The Freelance Podclass

Regardless of how long you've been freelancing, you're going to face this challenge at one point or another: How do you move from the core service you're offering to something significantly or slightly different? How do you listen to the warning signs that it's time to make a change in your freelance business? There are lots of different reasons why you may need to switch gears. In this episode, we'll walk you through five key steps to successfully transition to a new niche!

Podcast Outline:

[0:39] Craig introduces the topic of how to effectively change your niche. He suggests possible reasons that might lead you to make this decision.

[1:32] Craig talks about the movie "You've Got Mail" and how it illustrates the need to switch gears in a business when you come to a crossroads.

[3:14] Craig outlines the 6 key warning signs that reveal it's time to make a change. Be sure to do some self-evaluation as we go through the list!

Five Key Steps to Successfully Transition to a New Niche

[8:36] #1 Assess your current offerings and service niche - What do you like about it and what do you enjoy doing? What don't you like about it? Craig suggests a list of questions to ask yourself and decide what changes you could make. He also introduces a resource called the Niche Identification Matrix.

[11:58] #2 Evaluate your fit with your current target audience - Do you enjoy working with this audience? What audience would you best serve? Craig provides an example of a FreeU student who works with a particular audience in an industry she loves.

[13:22] #3 Consider how to amplify your existing niche - What additional services could you add on to your existing services? Craig shares an example of how a niche can be amplified and how to identify complementary services.

[15:13] #4 Research new niches that might interest you - How to think outside the box and figure out options. Craig talks about a FreeU student who switched to a completely different niche that suited her.

[17:39] #5 Test the niche and see where it takes you - How to avoid being stuck in a rut and switch if you need to. Craig encourages us to avoid feeling like we have to choose a niche and stay with it whether we love it or not.

[19:02] Summary of the five key steps to successfully changing your niche

[20:04] Craig shares how Freelance University gives students access to all different tracks so they can try out courses and figure out what they want to do. He describes the types of resources and courses you can access.

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Niche Identification Matrix

Infusionsoft by Keap https://keap.com/infusionsoft

WordPress https://wordpress.org/

Freelance University training: https://www.freelanceu.com/university/

In this class we talk about building authority and how to position yourself as an expert or an authority in your market. Many of you may be new to the freelance world and don't feel like an expert. And some of you may have been doing this for a while and still struggle with imposter syndrome. Join me as I walk you through 7 practical ways to overcome these feelings and position yourself as a trusted authority to your clients and an expert in your service offerings!

Podcast Outline:

[0:42] Craig introduces the topic of building authority and positioning yourself as an expert or an authority in your market, even if you don't feel like one. He talks about the importance of owning this role.

[1:42] Craig shares a humorous story that illustrates the importance of being an expert. You'll have a chuckle and an "aha" moment when you hear it!

7 Ways to Become a Trusted Expert in Your Market

[4:18] #1 Be a Specialist - How to niche down and offer services to a specific market. Craig provides examples of students at Freelance University who are offering specialized services.

[7:15] #2 Be a Content Publisher - How sharing valuable, actionable content raises your status as an authority.

[8:52] #3 Participate in Relevant Community - How you can be of service and value to your clients when you join the groups where they hang out. Craig shares practical examples of how you can offer value both online and locally.

[10:13] #4 Establish Social Proof - How to establish both indirect and direct social proof. Craig admits this can be a difficult topic for people starting out and provides some helpful suggestions.

[13:21] #5 Build a Credible Web Presence - How to establish authority by looking good. Craig lists the elements to include in your website and branding to make the best impression.

[15:23] #6 Be a Lifelong Learner - How to commit to ongoing professional development that will make you the best you can be in your niche. Craig explains how Freelance University students showcase their certifications on their website and social media to show they've developed their skill sets.

[17:04] #7 Build a Great Onboarding System for New Clients - How to establish an incredible first impression by having a seamless onboarding system. Craig shares examples of tools and tells a story about how he was impressed by a freelancer who used this type of system.

[18:54] Recap of the 7 Ways to Become a Trusted Expert

[20:42] How to enroll in Freelance University to help you become a lifelong learner and remain committed to having the best skills to produce the best results for your clients!

