The Freelance Podclass

Today's topic is of utmost importance to anyone who has a website. If you're selling courses, products, or services, you're going to sometimes have a "traffic problem." Many of you struggle with this and feel that no one is coming to your website or reading your blog posts. So, how do you consistently bring targeted people to your website and attract the right kind of audience? Join us as I share three common types of traffic that you can leverage to grow your freelance business and get more visitors to your website!

Podcast Outline:

[0:43] Introduction to the topic of traffic problems and the importance of driving consistent traffic to your website

[1:53] How the movie We Bought a Zoo illustrates the idea of traffic problems and how we're always looking for the right kind of traffic to come to our freelance websites

Three Common Types of Traffic that You Can Leverage to Grow Your Freelance Business

[4:23] #1 Owned Traffic (Warmed Traffic)

• How to nurture these people who are connected to you by having an email subscriber list and a free offer
• How this also includes social media connections, content marketing channels and networking

[9:47] #2 Earned Traffic

• How optimizing your content with SEO helps you move up in the search engines over time and attracts free traffic from Google to your website
• How direct and indirect referrals, affiliate programs, podcast interviews, guest posts, and product reviews also help earn traffic

[13:52] #3 Paid Traffic

• How you can boost a Facebook Ad or run a Facebook Ad campaign and build your email list
• The pros and cons of Facebook and how it can eventually lead to a great return on investment

[15:36] Recap of the three main traffic sources

[16:10] How to uplevel your skills in some of the areas we've talked about in this episode

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Mailchimp https://mailchimp.com/

ConvertKit https://convertkit.com/

ActiveCampaign https://www.activecampaign.com/

MailerLite https://www.mailerlite.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/

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

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/business/pages

Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/formedia/solutions/facebook-live

Facebook Reviews https://www.facebook.com/help/434605260012677

Facebook Ads https://www.facebook.com/business/ads

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/

LinkedIn Recommendations https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/90/recommendations-overview?lang=en#:~:text=A%20recommendation%20is%20a%20commendation,from%20the%20sender%20on%20LinkedIn.

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/

YouTube Live https://www.youtube.com/live_dashboard_splash?nv=1

Medium https://medium.com/

Google https://www.google.com/

Asana https://asana.com/

Toggl https://toggl.com/

Because of COVID-19, everything has gone online, but virtual conferences aren't the same as networking with potential clients in person. So, in today's podclass we focus on how to attract clients by leveraging social media. This is a longer term strategy, but over time it can bear incredible fruit, and you can build a thriving client base just using social media marketing. Join us as I provide core principles and practical strategies for each social media platform so you can find your next ideal client!

Podcast Outline:

[0:42] Introduction to the topic of using social media to attract clients - how social media marketing is a long game, not a short game.

Timeless Social Media Principles to Be Mindful of When Marketing Your Business

[3:55] #1 Create and share educational, informative, and interesting content - examples of different media you can post.

[4:44] #2 Start conversations on social media - how to build relationships and be available.

[5:06] #3 Practice social listening and monitoring - how conversations and relationships can emerge from this strategy.

[5:41] #4 Encourage social recommendations - how asking for recommendations and showcasing them on your social media profiles can boost your credibility.

[6:20] #5 Have consistent branding across the different platforms - the elements that need to gel with your website.

[7:08] #6 Focus on the long game - how to set aside time for social media marketing and be consistent.

How to Recruit and Attract Clients on Each Platform

[8:17] Twitter and Instagram - how to use and search for hashtags, link to a special offer page on your bio, and track people who follow, comment, or interact with your post.

[11:02] Facebook - how to target three different types of Facebook Groups and decide how many to join and invest in. Craig also discusses how to use Facebook Pages and profiles to attract the right audience.

[14:34] Pinterest - how to provide relevant content that links to a post on your blog and website.

[15:21] LinkedIn - how to constantly improve your profile and nurture new and existing connections.

