The Freelance Podclass

How do you protect your business legally? Today's topic is of the utmost importance because although we don't usually think about it a lot, it's a crucial ingredient for building and growing our freelance business with confidence. Join us as Layne Lyons shares six key ways to build a solid foundation with legal structures so you can sleep peacefully at night!

Podcast Outline:

[0:49] Introduction to Layne Lyons and the topic of protecting your business legally - Layne describes her journey, how she created The Legal Umbrella and began serving entrepreneurs.

[7:48] The benefits of being mindful about protecting your business legally - how building a solid foundation using legal structures gives you confidence to grow your business.

[9:42] What happens when you're not protected - how being sued is rare for the average entrepreneur, but drama-filled situations are inevitable. Craig and Layne discuss the importance of having a foundation that provides safeguards.

The Umbrella Method - Six Core Areas for a Freelancer or Online Service Provider to Protect

[11:40] Why it's called "The Legal Umbrella" - how the six letters represent six areas to protect in your business. Layne explains how it's information and education to use as you grow your business, not a substitute for legal advice.

[12:48] Four things you can do with the six areas - how it's a rinse-and-repeat system that allows you to run and grow your current business with confidence and peace of mind.

[14:20] The Letter U: Your Unique Content - what it is and what questions you can ask yourself to audit it.

[15:26] The Letter M: Your Money - questions to ask yourself to ensure you keep the money you earn with strong legal protections. Layne explains the benefits of making sure you're getting paid so you have the confidence to raise prices and offer a payment plan.

[19:02] The Letter B: Your Brand - what it is and what question you should ask yourself. Layne discusses the importance of trademarks and how it can be devastating to have to change a business name and branding.

[22:39] The cost of trademarks and recommendations for what services you should receive when applying for a trademark.

[26:57] The Letter R: Your Relationships - how it's the heart of any entrepreneur's practice and the heartbeat of your business. Layne describes the real pitfall to look out for and a framework for looking at your contract.

[31:26] The Letter E: Your E-Presence - what it is and how the scope is important. Layne explains how to ensure you're held to the appropriate standard of care in the law's eyes by asking yourself certain questions.

[36:46] How to put the safeguards in place if you're a website designer who builds a website that gets hacked - what type of contract to use and what it includes regarding results and disclaimers.

[40:35] The Letters LLA: Your Love Life Attitude - how it's your sanity and must be protected most of all. Layne stresses the importance of loving your life and being able to grow your business without fear by identifying where the legal leaks are so you can prevent drama situations.

[43:42] Recap - the importance of contracts and identifying where you're protected and not protected.

[44:20] Where to learn more and connect with Layne

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Layne Lyons:

The Legal Umbrella Method

Peace of Mind Legal Audit (15-page workbook)

Platinum Protection Trademark Services

Book a free call with Layne

YouTube

Facebook

WordPress

How do you sell yourself and your freelance services? In today's episode, Ryann Dowdy shares strategies for attracting your ideal clients with a concept known as social selling. If cold calling is a challenge for you, social selling will squelch those fears. And for those of you who aren't natural salespeople, it might be exactly what you're looking for!

Podcast Outline:

[0:38] Introduction to Ryann Dowdy and the topic of social selling - Ryann describes her journey and how she became an entrepreneur.

[4:57] How selling and cold calling can be a challenge for freelancers - Ryann explains how social selling can squelch that fear.

How a Freelancer Attracts Clients Using Social Selling Strategies

[7:51] #1 Stop prejudging and start talking about your business on social media - how "your warm market is your fastest path to cash."

[8:41] #2 Start talking to people - the different types of people you can connect with and ask for help.

[9:30] #3 Join Facebook Groups and other types of social media communities - some encouragement and tips for starting conversations with businesspeople.

[11:13] How people understand virtual work more than ever before, making potential clients available within your network - Ryann and Craig discuss where the fear of selling might come from and how social selling compares with in-person meetings and conferences.

[15:13] How to approach someone on LinkedIn who falls into your dream client category when you don't know them or have a bridge to them through another relationship - Ryann outlines the steps she and her team would use to connect and start a conversation.

