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 and Your Niche - four questions to ask yourself so you can confirm what area you're supposed to settle on and what type of freelancer you'd like to be.

[7:16] How Freelance University was created to be a playground for you to explore a variety of niches you can do in the freelance space

[7:46] How to determine who you want to work with - examples of the types of clients you can work with and how that narrows down over time, along with your niche.

[10:00] #2 R - Research Your Options in the Industry - an example of two ways to research the type of work other freelancers or virtual assistants do in a particular niche and what skill sets they have.

[12:19] #3 L - Learn New Skills - how to develop the skills you need to deliver a high-value freelance or VA service.

[14:17] How training paths and courses like the ones offered at Freelance University can clarify and confirm which niche you'd like to focus on.

[15:56] #4 A - Apply Your Skills - how putting your skills into action either develops passion or shows that you're not meant to do a particular service.

[17:52] How the FreeU Sandbox helps students access a practice WordPress site so they can learn by applying their skills.

[18:39] Recap of the four-step process to finding your freelance or VA path

[20:06] How to join the waitlist to be notified about the next intake of Freelance University

Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode:

Join the waitlist to be notified about the next intake of Freelance University

FreeU's Freelance Directory

Google

Upwork

FlexJobs

YouTube

WordPress

Udemy

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 of the changes to Facebook, the potential for businesses who are seeking to improve their ad efforts - an explanation of the changes to iOS 14.5 and how it affected Facebook Ads.

[7:46] How Facebook has been evolving and recommended changes for Facebook Ads strategies

[9:58] The importance of having good SEO skills when offering Facebook Ad services (or finding someone who specializes in SEO to add on to your services)

[10:50] The importance of going broad with Facebook Ads to let the algorithm work for you - a practical example with strategies you can apply to profiling your audience.

How to Get Started as a Freelance Facebook Ad Specialist

[15:34] #1 Find an educational course, a resource, and a networking group to tap into - the benefits of staying on top of the changes in Facebook Ads by learning processes and best practices.

[16:27] #2 Find some smaller clients and focus on building out case studies and processing out tasks as you go - examples of what to focus on and how to increase your rates.

[17:08] The importance of training and experience - how Facebook advertising is changing a lot and requires you to be a relentless learner of your craft.

Lessons Learned from Launching and Scaling a Facebook Ads Agency

[18:47] #1 Your value is often perceived by the level of your communication - the importance of ensuring your education and explanations match your skill.

[20:01] How soft skills and hard skills are a winning combination - some examples of good communication between freelancers and clients.

[21:30] #2 Once you've validated your business, be diligent about processing out the things you do - how to map out your process and some examples of tasks you'll want to delegate.

[22:29] The benefit of being an "education-first" agency with long-term goals - what it means to Colby and how his agency provides free educational opportunities to team members.

[24:51] Education through content marketing - how it builds credibility, draws interest to your services, and differentiates you from other marketers.

[22:53] How the freelance space taps into the skill-based economy, not necessarily relying on educational credentials

[26:46] How to get to know Colby Flood

[27:16] How to learn more about Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Learn more about Colby Flood:

Website: Brighter Click

Connect with Colby:

LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

Tools and Resources:

Facebook

Facebook Ads

Facebook Groups

Triple Whale

HighRoad

CustomerLabs

TikTok

Instagram

Slack

Depesh Mandalia

AdSignals (paid channel)

Facebook Ads Experts (organic free channel)

Andrew Foxwell (Slack channel and paid courses)

Cat Howell (courses)

Loom

Amazon

YouTube

Ad World

Ecom World

Medium

Google

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 Reciprocity - how a process of give and take occurs when you offer something of value.

[5:47] #2 Proof - how a lead magnet can establish your credibility when people receive the content and apply it.

[6:34] #3 Affinity - how you can establish the "likeability" factor when you provide valuable content and build a relationship through email.

[7:01] #4 Authority - how providing valuable educational content establishes you as an authority in a particular area.

A 3-Step Framework to Attracting Your Ideal Clients with Lead Magnets (Free Offers)

[8:42] A summary of the three-step framework and description of how you can diagram the framework as a triangle

[9:15] #1 Audience - important strategies you can use to determine who you're creating the lead magnet for and how it can address their needs and interests.

[11:16] #2 Skills - how to determine what your best skills (dominant specializations) are and how you can translate them into services that match the unique needs of your audience.

[12:50] #3 Offer - the "Three T's" that help you come up with your offer and advice for how to apply the principles of Type, Topic, and Title to create a compelling lead magnet.

[17:10] Summary of the "3-Step Framework"

[18:25] Encouragement for freelancers and VAs - the importance of building your email list and nurturing a relationship with people who may turn into ideal clients.