[16:58] How to uplevel your skills at Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/

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

Facebook Pages https://www.facebook.com/business/pages

Facebook Reviews https://www.facebook.com/help/434605260012677

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Instagram Stories https://help.instagram.com/691455604353423?ct=t(April_2017_Newsletter_13_28_2017)

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/

LinkedIn Recommendations https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/90/recommendations-overview?lang=en

Twitter https://twitter.com/

WordPress https://wordpress.org/

Linktree https://linktr.ee/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/

Netflix https://www.netflix.com/

In today's podclass Craig shares some highlights from our recently-released annual Freelancer Report. We discuss how COVID-19 has affected actively working freelancers and share the top technical and soft skills that are most important today. We also reveal the most requested services for freelance businesses during this global pandemic and the most effective ways to find new clients. These important findings that will be both beneficial and impactful to your business moving forward!

Podcast Outline:

[1:07] How the freelance industry is growing by leaps and bounds - Craig shares some reasons why this is happening and how the way people work has changed.

Highlights and Trends from the Annual Report

[3:03] The primary motivation for being a freelancer or virtual assistant and why respondents started their businesses in the first place

[4:00] The business impact of COVID-19 - some encouraging results from respondents about how their businesses have been affected

[4:58] The top five technical skills that are most important in freelancers' businesses

[6:34] The top three soft skills that freelancers thought were most important to the success of their businesses

[7:41] The top three ways to find new clients - examples of how FreeU students are finding ideal clients

[9:02] The most popular website platforms that freelancers are using - how having WordPress skills is ideal right now.

[9:46] The top three social networks that are most important to freelancers right now

[11:12] How the majority of respondents believe the freelance economy, industry and opportunities are increasing during this global pandemic and how there are prime opportunities for existing and new freelancers

[11:58] Three core skill areas that will make you successful as a well-rounded freelancer who builds a long-term, enduring business - some important examples of how Freelance University teaches these skills

[15:27] Where to find resources and information about Freelance University and how it provides valuable ongoing education to help you build a successful freelance business

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Infusionsoft https://keap.com/infusionsoft

WordPress https://wordpress.org/

Wix https://www.wix.com/

Squarespace https://www.squarespace.com/

Weebly https://www.weebly.com/

GoDaddy https://ca.godaddy.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/

Facebook Ads https://www.facebook.com/business/ads

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

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/

Freelance University Course: Cold Calling Success in a Digital World https://my.freelanceu.com/courses/cold-calling-success-in-a-digital-age

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Mailchimp https://mailchimp.com/

Netflix https://www.netflix.com/

How do you discover your passion and figure out what work you actually love to do? How does that process work out? When entering the freelance space, we often aren't clear on what niche to pursue. In this episode, Craig debunks myths around following your passion and shares valuable insights to help you start the process of cultivating skills and passions that will lead you to work you'll enjoy.

Podcast Outline:

[0:54] Introduction to the topic of passion - how some people know what they want to do, while others are unsure.

[1:52] Debunking some myths around the idea of discovering work that you'd love to do

[3:34] Discussion Question - True or False: "Follow your passion and you'll find the work you love?" Craig unpacks this and shares some interesting examples of how passion relates to skill sets.

[8:03] The Tale of Two Bookkeepers - an example of how other conditions can make you passionate about a specific niche.

Three Things that Determine Whether You're Going to Enjoy the Work You Do

[10:34] #1 The Type of Work - how learning new skills can give you a sense of whether you'll enjoy a particular niche

[11:08] #2 The Autonomy of Your Work - the factors that lead to you feeling an affinity for what you do.

[11:27] #3 The Conditions of the Work - how the choices you make and the environment you create can affect your enjoyment of the work.

Three Conclusions Related to Work Passions

[12:03] #1 Career or Work Passions are Rare - how Steve Jobs cultivated his passion over time.

[13:13] #2 Passions Take Time to Develop - how a cultivation process must take place before you can figure out whether you enjoy a niche.

[13:54] #3 Passions are a Side Effect of Mastery - how you start to love a niche as you become more skilled, competent and experienced in it.

[14:38] A discussion of the book Drive by Daniel Pink - three motivating factors that we need to have in our work in order to enjoy what we're doing.

Three Traits that Define Great Work that You Can Love

[16:03] #1 Creativity - how this can open up the opportunity for you to love what you do.

[16:21] #2 Impact - how having an impact on your clients' lives enhances your enjoyment of the work.

[16:55] #3 Control - how this relates to having freedom in your work.

[17:20] Last Takeaways - some encouraging advice to help you as you seek your passion and niche.

