Freelance Blend Podcast

Because online freelancers are in front of their computers most of the time, people may wonder if we ever get to socialize. The answer to that is a resounding “YES!” And we do it online too.

When we are too busy and our schedules don’t match for an actual meetup, we meet online for our ChatUp Sessions. I recorded our last ChatUp to give you a preview of the exchange of ideas that happen during meetups, whether offline or online, in our freelancing community. This time, we met to discuss a hot topic from Hubstaff’s recently published 2017 Freelancing Trends survey. The study shows that freelancers in the Philippines earn the lowest average hourly rate compared to 4 other countries.

Key Topic

How do you feel about this stat that shows Pinoy freelancers charging the lowest rate? What can YOU do to change this?

Average freelancing rates by country:

* Great Britain: $46.54

* Canada: $40.17

* United States: $37.87

* India: $19.12

* Philippines: $11.72

What Freelancers Think

Naturally, the initial reaction is to raise rates and charge at par with freelancers from other countries but in the ChatUp, we examined the bigger picture. Listen to fellow freelancers as they share their perspectives.

* Daise, who shared this report with me, is an online business manager. She started with a low rate but did her part by studying and upgrading her skills. After gaining more knowledge, she increased her rates. For Daise, everyone has the chance to charge more, as long as you have the right skills set.

* Charlie, a motion graphic designer freelancing since 2008, gave a piece of good advice for finding clients. He encourages Pinoys to look for clients who know the value of the services that freelancers are providing. This is in reference to clients who bid for the lowest prices in various freelancing platforms.

* Althea, a virtual assistant, made a good point that charging low is possibly deeply rooted in our culture and that a change of mindset is what Pinoy freelancers need.

* Nix, our go-to guy for all things digital marketing, reminded us to take a step back and reevaluate our next steps. Because Pinoys are the least paid, some might take this as a sign to raise prices. However, remember that we need to have the skills to back it up, otherwise, we will hurt the reputation of all Filipino freelancers.

Watch the recorded video or listen to the podcast to hear more insights from Herlene, Ginger, Alex, Chichi, X, Rita, Julius, Sam, Randall, and Ems. You’ll also get more tips on how to find clients and how to set the right price for your services. Now that our aim is to have the right mindset coupled with outstanding skills, we are all hoping that next year’s report will show higher figures for Filipino freelancers.

PS. If you want to be part of inspiring and enlightening discussions like this, join our Facebook Group at www.freelanceblend.com/blenders and check the pinned post on how to join our chatup group in Messenger.

“Get gigs in the newest marketplace for freelancers — goLance — and earn more when you refer your friends >>> www.freelanceblend.com/golance.”

Are You Ready to Become a Freelancer?

If you are really serious about becoming a freelancer, you should first start with the tools of the trade.

I will make your life easier by handing you more than 30 of the latest and greatest applications,

Who would have thought that trading NBA cards in his early teens would pave the way for a digital marketing career? That is exactly what happened to our latest guest. I am thrilled to share FBP 137 with all of you Freelance Blend listeners! In this episode, I interviewed growth hacker, digital marketing consultant, and fellow NBA fan, Nix Eñiego.

Nix, Head of Marketing at Sprout Solutions, remembers his younger days of trading cards at Glorietta as one of the telling signs that his path was long laid out before him. Nix’s interest led him to start at an early age of 16 and by the time he was 18, he was already offering his own content and SEO service to international clients. Nix, now 25 years old, has been in the digital marketing industry for the last 8 years, learning digital marketing techniques and putting these into practice for Sprout, his own company, and his e-commerce websites.

I have been in the freelancing industry for the last 3 years and have only met Nix in the last couple of months. Nix’s infectious enthusiasm will make you want to hang on his every word but if you’re like me, you’ll also wonder how is it that you’re only hearing from him now. Nix is now actively teaching new freelancers about digital marketing. When asked about why it took him all these years to reach out and teach a larger audience, Nix has got a very interesting story to tell.

I promise you that this episode is packed with practical tips that you can immediately apply for your clients or your business.

