As independents, freelancers and remote workers, we often hear that the only things we need to start freelancing are a laptop, an Internet connection and a cup of great coffee.

But that isn't entirely true. Although you don't want to wait until you purchase every piece of equipment, software and book out there before starting, you want to check a few key items off your 'Need' list before you book your first client. In this episode, Allison and Trevor talk about how to strike a balance between preparedness and chasing an ideal that can never be reached when it comes to identifying what we absolutely need on day one.

There's a science to calculating how much you need to earn from your freelance practice to thrive in your first year and beyond. In this episode, Allison and Trevor discuss the basic numbers, hidden expenses and costs to take into consideration along with an honest assessment of your skills to arrive at an hourly rate that does justice to you, your clients and your bank account.

Everyone has an ideal client. In this episode, Allison and Trevor discuss how to find yours.

The nature of work may be changing, but that doesn't mean we should have to get used to precarious work, erratic types of employment and short-term, low paying jobs. To create a positive economic future, we need to look at employment and business with a more flexible mindset. If we teach our workforce that freelancing is a viable option that can help them build a foundation for a stable, sustainable income and high quality of life, we can diversify our sources of income and economy one independent worker at a time.

A frank discussion on how to approach the mistakes we make in our practices, and how to make sure a mistake doesn't get your practice off-track.

Sometimes, we run into problems in our practice or with our work we aren't sure how to solve. In this episode, we talk about some common issues and offer a few practical, honest tips. We also highlight one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves to gain clarity and plan a path to success: "What's most important?"

There's value to contributing to your community and volunteering for causes you're passionate about, but working for exposure (as common a practice as it is), can kill your career. In this episode we highlight the problems inherent in working on projects for clients who promise future work and gained experience, knowledge, and contacts in lieu of payment.

We also talk about some alternative options, differentiate between this and doing fulfilling volunteer work on your terms, and discuss what boundaries to put in place to prevent or address issues.

This week’s topic was suggested by listener Rose Merry. She has some clients with what feel like, to her, high expectations and wants to know how she should set boundaries and communicate effectively so they can compromise and enjoy a productive freelancer-client relationship. Issues that go unchecked can make us feel anxious, agitated and miserable. And we can't do our best work when we feel like this.

In this episode, we talk about communications tips, practices and boundaries to put in place to address issues with clients.

Do you attend conferences specific to your industry? Today we talk about some reasons to attend conferences - to learn from colleagues in your field, connect with like-minded people, meet potential collaborators or clients, and more. We also get into pre-conference prep, how to win Karma Points and what to do while you're there to get the most out of your time. (If Allison sounds weird in this one, it's because she dodged a bullet re: seating arrangements in the studio and got a bit flustered before we went live.)

As freelancers, isolation and the loneliness that can result pose a real threat to not only our mental health but also the longevity and success of our practices – as independents (and people), we need to connect, collaborate and educate. Interacting with other freelancers helps us keep a positive mindset and gives us an opportunity to help others in their practices. In this episode, we review some ways to do that (including sharing a bit about Niagara’s coworking community and how independents here collaborate, advocate for and support one another).