[18:25] How Freelance University can help you explore and cultivate skills that lead to cultivating passions

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow by Marsha Sinetar

https://www.amazon.com/What-Love-Money-Will-Follow/dp/B000GKX41Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415220339&sr=1-1&keywords=do+what+you+love+the+money+will+follow

So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport https://www.calnewport.com/books/so-good/

Apple https://www.apple.com/

Drive by Daniel Pink https://www.danpink.com/drive./

Today I'm joined by Lindsay Marsh, a prolific course creator, who has transformed her freelance business into an online education empire. Online education is experiencing massive exponential growth and providing exciting opportunities to set up a new income stream. Lindsay shares her story and outlines the steps that can help you get started as a course creator in 2020!

Guest Biography:

I have had many self-made titles over the years: Brand Manager, Digital Architect, Interactive Designer, Graphic Designer, Web Developer and Social Media Expert, to name a few. My name is Lindsay Marsh, and I have been creating brand experiences for my clients for over 15 years. As a freelance graphic designer, I have worked on a wide variety of projects both in the digital and print space. I have had the wonderful opportunity of taking classes at some of the top design schools in the world: Parsons at The New School, The Pratt Institute and NYU.

I have had the pleasure of teaching over 200,000+ students globally online. I have provided private tutoring in the area of design and marketing for over 8 years. I am also now a Canva Certified Creative.

The thing I enjoy most of all about being a teacher is seeing my students flourish and be able to start careers that are passionate and rewarding.

Podcast Outline:

[0:40] Introduction to the topic of online course creation and our guest, Lindsay Marsh

[1:46] How Lindsay got started as a freelancer and the lifestyle she's created working from home - the importance of referrals and how her experience changed how she crafts her courses

[6:20] How learning has changed and the importance of constantly developing yourself

[7:15] How Lindsay shifted from being a freelancer to an online course creator

[10:46] Which platforms Lindsay used to launch her teaching business - how each platform worked differently and ultimately tripled her course revenue.

[11:58] How your expertise can be packaged into courses even if you weren't originally a teacher or course creator

[12:43] What kind of trend Lindsay sees in the growth of e-learning as we move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic - the elements that will be considered valuable by clients and how this will impact traditional education

[15:06] Why starting as a freelancer provides a good training ground to becoming a course creator

Steps for Getting Started as a Course Creator in 2020

[17:27] #1 Figure out what you're going to teach - your top talents, skills sets, passions and target audience.

[18:03] #2 Do some research on course platforms where you can watch preview videos - how to study them as a way of planning your courses.

[18:27] #3 Start basic - what types of small courses to start with and how to progress to something bigger.

[19:22] #4 Content creation is king - the importance of producing a lot of it and being consistent.

[21:17] #5 Be a student of learning - how to create courses with the most impact for students.

[23:27] #6 Don't be too hard on yourself - how perfectionism can prevent you from launching your course.

[24:57] How the Online Course Creation and Management Program at Freelance University can help you start your first course from scratch

[25:25] How to find out more about what Lindsay is doing

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Where to find out more about Lindsay Marsh:

• Lindsay Marsh Graphic Design Courses website: https://lindsaymarsh.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymarshdesign/?hl=en
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwmA5Dg4JDJdNQ5PmK2Lug
• Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/LindsayMarshDesign/
• Behance https://www.behance.net/LindsayMarsh
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaymarshdesign

Udemy https://www.udemy.com/user/lindsay-marsh/

Skillshare https://www.skillshare.com/user/marshdesign?username=9342144

Photoshop https://www.adobe.com/ca/products/photoshop.html

Adobe Illustrator https://www.adobe.com/ca/products/illustrator.html

Adobe InDesign https://www.adobe.com/ca/products/indesign.html

Netflix https://www.netflix.com/

Amazon Prime https://www.primevideo.com/

Where is the virtual assistant industry trending right now, and what are the most popular niches to pursue? Today I'm joined by Tawnya Sutherland, a thought leader and pioneer in the VA industry. She shares valuable insights and practical tips to help you build a VA business from scratch and find your first clients. With remote work becoming more of a norm, now is the perfect time to begin a fulfilling career in this thriving industry!