Listen to the podcast and get to know Nix’s journey!

Key Highlights

This episode is a gem! with Nix telling us of his experiences, sharing valuable tips, answering questions from Freelance Blenders. Learn more about:

* How Nix started with Digital Marketing

* What he learned from buying and selling at the same age

* Alternative ways of lead generation outside of freelancing platforms

* His days as a Fiverr Star

* The one thing that you should get your hands on to land a job fast

* His career turning point

* Transforming from being a shy marketer to a digital marketing evangelist

* How he landed his first Digital Marketing speaking gig

* Advice for individuals interested to start their freelancing career

* Three forms of digital marketing that anyone can do for as low as P100 a day

Quotes

Not knowing where to start? Here’s what Nix has to say:

“Start with something that you are interested in.”

On mustering the courage to start:

“The only thing that’s really stopping you is your excuses.”

“Try and put yourself out there. Good things will happen.”

Links and Resources

* Add Nix on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nixeniego

* Join the groups:

* www.facebook.com/groups/startupmarketingph/

* www.facebook.com/groups/smmph/

* Quuu.com –www.quuu.co/

* Facebook Blueprint – www.facebook.com/blueprint

* Sprout is free for businesses with less than 20 employees! Sign up here.

“Get gigs in the newest marketplace for freelancers — goLance — and earn more when you refer your friends >>> www.freelanceblend.com/golance.”

Do you want to be virtually surrounded by inspi...

How did you land your first client? We all have our stories on how we found clients (or how clients found us). Most seasoned freelancers have anecdotes to share – from meeting them through a common friend, a connection on LinkedIn, from a freelancing meet-up event, or that serendipitous event that led to the first contract.

My personal story came as a fruit of hard work on building own brand for three years. After I built Freelance Blend and forged my way as a podcaster, my dream client found me. The road to being a valuable freelancer working for an equally high-quality client was not easy, but it is all worth it. The efforts I put into making my own brand worked because it is the biggest proof of the kind of work and value that I could bring to any potential client.

This week’s FB 136 episode will be a little different than the usual. I am happy to share with you the FB live session with Jason Dulay of Work From Home Roadmap. In FBP 125, I interviewed Jason about how freelancing can enable you to live a life of travel as a digital nomad. Ten episodes later, the tables have turned. This time, I’m on the left side of the screen, answering questions instead of asking them. I am honored to be a guest in Jason’s session where we talked about my own freelancing journey.

Join Jason and I as we both share insights on getting clients who pay for value, what motivates most freelancers, and tips on finding a client acquisition process that works for you.

Key Highlights

Listen in as we dish out our tips and principles on acquiring clients, beating burnout, and client communications.

* My journey in the financial services industry and how I found myself as a freelancer

* Most influential things that paved the way for freelancing

* Top reason why I (and most freelancers) do not immediately leave their jobs

* What you need to have before finally calling it quits with your job

* My dreams before I went to freelancing

* How I landed my first client

* The difference between skill and value

* How your personal websites and podcasts can help increase your value

* Tips on finding a client acquisition process that works for you

* Confidence as a key factor to success

Quotes

On confidence:

“You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to be a couple of steps ahead.”

On charging more for quality work:

“Understand the problem and make them realize that you are the solution to that problem.”

Finding your own process:

“Most successful freelancers have a process.”

“Experiment. There is no one way to do it. There are many ways to do it. Find a process that works for you.”

The best proof of your work:

“My best client is myself.”

Links and Resources:

* For more tips and tricks for freelancers, subscribe to Freelance Blend TV

* Get Jason’s FREE Course: How You can Work from Home

* Join Jason’s course for VAs: Virtual Assistant Bootcamp

“Get gigs in the newest marketplace for freelancers — goLance — and earn more when you refer your friends >>> www.freelanceblend.com/golance.”

Aren’t you just tired?  Tired of your 9-5 job?  Tired of the stressful traffic, going back and forth to your office?  Tired of not seeing your kids?  Tired of working for your horrible boss?

Relax….Why don’t you become a Freelancer?

