The Freelancer's Mic

The Freelance Client Onboarding Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here is what we cover in this episode:

• Understanding the Importance of Client Onboarding
• The Proposal and Contract: Your Foundation for Success
• Creating a Warm Welcome: The Onboarding Kit
• Building Connections: The Kickoff Call
• Executing with Excellence: Deliverables and Feedback
• The Final Handoff: Closing the Project Professionally

Listen to find out about the five-step client onboarding framework designed to protect your income and sanity as a freelancer.

Learn how a structured onboarding process can build trust, set clear expectations, and prevent scope creep before it begins.

I also share my own experiences with client onboarding mishaps and practical strategies to ensure smooth interactions from the very first inquiry to the final project delivery.

Discover the crucial elements of a professional proposal, the importance of a welcome kit, and how to foster meaningful connections through kickoff calls. This episode is a must-listen for freelancers looking to elevate their client relationships and streamline their processes.

Connect with Me:

Website: writersspirecourses.com

Instagram: @writersspire

LinkedIn: ⁠Ludiah Mong'are⁠

Facebook: @coachludiah

Tiktok: @ludiahtheva

Why I Send Contracts Even for Small Jobs (And It's Not What You Think)

In this episode, we get into the often-overlooked necessity of contracts, even for small freelance projects. Discover how a simple one-page freelance agreement can protect you from costly misunderstandings and ensure a smooth collaboration with clients.

You’ll learn:

• Why contracts are crucial for clarity and communication, not just legal protection

• How sending a contract can filter out difficult clients and establish professionalism

• The key elements to include in your contract to prevent scope creep and ensure fair compensation

• How to frame your contract as a standard part of your onboarding process

If there is one thing you should take from this episode, it is the hidden benefits of using contracts. You'll also have access to a free template you can customize for your own projects. Don't let miscommunication cost you money. Tune in to learn how to protect your time and expertise!

Don't forget to grab your free contract template for small jobs, just enter your email to receive it directly!

Listen to this episode on why freelancers ask for a deposit, and you should too

Connect with Me:

Get a free podcast revenue scan: spirevia.com/guestaudit

Instagram: @writersspire

LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are

Facebook: @coachludiah

Tiktok: @ludiahtheva

• 00:00 - Three hidden benefits of a contract

• 07:46 - Get my free done-for-you freelance contract templates for small jobs
• 11:54 - Find and create one-page contract template for your business

What is your number one fear about sending contracts for freelancers?

Why Freelancers Ask for a Deposit (And Why It's Good for YOU)

In this episode of The Freelancer’s Mic, we tackle the often tricky conversation around deposits and why they are essential for both freelancers and clients alike. If you’ve ever struggled with how to request a deposit without coming off as desperate or untrusting, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn:

• The psychological advantages of requiring a deposit for both freelancers and clients

• How a deposit acts as a professional filter, ensuring you work with serious clients

• Why financial commitment from clients leads to better project outcomes

• The exact script to use when asking for a deposit without awkwardness

• How to handle pushback from clients who are unfamiliar with this standard practice

Whether you’re a freelancer looking to protect your time and energy or a client wanting to understand the value of this practice, this episode provides insights that will change your perspective.

It's not just about trust; it's about establishing a professional partnership that benefits everyone involved.

Don't forget to share this episode with a freelancer or client who needs to hear it!

Connect with Me:

Website: writersspirecourses.com

Instagram: @writersspire

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Ludiah Mong'are⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: @coachludiah

Tiktok: @ludiahtheva

Thinking about offering podcast services as a virtual assistant, but worried you’ve never edited before? This episode breaks down exactly how you can get started, even without fancy tech skills.

You’ll learn:

• The podcast tasks clients actually pay VAs for

• Why editing isn’t the only way to add value

• How to position yourself as a podcast VA (even if you’re brand new)

• Simple steps to land your first podcast client

Whether you’re a beginner VA or looking to add podcast management to your services, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward.

Don't forget to download the Podcast Services Starter Checklist for VAs Download Now

Connect with Me:

Website: writersspirecourses.com

Instagram: @writersspire

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Ludiah Mong'are⁠⁠

Facebook: @coachludiah

Tiktok: @ludiahtheva

Editing your own podcast? Stop.

In this episode of The Freelancer’s Mic, I break down why most coaches, consultants, and speakers don’t edit their own shows, and why you shouldn’t either.

You’ll hear:
✅ A real story of a coach who burned out trying to do it all
✅ Common signs it’s time to outsource your podcast editing
✅ What actually happens when you keep scrubbing audio at midnight
✅ The tasks a podcast VA/editor can take off your plate
✅ How to test the waters with outsourcing, without a huge commitment

If you’ve been losing hours to editing instead of focusing on your clients and audience, this episode will show you a better way forward.

💡 Ready to free up your time and grow your show?

Try our podcast editing now

Connect with Me:

Hire Ludiah on Upwork

Website: writersspire.com

Instagram: @writersspire

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Ludiah Mong'are⁠⁠

Facebook: @coachludiah

Tiktok: @ludiahtheva

Why I send contracts even for small jobs (And it's not what you think)

Ever wonder why your freelance pitches get opened but never answered? You're not alone. In this episode, we unpack the real reasons clients go silent and how to fix it.

