To stay in business freelancers need clients, and we’re commonly asking where to find more clients. The obvious freelance platforms and talent agencies aren’t always the best choice for a variety of reason, and they shouldn’t be your only choice. In the episode I present the case for making client prospecting a regular part of your marketing activities, and offer ways to diversify your prospecting through relationship building.
To succeed in business as a freelance creative requires shifting from functioning solely as a creative — an illustrator, a designer, a photographer, a copywriter, an artist — to functioning as the owner of a creative business. In this episode I share half a dozen shifts we need to make in how we think about what we’re doing, and why.
A resumé is not necessary if you’re a freelance creative. Instead, use your portfolio website as your primary marketing tool.
Six things that you as a freelance creative should know about ownership that’ll help you take on the business mindset that employees don’t acquire.
The difference between freelancer and employee lies not only in your intention but also in your actions.
One aspect of freelancing is that you get to deal with different kinds of taxes. In this episode, which is sparked by a conversation with
As a follow-on to a recent episode, I go in-depth into why and how it’s important for both our clients and us to ensure our
Think of marketing as creating content that would be helpful to the people you want to serve.
What do you do when a client wants to treat you as an employee rather than an independent freelance business owner? I answer two questions from freelancers dealing with this conundrum: the first centers on a retainer agreement and the second is dealing with a performance review. I present the case for why you’re not an employee, and ways you can respond if you find yourself working with a client who wants control. A third question deals with how to protect your work during a creative review.
We all have them… those fears and uncertainties that restrict our forward motion. In this episode I share some insights about fear, risk, and consequences, and how you can accelerate through your own freelancing fears and leave them in the dust cloud behind you.
Something that’s often disregarded is the value of creativity to business. There’s the mindset that, “You’re doing what you love to do. It’s creative, it’s fun. You shouldn’t expect to be paid much for it because your payment is in the enjoyment of what you do.” The thing is, though, that we need to look at what we do as having value beyond just the enjoyment.
The landscape is changing for freelancers. How do we navigate successfully? I share an update about the ABC Test that’s in California’s AB5 law and
What we actually do as professional creatives. By way of a true story to illustrate the point, I share a mindset shift for visual creatives
“No” is a power word… It might seem counter-intuitive to turn down a project when you need the income. But saying NO is sometimes the
To manage your time focus on work-life integration, not balance.
Communication is the responsibility of the freelancer and the client.
How and why we freelance creatives need to manage expectations.
Answering reader and listener questions.
Your portfolio isn’t just about getting you your next client. It’s a springboard into your future.
An effective discovery process helps you transition smoothly into a good working relationship with your client. A prospective client discovery session allows you the opportunity
Some warning signs freelancers tend to overlook because they want the project.
Detours prepare and train you for your greater work. Many freelance creatives deal with having to do things to pay the bills while we’re developing
A business plan is a contract you make with yourself. You may not need a business plan to start your freelance business, but once you
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