[18:30] How some LinkedIn requests are self-promotional, but a personal, more relational connection makes a good first impression - some tips for what you shouldn't say and some advice for letting go of expectations and being authentic.

[22:42] Tips for introverts - how social selling can be fantastic for introverts, since being an introvert is a superpower.

[24:48] Final tips on how to be confident at social selling - Ryann explains how confidence is built through practice and putting yourself out there.

[27:21] How to set realistic expectations - two concepts that illustrate the importance of persevering even if the first contacts don't work out.

[32:58] How to connect with Ryann and learn more about what she's doing

[34:04] How to learn more about Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Ryann Dowdy:

Social Sellers Academy

On Instagram: @socialsellersacademy

On Facebook: @socialsellersacademy

On LinkedIn: RyannDowdy

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Facebook Groups

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

The Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile Class with Donna Serdula

Right now we're in a massive growth phase In the freelance economy, and your business may be expanding. Are you wondering if you should pivot to an agency model? In today's episode, we discuss how to turn your freelance business into a full-fledged agency. Shelby Fowler has recently gone through this journey and walks us through the steps she took. She'll also explain some of the mistakes she made that led to valuable lessons learned along the way!

Podcast Outline:

[0:43] Introduction to Shelby Fowler and the topic of expanding a freelance business to an agency model - Shelby shares how she got her start in freelancing, helping businesses with ads and growing a team.

[7:11] Warning signs that it was time to move from a freelancer to agency model - how falling down in certain areas brought Shelby to the next level in her business. Shelby explains how everything is a skill set we need to learn, and failure provides valuable lessons.

[11:47] Lessons learned when building a team - how mistakes brought insights that led to Shelby ultimately building a dream team.

[16:19] The importance of mapping out the income-producing activities in your business when you're shifting to an agency model.

[17:04] The first roles Shelby hired for her agency - how to hire someone as an independent contractor first so you can train them in an internship role that helps them perform at full capacity.

[19:48] How to choose the first person you hire based on your current needs and the freelancer's skill set - Shelby shares advice about choosing the best person and roles to hire first.

[23:51] Why it's best for business owners to do sales calls themselves instead of delegating them - Shelby describes what types of marketing can be delegated to others successfully.

[28:02] What tools make Shelby's life simpler as she shifts to an agency model - recommendations for client communication, project management, and customer relationship management (CRM) apps.

Tips on How to Manage a Team Well

[31:23] #1 How to have people intentionally step into roles that you struggle with but others thrive in

[32:20] #2 How to create service standards for your business

[35:10] The importance of making your agency distinct and accepting feedback from clients - emphasizing core values or service standards.

[38:14] How to get to know Shelby

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Shelby Fowler:

Fempire Media

Fempire Ads Academy

On Instagram: @lifewithshelby

Shelby's Facebook Group: The Fempire | Facebook Ads for High Ticket Coaches

Free content on Shelby's blog

LinkedIn

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

Slack

ClickUp

HubSpot

Facebook Ads

Instagram Ads

Facebook Groups

Dubsado

Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze

How do you transform social media interactions and direct messages into potential clients for your business? Today, Jasmine Williams shares her wisdom and strategies for making yourself memorable so you can turn simple conversations into clients and contracts. Join us as we discuss ways to win your dream clients through this low-risk, high-reward channel!

Podcast Outline:

[0:40] Introduction to Jasmine Williams and the topic of turning social media direct messages and conversations into clients and contracts - Jasmine shares how she got started in freelancing and the importance of having people support you in your endeavors.

[4:50] Why social media is still the place to be for businesses and freelancers building their client base - how it's a low-risk, high-reward channel where you can show off your personality and what you do.

[7:14] How social media lets you reach out to your dream client faster than any other platform - Craig and Jasmine discuss the importance of pursuing the audience you want to target.

[8:44] How social media provides a point of credibility and is an extension of your website

[10:13] How freelancers should begin to find their audience - some key strategies to get you started so you can learn your audience's social media habits.