[19:24] How to learn more about leveling up your skills and creating lead magnets at Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

VANetworking

Twitter

LinkedIn

Facebook

Facebook Groups

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

WordPress

Instagram

Microsoft Word

Fiverr

Canva

MailerLite

ConvertKit

Mailchimp

ActiveCampaign

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 available (with clear boundaries) - how to be responsive to clients within certain parameters.

[10:14] #4 Create a "don't-make-me-think" onboarding experience - how to make onboarding a seamless process using effective tools.

[12:36] #5 Own your role and skills - how to be an expert in your role so you become your client's advisor in that area.

[14:35] #6 Be hyper-organized and use tools if necessary - what this looks like and why it's so important to clients.

[16:50] #7 Offer random acts of kindness - examples of how you can show kindness to your clients and offer value.

[19:01] #8 Go the extra mile - the importance of overdelivering and giving your absolute best in your projects and client relationship.

[20:52] #9 Demonstrate high integrity always - how to be humble and honest to further the client relationship when you make a mistake or things aren't going well.

[21:38] #10 Be proactive - things to think about so you're not reacting to situations, but are proactively responding to problems and challenges you foresee with a client.

[22:34] Recap of the 10 ways to wow your client

[24:16] How to learn more about the Client Training Center and complete suite of courses at Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Zoom

Instagram

HoneyBook

Dubsado

Miro

Loom

Slack

Asana

Trello

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 bed some days - examples of how Tammy overcame challenges and built a team of people also experiencing challenges.

How to Manage a Chronic Health Issue While Keeping Your Business Moving in the Right Direction

[7:04] #1 Having a great team alongside you - examples of how the team took over and took pressure off Tammy.

[8:11] #2 Working from bed - how it's okay to do that.

[8:16] #3 Doing freelance tasks and developing skills that are not urgent - examples of tasks you can schedule.

[8:55] Types of services that are conducive to people who don't know how they're going to feel from day to day - examples of services that would be hard versus ones that would be ideal.

[11:11] What to do if you don't have a team - strategies to help manage your health and your work while being honest with clients.

[15:18] Redefining what success looks like when you're dealing with a chronic health issue - important illustrations and perspectives from Craig and Kelly's and Tammy's freelance journeys.

[19:13] How freelancing offers unique benefits not found in other jobs - examples of how the freelance lifestyle is better for health.

[21:27] How to get connected with Tammy

[22:19] How to learn more about connecting with community and developing skills at Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Learn more about Tammy Durden:

Website: Fearless Business Boss

Connect with Tammy:

Facebook

Instagram

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 showcase what you do and what you offer - some examples illustrating how an active social media presence attracts clients.

The Importance of Creating Boundaries with Social Media from a Business Standpoint

[8:46] #1 Time - key questions to ask yourself.

[9:23] #2 Identity - the importance of knowing who you are, what you offer, what you stand for, and why you're there.

[10:09] #3 Vanity metrics - the danger of giving too much weight to the number of followers or likes.

[12:53] Social media channels that would best serve freelancers and virtual assistants - examples of strategies that would be most effective for you depending on who your ideal client is.

[14:09] The importance of having a home base for your business online - how a branded website is an advantage.

[15:38] Four signs that you might need some better boundaries for social media - important examples of how you can be consumed by social media.

Four Ways to Create Healthy Boundaries with Social Media

[19:18] #1 Make a list of what you're going to do before you open up a social media app - how it prevents you from getting distracted.

[19:51] #2 Set a timer - examples of how it creates a sense of urgency.

[20:12] #3 Remind yourself that social media is a business tool - how to set boundaries when you're working on your business.

[20:40] #4 When self-comparison pops up, ask yourself why you're having that reaction - how it's a good thing to recognize your thoughts and reframe them.

[22:32] The importance of being strategic and intentional on social media - the challenge of maintaining time boundaries.

[23:41] Words of encouragement to help you level up your skills in social media - strategies to ensure you spend your time wisely so you reach your ideal clients.

[25:50] How both social media and your website are ways to provide people with solutions and build affinity

[26:37] How to get to know Marion

[27:48] How to learn more about Freelance University's training programs

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Learn more about Marion Wagner:

Website: Marion Wagner Coaching

Freebie: Social Media Mindset Makeover mini-course

Connect with Marion

Instagram: @marionwagnercoaching

Resources and Tools:

Instagram

Instagram Reels

Twitter

TikTok

LinkedIn

Facebook

Pomodoro Technique

Pinterest

iTunes

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 working either a full-time or part-time job while building their business - the challenges this presents and encouragement to persevere.

[6:43] Top motivations for starting a business - examples of benefits experienced by freelancers and virtual assistants.

[7:43] The percentage of respondents whose business either stayed the same or grew during the global pandemic - how this is a win for the freelance industry.

[8:25] The top five most important hard skills that contribute to the growth of a freelance business - examples of top skills and how they benefit businesses.

[10:49] The top three soft skills - examples of soft skills that are invaluable to a freelance business.

