The Savvy Scribe

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Let’s talk about client acquisition and onboarding for solopreneurs, focusing on the importance of understanding your unique business identity and the need for client-vendor fit. In this new episode of the Savvy Scribe podcast, I and my guest, Sarah Duran, will delve into the client acquisition process and how to onboard clients effectively.

About the Guest:

Sarah Duran, Founder & CEO of Fruition Initiatives LLC is an operational expert who has spent over a decade helping people and organizations turn their ideas into action. On top of her business strategy expertise, she’s also a coach who helps solopreneurs live up to their highest potential. She takes her expertise as a consistent six-figure freelancer and combines it with her background in curriculum design, facilitation, and coaching to give solopreneurs the support to get what they need out of their work EVERY. DAY.

Key points in this episode:
- Understand your business identity
- The role of building genuine relationships through networking and connections
- The need to recognize that discovery calls are not just about clients assessing you but also about you determining if the client is a good fit.
- Client preferences can vary widely, and it’s essential to be flexible in your approach.
- She mentions the need for clear communication and setting expectations during the onboarding process.
- Onboarding can differ based on the type of services you provide, so customize it to your needs.

Connect with Sarah on socials!

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

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Today’s episode of the Savvy Scribe podcast focuses on an interesting discussion about freelance scams and how to avoid them.

Key Points in this Episode:

How to Identify and Avoid Freelance Scams

The LinkedIn Connection:
An optimized LinkedIn profile attracts a potential client.

Caution with Unsolicited Offers:
I highlight the need for caution when a client reaches out to you, especially if you’re new to freelancing.
Initial interest doesn’t guarantee legitimacy.

Verifying the Client:
Research the company by Googling it to ensure its authenticity.

Real Person Check:
Schedule a video call, like Zoom, to confirm the client’s identity.

Beware of Gmail Addresses:
Be cautious when clients use personal email addresses (e.g., Gmail) instead of a company domain.
Legitimate businesses usually have professional email addresses.

Profile Photo:
I also discussed the importance of checking for a profile picture on the client’s LinkedIn profile.

Prioritize Contracts:
Stress the necessity of having a contract in place before starting any project.

Contract Signatory Verification:
Ensure that the person signing the contract is a legitimate representative of the company.

Payment Terms and Security:
Clarify payment terms and secure methods for sharing sensitive information, such as banking details.

Red Flags:
Stay vigilant and recognize red flags in client interactions, as scammers often prey on freelancers’ eagerness.

Rates Too Good to Be True:
Be cautious against rates that seem too low or too high, as they may indicate potential freelance scams.

Be diligent when dealing with clients, regardless of their field. Remember that freelance scams can happen to anyone, and awareness is key to protection.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

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It’s another exciting and informative episode of the Savvy Scribe Podcast! Today, Jeanette Zocco joins us to share five tips for writing and releasing a book.

About the Guest:

Jeanette Zocco is a leader in perinatal quality and safety, with 25 years of experience in obstetrics in the hospital setting. She has worked as a bedside nurse, a charge nurse, a clinical nurse leader, a perinatal safety nurse, and a quality improvement performance specialist. She is known for developing innovative perinatal quality and safety programs in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Her programs have demonstrated improved maternal and neonatal safety outcomes.

Her Tips on Writing and Releasing a Book

1. Get Organized
2. Establish Processes
3. Make the Most of Your Time
4. Have a Good Team
5. Focus on Marketing and Sales

Resources:

Jeanette’s book, “Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety (CONQS) Study Guide,” is available on Amazon and her website obnetalstudyguide.com. It focuses on perinatal quality and safety.

Please also follow her on LinkedIn!

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Our new episode for today focuses on portfolios and their importance for a profitable writing business. We’re going to answer this question we got from one of our Savvy Nurse Writer members: “Where is the best place to store your portfolio?”

Where is the Best Place to Store Your Portfolio?