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

MailChimp https://mailchimp.com/

ConvertKit https://convertkit.com/

ActiveCampaign https://www.activecampaign.com/

Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) https://keap.com/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/

Medium https://medium.com/

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

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en

Twitter https://twitter.com/?lang=en

WordPress https://wordpress.org/

Squarespace https://www.squarespace.com/

Wix https://www.wix.com/

17hats https://www.17hats.com/

Dubsado https://www.dubsado.com/

How well are your regularly reviewing the growth and success of your business? As we begin a brand-new decade, it's especially important to look at where we've come from and plan where we're going. Join me as I outline 10 business areas you'll want to evaluate to ensure your long-term success!

Podcast Outline:

[0:38] Craig looks back on his business and shares what he's learned over the past 10 years. He introduces the topic of the podclass and discusses the importance of planning for success at regular intervals.

10 Areas to Plan for Success in Your Business

[5:48] #1 Mindset - How a healthy mindset leads to a healthy business and vice versa. Craig provides a list of important questions to ask yourself.

[9:30] #2 Business Growth - Quantitative questions and examples to help you evaluate this area so you can set strategic goals for 2020!

[11:23] #3 Technology - How to do an inventory of all the apps and tech tools you're using. Craig discusses the importance of streamlining tools and choosing new ones if needed.

[12:59] #4 Online Presence - How online presence is broken up into two areas and how to evaluate each area.

[16:31] #5 Fulfillment - How this area is more qualitative and involves your feelings toward your business. Craig recommends key questions you should ask yourself.

[18:10] #6 Work-Life Balance - A difficult balance to maintain. Craig shares how he has worked to manage this work-life tension in his own household and provides questions to ask yourself to evaluate this important area.

[20:30] #7 Core Services - How to evaluate your services and determine any changes that need to be made. Craig also suggests strategies to evaluate and increase your rates.

[22:57] #8 Marketing - The importance of regularly marketing your business. Craig describes four important areas to review.

[28:39] #9 Systems - How to evaluate your business's back end. Craig shares examples of the types of systems to look at.

[30:07] #10 Professional Development - The importance of being a relentless learner. Craig suggests ways to quantify the types of learning you've done over the past year.

[31:55] Recap of the 10 Business Areas

[33:41] How to find out more about Freelance University and its next upcoming intake

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Link to the Mindmap: https://mm.tt/1380511749?t=Qk6Zp7ZzHD

Quote from Biz Stone: "Timing, perseverance, and ten years of trying will eventually make you look like an overnight success."

Quote from Earl Nightingale: "People with goals succeed because they know where they're going."

The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran https://www.amazon.com/12-Week-Year-Brian-Moran/dp/0972963510

MindMeister https://www.mindmeister.com/

Trello https://trello.com/

Asana https://asana.com/

WordPress https://wordpress.org/

Wix https://www.wix.com/

Weebly https://www.weebly.com/

Squarespace https://www.squarespace.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/

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

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/

Today we discuss a topic that is highly relevant during the holiday season. How do we make our clients feel valued besides providing incredible services and delivering high-quality work? In this class we show you five tangible, affordable ways you can express appreciation to your clients. We also share some tools and strategies you can use to show gratitude and solidify your client relationships!

Podcast Outline:

[0:42] Craig introduces the topic of showing appreciation to our clients and discusses why it's important. He shares examples of both negative and positive customer service quality.

[3:43] How client appreciation leads to client retention and the importance of showing gratitude in tangible ways

Five Ways to Show Client Appreciation:

[6:09] #1 Send a handwritten note on a notecard that has your branding. Craig shares some examples of how personal handwritten notes are powerful.

[8:04] #2 Send a follow-up email after an invoice. Craig explains how the content of that email is important and gives some valuable tips and examples.

[9:51] #3 Send a thoughtful or personalized gift. Craig provides some examples and sites you can check out for ideas.

[14:26] #4 Do a business shoutout. Craig explains what that is and how you can express gratitude and solidify the client relationship with it.

[15:18] #5 Refer people to your clients. Craig shares how referrals can be a token of appreciation and make you an asset to your clients.

[15:52] BONUS #6 Show up every day and provide the absolute best service you can to your clients.

[16:47] Recap of the five ways to show client appreciation

[17:34] How to find out more information about the next intake of Freelance University to upgrade your skills, tap into a new niche or start a freelance business from scratch.