[11:06] The best ways to find clients - examples of the most effective sources and strategies, according to respondents.

[12:34] The #1 preferred social network for building a freelance business - how the result changed this year, compared to previous surveys.

[13:49] In light of our current economic climate, the percentage of people who are encouraged that their businesses are going to grow - how the results indicate this is a great time to be a freelancer.

[14:39] How to download the Freelance Professional Skills Report

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Download the 2022 Freelance Professional Skills Report

Marketing in 60 Minutes a Day course

The Freelancer's Toolbox course

iTunes

Facebook

Facebook Groups

LinkedIn

Instagram

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 Upwork

[6:35] #1 Thinking it's a numbers game - how you shouldn't copy and paste proposals to a ton of jobs.

[6:49] #2 Talking too much about yourself and not about the client - recommendations for what clients want to hear instead.

[7:38] #3 Not personalizing your proposal - the importance of using a potential client's name and researching the industry.

[10:00] #4 Having typos in your profile or cover letter - how correct grammar and spelling is important for writers and all freelancers.

[10:53] Keys to creating a winning Upwork profile - how to earn clients' trust by sharing relevant examples of work, testimonials, and video introductions.

Recommendations for Finding Work on Upwork

[14:48] #1 Use video to personalize your proposal - important tips for creating an effective video and examples of what to include in it.

[15:55] #2 Show quick examples of work - how to demonstrate that you understand the clients' needs for the project.

[16:36] The importance of offering value in your interactions on Upwork - how it sets you apart from other freelancers.

[17:17] How video may not be easy for everyone, but it produces results - examples of how video can be effective in attracting clients.

[18:24] The importance of quality, not quantity - advice for setting reasonable goals when sending out proposals.

[19:02] The Know Like Trust Factor - how personalizing your proposal contributes to this.

[19:38] How to get to know Silvia

[21:00] How to learn more about Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Learn more about Silvia Pinho:

Website

Freebie: 5-Step Upwork Checklist

Connect with Silvia:

Instagram: @thesilviapinho

Resources and Tools:

Upwork

Google

Grammarly

LinkedIn

Loom

iTunes

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 important tasks you need to get done in the week - how it's about prioritizing and blocking time.

[9:12] #2 Set clear and tangible goals every day and week - an example of how Craig maps out goals and priorities.

[10:40] #3 Time-block your schedule - examples of important tasks you might want to dedicate time to.

[12:05] #4 Discover your ideal work times - how you need to figure out the times when you're at your best.

[13:28] #5 Manage your energy, not your time - reasons why your level of energy affects your focus and the importance of taking breaks.

[15:47] #6 Eliminate your dominant distractors - examples of distractors and how to eliminate them.

[17:14] #7 Be healthy - examples of healthy habits to implement in your life to fuel your energy.

[20:38] #8 Get organized with your taskmaster app of choice - examples of project management apps and how to use them strategically.

[21:43] #9 Change your environment and pick a different place to get some work done - how it's a great way to renew your focus.

[22:49] #10 Make meaningful connections with others - examples of ways to connect at Freelance University and in your business and personal relationships.

[24:14] Recap of the 10 ways to improve your focus and get more things done

[25:42] How to learn more about Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Google Calendar

Trello

Asana

ClickUp

Todoist

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 to overestimate how much clarity other people have - examples of ways you can use your expertise to lead strategy sessions with your clients.

[15:13] How clients are enthusiastic in their gratitude after strategy sessions - the importance of using consulting questions before creating an actionable plan.

How to add a strategy service to your freelance business

[18:21] #1 Paid Discovery or Project Roadmapping - examples of what this entails and the purposes it serves.

[20:55] #2 Content Roadmapping and Content/Copy Strategy - examples of how you can help clients with their website content and questions you can ask.

[22:06] #3 Social Media Strategy - how to strategize social media post topics.

[22:36] #4 Product or Business Strategy - how it's similar to being an ad hoc business partner for clients.

[23:08} #5 UI/UX Strategy - examples of how this applies to software and user pathways.

[23:20] #6 Website Strategy - how it involves mapping the customer's journey through the website and clarifying the website's job.

[24:15] An example of how lucrative technology consulting can be - encouragement to be proactive with clients and offer a strategy service.

[26:01] How to sell your strategy services - an example of what Austin's sales funnel and packages are like.

[31:27] How being a strategist builds credibility for your current services

[32:22] A range of hourly rates for someone who's just beginning as a strategist - the best rule of thumb to use when figuring out pricing and going into your first strategy session.

[37:06] How to connect with Austin and get to know more about what he's doing

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Learn more about Austin Church:

Website:

Connect with Austin:

LinkedIn:

Twitter:

Resources and Tools:

Double Your Freelancing with Brennan Dunn

WordPress

Instagram

Kajabi

Clarity FM

LinkedIn

Twitter