The Freelance Podclass

Finding your freelance path is of utmost importance to the development and growth of your freelance or VA business. It allows you to tap into the work you want to do, with clients you want to work with. Today we’ll unpack a four-step process to finding your freelance or VA path (or any new career path). These strategies will help clarify which niche you’d like to focus on so you can truly enjoy and develop passion for your work!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of finding the right path for your freelance or VA business - Craig shares a story from his experience that illustrates the importance of enjoying your work. [2:14] How the freelance space allows you to craft a role that’s tailor-made for you - a compelling quote from Steve Jobs that sets the stage for today’s topic. [3:18] How the sky’s the limit in terms of opportunities - the challenge of selecting from many freelance niches.   A Four-Step Process to Find Your Freelance Path (or Any New Career Path) [5:22] #1 A - Assess Yourself a

Today we’re talking about the wonderful world of digital ads! Join us as Colby Flood, the founder of Brighter Click, shares lessons he’s learned while launching and scaling an education-first Facebook Ad agency. We’ll discuss important strategies to help you build credibility, communicate well, and carve out a specialty as a Facebook Ad Manager or Facebook Ad Freelancer.   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Colby Flood and the topic of building a specialty as a Facebook Ad Manager or Facebook Ad Freelancer - Colby shares the story about his entry into the freelance space and his business, Brighter Click. [3:07] How the natural progression into freelancing often starts with general services before niching down to a specific area - the importance of finding your niche and having the confidence to further specialize in a service. [4:42] Why Colby chose the name Brighter Click, an agency name rather than his own name - reasons why your choice of name depends on the end goal for your business. [6:30] In light

How would you like to learn a strategy that can grow your freelance or VA business in more ways than anything else you might have done? Today we’ll share a 3-Step Framework for creating winning lead magnets (free offers) that build your email list of prospective ideal clients. It’s the same sort of process we’ve used to build our own base of students at Freelance University. Join us as we discuss this crucial strategy — it’s had the greatest impact on our business over the last 14 years and can have the same impact on yours!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of creating winning lead magnets in your business - how it’s a highly successful strategy that’s had the greatest impact on Freelance University over the past 14 years.  [1:53] What is a lead magnet - a description of how it works and an example of how Craig tapped into the power of using free offers and lead magnets to build credibility.   Psychological Triggers to Authentically Persuade People to Respond to a Lead Magnet [4:45] #1 Reci

How do you make an incredible impression on clients so they want to hire you for more projects, put you on retainer, and maybe even give you a blank check because you’re so valuable to them? Today we’ll discuss an invaluable topic that will revolutionize your client relationships. Join us as we share a laundry list of the 10 Best Ways to Wow Your Clients. It’ll help you make a great first impression and continue to build trust for years to come!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of “wowing” your clients to help you make an incredible impression on them - Craig shares an important example from his experience working with a celebrity client in the online marketing space.   10 Ways to Wow Your Clients [4:52] #1 Lead with a high-value discovery call - what “high-value” means and how you should prepare for the call. [7:12] #2 Focus on relationships and results - how results are important, but you also need to be relational and make a unique connection with clients. [8:46] #3 Make yourself availab

How do you build a thriving business while dealing with a chronic illness? Today we’re joined by Business and Marketing Coach (and FreeU Mentor) Tammy Durden, who has dealt with severe chronic health conditions while at the same time building a successful business. Many students in our University can relate to Tammy’s journey because of their own chronic health issues. And this might be exactly where you are right now too. So, listen in and be inspired as we discuss strategies to overcome challenges and keep your business moving in the right direction!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Tammy Durden and the topic of building a thriving business with a chronic health condition - Tammy shares her story, leading up to what she does today.    Lessons Learned from Experiencing a Chronic Health Condition While Growing a Business [4:47] #1 How to bring the right people on to the team - the importance of having people who know what to do. [5:09] #2 How success is defined differently, and it’s okay to work from

