The Freelance Podclass

How do you stay motivated to keep doing what you're doing in your business every day? This topic is one of the most important factors to your long-term success in your virtual assistant or freelance business. So, today we'll unpack seven practical strategies to help you stay motivated, even in the midst of adversity. They'll give you the courage to continue striving for success and giving your clients your absolute best!

Podcast Outline:

[0:00] Introduction to the topic of staying motivated in your freelance or virtual assistant business - the importance of continuing even in the midst of adversity or waning motivation.

[2:19] An example of motivation and the courage to continue - how Craig's daughters achieved success during adversity.

The Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

[4:30] Intrinsic motivation - its definition, importance, and examples of how it's characterized by the three Ps (Purpose, Passion, and Personal Fulfillment).

[9:55] Extrinsic motivation - its definition, importance, and examples of how it's characterized by the three Rs (Relationships, Revenues, and Rewards).

7 Practical Strategies to Help You Stay Motivated in Your Business

[13:55] #1 Know Your Big Why - how to create business and personal purpose statements to anchor you during the challenges in your business.

[15:14] #2 Embrace the Freelance Lifestyle - how to embrace the many freedoms you can enjoy as a freelancer.

[16:25] #3 Assess Your Niche - how to make sure you're doing what you love so you receive personal fulfillment.

[17:06] #4 Mix Up the Environment - how to switch up work locations to keep yourself motivated and on track.

[17:30] #5 Celebrate Your Little and Big Wins - how to be aware of the good things happening in your business so progress can breed motivation.

[18:18] #6 Update Your Skills and Keep Learning - how gaining mastery over a skill set breeds motivation and enjoyment of the work.

[19:03] #7 Join a Community - how aligning yourself with people who are extrinsic motivators will lift you up.

[19:37] How to learn more about Freelance University's supportive community, small group masterminds, and mentorship designed to provide a support circle around your business

[20:04] Recap of the 7 practical strategies and the characteristics of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Zoom

Facebook Groups

Facebook

Instagram

How do you create a compelling brand that actually attracts clients? Today we're joined by Nikki Arensman, who is a brand designer, strategist, and host of "The Business of Branding" podcast. She's the perfect candidate to explain how to do branding the right way, from scratch, so you can stand out and connect with your ideal clients!

Podcast Outline:

[0:00] Introduction to Nikki Arensman and the topic of creating a compelling brand that attracts clients - Nikki tells the story of how she became a brand designer and strategist.

[7:25] The competitiveness of the product industry and how branding is the way you can stand out

Reasons freelancers or VAs struggle to create a compelling brand

[9:48] #1 Thinking branding is not exciting - some examples of the core elements that make up a brand.

[11:39] #2 Thinking you aren't established enough - the benefits of thinking through who your clients are, how to speak with them and connect with them.

[12:43] #3 Focusing too much on the visual elements of a brand - the importance of having the "meat" to back it up.

[14:35] An example of effective branding - how the brand identity and business elements can connect with an audience and win a client.

[15:45] The paradigm shift of recognizing that as a freelancer, you are both a business and a brand - Nikki shares some examples from her experience.

[17:48] How many people come from an employment background - the challenges of creating a brand instead of writing a resume.

[19:41] How your brand identity sometimes needs to catch up to where your business has grown - the benefits of aligning your brand identity with all other business elements.

How to do branding the right way, from scratch

[22:11] #1 The logistical perspective - examples of what you need to think about.

[22:52] #2 The brand strategy - elements that help you figure out the who, what, and why of the business.

[23:50] #3 The brand visuals - examples of how you could also create these elements before the preceding two steps to create initial momentum in your business.

[28:12] The importance of having a first win and starting with a low-cost brand identity when your business is still evolving

[29:16] How to access the Brand Identity Breakthrough kit - what the kit includes and how to use it.