Podcast Outline:

[0:48] Introduction to Tawnya Sutherland and how the VA industry has grown in the last 20 years

[3:45] How Tawnya broke into the VA field and positioned herself as a thought leader in this space

[5:02] "The Epidemic of Loneliness" - how our culture is more lonely than ever before and how it's led communities like VA Networking to thrive

[6:32] Where Tawnya sees the VA industry trending now and how working remotely is becoming more of a norm

[9:27] The most popular VA niches right now - how many types of online marketing are now in demand because of COVID

[12:07] Being a generalist vs being a specialist - how there's still a demand for generalists who provide virtual administration and online business management

How to Start a VA Business from Scratch

[15:27] #1 Do some research - how to make sure virtual assistance is something you want to do.

[15:42] #2 Write down the services you could do - how to create a list to find a target market.

[16:11] #3 Develop your business structure and marketing plan - the importance of a website and a list.

[17:14] Where VAs are finding their first clients right now - some good ways and good places to go

[22:29] Final words of wisdom from Tawnya - the importance of finding community

[23:49] How to get to know Tawnya and what she's doing to help VAs get started and retain clients

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Virtual Assistant Career

VAinsiders

VAvirtuosos Summit

Facebook groups

LinkedIn groups

Facebook Ads

Google Ads

Indeed

Upwork

Zoom

How do you land your first client when you're just starting out as a freelancer? And if you have an established business, how do you continue to approach and attract clients? Today I'm joined by Hugo Finkelstein, co-founder and CEO of Rise. He'll teach us some unique and effective ways to reach out to clients, add value, and attract them to our businesses and services!

Guest Biography:

Hugo Finkelstein is the co-founder and CEO of Rise, an independent talent network and service marketplace for designers and writers. He was previously at LGO Launch, a marketing and consulting agency for blockchain-based projects.

Podcast Outline:

[0:48] Introduction to Hugo Finkelstein

[1:30] How Hugo got started as a freelancer and why he's passionate about serving the freelance community

[3:42] In light of the global pandemic, why this is an ideal time to become a freelancer - Hugo and Craig share examples of how businesses need help from freelancers and how the interest in remote work is growing.

[6:35] How the freelancer's entrepreneurial mindset differs from that of an employee - Craig and Hugo explain how the freelance mindset provides freedom and benefits companies.

[8:43] Why freelancers struggle with attracting and approaching clients - Hugo and Craig describes the skills freelancers need to attract clients and approach them in the right way.

The Dos and Don'ts of Approaching Potential Clients

[12:30] #1 Warm intro or referral - how this is the best option for attracting clients.

[13:22] #2 Cold emailing and cold messaging - the dos and don'ts of using this method. Hugo explains how to craft messages differently to gain a better response from potential clients.

[14:22] #3 Building your own profile and brand - how this phase precedes the other approaches. Hugo describes the elements you need so you can give a concrete impression to potential clients.

[14:54] How new freelancers can approach clients if they lack experience

[17:22] How to effectively approach potential clients on LinkedIn - Hugo explains the two ways that have worked for him.

[19:59] How new freelancers should read about PR strategies and approaching journalists - Hugo explains how these strategies can help pique people's interests.

[20:45] How one of the keys to attracting clients is to be visible - Craig explains how this can build a network for you.

[21:19] How to provide value by presenting yourself as an expert in your field - Hugo and Craig talk about the importance of creating content and give advice on how to choose your content medium.

[23:25] Final thoughts for freelancers who are struggling with the process of approaching and attracting clients - Hugo and Craig share some important tips that can help.

[25:25] What Hugo does at Rise and how freelancers can get connected with him

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Rise https://www.riseworks.io/

Twitter https://twitter.com/

Square https://squareup.com/

Shopify https://www.shopify.ca/

The Winning Discovery Call Workshop https://my.freelanceu.com/courses/the-winning-discovery-call

LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/

Medium https://medium.com/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/

Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/solutions/facebook-live

Instagram Live https://www.instagram.com/

In the midst of the global pandemic, people are consuming digital content more than ever before. Today I'm joined by Sarah Mikutel, podcast expert and founder of the online course Podcast Launch Academy. She'll share her insights on how to set up an in-demand podcast production service. What are the different types of services you can offer? And how can you make money doing this? The downloads on podcasts are at an all-time high, and this presents a unique opportunity for freelancers to position themselves as podcast producers for a whole variety of businesses!