Learn how to become one by joining the 4th run of one of our most popular workshops –-

Freelancing for Beginners Workshop

Marv’s Story

Like most of you, I was a yuppie.  I worked in the corporate world for 18 years and had a high-paying job but was on the brink of burning out.  I got tired. Burned out.

Until one day, I decided:  “Enough is enough!”

I needed an exit plan!  A plan B!

However, I didn’t know where to start.

Until, in October of 2013, I attended a big event for Filipino freelancers.  There I met dozens of freelancers and a handful of successful ones who were doing it full time.

I didn’t realize until then that was already a large group of Filipinos who are working and earning from home.  That was my lightbulb moment!

From there, I approached those successful freelancers, picked their brains and then decided to form a community of Filipino freelancer so that I can continue learning from them.

Then, in 2015, I took the leap, retired from corporate job and became a full-time, work from home dad.  I turned into a FREELANCER.

Listen to how I got my first gig here:

It’s Your Turn

If you think freelancing is only for those lucky, select few people, you’re wrong.

Freelancing works and if I was able to do it, so can you.  We will teach you how.

Why should I join this workshop?

Here are the 5 reasons why you should not miss this workshop:

#1 > Get simple, step-by-step training from Coach Marv — who has interviewed successful freelancers on his show – Freelance Blend Podcast, hired freelancers for his businesses and is also a thriving freelancer himself.

#2 > Fulfill your dream of working for yourself, earning additional income from your passion and spending more time with your family.

#3>  Mastermind with fellow freelancers, entrepreneurs and mentors who have tons of experience in the world of freelancing.

#4> Get instant feedback from Marv and our guest coach Ginger Arboleda – CEO of Manila Workshops and COO of Taxumo.

#5>  Take massive action, earn your first income and celebrate your wins with our private and exclusive freelancer community!

What will I get from this workshop?

In this workshop you will learn:

* Why now is the perfect time to become a freelancer in the Philippines

* The basic, step-by-step guide in becoming a successful freelancer

* How to start with the right freelancer mindset

* Proven strategies on how to get your first client

* How to create your Freelance Action Plan

* The tools and resources you need as a freelancer

* How expert freelancers are thriving in their indie business

* Get your questions answered by experienced freelancers who were beginners like you

* And a lot more!

The Freelancing for Beginners Workshop is FOR….

* Office employees who want to work as part-time freelancers or transition into full-time freelancing

* Newbies who just started freelancing and need to understand the basics

* Fresh graduates who want to earn money while looking for a job

* Stay-at-home parents who want to earn income while taking care of the kids

* Retirees who still want to be productive and active while earning from freelancing activities

* Newbie freelancers who want to learn the basics a...

How do you get the attention of a prospective client on social media?

If you think that it is as simple as sending a private message and introducing yourself out of the blue, think again. Winning deals with new clients require building relationships, whether in the offline or online world. Social Media Marketing may seem like a daunting task for anyone just starting out their own freelancing career or business but our guest for this third Freelance Blend FB Live session has her own system to get leads.

Valerie Deveza is a social media strategist who found her tried-and-tested methods after continuously learning about inbound marketing. In 2009, Valerie started out as a programmer but she always knew that she could make a living online. She has always been very keen on updating her profiles on various social media channels since the days of Friendster. Her interest caught the attention of would-be clients. She started to do online work in 2010, learning the ropes of inbound marketing, and finally, in 2012, she got her own inbound marketing clients.

Seven years later, Valerie is still learning a lot more about evolving social media platforms. She incorporates the new things she learns to her social media white-label services, making them more relevant and effective. On the call, she shared that in 6 weeks, she was able to pitch to 7 new clients with 2 deals closed and another 2 in the final stages.

Curious to know how she does it? Listen to Valerie share her beginnings a Social Media Manager, her tips on the best resources for beginners, and her system of reaching out and pitching to clients. I was able to learn a lot from our interview, and I can’t wait to apply her tips on my own social media channels. If you want to learn more about actionable social media strategies, visit Valerie’s site and sign up on her email list.