[33:39] How to learn more about Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Learn more about Nikki Arensman:

Brand Identity Breakthrough:

Connect with Nikki:

Website:

Instagram:

Resources and Tools:

LinkedIn

Pinterest

Fiverr

99designs

Facebook Groups

Spotify

iTunes

It's safe to say we're operating in a remote work revolution right now, with renewed interest in companies and freelancers working from home. So, you may be wondering, what is the future of remote work? Today we'll hear from Michael Brooks, the founder and CEO of goLance, an award-winning online freelance marketplace. He'll share his predictions and key strategies to help you thrive in the remote work economy for many years to come!

Podcast Outline:

[1:10] Introduction to Michael Brooks and the future of remote work - Michael talks about working remotely and tells the story of what led him to launch goLance.

[9:10] The impact of the global pandemic on remote work and freelancing - reasons why remote work is growing explosively.

[12:01] How many businesses were forced to go remote during the pandemic and discovered greater profitability - the importance of developing and managing trust for remote workers.

[15:28] How freelancers are the most motivated group of people Craig has ever worked with - compelling reasons why clients can trust freelancers.

[16:25] What Michael envisions the remote work landscape looking like - some exciting predictions about the worldwide working world.

[19:42] How higher quality platforms with higher quality people are likely to emerge because of the benefits of working remotely

Keys to thriving long term in the remote work economy as a freelancer

[22:12] #1 Build Your Reputation - how to build your digital reputation online.

[22:52] #2 Be a Subject Matter Expert - how you can perform that function yourself or outsource it.

[26:10] What freelance specialist areas are in demand right now - some important examples where there's more demand than supply.

[28:12] How to connect with Michael and learn more about what he's doing

[29:20] How to learn more about Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode

Freelance University

Learn more about Michael Brooks

goLance

Connect with Michael

Twitter: @MichaelBrooksPR

Resources and Tools

oDesk (now known as Upwork)

Craigslist

LinkedIn

Quora

Response CRM

YouTube

Google

How do you approach your freelance business with a boss mindset when you're used to being an employee? Today we're joined by Nachum Kligman, the CEO and founder of Book Like a Boss, a booking page builder that helps freelancers manage their schedules and lives. He knows a thing or two about being an incredible boss in his business and will share strategies for developing an entrepreneurial mindset. This will change the dynamic of your client relationships and help you present yourself with confidence!

Podcast Outline:

[0:38] Introduction to Nachum Kligman and the topic of cultivating the mindset of a boss in your freelance business - Nachum describes his journey and how he's currently serving freelancers.

[6:09] How it's easier to sell software than manufactured products - some examples showing the need for character and persistence in business.

[8:37] Why it's challenging to pivot from an employee mindset to a boss mindset - how to change your mindset so you can establish boundaries.

[11:46] The importance of teaching clients how to treat you - how your clients may also bring an employee-employer mindset to the relationship.

[12:45] The importance of having a high perceived value - some tips for presenting yourself with the mindset of a successful entrepreneur.

[14:43] How to overcome imposter syndrome - Nachum shares his experience and describes the perspective you must have.

[18:41] The importance of owning your expertise - how recognizing that can change the dynamic of your client relationship.

[20:42] Strategies to help you fully come into your own as the boss of your freelance business - how you must take control of your life and business.

[22:03] Seth Godin's book Tribes says the world needs leaders - the importance of leading in your expertise and partnering in your client's success.

[23:00] Congratulations and encouragement to freelancers - Nachum applauds you for going out on your own and building your own business.

[23:46] How to get to know Nachum and check out Book Like a Boss

[24:58] The growth of freelancing - how to learn more about Freelance University and develop your skills.

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Learn more about Nachum Kligman:

Software Website: Book Like a Boss

Why Calendly Users Are Flocking to Book Like a Boss: NotCalendly.com

Connect with Nachum:

LinkedIn: Nachum Kligman

Twitter: @kligman

Resources and Tools:

WordPress

Amazon

Gmail

Tribes by Seth Godin

Calendly

How do you build a thriving freelance design business that stands out in the busy web design or graphic design market? Today we're joined by Elizabeth Averyanova, an architectural designer, digital course creator, business coach, online entrepreneur, and world traveler. She's built an amazing boutique design agency from scratch and will share her journey from an unemployed architect to a multi-six-figure freelance designer!