Whether you're a virtual assistant, writer, designer, or coach, you'll learn:

✅ Why your emails are getting ignored
✅ Common freelance outreach mistakes (and how to avoid them)
✅ What top freelancers do differently to get clients
✅ How to pitch like a business owner, not an employee
✅ Small changes that lead to more responses and better clients

If you’ve been sending cold pitches, job proposals, or DMs and getting crickets, this one is for you.

💡 Want to pitch better and get hired faster?
Check out The Get Hired VA System, the step-by-step system to help you get visible, pitch with confidence, and land your next client (without guessing what to say).

🎧 Listen now and start hearing more “yes!”
Got value from the episode? Share it with a freelancing friend or leave a quick review!

The $20K Cold Pitch Vault -⁠ Steal these proven, high-converting email templates that have generated $20,000+ in freelance deals for my business.

Connect with Me:

Website: writersspirecourses.com

Instagram: @writersspire

LinkedIn: ⁠Ludiah Mong'are⁠

Facebook: @coachludiah

Tiktok: @ludiahtheva

In this episode of The Freelancer’s Mic, we talk about the 3 Things Most Freelancers Forget When Pitching Clients And How It’s Costing Them Money.

From focusing too much on personal stories to neglecting to demonstrate an understanding of the client's business, these common pitfalls can lead to being ghosted or underpaid.

We provide actionable insights on how to shift your pitching strategy to showcase your value and connect authentically with clients.

Discover how to:

• Create pitches that lead with solutions rather than personal narratives.

• Personalize your outreach to demonstrate genuine interest in the client's work.

• Incorporate proof of your skills to build trust and credibility.

By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the tools to refine your pitching approach and increase your chances of landing those coveted gigs.

Tune in and learn how to pitch smart, not hard!

Favorite quote:

You need to lead your pitch with what you do for them, not who you are.

Resources: Grab the Get Hired VA System here ⁠- My proven method to help virtual assistants pitch with confidence, land better clients, and stop undercharging.

The $20K Cold Pitch Vault - Steal these proven, high-converting email templates that have generated $20,000+ in freelance deals for my business.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to pitching mistakes freelancers make

(01:30) Mistake #1: Talking too much about yourself

(05:15) How to lead with what you can do for the client

(09:00) Mistake #2: Not showing you understand their business

(12:45) How to personalize your pitch effectively

(15:30) Mistake #3: No proof equals no trust

(19:00) Ways to showcase your skills and build credibility

(22:30) Wrap-up and final thoughts on pitching strategies

Connect with Ludiah:

Website: writersspirecourses.com

Instagram: @writersspire

LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are

Facebook: @coachludiah

Tiktok: @ludiahtheva

In this insightful episode,of the Freelancer's Mic, we sit down with entrepreneur and author Kelvin Abrams to discuss the critical mindset shifts freelancers need to thrive.

We discuss the reasons why thinking like an employee can stifle your freelance business and discover practical strategies for adopting a boss mentality. From embracing discomfort to creating opportunities, Kelvin shares his journey and valuable lessons learned over 17 years of entrepreneurship.

Tune in for an empowering conversation that will inspire you to take charge of your freelance career!

Chapters:

(00:00) Why your business fails when you act like an employee. Why your freelance business stays stuck when you think like boss

(01:02) You knew you wanted to be an entrepreneur when you were young

(01:44) Get Uncomfortable or Change Course is a book written by Kelvin

(03:57) Let's talk about the employee mindset. What does it look like

(04:58) How does the employee mindset block someone from growing

(09:46) You talk about the importance of creating opportunities instead of waiting for them

(13:04) You've been in business 17 years and let me tell you, there have been hard years

(14:32) Kelvin Abrams: If you want to be an entrepreneur, go for it

(19:20) Going forward, I'm going to make sure that I record on episodes

Failure is a gift. Failure is not to be afraid of. Failure is a gift. You learn from failure.

Connect with Kelvin:

Kelvin Abrams
https://kelvinabrams.com

Get Uncomfortable or Change Course
https://kelvinabrams.com

Have you ever thought, “Why would anyone care about my story?”
In this episode of The Freelancer’s Mic, I talk to Harold Phifer, veteran, Amazon bestselling author, and the man behind My Bully, My Aunt & Her Final Gift.

Harold didn’t plan to write a book. But after hitting emotional rock bottom, he chose to tell the truth. That story didn’t just bring healing, it built a platform, opened business doors, and helped him serve others in a meaningful way.

If you’re a freelancer or solopreneur wondering how to show up online without faking it, this episode is for you.

What We Talk About:

• What pushed Harold to write his memoir

• How personal stories can open business opportunities

• Encouragement for freelancers who feel “too ordinary”

• The behind-the-scenes of turning a book into a brand

• First steps to start sharing your story today

💬 Favorite Quote:

"Your story doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be honest."

No more re-listening to the same episode three times.
With my Podcast Quick Fix, I’ll clean up your audio, remove the awkward stuff, add your intro, and get it sounding sharp so you can focus on showing up and growing your brand.

🎧 Try one episode for just $47.
Send me a message to book your test drive.

Connect with Harold:

Facebook: HaroldPhifer2024

Twitter: @hephifer

Instagram: HaroldPhifer2024

Linkedin: Harold Phifer

Tik Tok: @hephifer6

Website:  https://riseandread.com/

Youtube: Harold Phifer
Harold’s Book: My Bully, My Aunt & Her Final Gift

• Learn more about my podcast editing

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