Key Highlights

There is more to social media than posts and tweets. Find out more as you listen to Valerie share her expertise on:

* Her own formula in building relationships with prospective clients

* How to know which aspects of social media marketing you might be interested in

* How she started to learn Inbound Marketing

* Her journey to being a Social Media Strategist

* Tools that a Social Media Strategist can use

* How to market your own social media services

* How to penetrate the industry that you want to be in

* Reaching out to your target clients

* Her own buyer’s journey

* Tips on where you can learn Inbound Marketing

Quotes:

On using freelancing platforms to find clients: “What inbound marketing will teach you is to not rely on traditional marketing.”

On showing proof of your work: “Your first client is yourself”.

Links:

The Best Resources for Beginners:

* http://moz.com

* http://hubspot.com

* http://quicksprout.com

* http://constantcontact.com

Valerie’s Website: valeriedeveza.com

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or Facebook

Get gigs in the newest marketplace for freelancers — goLance — and earn more when you refer your friends >>>

In the third installment of our Ask Marv episode, I chose questions that explore the different options of a freelancer. I was inspired by these questions and it made me reminisce about my own freelancing journey that started 3 years ago.

“If you’re going to start with a freelancing platform like UpWork, when is it advisable to consider reaching out to prospective clients on your own, outside of those platforms to advance your freelancing career?  When is it too early, and when is it kind of long overdue?”

My answer to that first question is: “It’s never too early. It will always be long overdue.”

Based from my experience in connecting with clients on and off freelancing platforms, both teaches you different things that enable you to grow as a freelancer. Finding clients on your own teaches you how to market your services and how to reach out to them through events, meetups, and referrals. Landing a job on a freelancing site teaches you how to stay ahead of the competition as hundreds of people are in these sites vying for the same opportunity. Listen to the podcast as I expound on how you can get the best out of both these experiences.

The next question explores how freelancing in the Philippines will be in the next decade:

 “What is the future in this kind of business say 10 to 20 years from now?”

More Filipinos are now being aware of how freelancing can be an alternative way of earning. It can either be a part-time gig that you can do on weekends or a full-time career that will give you more freedom to work from anywhere. Freelancing platforms report that there are 1.5 million Filipino freelancers but this does not take into account those who are directly working with their clients. If freelancing continues to grow at this rate the Philippines, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more Filipino freelancers than OFWs in the decades to come.

How did you like the last 3 Ask Marv session episodes? Freelance Blend is here to raise awareness and help interested Filipinos to start their freelancing careers.  Send your questions by replying on the newsletter (do subscribe if you haven’t yet) or go to my Contact page for inquiries. You may also send me a message at Facebook.com/freelanceblend.

 

Are You Ready to Become a Freelancer?

If you are really serious about becoming a freelancer, you should first start with the tools of the trade.

I will make your life easier by handing you more than 30 of the latest and greatest applications, software and websites that I, and even some of the most amazing freelancers, use on a day-to-day basis to become a more productive freedom entrepreneur. 

Get “The Most Awesome Apps, Tools & Resources” Ebook Now!

Did you listen or read last week’s podcast and blog post? In case you missed it, I addressed questions on the fulfillment that we get from freelancing and the challenges that one has to face, especially those who are new in the industry. And because I still have a lot more questions from Freelance Blenders, this week, we continue with another AskMarv episode.

For FBP 133, I chose questions about online businesses. Listen up as you might have the same questions as your fellow Freelance Blenders:

* How do online businesses run and how do you make money out of it? Are there step by step trainings that we can take to start up our online business?

* How will I start my online business without spending too much?

* What are the tools that I need to start freelancing?

Aside from online freelancing, there are other opportunities and ventures that you can do over the internet, whether a direct online service or an indirect way through digital marketing. I currently have no course offerings yet on putting up an online business but here’s a suggestion: get a copy of Cyberpreneur Philippines (a book I co-authored) and get ideas from several online entrepreneurs. If you find an idea that interests you, do your research, attend workshops, or you may also find a coach who can help you with your goals.