Podcast Outline:

[0:42] Introduction to Elizabeth Averyanova and the topic of building a thriving freelance designer business - Elizabeth describes her journey from an unemployed architect to a multi-six-figure freelance designer.

[5:45] How hitting a wall can lead to new opportunities, flexibility, and freedom you'd never have imagined

[7:42] How to fit into the busy freelance design market, given the high volume of designers - the importance of finding a niche where you can serve a particular type of client.

[9:36] How Elizabeth niched down - the strategies she used to figure out her audience and specialization in web design and branding design.

[11:18] The importance of targeting an audience you're interested in that has opportunities - some examples of how Elizabeth strategically chooses clients.

[12:34] Main skills required to start a design business - examples of the crucial design skills and the business skills freelancers need.

[14:31] The 3 C's - how competency, character, and compatibility contribute to positive client relationships and communication.

[15:41] Recommended design tools - some examples of key tools to master when beginning a design business.

[16:55] Elizabeth's thoughts about WordPress and other tools - some advice and recommendations from a web design standpoint.

[19:15] The power of niching down - how to get clear on what you do and don't do so your ideal clients can find you.

[20:16] Pricing and packaging design services - recommended strategies for designers and thoughts about hourly vs. fixed packages.

[22:40] How hourly is often the best starting point, but set packages eventually become more ideal - advice for communicating to clients when using hourly pricing.

[23:36] How pricing is a progression - encouragement that it requires trial and error but will be refined over time.

[25:22] Retainer services that designers can offer - examples of retainers, VIP Days, and multiple streams of income that help avoid feast or famine.

[28:34] How to get to know Elizabeth and her business better

[29:30] How to learn more about Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Kajabi Specialist course

Pricing Your Freelance Services course

Learn more about Elizabeth Averyanova:

Free Resources: Free List of 175+ Services You Can Offer As A Freelance Designer:

Connect with Elizabeth:

Instagram:

Personal Website:

Her Branding & Design Studio Website:

Resources and Tools

Upwork

PeoplePerHour

Guru.com

Instagram

Shopify

Adobe Creative Cloud

Figma

WordPress

Squarespace

Wix

Kajabi

Showit

Do you ever wish you could have more energy and focus better on your daily tasks? In today's class we'll discuss the essential strategies you need so you can add more time to your day, accomplish more in your business, and see better results. Join me as I walk you through ten helpful ways to ensure you have your most productive day ever!

Podcast Outline:

[0:41] Introduction to the topic of having your most productive day ever - some questions to consider and reasons why people experience a lack of productivity.

Ten Ways to Have a More Productive Day

[5:21] #1 Identify and eliminate your productivity pitfalls - examples of different types of pitfalls and how to overcome them.

[7:46] #2 Make your to-do list the day before - what to include and how to format the list.

[8:48] #3 Build regular morning rituals - the importance of having a regular routine and some examples of how it helps you get into the mental and emotional space to be able to do good work.

[9:59] #4 Use the fine art of time blocking - how to create focus times to zero in on your Most Important Task (MIT).

[11:29] #5 Batch your recurring tasks - how to designate a time for activities, like checking email and social media, to squeeze more out of the day.

[12:28] #6 Keep a distraction list - the types of things to document so you can clear your mind and focus.

[13:35] #7 Eliminate inefficient communication methods - the importance of putting boundaries on communication and some examples that could work when communicating with clients.

[14:46] #8 Fill your tank with breaks - how to manage your energy and replenish your mind and body by stepping away from your computer at regular intervals.

[17:06] #9 Daily sharpen your saw - the importance of preparation, how learning and development increase your motivation and confidence.

[18:11] #10 Get plenty of rest - how adequate sleep at night and consistent sleep patterns give you good energy and focus during the day.

[19:03] Recap of the 10 helpful strategies to have your most productive day ever

[20:08] How to learn more about Freelance University programs and training

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Start-Up Fast Track Program

All-Access University

Scale to Success Program

Inc Magazine

Netflix

Twitter

Instagram

Instant Messenger

Skype

Slack

Bullet Journal

Asana

Trello

ClickUp

Todoist

Zoom

YouTube

How do you build a fully booked VA or freelance business when you only have a part-time schedule? Today we're joined by Holly Marie Haynes, a productivity coach and business strategist who is living that experience right now. She shares tips to help you take back control of your time so you can create a long-term business strategy and pursue your ideal schedule and lifestyle!