Guest Biography:

Sarah Mikutel is a globetrotting podcast consultant and founder of the online course Podcast Launch Academy. Her podcasts Podcasting Step by Step and the Postcard Academy, have been named best podcast about podcasting and best travel podcast, respectively. Born and raised in the U.S., Sarah's spent nearly a decade living the expat life in Europe and believes that true independence means the freedom to choose where, when, and how you spend your time and attention. She loves working with fellow citizens of the world who want to use the power of podcasting to connect to their global community and build a brand and business that supports a freedom-based life.

Podcast Outline:

[0:56] Craig introduces us to Sarah Mikutel and the topic of leveraging podcasting as a service for your clients.

[2:19] Sarah describes the opportunities opening up in podcasting as a result of the global pandemic and social isolation. She explains how the growth has accelerated recently and how podcasting is as popular or more popular than online video.

[5:59] How podcasts fit into our lifestyle and are cross-generational.

[6:56] A list of services freelancers could offer in the podcasting space to generate income. Sarah begins by explaining the necessary elements of the best podcasts and how podcasting services are perfect for a VA.

Some Examples of In-Demand Services:

[9:23] Podcast Editor (audio editing/engineering) - the #1 service people want to outsource from the beginning. Sarah lists the software needed for this role and describes what's involved. Craig stresses how important this role is!

[12:11] Show Notes Writers - for those who have a writing background. Sarah describes the different ways you can create show notes and repurpose them. She explains the importance of incorporating SEO for discoverability.

[13:40] Social Media - distributing and promoting the podcast to social contacts. Sarah and Craig outline the important elements of this role.

[15:29] Podcast Guest Recruiter - a very in-demand niche right now. Craig explains the importance of this role and how it can lead to partnerships.

[16:43] Producer/VA - a comprehensive role. Sarah explains what this role entails and how the producer can also send pitches to help podcasters get on other podcasts.

[17:12] The best ways for a new VA or freelancer to find podcasting clients. Sarah and Craig explain some key strategies you can use to be proactive and target certain niches. Craig gives an example of a whole realm of people who are prime candidates for podcast services!

[21:22] Sarah describes what she does in the podcast education space. She discusses how this is an exciting time of deeper reflection that can benefit our businesses.

[23:13] How Freelance University prides itself in presenting opportunities for you to generate income from home right now.

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Sarah Mikutel's website: SarahMikutel.com https://sarahmikutel.com/

Online course: Podcast Launch Academy https://sarah-mikutel.mykajabi.com/podcast-launch-academy-1

Podcasts:

• Podcasting Step by Step https://sarahmikutel.com/podcasting-step-by-step
• Postcard Academy https://postcardacademy.co/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/

Google https://www.google.com/

Spotify https://www.spotify.com/

Facebook Ads https://www.facebook.com/business/ads

Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/

Adobe Audition https://www.adobe.com/ca/products/audition/free-trial-download.html

iTunes https://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/

Facebook Groups recommended by Sarah Mikutel:

She Podcasts https://www.facebook.com/groups/shepodcasts/

Podfest https://www.facebook.com/groups/podfest

BuzzSprout Podcast Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/BuzzsproutCommunity/

Podcast Movement https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastmovement

Podcasters Support Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/podsupportgroup/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/

The concept of remote work has suddenly come to the forefront, with more of us working from home than ever before. But how do we work from home well? How do we do it in a way that allows us to be more productive and purpose-filled, as opposed to being apathetic and distracted? That is our focus today as we unpack 10 ways to work, and thrive, from home!

Podcast Outline:

[1:02] Craig introduces the topic of thriving in the midst of unprecedented circumstances while working from home. He stresses the importance of using this time well to help move our businesses forward.

[2:19] Craig shares his story and his experience of working from home for 17 years and adapting to the new normal.

[3:59] Craig lists a number of pain points you might relate to as you transition to working from home. Some pain points may create apathy, while others can be leveraged for good! Craig shares an interesting example of Parkinson's Law from his college experience.

10 Ways to Work and Thrive from Home

[8:57] #1 Shower and groom yourself - how to get yourself prepped and ready so you're motivated to work. Craig stresses how this strategy is important to implement early on.

[10:38] #2 Establish a clear schedule and routine - how you need to course-correct when your routine has been disrupted. Craig shares examples of how to map out a schedule and explains how it combats distractions.