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Netflix https://www.netflix.com/

New Voice Media Study https://www.newvoicemedia.com/en-us/resources

Quote by John F. Kennedy: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

Vistaprint https://www.vistaprint.com/

Paperless Post https://www.paperlesspost.com/

SendOutCards https://www.sendoutcards.com/

Greetabl https://greetabl.com/

Box Fox https://shopboxfox.com/

Sweeter Cards https://www.sweetercards.com/

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/

Starbucks gift card https://www.starbucks.com/card

Freelance University https://www.freelanceu.com/university/

In this class, I'm joined by Brandi Mowles, who shares her insights into how she was able to scale her freelance service-based business without hiring a team. Brandi started out as a Virtual Assistant and turned into a Facebook and Instagram Ads Strategist. She's grown her income to multiple six figures and helps other entrepreneurs scale to consistent five-figure months. Join us as we discover four ways that you can start small and wait for the right time to hire a team!

Podcast Outline:

[0:42] Craig introduces us to Brandi Mowles and the concept of scaling your service-based business without hiring a team.

[2:54] How to scale a freelance business - Brandi discusses the pros and cons of staying small and waiting to hire a team.

[5:14] How the concept is counter to what you'd learn in business school or what high-level entrepreneur coaches are teaching. Craig shares an interesting example that illustrates the wisdom of staying small.

Four Ways to Scale Your Business:

[6:52] #1 Look at the list of services on your website or pricing. Decide on one to two services you could run with and really get good at. Brandi and Craig share some valuable examples of this!

[9:32] #2 Create the systems to support that growth. Brandi discusses how it's way easier to set up your systems when you're not there yet than once you're there. She describes the concept of KISS ("Keep It Simple Sweetie") and recommends tools to use for your systems.

[12:22] How to limit the amount of technology to simplify systems and save time

[13:27] #3 Make your marketing minutes a priority. Brandi advises what to focus on, how to track conversions and be intentional. She shares some numbers freelancers and virtual assistants can aim for with discovery calls.

[18:43] #4 Elevate your services - where you can elevate them to the next level that makes sense and how to be known in your industry for what you do and who you serve.

[20:16] Recap of the four strategies

[21:15] How to learn more about Brandi

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Brandi Mowles' podcast and sites:

• The Serve Scale Soar Podcast: https://servescalesoar.com/podcast/
• Free training from Brandi: https://servescalesoar.lpages.co/free-training/
• Brandi's Instagram account at Brandi and Company: https://www.instagram.com/brandiandcompany/

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

Instagram Ads: https://business.instagram.com/advertising/

ConvertKit: https://convertkit.com/

Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.com/

ClickUp: https://clickup.com/

Trello: https://trello.com/

Asana: https://asana.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/

Facebook Groups: https://www.facebook.com/help/1629740080681586

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

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

In this class, I'm joined by my daughter, Keeley Cannings, who gives you valuable strategies on how you can use local Facebook Ads to target your client audience right in your own backyard. Keeley shares how she has leveraged local Facebook Ads to build a very profitable photography business for herself. Join us as we unpack 9 steps to launching a local Facebook Ads campaign so you can generate new client leads and ultimately build your business!

Podcast Outline:

0:00 - Opening thoughts

1:00 - Introduction to Keeley Cannings and the topic of Local Facebook Ads

2:08 - Keeley's experience doing "Headshot Days" as a local photographer

4:02 - The benefit of Facebook Ads to freelancers:

• 3 Whys:
• • 1) It gets your name and business out there.
  • 2) It increases your engagement and your followers.
  • 3) It helps turn complete strangers into lifelong clients.

6:00 - The "Echo Effect"

• Don't get discouraged if you don't land clients and generate leads the first time.

7:57 - Example of an idea you can use to generate client leads in your local area

9:26 - 9 Steps to take when launching a local Facebook Ads campaign:

• 9:38 - 1) Define your target.
• • Nail down your dream client.

• 10:53 - 2) Prepare your presence.
• • Have your blog and social media prepared and updated.

• 11:47 - 3) Create a targeted landing page.
• • Include time slots, contact page or social media so people can come to your site and ask questions about the event you're hosting.
  • Show your portfolio and testimonials on your landing page.

• 13:50 - 4) Define your audience and your budget with Ad Sets.
• • Target your specific area, audience demographics, interests, and jobs.

• 15:57 - 5) Create a relevant, eye-catching image.
• • People like to see people, not just objects, to establish a connection.

• 17:24 - 6) Create an eye-catching, relevant tagline.
• • E.g. Ask a question - attention-getting, short, easy to read.