Key points in this episode:

• There are various options for housing your portfolio, and I am sharing my preferred choices.
• Contently is a popular platform that allows you to build an online portfolio for free.
• While Contently is recommended, there are many other portfolio companies available.
• Some individuals prefer to have their portfolio on their own website, but it requires regular updates.
• Using Google Drive to send links is another option, but having a dedicated presence on your website is crucial to provide quick value to potential clients.
• Clients appreciate easy access to samples without the need for emailing back and forth.
• Having a portfolio on your website and LinkedIn profile is vital for showcasing your work.

Resources you can take note of:

• You may use platforms like Google Drive or Contently to house your actual writing samples.
• Your website and LinkedIn profile should be the primary places to showcase your portfolio.

If you have any questions that you want us to feature in one of the episodes of the Savvy Scribe podcast, you can reach out via email at [email protected] or join the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook to submit your questions.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to a special episode of the Savvy Scribe podcast! Why special? Because today, we’re diving into the exciting world of healthcare writing and unveiling the captivating journey behind the creation of newly released book on Amazon, Savvy Nurse Writer: A Nurse’s Blueprint for Starting A Profitable Freelance Health Writing Business.

Key points in this episode:

• My journey while writing this book
• My ‘why’ behind writing this book
• The ‘how’ and the ‘idea’ behind it
• A sneak peek of what’s inside the book (the people behind it, how I structured it, planning, and many more!)
• I’m revealing the gems hidden within the pages of this game-changing book

 Whether you’re a nurse aspiring to venture into the world of freelance health writing or simply curious about the creative process behind such an endeavor, this episode is a must-listen!

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Lindy Alexander shares valuable insights on how to avoid project creep (or scope creep) and provides tips on pricing your services as a freelance writer.

About the guest:

Lindy Alexander is an Australian freelance food and travel writer who regularly contributes to major publications such as The Telegraph, The Guardian, Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, The Sydney Morning Herald, and more. She also writes content for organizations, big businesses, non-profits, and universities.

Lindy is the founder of The Freelancer’s Year – a popular blog (that started with her detailing how she made $100K in her first 11 months of full-time freelancing) and hub for online writing courses for aspiring and established freelance writers.

Tips on Avoiding Project Creep and Pricing Your Services

Key points:

• Defining project creep: Project creep, also known as scope creep, occurs when project boundaries become flexible, and clients make additional requests outside the original scope.
• The importance of setting clear boundaries
• Tips for creating contracts and essential things to include to protect your business and set expectations.
• Negotiating fair pricing: She shares tips for pricing your services that reflect the value of your expertise and experience as a writer.
• Using tools for efficient freelancing

Resources to Check Out

Lindy offers various courses on her website, including feature writing for magazines, travel writing, and a comprehensive course called “Write Earn Thrive” to help freelance writers earn more money doing what they love.

Free downloads that are available here.

• An income spreadsheet
• Finding high-paying clients on LinkedIn
• A step-by-step guide to landing your first freelance medical client

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Do you send a contract back to your clients when they send you one? Let’s talk about how to build a better client relationship.

The Contract Process and Building a Client Relationship

Key points in this episode

• The importance of sending your own contract in building and maintaining a client relationship.
• The benefits of having a tax professional who is also a lawyer. This combination of expertise allows for easy contract modifications and ensures legal compliance in the writing business.
• Using client-sent contracts
• Organizing contracts with Honeybook
• Utilizing ClickUp for project management.

Keep listening as I share some valuable insights into contract management strategies and maintaining a great client relationship.

If you have any more questions, don’t forget to connect with the Savvy Nurse Writer Community through the Facebook group or email us at [email protected].

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Krista Frahm, an expert in the field of copywriting, joined Janine in this new episode of the Savvy Scribe podcast to share some practical tips and strategies for using AI to enhance your writing. 

About the guest:

Krista is a direct-response copywriter and occupational therapist. She she stumbled upon copywriting as a non-clinical career option while volunteering for a non-profit. She misunderstood someone’s comment about “copy” and thought they were asking if she plagiarized her work.

That misunderstanding led her to copywrite, and she quickly dove in. She built her business while working PRN and homeschooling two adventurous boys.

