perception of value, growing your craft, becoming a peer with sales contact,  and much more. This is a great episode to understand strategies to prepare your path for increasing your freelance profits. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  Jonathan’s story on PricingThe expert on price and freak invoiceTaking the power away - with hourly billingEstimatesAutonomy on pricesValue base decisionPerception of valueTangible ROIEmotional reaction“Keep sharpening your saw”Market rateHourly and billable hoursGross revenueKnowledge workGrowing your craft80/20 ruleBecome a peer with your sales contactHow do you make my clients lives betterAnd much more! Picks: Jonathan Hourly Billing Is Nuts Kai Quick

Panel: Reuven Lerner Jonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Reuven and Jonathan discuss “Growing Vertically,” or increasing your profits without increasing your headcount or costs. The topics covered are increasing profits, not having time to do what you are good at, growing or increasing sales, hiring and firing, increase profits not revenue, increase your prices and fees, and much more. This is a great episode for those who want to learn how to increase profits with minimal cost to your freelance business. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  Jonathan’s story on solo consultancyIncreasing profits, not headcountNot having time to do the thing you once you didBring in salesSharing the limelightEnabling other to help you with your jobHiring, firing, etc.Increase profits not revenueIncrease prices, fees, etc.How to increase prices or feesThey need your help to learn what to doCreate a new productCreating value for the customer and capitalize on itThe Rub -  lower revenue engagementHow

Panel: Reuven Lerner Kai Davis Jonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Kai, Reuven, and Jonathan discuss outreach to potential clients. Each of the freelancers talk about their strategy for outreach to acquire clients. The discussion covers the pain points of outreach, audience, target market, connecting online or other platforms, stimulating conversation, not coming off as a spammer and many other areas. This is a great episode to learn the best practice for market put reach and building business relationships. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  Reaching out to locate Credit UnionsOnline searchingLooking for Chief Marketing ManagerAn online place to connect, email, etc.Goals to not look sleazyBuilding a leads listOutreach via LinkedInThe value you offer is it worth the time?Market researchLooking into people who are already doing itQualification processPersonalize emailsValue propositionGetting on their radarHow many people to connect before a responseHow long before followup prop

Panel: Reuven Lerner Kai Davis Jonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Kai, Reuven, and Jonathan discuss, getting started in training. The panelist talk about how to outline training, in addition to your freelancing career, to add another modality in your business and provide more value. This is a great episode to understand what areas and packages you can provide, how to build a syllabus for training, intro to advance courses, students, teaching to a student and paying clients,  and how to get the first paying client, and much more. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  Who is training and why?Specialization and providing more valueYour superpower - how would you change their businessDev shop versus Training shopTraining is betterCoursesPackages for trainingSyllabusProviding Intro to advance coursesStudents and learning along with themHow to I determine what the coursesTeaching - get experience doing it first before getting clientsPedagogical  content knowledgeGetting paying clientsG

Panel: Kai Davis Jonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Kai and Jonathan answer questions from their loyal listeners in this month's December Mailbag. Topics covered are on identifying sites your target market is hanging out on most, organizing the new information you learned to implement, what can you do you bring values to people who might be further ahead than you, and many more tactics and strategies to help your freelance career. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  How do you identify places online where ...?ConferencesIdentifying the target market and where they hang out onlineStonewall? Pick a different audience.Organizing and processing new information?Tactics, Strategy and FocusIndex the information and don’t obsess over the informationTrack your time learning and implementingFear of failureHow to bring value to those who might be further along then you?Asking questions and closing the loopRecognizing the opportunityFeedbackAnd much more! Picks: Kai No Picks Jonathan N

Panel: Reuven Lerner Kai Davis Jonathan Stark In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show, Reuven, Kai, and Jonathan talk about organizing your business. The panels discuss important points to stay organize and systemize in your business. Important topics covered are getting to inbox zero, scheduling, building good habits, clearing your to-do lists, keeping notes, organizing your thoughts. Lastly, the freelances talk about tips and technologies they use to keep on top of their tasks. This is a great episode for those who need the implement good practices to run a smoother business. In particular, we dive pretty deep on:  Why should I organize my business?Finding important informationLosing important dataEmail organizationInbox zero - picking time to clean upBuilding habits overtimeWhen you check email - Achieving to save timeCreating to-do lists within emailTask lists without inboxDue dates on tasksRemember the Milk appBlocking out time for to-dosPriority to-do listsNotesBrain StormsEvernote Keeping a phy