[13:28] Jasmine's approach to converting initial direct messages to potential free consults, discovery calls, and clients

[17:48] Ways to make yourself memorable when you're reaching out to potential clients so you can avoid being a spammer in direct messages - the importance of empathy and clarity about why you're reaching out.

[25:15] How trust is the great currency of business

Insights and Tips for People Who Want to Land More Clients Through Social Media

[26:11] #1 Optimize your profiles for searchability (SEO for social media) - how to attract more people inbound.

[27:26] #2 Don't be all work and no play - how to help people get to know you.

[28:17] #3 Make it easy for people to learn about you and see your work - the types of information, links, and apps to use.

[29:39] How simplicity and ease in connecting with you builds the know-like-trust factor with potential clients

[32:25] How to get to know Jasmine and what she does

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Jasmine Williams:

Jasmine Williams Media

On Instagram: @jasminewilliamsmedia

Instagram

TikTok

Clubhouse

LinkedIn

Twitter

Facebook

Calendly

Squarespace

In today's episode, we discuss ways to optimize your Linkedin profile so you can better attract your dream clients. Right now, Linkedin is one of the most popular social media channels for virtual assistants and freelancers, but not everyone knows how to use it strategically. Join us as Donna Serdula explains how to create a profile that showcases who you are and reaches your target audience!

Podcast Outline:

[0:50] Introduction to Donna Serdula and the topic of optimizing our LinkedIn profiles so we can attract better clients - Donna explains where she started and how she became passionate about helping people with LinkedIn.

[4:17] Old-school LinkedIn profiles - how many people don't think strategically about reaching their target audience. Donna stresses the importance of using keywords as you tell your story.

[6:26] Strategies for making yourself easy to contact - how not including contact information is one of the biggest mistakes on LinkedIn.

[8:04] Why LinkedIn is a key component for freelancers today - how it fits with the branding aspect and lets you showcase who you are so you can attract the right people.

[10:05] How LinkedIn has a built-in Know-Like-Trust factor - an example of a strategy that works for targeting a particular audience.

How to Make Your Profile Stand Out Better and Showcase Your Personal Brand

[11:45] #1 Concentrate on the imagery - the types of images to focus on and how to use them to illustrate what you do.

[13:52] #2 Don't forget the Featured section - how you can feature posts, imagery, and websites.

[14:30] #3 The importance of the headline - what to include and how to think of the right keywords for your audience.

[20:20] #4 Tips for creating your LinkedIn Summary (About section) - how to make it about you, not your company, and retain the human aspect.

[22:56] What motivates people to click on your profile and take action - how to make it easy for them. Donna emphasizes the importance of showcasing who you are and the steps you've taken in your career.

The Best Ways to Reach Your Ideal Client on LinkedIn

[26:46] #1 Follow hashtags related to your target audience - how to find the content creators in the area you're looking for and become familiar to them.

[27:51] #2 Use LinkedIn as a search engine - how to use keywords and then filter searches to create a list and find your client.

[28:33] How to reach out to a potential client - strategies for using their profile, interaction, and activity to assist or ask a question.

[32:28] Donna's pet peeve on LinkedIn and public service announcement - how pointing out typos is not recommended.

[34:59] How to get to know Donna and learn more about working with her

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Donna Serdula:

LinkedIn-Makeover.com

Free LinkedIn Resources

Free LinkedIn Headline Generator app

Donna's Book - LinkedIn Profile Optimization for Dummies

LinkedIn

Forbes

Business Insider

TIME Magazine

The Wall Street Journal

LA Times

Instagram

Twitter

In today's episode, we focus on the word "momentum." How do you keep moving forward in your freelance or VA business when you feel stuck, or you feel like you've plateaued and you can't grow any further? Join us as Lauren Golden shares some simple strategies for gaining serious forward momentum in your business and celebrating how far you've come!

Podcast Outline:

[0:43] Introduction to Lauren Golden and the topic of gaining momentum in your business when you feel like you're stuck

[2:18] Lauren's story - how she discovered the passion of serving women and moms, helping them build their businesses. Lauren also shares her word of the year that balances momentum.

[6:41] How a freelance business can be personal - the benefits of raising a family while working from home.