How do you maintain a healthy social media mindset while still growing your business, presence, and influence? Today we’re joined by Business Mindset Coach Marion Wagner, a former school psychologist who helps entrepreneurs scale six-figure online businesses. She shares crucial strategies and insights so you can create healthy boundaries and choose the best social media channels to make authentic connections with your ideal clients!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Marion Wagner and the topic of building a healthy social media mindset - Marion shares her story and how she shifted from being a school psychologist to a business mindset coach.   Three Ways Social Media is a Blessing [5:26] #1 You can create connections and build relationships with people easily - an example of how it’s used to reach out to people. [5:54] #2 You can show a more human side or a behind-the-scenes look at your business - how it shortens the window of getting a cold lead to know, like, and trust you. [6:18] #3 You can easily

Today we’re excited to unveil highlights from our 5th annual Freelance Professional Skills Report! In spite of economic uncertainty, a global pandemic, and global unrest, we’ve seen an extraordinary spike in the growth of freelancing. Join us as we unpack the report and discuss exciting things happening in the freelance space in 2022. Results indicate this is a great time to start or grow your freelance or virtual assistant business!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the 2022 Freelance Professional Skills Report - how to access the link and download the report. [1:00] How 2022 is a great year for you to grow your freelance or virtual assistant business - reasons why the freelance industry has grown. [2:39] The basis for the Freelance Professional Skills Report and how it’s generated   Highlights from the Report [3:20] Why people chose to pursue freelancing during the global pandemic - examples of compelling responses. [5:27] The percentage of freelance or VA survey respondents who are currently workin

During the global pandemic, freelance marketplaces like Upwork continue to gain significance as valuable sources of jobs and gigs. But how do you win at Upwork and attract your ideal clients? Today we’re joined by social media manager and educator Silvia Pinho, who’s been on Upwork since 2013. She shares important strategies to help you personalize your proposals and earn clients’ trust even before the initial discovery call!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Silvia Pinho and the topic of finding work on Upwork - Silvia tells her story, how she got started in freelancing and what she’s doing today.  [3:00] Why Upwork is still a great place to find freelance projects and a good opportunity for freelancers - some important features that help you reach out to ideal clients and sell yourself. [4:48] How the COVID-19 pandemic led to more jobs being posted on Upwork and more freelance gigs - examples of how remote work has become mainstream.   Common Reasons Why Freelancers Struggle to Find Clients on Upwor

Lack of focus can be a real business killer, derailing you from accomplishing what you need to grow your business. But how do we regain our focus? Today we’ll unpack 10 practical ways to improve your focus in your business and get more things done. These strategies will help you regain and even increase your focus so you can complete your weekly priorities in both life and business!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of how to regain and increase our focus so we’re completing our weekly priorities and accomplishing what we need to grow our business - reasons why focus is important. [0:58] “The nothing box” - how you can do something without a clear focus and not be aware of what you did or accomplished. [2:32] Why we become so incredibly unfocused - examples of physiological, mental/emotional, and organizational things that make us lose focus.   10 Practical Ways to Improve Your Focus in Your Business and Get More Things Done [7:10] #1 Get clear on the distinction between the urgent and the i

Do you ever wonder how you can generate more revenue and get more meaning from your work in less time? Today we’re joined by writer, strategist and coach, Austin Church, the founder of FreelanceCake.com. He shares effective strategies for becoming not just an implementer, but a consultant and strategist for your clients in more than six different in-demand areas. These services will help you add a whole new layer of income to your freelance or virtual assistant business!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Austin Church and the topic of becoming a freelance strategist/consultant - Austin tells the story of how he became a freelancer and a strategist.  [5:46] The challenge of how to generate more revenue and get more meaning from your work in less time - some reasons why freelancers struggle to move from being an implementer to being a strategist or consultant. [7:21] The challenge of routine - how we don’t always recognize how the aptitudes required in our tasks relate to consulting. [11:50] How we tend