I also talk about how online businesses are an ideal venture for those who are strapped for cash and have less capital needed for a brick and mortar business. Putting up an online business is cheaper than renting a business office or a shop, effectively cutting your operational expenses to almost zero. You might have to spend on digital marketing such as Facebook Ads but even that is less expensive than the amount of money that it takes to put up a franchise business.

If you want to learn more about how Facebook Ads can grow your business, check out our Facebook Ads Basics Workshop, supported by Facebook Asia Pacific, on May 27, from 1-5PM.

Do you have a freelancing or online business question? Send your questions by replying on the newsletter (do subscribe if you haven’t yet) or go to my Contact page for inquiries. You may also send me a message at Facebook.com/freelanceblend.

Links:

* Facebook Ads Basics Workshop

* Cyberpreneur Philippines Book

Are You Ready to Become a Freelancer?

If you are really serious about becoming a freelancer, you should first start with the tools of the trade.

I will make your life easier by handing you more than 30 of the latest and greatest applications, software and websites that I, and even some of the most amazing freelancers, use on a day-to-day basis to become a more productive freedom entrepreneur. 

Get “The Most Awesome Apps, Tools & Resources” Ebook Now!

Note: We are republishing this blog and podcast post because of technical issues with the first one.  Apologies if you get updated twice for this post.  Thanks!

Hello, Freelance Blenders! The podcast has been quiet in the last few weeks but I want to assure you that I’m planning and working on new ventures to spread the love for freelancing even more! Last month was hectic for me with activities such as attending the PISCon in Davao City, setting up a new client, and preparing for new projects that will serve the freelancing community.

The truth is: Freelance Blend was not really quiet in the last month. In April, Freelance Blend was featured in the Entrepreneur US article featuring TOP 28 marketing podcasts for entrepreneurs. It is an honor to be featured in the same article together with top podcasters who I admire and listen to. I am also proudly supporting fellow Filipinos who are now starting podcasts such as Arianne Serafico and Marvin Basa who recently interviewed for one of his episodes. Check the links section below for details.

And because I want to give you more reasons to consider freelancing, I answered some of our listeners’ most pressing questions in the Ask Marv section for this week’s podcast episode. You might have the same questions as they do:

*  I would ask, what it is about freelancing that you find fulfilling? Or how much do you love your work?

* What are the biggest challenges of freelancing?

Listen as I share some of my experiences in the freelancing world and the lessons that I’ve learned along the way.

Watch out for more Ask Marv sessions in upcoming weeks!

Do you have questions related to freelancing and online entrepreneurship? Post your questions here!

Links:

* Entrepreneur.com feature

* Arianne Serafico’s podcast

* My interview at Marvin Basa’s podcast

 

Are You Ready to Become a Freelancer?

If you are really serious about becoming a freelancer, you should first start with the tools of the trade.

I will make your life easier by handing you more than 30 of the latest and greatest applications, software and websites that I, and even some of the most amazing freelancers, use on a day-to-day basis to become a more productive freedom entrepreneur. 

Get “The Most Awesome Apps, Tools & Resources” Ebook Now!

Failure is not an option for Bobit Ebarle.

He took up business in college and joined the corporate world for a couple of years before he decided to finally do what he really wanted to do. He became a full-fledged entrepreneur.

Armed with an P11M funding, Bobit ventured into a coconut sugar exporting business.  His first major business foray failed in the next couple years. The business may have failed and the money was lost, but the lesson stayed with him. Bobit attributes this failure to inexperience. In his own words, he says that they were blinded by the money and took on so many risks.

As with all successful entrepreneurs, Bobit studied every part of this failure and made sure to take all the necessary research to avoid the causes of his failure last time. The result? He and his business partner put up PinoyInvestor, a profitable venture from the day that they launched. PinoyInvestor helps Filipinos to make smarter stock investment decisions by partnering with brokerage firms in the Philippines.

Bobit and my friend, J3 Patino, then started Business Startup Blueprint to help anyone who is interested in putting up business with more chances of success. In this episode, Bobit tells us his journey as an entrepreneur and shares with us valuable advice on how to approach building a business in a low risk, high reward way. Also, I gave away P5000 worth of freebies for those who signed up with my affiliate link during the Facebook Live session. The enrollment for Business Startup Blueprint online classes and coaching session has ended for this period but watch out for future offerings!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Have you always thought about going into business but the fear of failure has stopped you? Listen to this podcast and see what Bobit has to say.