[8:20] How the Free Mama group and company has experienced tremendous growth over the past year - how challenges caused by the pandemic gave people permission to pursue entrepreneurship and remote work.

[10:49] What is momentum and how it differs from motivation - Lauren shares some vivid examples that illustrate momentum and how it applies to your business.

Three Traps That Might Stop Momentum When Starting or Growing a Business

[12:44] #1 Starting and stopping - how lack of consistent networking practices can cause feast or famine in a freelance business.

[14:08] #2 Hustling - how it can lead to burnout because it isn't sustainable. Lauren shares some strategies for building momentum and making your business sustainable.

[16:11] #3 Not addressing internal challenges (i.e. mindset) - how these challenges can stop your momentum.

[17:08] How mindset and confidence are a challenge - the benefit of communities that encourage and nurture the "contagious entrepreneur."

[18:05] The importance of working smarter, not harder - how it's still hard work, but involves being intentional with time and focused on goals.

[20:44] How confidence can't be taught - the importance of action and self-awareness. Lauren and Craig discuss how confidence is a process you need to go through.

[26:11] How you can make mistakes and still be successful - Lauren explains how leaving mistakes in her videos shows a more human side and gives people permission to be imperfect and authentic.

Tips for Building Forward Momentum This Year in Your Business

[28:54] #1 Recalibrate on your goals - how to manage your expectations and start with what you have to do.

[29:57] #2 Celebrate many mini wins - how honoring these wins keeps momentum going.

[30:54] #3 Invest in healthier habits - how to become healthier physically and emotionally.

[31:53] #4 Use the F.A.N. framework if "stuff hits the fan" - how to find the lesson, assume ownership, and figure out your next steps.

[33:22] #5 Don't be afraid to take pen to paper - how this strategy can help you feel better.

[34:54] The importance of celebrating many mini wins - how this can help your mindset, confidence, and momentum.

[36:54] How to find the Free Mama Movement and get to know Lauren

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Lauren Golden:

TheFreeMama.com https://thefreemama.com/

The Free Mama Movement Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefreemamamovement/

Lauren's book - The Free Mama: How to Work From Home, Control Your Schedule, and Make More Money https://www.thefreemamamovement.com/book

How-to tutorials on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCgiDyOm-SnuJIzIEXoRZpw

Google https://www.google.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/

Upwork https://www.upwork.com/

WordPress https://wordpress.org/

Asana https://asana.com/

Bullet Journal https://bulletjournal.com/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/

Facebook Groups https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In today's episode, Micala Quinn explains how to build a profitable skill set that you can turn into an income. Even though we're navigating an uncertain world during the global pandemic, we have access to untold opportunities as freelancers. Join us as we discuss a four-step process for finding these opportunities and the types of skills you need to create a long-term, viable, and profitable business!

Podcast Outline:

[0:40] Introduction to Micala Quinn and the topic of how to build a profitable skill set

[2:11] Micala's freedom story - how she got started as a freelancer and pursued freedom, flexibility, and financial stability. Micala shares how she persevered to find online course work that used her teaching skills.

[10:10] The benefits and challenges of working from home and raising a family - how to become an "accidental hero" while pursuing entrepreneurship.

[11:51] What skill Micala developed to offer as a service when she built her freelance business - how she evaluated her current skill set and figured out how to translate it to other positions she was applying for. Micala and Craig explain the importance of transferable skills you can use to pivot and grow your business.

[14:52] How "skills are the currency that will power your freelance business into a successful future" - Micala and Craig discuss this quote from Craig, how investing in your skill set is one of the best investments you can make.

[18:04] Different types of skill sets that might be important for a freelancer to develop now - how to determine the right skill set to develop as a new or established freelancer. Micala and Craig describe different types of roles and the skill sets needed for them.

[22:41] How freelancers and online business owners have thrived in the midst of uncertainty and a global pandemic - which types of niches Micala sees thriving and filling a need for business owners.

[27:02] How it's an exciting time to be a freelancer right now - Micala and Craig share stories illustrating how the freelance industry grew during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it's possible to replace clients before your income feels a hit.