[13:12] #3 Pick the right technology tools to manage your schedule and your life - the different categories of tools and apps you can choose from. Craig shares some helpful examples and strategies for picking tools.

[15:23] #4 Create a task list for each day and week - how to plan out and evaluate your week. Craig explains how this process can motivate you and show where you can improve.

[17:30] #5 Practice time blocking - how it can be an effective strategy for organizing your day and making sure you complete projects. Craig suggests examples of effective ways to block your time.

[19:57] #6 Identify and conquer your productivity pitfalls - Craig shares examples of what might be distractions in our lives right now and how conquering them can make us better versions of ourselves.

[22:35] #7 Create an aesthetically-pleasing workspace - how it helps create a good work-life rhythm. Craig describes some elements that can be inspiring and suggests how you can work with what you have.

[25:22] #8 Build in some self-care activities - the types of activities and habits that are important to keep you healthy and make you more productive in your work.

[26:50] #9 Track your accomplishments every week - an example of how you can track your execution of tasks in a way that's motivating even in the midst of a crisis.

[28:30] #10 Set healthy boundaries between work and personal life - how to ensure your personal relationships grow and develop during this unique time together. Craig stresses the importance of creating these boundaries and shares an example from his own life.

[30:50] Bonus: Be grateful - how we can nurture gratitude in our life and business.

[32:18] Recap of the 10 ways to work and thrive from home

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

The Freelancer's Checklist to Working (and Thriving) from Home https://www.freelanceu.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Freelance_Home_Checklist.pdf

Asana https://asana.com/

Todoist https://todoist.com/

Trello https://trello.com/

Google Tasks https://support.google.com/tasks/answer/7675772?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en

My Hours https://myhours.com/

Toggl https://toggl.com/

Harvest https://www.getharvest.com/

Pomodoro Technique https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique

Twitter https://twitter.com/

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/

The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington https://12weekyear.com/

While going through a crisis, it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes. We don't realize how a difficult time can grow and change us and our business in positive ways. In this podclass, we'll share 10 ways to thrive in your freelance business during the current coronavirus crisis (and at any time). Join me as I support and encourage you to embrace the resilience and innovation borne out of adversity.

Podcast Outline:

[0:00] Craig introduces the topic of thriving during a crisis. He shares how the strategies in this podclass will be helpful for any crisis you may face, including the current coronavirus crisis.

10 Ways to Thrive in Your Freelance Business During a Crisis

[2:21] #1 Take a pause - The benefits of pausing and a personal story about a time when Craig needed to take a pause and consider his next steps.

[5:09] #2 Launch a new plan - a tangible example from Craig's life when he changed how he worked and shifted the timeline for his business.

[6:20] #3 Innovate and adapt - how resilience rises up and encourages innovation and adaptation. Craig shares an example of a good niche to pursue during the current coronavirus crisis.

[8:35] #4 Learn new things - how this is a time to learn and develop your skills and make the most of your time during social distancing.

[9:39] #5 Keep a consistent schedule - an encouraging example from Craig's life that shows the benefits of developing a schedule and sticking to it.

[10:57] #6 Don't stop marketing - how this is an opportunity to continue networking and connecting with people so your business has forward momentum.

[11:38] #7 Plan for rainy days - some examples of how to save a certain percentage of income to plan for future crises and how to adjust your budget now.

[12:57] #8 Hold on to your support network - the benefits of holding your support network close. Craig shares how a health crisis in Craig and Kelly's life brought them closer and brought wisdom to their business.

[14:17] #9 Don't give in to fear - the importance of resilience. Craig explains how we often imagine the worst case scenario and derail ourselves.

[15:10] #10 Leverage new possibilities - how new opportunities can emerge during a crisis. Craig shares an example of how businesses are needing help with online technology for virtual conferences and summits right now.

[16:35] Recap of the 10 ways to thrive in your freelance business during a crisis

[17:33] Craig acknowledges the gravity of the current situation and provides encouragement. He explains where to find out more information about Freelance University's supportive community and training.

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Shopify https://www.shopify.com/

WordPress https://wordpress.org/

WooCommerce https://woocommerce.com/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/

Netflix https://www.netflix.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/

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

Zoom https://zoom.us/

GoToWebinar https://www.gotomeeting.com/en-ca/webinar