* Bobit’s background and how his interest in business started at a young age

* His corporate world experience

* The biggest business failure

* How to start preparing for your business while you are working in the corporate world

* Different types of risks and possible ways to mitigate

* Venturing from a traditional to an online business

* How his network helped him to be successful

* Inspiring story from a BSB student

* Q&A with viewers

Business Startup Blueprint’s 5-step Framework 

* Winning before you even start.

* Generating the best business ideas

* Knowing your customer

* Formulating your money-making product

* Launching your dream business

QUOTES

On why money is not the sole reason of business failure: “it’s not about capital and not about the money. It’s more so how you can avoid risks in business so you can start one with higher chances of success.”

Why the customer should always be the center of your business: “Customer-centric thinking is what you really need because it will form the foundation of your product and eventually, your business.”

On why should Filipinos consider putting up a business: “Business is the key to achieving financial freedom, time freedom, and personal freedom.”

LINKS AND RESOURCES

* PinoyInvestor

* The Lean Startup – Eric Reis

* Email:  [email protected]

 

Are You Ready to Become a Freelancer?

If you are really serious about becoming a freelancer, you should first start with the tools of the trade.

I will make your life easier by handing you more than 30 of the latest and greatest applications, software and websites that I,

Do you remember what is was like when you were 25?

For Janine Pring, being 25 means running her own creative design studio and her own clothing line right in the heart of her hometown in Koronadal, South Cotabato.

I met Janine in a PayPal Asia Pacific event last month and I was amazed at how she has already put up her own company at the age of 25.  I was still in the corporate world when I was the same age as her and looking back, I can’t help but compare how it was during my time. I realize that millennials, Janine’s generation, have all the information that they need to be a successful freelancer or a business owner. With all the resources available for them, it now boils down to determination and perseverance to do what it takes to be successful in their chosen field.

Janine is an inspiring millennial who is on her way to making her visions come true for both Dreametry (her creative design company) and Dreametry Doodle (clothing line). As a parent, I also want to see my kids doing what they love. Stories like Janine’s encourage me even more to show my kids that there are alternative ways to reach their dreams and to live the life that they want.

In this episode, Janine shares with us how she started at the age of 13, her struggles as a young entrepreneur, and how she has improved her management skills throughout the years.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

If you are a freelancer who is thinking of turning your craft into a business, listen to Janine as she shares her ideas and experiences. We’ve talked about the following:

* How she first started out as a freelancer when she was 13

* Building her skill as a graphic designer

* How Janine transitioned from being a solopreneur to building a company

* Challenges of running a business

* Why you should always read a book and the book that first inspired her

* Her vision for Dreametry and how she wants to raise awareness about earning through online work

* How she finds clients – from message boards to UpWork

* Dreametry’s business model and where she got the inspiration

* Watch to see samples of designs on Dreametry Doodle

* Q&A with viewers

* Janine’s advice to her generation

QUOTES

On her plans to help her community: “Dito sa lugar naming maraming creative people. Kelangan lang nila mahone and matrain para ma introduce sila sa online world.”

Tip to teens: “Never stop learning.”

On how parents can help their children to be successful: “Encourage kids to find what they really love.”

LINKS AND RESOURCES

* Dreametry’s website

* Dreametry Doodle 

* Facebook page

Digital Design pages you can check out:

* Behance.net

* www.Deviantart.com

* 99designs.com

* Designcrowd.com

 

Are You Ready to Become a Freelancer?

If you are really serious about becoming a freelancer, you should first start with the tools of the trade.

I will make your life easier by handing you more than 30 of the latest and greatest applications, software and websites that I, and even some of the most amazing freelancers, use on a day-to-day basis to become a more productive freedom entrepreneur. 

Get “The Most Awesome Apps, Tools & Resources” Ebook Now!