How do you stay motivated to keep doing what you’re doing in your business every day? This topic is one of the most important factors to your long-term success in your virtual assistant or freelance business. So, today we’ll unpack seven practical strategies to help you stay motivated, even in the midst of adversity. They’ll give you the courage to continue striving for success and giving your clients your absolute best!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of staying motivated in your freelance or virtual assistant business - the importance of continuing even in the midst of adversity or waning motivation. [2:19] An example of motivation and the courage to continue - how Craig’s daughters achieved success during adversity.   The Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation [4:30] Intrinsic motivation - its definition, importance, and examples of how it’s characterized by the three Ps (Purpose, Passion, and Personal Fulfillment).  [9:55] Extrinsic motivation - its definition, importanc

How do you create a compelling brand that actually attracts clients? Today we’re joined by Nikki Arensman, who is a brand designer, strategist, and host of “The Business of Branding” podcast. She’s the perfect candidate to explain how to do branding the right way, from scratch, so you can stand out and connect with your ideal clients!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Nikki Arensman and the topic of creating a compelling brand that attracts clients - Nikki tells the story of how she became a brand designer and strategist.  [7:25] The competitiveness of the product industry and how branding is the way you can stand out   Reasons freelancers or VAs struggle to create a compelling brand [9:48] #1 Thinking branding is not exciting - some examples of the core elements that make up a brand. [11:39] #2 Thinking you aren’t established enough - the benefits of thinking through who your clients are, how to speak with them and connect with them. [12:43] #3 Focusing too much on the visual elements of a brand - th

It’s safe to say we’re operating in a remote work revolution right now, with renewed interest in companies and freelancers working from home. So, you may be wondering, what is the future of remote work? Today we’ll hear from Michael Brooks, the founder and CEO of goLance, an award-winning online freelance marketplace. He’ll share his predictions and key strategies to help you thrive in the remote work economy for many years to come!   Podcast Outline: [1:10] Introduction to Michael Brooks and the future of remote work - Michael talks about working remotely and tells the story of what led him to launch goLance. [9:10] The impact of the global pandemic on remote work and freelancing - reasons why remote work is growing explosively. [12:01] How many businesses were forced to go remote during the pandemic and discovered greater profitability - the importance of developing and managing trust for remote workers. [15:28] How freelancers are the most motivated group of people Craig has ever worked with - compelling r

How do you approach your freelance business with a boss mindset when you’re used to being an employee? Today we’re joined by Nachum Kligman, the CEO and founder of Book Like a Boss, a booking page builder that helps freelancers manage their schedules and lives. He knows a thing or two about being an incredible boss in his business and will share strategies for developing an entrepreneurial mindset. This will change the dynamic of your client relationships and help you present yourself with confidence!   Podcast Outline: [0:38] Introduction to Nachum Kligman and the topic of cultivating the mindset of a boss in your freelance business - Nachum describes his journey and how he’s currently serving freelancers. [6:09] How it’s easier to sell software than manufactured products - some examples showing the need for character and persistence in business. [8:37] Why it’s challenging to pivot from an employee mindset to a boss mindset - how to change your mindset so you can establish boundaries. [11:46] The importance

How do you build a thriving freelance design business that stands out in the busy web design or graphic design market? Today we’re joined by Elizabeth Averyanova, an architectural designer, digital course creator, business coach, online entrepreneur, and world traveler. She’s built an amazing boutique design agency from scratch and will share her journey from an unemployed architect to a multi-six-figure freelance designer!   Podcast Outline: [0:42] Introduction to Elizabeth Averyanova and the topic of building a thriving freelance designer business - Elizabeth describes her journey from an unemployed architect to a multi-six-figure freelance designer. [5:45] How hitting a wall can lead to new opportunities, flexibility, and freedom you’d never have imagined [7:42] How to fit into the busy freelance design market, given the high volume of designers - the importance of finding a niche where you can serve a particular type of client. [9:36] How Elizabeth niched down - the strategies she used to figure out her a

