The Savvy Scribe

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In this episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, we’re tackling a topic that’s too often overlooked in the freelance world: money. If you’re a Nurse Writer navigating inconsistent payments, unclear financial goals, and burnout from treating your business like a side hustle, this episode will help you make the shift toward thinking about income and profit—and acting—like a CEO.

How CEOs Think About Income and Profit

Here’s what we cover:

• Why revenue ≠ profit
  Learn the difference between your top-line income and the money you actually keep. Tracking your expenses, software costs, and taxes is non-negotiable.
• How to pay yourself first
  Discover the importance of prioritizing owner pay using strategies like the Profit First method. This includes setting up separate accounts and allocating a percentage of your income before spending on tools or outsourcing.
• Planning ahead instead of panicking
  Get tips for budgeting months in advance—even when client payments come in on a delay. Understand your payment terms and create a system to track incoming income, expenses, and taxes.
• Setting income goals with profit in mind
  Explore how to create monthly income targets that reflect your business needs and ensure you’re not just working for cash flow but for sustainability and growth.
• Action step for today:
  Open your banking app or spreadsheet. Look at your last 3 months of income. Did you pay yourself? Did you actually profit? If not, it’s time to reassess your rates and spending.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to:

• Stop treating your writing business like a hobby
• Create predictable income streams
• Make profit a core part of your business plan

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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In this high-impact episode, nurse entrepreneur Teresa Sanderson joins us to unpack how implementing systems and processes can take your freelance writing or nurse-owned business from chaotic to streamlined. From building a strong sales funnel to developing a CEO mindset, Teresa shares battle-tested strategies and powerful insights that can help any nurse entrepreneur create a scalable, sustainable business.

About Teresa Sanderson

Teresa Sanderson is a serial nurse entrepreneur, champion for nurses, speaker, and marketing expert. She is the founder of Business & Marketing Made Easy For Nurse Entrepreneurs and coaches nurse entrepreneurs to: Get Visible. Attract Your Audience. Grow Your Authority & Income.

Teresa is also a speaker, podcast host and founder of the Nurses Feed Their Young® Movement and Thriving Nurse Network, an online peer support community for nurses. She is passionate about creating a better future for the nursing profession and dedicated to transforming nursing culture from one where nurses eat their young to one where Nurses Feed Their Young®.

How Systems & Operations Can Supercharge Your Nurse-Owned Business

Key Takeaways:

• Own Your Zone of Genius
• Set Up a Simple Sales Funnel
• Document Everything
• Think Like a CEO
• Use Project Management Tools
• Adopt the Profit First System
• Avoid Burnout in Business

Resources Mentioned:

• Teresa’s Facebook Group: From Bedside to Business | No Extra Education Required
• Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

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

Are you tired of writing one-off blog posts and constantly hunting for the next client? In this episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, we’re talking about what it really takes to grow your writing business beyond freelancing.

You’ll learn how to shift from being “just” a freelance writer to building a sustainable, scalable writing business. From bundling services to exploring digital products and refining your niche, this episode is full of practical ideas you can use right away.

Top Takeaways to Elevate Your Writing Business

• How to productize your writing services
• The truth about selling digital products
• The power of validation
• Why bundling services works
• Finding your niche—and owning it
• How to create consistent income

This episode is especially helpful if you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or ready to do more than just write blog posts. There’s so much opportunity in the writing business space—you just need the strategy to get there.

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

Leaving bedside nursing doesn’t mean leaving your calling—it might just mean rediscovering it in a way that better fits your life. In this episode, Sarah shares how burnout and long shifts pushed her to reimagine her career and create a path that supports her values, passions, and most importantly, her work-life balance.

About Sara Fung

Sara has been a registered nurse since 2007. Her expertise is in maternal child health, with clinical experience in obstetrics and the NICU. She has worked in academic and community hospitals and home health as a bedside nurse, educator, advanced practice nurse, and professional practice specialist. She is making a difference through healthcare advocacy as a keynote speaker with the National Speakers Bureau, former cohost of the Gritty Nurse Podcast, and #1 bestselling author of the Wisdom of Nurses.

Sara is the founder and CEO of The RN Resume, a career support service for nurses, specializing in remote and non-bedside jobs. Her company helps nurses with resumes, cover letters, career coaching, interview coaching, and LinkedIn profiles, through 1:1 help, group coaching, and digital products.

Today on the Savvy Scribe Podcast:

• How Sarah transitioned from bedside to business during the pandemic
• Why remote work helped her reclaim time and reduce burnout
• The importance of creating a “worst-case scenario” plan before leaving your job
• Common fears nurses face when considering non-traditional roles
• How to find time for career building—even with long shifts and busy schedules
• The truth about remote nursing jobs (they’re not all call centers!)
• Tips to identify your transferable skills and passions
• Why work-life balance should be part of your career plan, not an afterthought
• How portfolio careers can offer flexibility and financial stability
• The value of mentorship—even when it’s not from one single person
• Tools and time-saving strategies for busy nurse professionals

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, we dive into the critical mindset shift that separates successful nurse writers from those stuck in the gig-to-gig grind. Are you reacting like a freelancer or planning like a founder? Learn the difference—and why it matters for your income, confidence, and long-term success.