• 19:07 - 7) Define your budget.
• • Define how much you want to spend per day.
  • Don't get overzealous and make a big jump in your budget.
  • Start small.

• 20:31 - 8) Go after your target audience with Facebook Ads and get them to respond to you.
• • Reach out to people.
  • Don't go too general - Dig deep and find your target audience.

• 21:14 - 9) Be active during your campaign.
• • When you get an email, respond right away.
  • Comment back and follow back in social media.

• 22:11 - Bonus Tip: Remarketing
• • Retarget people who have already seen your ad or have already arrived at your landing page.

23:20 - Final thoughts

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Keeley Cannings' website: http://www.keeleyjoy.com

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

WordPress: https://wordpress.org/

Contact Form 7 plugin: https://en-ca.wordpress.org/plugins/contact-form-7/

Local Ad Sets: https://www.facebook.com/business/help/706063442820839?id=802745156580214

Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/

In this class, I'm joined by Jessica Lawlor, a freelance expert, writer and trainer who shows us some tools and strategies on how you can build a highly successful freelance writing business. Freelance writing is one of the most profitable, in-demand niches to get into and is growing significantly. Today we talk about some of the skill sets and tips on how you can become an effective freelance writer!

Podcast Outline:

0:00 - Opening thoughts

0:47 - Introduction to Jessica Lawlor

1:54 - Opportunities available for people who want to be freelance writers in 2020

3:06 - Two different ways to look at freelance writing:

• 1) Journalistic freelance writing
• 2) Content marketing

3:44 - How there were more narrow opportunities for writers in the past, but the sky's the limit now:

• More common to see qualified, skilled seasoned writers choosing the freelance route:
• • Creating their own schedules
  • Having more flexibility to write about what they want
  • Creating a different kind of life doing the writing that they really love vs. what they were doing before

5:25 - Requirements to be a writer:

• Find something that you're passionate about.
• Start with your own stories first.

9:48 - Strategies on how to enter the freelance writing space and find success:

• 1. Start with your own stories first.
• • Blog
  • Articles on LinkedIn
  • Instagram

• 2. Develop a portfolio of your work.

• 3. Showcase your portfolio:
• • Have your own site.
  • Develop your personal brand and blog.
  • Use free portfolio sites.

• 4. Two ways to take your writing to another site:
• • Start with an idea for an article and write a pitch to an editor.
  • Pitch a dream publication or outlet directly. (Understand the style and the type of pieces they're looking for, and tailor your pitch specifically to the publication or outlet.)

14:55 - How blogging and showcasing your work can attract freelance writing gigs

17:10 - How business owners need writers to help with their content

18:05 - How to set your pitch apart:

• Do your homework.
• In your email, address the editor by name.
• Lay out your pitch in just a couple of sentences, not just a headline.
• • What are you going to be talking about in the article?
  • What is the reader going to learn?
  • Why are you pitching this idea to the site you're pitching it to?
  • Mention who you might interview or speak with.
• Keep it short and simple (no more than a paragraph or two).
• Wait and see.
• Follow up after a week.
• After that, let the idea go and take it to another publication.

21:16 - How to get on the editor's good side once you land the pitch:

• Ask the editor if they have submission guidelines or a style guide.
• Read other articles on the site to emulate the style.

23:16 - Advice for those just starting their freelance writing business:

• Get involved in writers communities and social media.

25:47 - Encouragement that one-off projects can turn into long-term contracts

27:49 - How to learn more about Jessica's work

29:00 - Final thoughts

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Jessica Lawlor:

• Jessica Lawlor & Company: https://jessicalawlor.com/

• Jessica's log: https://jessicalawlor.com/blog/
• Jessica on Twitter (@jesslaw): https://twitter.com/jesslaw?lang=en
• Jessica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicallawlor/?hl=en

The Write Life: https://thewritelife.com/

• Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/thewritelifesite

Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en

HARO (Help a Reporter Out): https://www.helpareporter.com/

Huffington Post: https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/

Where to Pitch: https://wheretopitch.com/

Sonia Weiser on Twitter (@weischoice): https://twitter.com/weischoice?lang=en

In this class we talk about referral marketing - one of the easiest ways to find clients and one of the best strategies to grow and scale your freelance business. But how do we do it well? How do we get ideal clients referred to us from people who know, like and trust us? I will show you a three-step system for how you can build a referral marketing machine into your freelance business!