Do you ever wish you could have more energy and focus better on your daily tasks? In today’s class we’ll discuss the essential strategies you need so you can add more time to your day, accomplish more in your business, and see better results. Join me as I walk you through ten helpful ways to ensure you have your most productive day ever!   Podcast Outline: [0:41] Introduction to the topic of having your most productive day ever - some questions to consider and reasons why people experience a lack of productivity.   Ten Ways to Have a More Productive Day [5:21] #1 Identify and eliminate your productivity pitfalls - examples of different types of pitfalls and how to overcome them. [7:46] #2 Make your to-do list the day before - what to include and how to format the list. [8:48] #3 Build regular morning rituals - the importance of having a regular routine and some examples of how it helps you get into the mental and emotional space to be able to do good work. [9:59] #4 Use the fine art of time blocking - how to

How do you build a fully booked VA or freelance business when you only have a part-time schedule? Today we’re joined by Holly Marie Haynes, a productivity coach and business strategist who is living that experience right now. She shares tips to help you take back control of your time so you can create a long-term business strategy and pursue your ideal schedule and lifestyle!   Podcast Outline: [0:73] Introduction to Holly Marie Haynes and the topic of building a fully booked freelance or VA business when you only have a part-time schedule - Holly tells the story of how she became involved in entrepreneurship.   Three traits that characterize people who squeeze more hours out of the day [5:37] #1 Having a long-term strategy and vision - what that means and what strategies help you accomplish this. [6:40] #2 Being consistent - how consistency is manifested in your business and how it builds momentum. [7:37] How grit, consistency, and motivation are key to building your business - important examples of the impa

Over the past two years, there’s been unprecedented growth in the popularity of virtual summits. So, today we’re joined by Krista Miller, an expert on virtual summits and founder of Summit in a Box. She’ll explain why virtual summits have become such an in-demand and profitable service for so many freelancers and virtual assistants. And she’ll also share practical steps for launching your own summit, even if you have a tiny email list!   Podcast Outline: [0:45] Introduction to Krista Miller and the topic of hosting a profitable virtual summit even if you have a tiny email list - Krista tells the story of how she became a thought leader in running virtual summits.  [5:22] How productizing a service is a common pathway for freelancers   Trends shaping the growth of virtual summits during the COVID-19 pandemic  [6:55] #1 Moving from pre-recorded to live virtual events - how people are becoming more comfortable with presenting live events. [7:18] #2 People looking for ways to make their events unique - some examp

Have you considered finding a specialty niche so you can add new clients and expand what you’re doing with current clients? Today we’re joined by Online Business Manager (OBM) LaToya Russell, who unpacks strategies and tips for making the transition to a specialized, in-demand service. LaToya has discovered her specialty niche, and in this episode, she inspires you to figure out yours!   Podcast Outline: [0:38] Introduction to LaToya Russell and the topic of finding a specialty niche - LaToya shares her story and how she got started as an Online Business Manager (OBM).  [4:32] Some of the fears people have about switching to a specialized niche - LaToya and Craig discuss common reasons why people think they shouldn’t specialize and compelling reasons why they should. [8:36] How “Software as a Service” (SaaS) is a great specialty to offer as a freelancer or VA - Craig and LaToya explain the benefits of niching down into this service. [10:18] Specialty niches that are in demand in the automation/technology spac

In the early days of the virtual assistant industry, few people knew what a VA was. But now the industry has gone mainstream, and it’s growing faster than ever. Today we’re joined by business coach and trainer Kathy Goughenour as she talks about the keys to building a thriving VA business. You’ll also learn how to picture the future you want so you can live the life you want to lead!   Podcast Outline: [0:50] Introduction to Kathy Goughenour and the topic of building a thriving virtual assistant business - Kathy describes how she got started as a virtual assistant and where she is now. [7:11] Why the VA industry is booming and why it’s an exciting time to be a VA - how the industry is expected to continue growing consistently over the next four years. [8:44] How the experiment of hiring a VA or freelancer during the pandemic turned out to be a success - Kathy shares statistics that point to the incredible savings businesses enjoy.  [10:17] How it’s possible to get more work done when you’re working from home