Podcast Outline:

[0:73] Introduction to Holly Marie Haynes and the topic of building a fully booked freelance or VA business when you only have a part-time schedule - Holly tells the story of how she became involved in entrepreneurship.

Three traits that characterize people who squeeze more hours out of the day

[5:37] #1 Having a long-term strategy and vision - what that means and what strategies help you accomplish this.

[6:40] #2 Being consistent - how consistency is manifested in your business and how it builds momentum.

[7:37] How grit, consistency, and motivation are key to building your business - important examples of the impact these traits have.

[9:26] #3 How do people know you - the importance of repurposing content behind the scenes into different mediums and social networks.

Barriers that hinder the average person from using time well in their business

[10:37] #1 Distraction - the 3 S's and strategies to overcome them.

[11:34] #2 Comparison - how it's okay to be different from other freelancers and focus on different goals.

[12:18] The importance of doing a self-check to see which of the 3 S's is your main issue - how building systems will help combat these distractions.

Practical strategies for building a full-time freelance or consulting business on a part-time basis

[13:47] #1 What is your long-term goal and vision - how it serves as your guardrail while you're doing the next steps and making daily decisions.

[14:13] #2 Organize consistent business hours and designate theme days - some examples of schedules and theme days in a business setting.

[17:34] How do you know when to make the leap from employment to full-time freelancing - some examples of criteria you may use based on what you want your ideal schedule and lifestyle to look like.

[19:58] Tools that power Holly's productivity every week - some advice and examples of how she uses them for different parts of her business and customer experience.

[22:07] How to connect with Holly

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Learn more about Holly Marie Haynes:

On Instagram: @Holly_Marie_Haynes

Crush the Rush Podcast

Crush the Rush Quarterly Planner

Grit by Angela Duckworth

Instagram

Kajabi

ConvertKit

Trello

ClickUp

Google Calendar

Over the past two years, there's been unprecedented growth in the popularity of virtual summits. So, today we're joined by Krista Miller, an expert on virtual summits and founder of Summit in a Box. She'll explain why virtual summits have become such an in-demand and profitable service for so many freelancers and virtual assistants. And she'll also share practical steps for launching your own summit, even if you have a tiny email list!

Podcast Outline:

[0:45] Introduction to Krista Miller and the topic of hosting a profitable virtual summit even if you have a tiny email list - Krista tells the story of how she became a thought leader in running virtual summits.

[5:22] How productizing a service is a common pathway for freelancers

Trends shaping the growth of virtual summits during the COVID-19 pandemic

[6:55] #1 Moving from pre-recorded to live virtual events - how people are becoming more comfortable with presenting live events.

[7:18] #2 People looking for ways to make their events unique - some examples of how people are making their events stand out.

[8:44] #3 People trying paid summits instead of freemium summits - how it's not a great idea, but it's being attempted.

[9:01] #4 More people trying to launch in-person events - some reasons why hybrid events are also happening.

How freelancers could use virtual summits to sell services in their business

[11:02] #1 List building - how it helps more people know about your services.

[11:27] #2 A big cash injection through your all-access pass revenue - how there's no limits to what you can do with the pass.

[11:52] #3 A way to feature your services - how it will help you book out your services during your event.

[12:20] #4 The relationships you build with speakers (and attendees) - how it's most important because of the connections with industry experts who can send you referrals.

Practical steps for launching a summit when you have a small email list

[14:16] #1 Get specific on the summit you're running and the audience you're targeting - Krista shares an example of what it looks like to host a summit for a different audience.

[15:51] #2 Get specific on how you're helping your audience - how it's easier to craft a summit that makes a difference for them.

[16:27] #3 Get specific with your speakers - how to pitch speakers who have the same audience as your summit.

[17:29] The importance of niching down to make your summit distinctive - Craig shares an example of how this benefited Freelance University's summit, speakers, and audience.