Steps to Selecting a Profitable Skill You Can Turn into an Income

[30:24] #1 Do some brain dumping on a sheet of paper - think about what jobs you've done and the hard skills you used for them each day.

[31:37] #2 For each of the hard skills (tangible tasks) you wrote down, think about the soft skills you have that allow you to excel at that tangible task.

[32:15] #3 Evaluate your list - determine what stands out to you.

[32:36] #4 Translate your evaluation into a freelance space - how to determine a niche for yourself based on your tangible/hard skills and soft skills.

[34:14] How you can see a pattern of the way you're wired and then attach it to profitable niches and opportunities

[35:21] Some common services Micala sees women starting with in her area

[36:45] How to get to know Micala

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Micala Quinn:

MicalaQuinn.com

Live Free, Mama podcast

On - Instagram @micala.quinn

HireMyMom.com

Facebook Groups

Google Dashboard

Facebook Ads

Shopify

Klaviyo

Teachable

Thinkific

Kajabi

If you have a full-time job, a family, or other commitments, how do you squeeze in the time that's necessary to grow your freelance business? Today, Abbi Perets will walk you through some steps to maximize your time and your schedule. Join us as we share strategies to help you build a thriving business when you only have short blocks of time!

Podcast Outline:

[0:58] Introduction to Abbi Perets and the topic of building a thriving business when you only have short blocks of time - Abbi shares her story, how she got into freelance writing and started her business.

[7:07] Some of the common pitfalls that prevent people from getting stuff done - Abbi gives some important tips on tracking your time and thinking about it in the context of a week.

[9:33] How to make tweaks to your life that give you back hidden time - the importance of tracking time and being honest.

[10:36] Strategies to make the best use of time while family members are home - how to create priorities and stop treating calendars as "aspirational documents."

[13:34] How to be consistent in short blocks of time - the importance of systems and processes and how to create an effective to-do list that's broken down into tasks.

[19:04] The importance of learning how to say no and scheduling effectively - how to set boundaries with clients.

Strategies for People Who Are Working Full Time and Want to Build a Freelance Business

[22:00] How to make your business a priority and use the first hour of your day for building your business

[24:01] How to get creative with your time - Craig and Abbi share examples of using time strategically in a way that's rewarding and gives time back to your life.

[30:21] How to pick what you value and choose how you want your life to look

[33:22] The importance of creating time blocks where you get work done

[34:00] How to get to know Abbi Perets

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Abbi Perets:

SuccessfulFreelanceMom.com

On Instagram - @abbiperets

Facebook Group: Successful Freelance Writing Moms

Google

Facebook Groups

Netflix

Today's special episode is our second preview event gearing up for our Virtual Skills Summit. Join us as I introduce 10 amazing speakers who will be presenting at this year's Summit. I'll explain why I chose them and why they each bring unique skill sets that I think will have a profound impact on your business!

Podcast Outline:

[0:46] Introduction to the Virtual Skills Summit Preview - where to find the Summit schedule and when the sessions and Q&A times will take place. Craig explains the Summit format, the importance of attending the live sessions, and how to purchase an All-Access Pass.

[5:10] Two reasons why these particular speakers were chosen

Speakers Featured at the Summit

[6:38] #1 Craig Cannings (Online Course Creation and Management) - how his experience and passion for course creation have contributed to the system he will share in his session.

[8:10] #2 Abbi Perets (Email Marketing Sequences) - her story and how she was able to specialize in the skill of email marketing sequences.

[9:17] #3 Jay Clouse (Online Community Management) - how his experience makes him the perfect person to share about a terrific area that you can specialize in.

[10:13] #4 Shannon Mattern (Website Conversion Design) - her story and how it led to her teaching people to build their own websites.

[11:12] #5 Sarah Noked (Online Business Management) - how she got into the online business management industry and developed wisdom she will share with you.

[12:15] #6 Bob Sparkins (Online Marketing Funnels) - how he's a terrific teacher with skills and experience speaking at many VA events.

[13:03] #7 Cynthia Trevino (Creative Content Creation and Repurposing) - her story and experiences that led her to become an entrepreneur and then teach entrepreneurs how to create amazing content.