Podcast Outline:

0:00 - Opening thoughts

0:49 - Introduction to the topic of Referral Marketing

5:00 - Two Types of Referrals:

• Indirect Referrals (e.g. Facebook Page Reviews, LinkedIn Recommendations, testimonial or video case study on your website)
• Direct Referrals (e.g. Someone directly passes on your name to another relevant contact.)

7:02 - Two Keys to Getting New Referrals:

• 1) Be referable.
• 2) Build an effective referral marketing system.

8:47 - Three Simple Steps to Building an Effective Client Referral System

• 8:54 - Step #1: Determine your ideal client referral.
• • Identify three ideal clients.
  • Identify the clients' pain points (e.g. technical struggles, difficulty organizing their business, lacking bandwidth and time to do all that their business demands of them).
  • Articulate this information to the people who will be referring you business.

• 14:38 - Step #2: Identify your best referral sources.
• • Five common referral sources:
  • • 1) Current and past clients (absolute best referral source)
    • 2) Family and friends
    • 3) Past employers and colleagues
    • 4) Local connections (e.g. businesses, shops, restaurants, accountants)
    • 5) Other freelancers or virtual assistants
  • Never be afraid to ask for a referral.

• 20:10 - Step #3: Build your referral outreach plan.
• • Five questions (Five W's):
  • • 1) Why are you asking for a referral?
    • 2) Who are you asking?
    • • Make a list of 5-10 people who you could ask for referrals.
    • 3) Where are you asking?
    • • I.e. the best medium to reach out to your referrer (e.g.in person, phone or video call, email, direct message in social media, survey at the end of your service)
    • 4) When are you asking?
    • • Friends and family or colleagues - Ask right away.
      • An existing client - Ask once you've established trust and built credibility with that client.
      • Be careful not to ask prematurely.
    • 5) What are you asking?
    • • First, acknowledge your appreciation for your client or friend (the referrer).
      • Be clear that you have some spots open for new clients.
      • Be specific on who your ideal audience is and the services that you provide.
      • Include an incentive.
      • Thank them for their support.

28:32 - Encouragement to never ever be afraid to ask for a referral.

28:51 - Closing thoughts

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Nielsen Insights: https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini: https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Business-Essentials-ebook/dp/B002BD2UUC

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

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

Starbucks Gift Cards: https://app.starbucks.com/gift

Amazon.com Gift Cards: https://www.amazon.com/gift-cards/b?ie=UTF8&node=2238192011

In this class, I'm joined by Matt Johnson, a podcast expert who gives you valuable strategies on how to leverage podcasting as a networking tool to build your freelance business, land more clients, and ultimately increase your visibility. We'll talk about it from a couple different angles - either hosting your own podcast or being featured as a guest on podcasts where your ideal client audience is hanging out. You'll also learn about profitable opportunities available for freelancers and virtual assistants seeking to add podcasting services to their business.

Podcast Outline:

0:00 - Opening thoughts

0:53 - Introduction to Matt Johnson

1:57 - Matt shares his Freedom Story and what he's up to now

4:26 - Matt describes his background as a musician

5:19 - The challenges of tapping into too many niches as freelancers

5:44 - Introduction to the topic of podcasting:

• The history of podcasting
• Why and how the trend is shaping now
• What makes podcasting unique:
• • It's long-form content.
  • It's portable and easy to consume.
  • You can share your expertise in a less vulnerable format than video.
  • It can be used as a networking tool by introducing people to each other.

12:28 - Craig shares his experience with podcasting

• How podcasting can position you as a credible business
• How a partnership developed from a podcast interview

13:45 - How freelancers can use podcasting to grow their brand and attract more clients

• 14:22 - Step One: Use podcasts to get yourself featured.
• • Reach your ideal client.
  • Remember that podcast hosts are starving for good guests with expertise.
  • Use a good story hook.

• 20:02 - Two different types of people you're reaching:
• • The audience
  • The podcast hosts themselves
  • • Find 25 people that already have the trust of the clients you want to work with.
    • Develop a strategic network of referral relationships.

