As freelancers and solo professionals, we often (unknowingly) sabotage our own success from the very first interaction with a prospect. We present ourselves and our services in a way that works against us. It erodes trust and diminishes our perceived value before we even begin working with a potential client. It often starts the moment we ask our clients, "What can I do for you?" This simple question can unknowingly shift us from being experts in our field to mere order-takers, losing control of our own business direction. From there, it shows up in what we say to clients and prospects. What we offer. How we price our work. How we position ourselves in the market. And how we talk about what we do and the value we deliver. In this episode, we're diving deep into this critical issue. My guest is Amy Posner, an experienced freelance professional and entrepreneur who has mastered the art of positioning herself as an expert rather than an order-taker. Amy shares invaluable insights on how to regain control of your freelance business, build authority with clients, and establish yourself as the go-to expert in your field. We explore a number of important topics, including: Recognizing when you've fallen into the order-taker role and how to break free Practical steps to shift from order-taker to expert (and yes, you ARE more of an expert than you realize!) Building and demonstrating authority—even if you're shy or introverted Setting boundaries and managing client expectations Developing the communication skills and confidence needed to position yourself as an expert Whether you're a seasoned freelancer looking to level up your business or still in the early stages of growing your practice, this episode offers valuable insights to help you take back the power in your business and truly thrive as a freelance professional. I hope you find our conversation enlightening and actionable!