Now, Krista’s copywriting business focuses solely on “healthcare change-makers” — the people who are providing innovative offers and solutions that *actually* improve healthcare. (Not the shallow solutions that we’ve all seen on TV)

Key points in this episode

• AI tools, like Chat GPT, can automate tasks and save time for writers by generating ideas, outlines, and social media posts.
• Low-quality writers who produce generic content may lose their jobs to AI-generated content, but high-quality writers who provide valuable and unique perspectives are still in demand.
• AI can help writers come up with objections and alternative examples for their writing, aiding in persuasive and informative content creation.
• Automation is essential for freeing up time and reducing the mental load for writers, allowing them to focus on higher-level tasks.
• AI-generated content should not replace human creativity and expertise but can complement it by assisting in brainstorming and generating ideas.
• Automation tools can be beneficial for improving efficiency in a nurse writer’s business.
• Writers can experiment and play with AI tools like Chat GPT to understand their capabilities and how they can enhance their writing processes.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Worried about the possible impact of AI on your writing career?

Welcome back to another episode of The Savvy Scribe podcast, your go-to source for all things related to freelance nurse writing. Today we’re diving into a question-and-answer session that’s sure to captivate your curiosity. In a world where AI is making waves, we’re here to address the burning question on everyone’s minds: Could AI replace us as freelance nurse writers, leaving us without work opportunities? Let’s jump right in to discuss the impact of AI on the healthcare writing industry!

The Impact of AI on Healthcare Writing
Key points in this episode:

• Impact of AI on freelance nurse writers: In this episode, I address the prevalent concern of AI potentially replacing freelance nurse writers and leaving them jobless.
• AI’s rapid writing abilities: AI has the astonishing ability to craft entire blog articles in less than 30 seconds, which is impressive but also raises concerns about its impact on the freelance writing industry.
• Technology detecting AI-generated content
• Limitations of AI
• AI’s generality vs. human expertise
• The impact of AI and the future of healthcare and freelance nurse writing
• AI’s potential in content creation
• Google’s preference for human content
• The enduring importance of nurse writers in the healthcare industry

Remember that AI is still a tool, and it is up to humans to decide how to use it. The impact of AI can be beneficial in many ways such as in automating tasks and improving efficiency, and humans should also use it to augment their own skills and knowledge.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Have you always wanted to create your own website but can’t seem to get started? Join Janine and her guest Erin Ollila, a professional copywriter, to learn how to overcome the common blocks that prevent people from writing their own websites.

About the Guest

Conversion copywriter. Copy Coach. Wing Woman. Word slinger. No matter what you call her, Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform — and even transform — its intended audience.

When she’s not working with big brands and small businesses to marry strategy, storytelling, and SEO, you can find her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast or exploring southeastern MA with her family and friends. Erin graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing and then co-founded Spry Literary Journal, which celebrates undiscovered and established writers’ concise, experimental, hybrid, modern, vintage or just-plain-vulnerable writing.


Key Points in This Episode to Help You Write Your Own Website:

• The importance of having a website for freelance writers, regardless of their niche or specialty.
• Recommendations for starting a website and investing in a true URL website, not just a free platform.
• Starting out with limited funds: Erin suggests some website builders you can use to create a simple one-page website.
• Erin emphasizes the need to niche down and be clear about the specialty or services offered on the website.
• The significance of having an “About” page that showcases how the writer can help the client and what sets them apart.
• The four key pages for a writer’s website: Home, About, Services, and Contact.
• Our guest highlights the importance of the services page without necessarily turning it into a sales page.
• She also encourages writers to engage in discovery calls with potential clients for better relationship-building.
• Using a contact form on the website for easy client communication.

Follow Erin on socials!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/erinollila
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/erinollila
Facebook: http://facebook.com/erinollilacreative
Twitter: https://twitter.com/erinollila_

Also, don’t forget to check out her Testimonial Toolbox: Systemize Social Proof to Boost Your Business!

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!