• 23:37 - The importance of referrals and tracking the number of strategic introductions being made

• 24:19 - Making the podcast host your friend:
• • How to be a magnetic guest:
  • • Get out of your own head and think about the podcast host and their audience and what they want.
    • Have an attitude of contribution.
    • Mirror and match the podcast host.
    • Build some rapport before hitting record.
    • If you're talking to someone of a high level and you're feeling intimidated, ask very simple (high-network) questions:
    • • Next trip or travel?
      • Workouts, experiences?
      • Upcoming conferences or speaking gigs?
    • Mention people you're both connected to on LinkedIn.
    • After a podcast episode, ask one question: "If I could introduce you to someone right now that would make a difference in your business or your life, who is that? What does that person look like?"

• 27:25 - The benefits of positioning yourself as a podcast guest or as a podcast host

• 28:25 - Running your own podcast show as a way to build visibility and attract clients:
• • Imposter syndrome can hold people back from hosting.
  • Three things you can share publicly that give other people the impression that you're an expert while you think you're faking it:
  • • What you know
    • What you're learning
    • What you're doing
  • Make a list of all the different opinions that you would tell a client about how you believe your thing should be done.

31:31 - How podcasts are not about volume and number of visitors

34:13 - How podcasting resolves the credibility problem

35:50 - How it takes a while to shed the imposter syndrome

38:26 - How to get to know Matt Johnson more and suggestions for how to expand services to podcasters

42:27 - Closing thoughts

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Matt Johnson's website:

• Pursuing Results: https://pursuingresults.com/

Access Podcast Pitch Templates: podcastpitchtemplates.com

Libsyn: https://libsyn.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com

Alexa: https://www.alexa.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com

NPR: https://www.npr.org/

In this class, I'm joined by Susan Noked, an Online Business Manager (OBM) who teaches some of the principles of how you can become an OBM for your clients. So many businesses out there are looking for a point person who can manage their team, manage their finances, manage their launches, and put effective systems in place. Learn what it takes to take on this valuable, in-demand role!

Podcast Outline:

0:00 - Opening thoughts

0:54 - Introduction to Sarah Noked

2:04 - Setting the stage for the topic of Online Business Management (OBM)

3:28 - Sarah shares her freedom story

8:47 - The growth of the OBM industry and the importance of VAs

10:48 - How entrepreneurship and online businesses are becoming more popular

14:00 - The role of the OBM

• 14:25 - Definition of an OBM
• • Main aspects:
  • • Project Management
    • Team Management
    • Metrics Management
    • Launch Management
    • Operations Management

16:40 - How tasks can be delegated to a VA and overseen by an OBM using systems

17:40 - The importance of getting experience as a VA before becoming an OBM

18:29 - The importance of systems and how an OBM can organize businesses

19:43 - Steps to coming into a client's business as an OBM

• Think outside the box.
• Determine
• • Where are they losing money?
  • What's going wrong with the team?
  • What are their goals?
  • Are they clear about their goals and vision?
• Document their systems into standard operating procedures.
• Streamline the systems (e.g. technology).

21:08 - How to guide someone from one role to a different role as an OBM:

• Instead of asking the client what they need help with today, be more suggestive in the possible course of action that you can take.
• Be clear about the client's vision and their goals.
• Take a leadership role with your client.

25:41 - How the business is your client

• Always act in the best interest of the business.

27:04 - How an OBM can be a voice of reason for clients

27:20 - The growth and advantages of the OBM industry

27:52 - Pricing and packaging as an OBM:

• Project-based retainer or hourly retainer
• A minimum of 90 days

29:10 - Understanding the client's business:

• Where is the revenue coming from
• Meetings with all the team members
• Meetings with the client (getting clear about their goals)
• Cleanup (getting the project management in place)

30:08 - How every business needs a VA, but not every business needs an OBM

32:15 - How the role of strategist complements the role of OBM

35:00 - How you can begin with a simple project and move towards the OBM role

35:50 - How to learn more about Sarah and what she's doing in the OBM space

36:43 - Final thoughts

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Sarah Noked's website: https://www.sarahnoked.com/

Access Sarah Noked's Done-For-You Onboarding SOP for free! https://www.sarahnoked.com/podclass/

The Online Business Manager Training and Certification program with Tina Forsyth: https://certifiedobm.com/

International Association of Online Business Managers: https://onlinebusinessmanager.com/

Ryan Deiss Traffic and Conversion Summit: https://www.trafficandconversionsummit.com/

Facebook Ads: https://www.facebook.com/business/ads WordPress: https://wordpress.org/