The Jim Galiano Show: Help for Freelancers & Solopreneurs

How much control do you really have? It’s an interesting question. One that, unfortunately, is often asked too late. My friend and his partner were forced to close down their manufacturing business here in the United States. The only way to survive or complete in their ever-changing marketplace was to outsource their product manufacturing to China.

For the first few years, everything was more or less fine. Afterward, the loss of product control (plus several other variables) led to the closing of their business. In short, they lost control and there wasn’t much (even in hindsight) that they could have done about it.

It’s a common story, and it’s not limited to the manufacturing marketplace, either.

In today’s episode, I’d like to share a few thoughts on the subject of control in the business world. There’s a time to take it, a time to relinquish it… and more than just a few pros and cons to consider when planning out a course of action for your business.

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As things stand, the business world in general currently finds itself in a state of transition. The train has left the station, so to speak. Today, I want to share some thoughts on gradual change and gradual progress.

Over the last few years, I’ve seen quite a few people (many of them with quite a bit of experience) rebranding, reinventing, and changing their businesses – from minor changes to major ones.

I’ve also seen more people retiring from certain industries today than I remember at any other time in the past. There’s no doubt that things are gradually changing. Anything that’s gradual, by nature, has a degree of uncertainty attached to it, however. It’s the uncertainty that makes a lot of people very unhappy.

It’s not all bad news, though. Far from it. More on this in today’s episode.

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Do you have a favorite client or customer? Most of us have at least a few that stand out (in a good way!) I’m talking about the type of client that makes you wish you had “more like them” Nothing matches the kind of positive, beneficial, all-around experience you’ll have when you’re as good of a fit for a client as the client is for you.

In today’s podcast, I want to talk about finding your ideal client and recalibrating everything – including your marketing and messaging to meet that person’s needs.

If your business growth has stalled or slowed to a crawl, today’s episode should give you quite a bit to think about!

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Someone once said, “When you die, there will still be items on your to-do list!” This seems to be especially true for those traveling the entrepreneurial path. That said, there’s really no reason why we can’t get the really important things accomplished or finished.

Personally, I believe we waste too much of our time with things that, in the big picture, really aren’t that important. And conversely, too little time on the things that are. If you’re a solopreneur or small business owner, even a little bit of wisdom in this area can go a very long way.

Every time put off the important work in favor of something else, you push the attainment of your ultimate success further into the future.

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Radio, Movies, TV, and even the Internet in general – all have one thing in common. Each went through a period I like to refer to as, “The Golden Age.” The Golden Age of Radio ran from the early 1920s into the 1950s. The Golden Age of TV followed from around 1948 through 1959.

How about the Golden Age of Movies? According to Google, we’re looking at the 1920s through the 1960s.

The Golden Age is a way to express the time when a specific art, skill, or activity is at its peak. Other people have defined the Golden Age as a period of great happiness, prosperity, and achievement.

In today’s podcast episode, I’d like to share some thoughts on the reality of today’s social landscape. The Golden Age of Social Media is “Unofficially” over. I’m sure, with the passing of time, the consensus will be there to make it official.

That and more in today’s episode!

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If you’ve been listening to this podcast for a while, you already know that I’m committed to the theme of building a better kind of business. Better for yourself and your family as well as your clients and customers.

It’s all about moving forward. But, that said, our pasts do have a way of trying to insert themselves into the present. I’m talking about the business or project failures that color how we see things as we attempt to successfully move forward into the future.

If you’re ready to put the past behind you in favor of a better future, I think you’ll really get a lot out of today’s episode.

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I would say that most business owners consider themselves to have at least a reasonable amount of intelligence. Maybe even above average? Based on that alone, most would say their challenges are anything but basic or simple.

If that were the case, the problems or frustrations would no longer exist.

It’s that way of thinking that causes people to pass over a simpler approach to problem-solving in favor of a more complex one. But what happens when the more complex (or advanced) solutions we bring to the table also fail? A simpler approach may accomplish more than you think.

That and more in today’s episode.

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Studies are now showing that we have about 4 productive hours, on average, on any given day.

When I first heard people talking about this, I thought the number was way too low.

Also, studies show that people who push the productivity envelope end up experiencing adverse effects on several fronts. Not only does the quality of their work suffer beyond that point, but so does everything else. I’m talking about family, friends, relationships, and the ability to simply relax and unwind.

All these things ultimately lead to burnout, depression, and worse.

In today’s episode, we’re going to consider this important question, “Are you building a business around your life, or are you building your life around your business?”

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The ultra-lean business models of today make it possible for solopreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners to scale their income with a minimal business overhead. I can’t speak for anyone else, but in my experience, managing a group of people isn’t easy. Not over the long haul.

With the right business model, you won’t have to manage a team. My friend’s son picked up on this concept and now makes a living automating factories. With his help, one or two people can run a major production line.

When we’re talking about a digital business, it’s even easier. The tech you’ll need isn’t even a fraction of what it costs in the manufacturing sector.

If your vision of an ideal business is small but very profitable, you’re in the right place at the right time! More about this in today’s episode.

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There are more solopreneurs in business today than ever before. From small business owners to freelancers and consultants, an increasing number of individuals fit the solopreneur profile. That also goes for those who have others working for them, part or full-time. Simply put – these individuals are the heart and soul of the business.

Today, I’d like to share some thoughts on building a successful marketing plan. One that you can maintain without burning the candle at both ends. One that's designed with solopreneurs in mind!

It’s true, a solopreneur used to be thought of as an individual business owner that did everything themselves. That may have been true in the past, but I do not believe that accurately describes the solopreneurs of today.

Today, a solopreneur may still be an individual business owner, but they also take advantage of automation and technologies that have changed the game completely. Is there still a place for the “little guy” in the 2020’s? Absolutely!

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