[14:00] #8 Tasha Booth (Online Product Launches) - her background in the arts and how she started a VA business, specializing in online product launches.

[15:11] #9 Rob Balasabas (YouTube Video Marketing) - how he's the best mind when it comes to understanding YouTube and Livestream and will share a blueprint for you to use with clients.

[16:17] #10 Julia McCoy (SEO Writing) - how she began freelancing as a writer and how she's a great asset to the FreeU Summit.

[17:31] What will happen at the final live session with Craig Cannings

[18:02] How to upgrade to an All-Access Pass

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Find the Virtual Skills Summit schedule and your FREE PASS here.

Upgrade to an All-Access pass here.

Time and Date tool

Successful Freelance Mom

Pat Flynn Smart Passive Income

Freelancing School

WordPress

Leadpages

She Markets book by Cynthia Trevino

The Memorable Introduction Class with Cynthia Trevino

The Launch Guild

Thinkific

YouTube

Livestream

TubeBuddy

Express Writers

Skip the Degree, Save the Tuition book by Julia McCoy

Today we're thrilled to share a preview of our upcoming Virtual Skills Summit, happening May 10-12, 2021! Join us as I introduce the 10 skill topics we're going to feature. I'll explain why we've picked them and how you can apply them to your business and client work. Discover how learning even one of these skills could have a profound impact on your success this year!

Podcast Outline:

[0:54] Introduction to the Virtual Skills Summit preview - how to register and find out more details. Craig explains the reason for choosing 10 topics and how they can open up new income streams for your business.

10 Skill Topics Included at This Year's Summit

[3:27] Online Course Creation and Management (Craig Cannings) - how unprecedented growth happened in this niche during 2020, leading to great demand and opportunities for freelancers with this skill set.

[5:49] Email Marketing Sequences (Abby Perets) - how to send messages to your audience at the right time, learning to use the tools and techniques needed to create email marketing sequences.

[7:26] How to Become an Effective Online Community Manager (Jay Clouse) - how online community is a big deal, with companies needing freelancers who know how to build warm, supportive communities.

[9:04] Website Conversion Design (Shannon Mattern) - how to create conversion-friendly websites that lead to business results like email leads and sales.

[10:17] Online Business Management (Sarah Noked) - how the rise of the remote workforce has led to an increased demand for business systems, project management systems, and team management.

[11:36] Online Marketing Funnels (Bob Sparkins) - how to develop vital skills for building awesome funnels that allow your clients, including a wide variety of entrepreneurs and businesses, to grow their email list.

[12:51] Creative Content Creation (Cynthia Trevino) - how to stay consistent and creative with content like blog posts, newsletters, social media, videos, and podcasts to engage your client's audience and expand their reach.

[14:15] Stress-Free Product Launches (Tasha Booth) - how to create systems and preparation plans to run online launches successfully and become a product launch manager for a wide variety of clients and products.

[15:50] YouTube Video Marketing (Rob Balasabas) - how YouTube video usage has increased during COVID-19, leading to businesses needing freelancers to set up their YouTube channels and distribute keyword-targeted videos.

[16:52] SEO Writing (Julia McCoy) - how to write great SEO copy for web pages, blogs, and any piece of online content for your business and your clients.

[18:01] Recap of the skills lineup and how to sign up for the Free Pass and All-Access Pass - how FreeU's Summit will differ from other summits.

[19:52] How to purchase the Early Bird Special for the All-Access Pass and what's available in this plan

[21:00] What's happening on next week's Virtual Summit preview

[21:30] The value of investing hours in skill-based training that can transform your business

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

How to sign up for the Virtual Summit:

Grab your Free Pass

Upgrade to the All-Access Pass

Zoom

Thinkific

Teachable

Kajabi

Udemy

Skillshare

ConvertKit

MailChimp

MailerLite

ActiveCampaign

Pat Flynn Smart Passive Income

Facebook Groups

Circle Groups

Mighty Networks Groups

WordPress

Wix

Squarespace

Leadpages

She Markets by Cynthia Trevino

YouTube

Facebook

Google

TubeBuddy