[18:10] Opportunities for freelancers who want to offer services for summit hosts - some examples of in-demand services and roles.

[20:49] How to get to know Krista more

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Learn more about Krista Miller:

Website: Summit in a Box

The Summit Host Hangout Podcast

On Instagram: @summitinabox

Traffic and Conversion - Ryan Deiss

Facebook Groups

Have you considered finding a specialty niche so you can add new clients and expand what you're doing with current clients? Today we're joined by Online Business Manager (OBM) LaToya Russell, who unpacks strategies and tips for making the transition to a specialized, in-demand service. LaToya has discovered her specialty niche, and in this episode, she inspires you to figure out yours!

Podcast Outline:

[0:38] Introduction to LaToya Russell and the topic of finding a specialty niche - LaToya shares her story and how she got started as an Online Business Manager (OBM).

[4:32] Some of the fears people have about switching to a specialized niche - LaToya and Craig discuss common reasons why people think they shouldn't specialize and compelling reasons why they should.

[8:36] How "Software as a Service" (SaaS) is a great specialty to offer as a freelancer or VA - Craig and LaToya explain the benefits of niching down into this service.

[10:18] Specialty niches that are in demand in the automation/technology space and beyond

Strategies for making a successful transition to a specialty niche

[11:59] Stagger your transition - strategies and reasons why you should choose certain clients rather than blasting notifications to all your clients.

[16:17] How to navigate the challenge of offering generalist VA services and specialized automation services to the same client - strategies and examples for pricing each type of service.

Final thoughts and tips for those who are ready to specialize in a niche

[17:46] #1 It's okay not to know exactly what you want to do - examples that illustrate the importance of being able to try a speciality and change it if necessary.

[19:03] #2 Have meaningful rates - the importance of taking it step by step.

[19:59] The types of clients LaToya works with - the stage they're at and the specific needs they have.

[21:15] How to learn more about LaToya

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Learn more about LaToya Russell:

Website: Quitting Corporate

On Instagram: @bylatoyar

On Facebook: @quitcorporate

The OBM Office

Ontraport

Klaviyo

Omnisend

ActiveCampaign

ConvertKit

Autopilot

AutomationHQ

AWeber

FG Funnels

ClickFunnels

Facebook Groups

Infusionsoft (now known as Keap)

Zapier

Adobe Creative Cloud

In the early days of the virtual assistant industry, few people knew what a VA was. But now the industry has gone mainstream, and it's growing faster than ever. Today we're joined by business coach and trainer Kathy Goughenour as she talks about the keys to building a thriving VA business. You'll also learn how to picture the future you want so you can live the life you want to lead!

Podcast Outline:

[0:50] Introduction to Kathy Goughenour and the topic of building a thriving virtual assistant business - Kathy describes how she got started as a virtual assistant and where she is now.

[7:11] Why the VA industry is booming and why it's an exciting time to be a VA - how the industry is expected to continue growing consistently over the next four years.

[8:44] How the experiment of hiring a VA or freelancer during the pandemic turned out to be a success - Kathy shares statistics that point to the incredible savings businesses enjoy.

[10:17] How it's possible to get more work done when you're working from home

[11:19] The biggest challenges most VAs face - Kathy shares what she's heard from VAs, what she thinks, and strategies she recommends to overcome the biggest challenge.

[12:44] The importance of confidence and how it creates unlimited potential

[14:05] The distinction between virtual assistants and virtual experts - how all the different levels are necessary.

[16:32] The negative side of thinking about the word "expert" - the perils of comparing yourself to others and encouragement that there's a VA for every person who needs one.

Words of wisdom for VAs who want to achieve a level of freedom and enjoy the work they do

[20:32] Think about what you want - the kind of life you want to lead and what success is for you right now

[23:11] The importance of picturing the future you want to have and carving out your own path in the VA space

[24:28] How to connect with Virtual Expert

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University

Learn more about Kathy Goughenour:

Free 5-session video and DreamSheets at Virtual Expert - ExpertVA.biz

Forbes

HuffPost (formerly known as The Huffington Post)

Good Housekeeping

Google

Netflix

YouTube