Are You A Freelancer or Founder?

Key Takeaways:

• Freelancer vs. Founder: The Core Difference
  Freelancers trade time for money. Founders build systems and set strategic goals.
• Stop Chasing Gigs
  A founder creates pipelines, set income goals, and market consistently—even when busy.
• Proactive Lead Gen Tactics
  → Check LinkedIn daily
  → Send 3 pitches a week
  → Focus on building retainer relationships
• Pricing Strategically, Not Emotionally
  Quote rates based on value and expertise, not fear or inexperience.
• Work ON the Business, Not Just IN It
  Schedule CEO time: review goals, update offers, optimize systems regularly.
• Actionable Tip:
  Label your tasks as F (Freelancer) or T (Founder) to evaluate where you’re spending your time and energy.

Challenge to Listeners:

What’s the CEO version of you going to do next? Start acting like the business owner you want to be.

Bonus:

Don’t miss this month’s CEO Mindset Masterclass – Free for Plan Produce Profit members! Deep-dive into operating like a business, not just a freelancer.

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

Are you a nurse-turned-writer who’s fully booked but constantly feeling burnt out? This episode dives into how to grow your writing business without sacrificing your well-being. Learn smart, actionable strategies to increase your income, streamline your systems, and avoid burnout while doing what you love.

Booked and burnt out?

Discover practical ways to scale your writing business without sacrificing your sanity, creativity, or well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnt Out? Here’s What It Means:
  • Saying no to clients but not earning more.
  • Feeling creatively stuck and overwhelmed.
  • Wishing you could clone yourself.
• Simple First Step: Raise Your Rates
  • A low-effort way to increase income without extra hours.
  • Don’t fear losing clients—those who value you will stay.
• Streamline to Survive:
  • Identify tasks that drain your energy.
  • Improve onboarding, communication, and invoicing.
  • Consider hiring a VA, editor, or junior writer.
• Preventing Burnt Out Syndrome:
  • Schedule a regular CEO day to reflect and plan.
  • Use AI tools like ChatGPT for strategy and brainstorming.
  • Stay current with tech—even if you feel behind.
• Choose One Focus Area Now:
  • Raise your rates.
  • Hire help.
  • Document and automate repetitive tasks.

Bonus Opportunity:

Join the membership for ongoing support, monthly calls, and a 1:1 coaching session after six months. Don’t build a business that burns you out—build one that frees you.

Call to Action:

You don’t have to stay burnt out to be successful. Scale smartly. Take back your time. And keep writing—your way.

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, we dive into the realities of the 2025 job market, where white-collar layoffs and mass job applications are making it harder than ever to land work. Guest Todd Raphael joins to unpack practical strategies for breaking through—whether you’re a freelancer, job seeker, or simply navigating a slow season.

We explore how AI is reshaping hiring, why networking advice often misses the mark, and how to build meaningful connections in both virtual and real-world spaces. Todd offers real talk and useful tactics for professionals who want to stay visible and competitive.

About Todd Raphael

Experience in executive communications, marketing, content strategy, content marketing, and business development. Successful, profitable conference and community management, content management, successful, profitable, content product launches, managing media professionals, managing content and multimedia, managing social media, particularly but not limited to the talent intelligence, skills intelligence, AI-for-talent/AI-for-HR field.

Job Market Pulse with Todd Raphael

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding the Current Job Market
• Beyond “Use Your Network”
• Turning Events into Opportunities
• The Role of AI in Hiring
• LinkedIn Outreach That Works
• Industries Still Hiring in the Job Market

Actionable Tips:

• Target companies actively investing in marketing or event sponsorship.
• Refine your LinkedIn headline and “About” section to make your role instantly clear.
• Follow up—even if it’s been months; people forget, and a gentle reminder might reignite interest.
• Leverage conferences not for instant gains, but for long-term job market visibility and trust-building.

Find Todd Raphael on LinkedIn to stay informed and connected in today’s evolving job market.

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 The Savvy Scribe Podcast! In this episode, Janine Kelbach shares her top strategies for summer survival as a freelance writer. Discover how to navigate chaotic schedules, manage shifting energy, and keep your business moving forward—without burning out. This episode is your go-to guide for maintaining momentum and creativity all summer long.

Key Takeaways: Summer Survival Tips for Freelancers

1. Summer Survival Then vs. Now

• Early summers were hectic: client slowdowns, busy kids, and the pressure to overwork.
• Embrace a summer survival plan—focusing on realistic goals, creative renewal, and strategic maintenance.

2. Reframe Your Mindset for a Productive Summer

• Think of summer as a time to reset, not retreat.
• Ask yourself:
  • What season is your business in?
  • What does a successful summer survival strategy look like for me?

3. Summer Survival Strategies: Batch, Pause, or Pivot

• Batch: Write multiple blog posts or schedule social content in one go.
• Pause: Use away messages and embrace rest without guilt.
• Pivot: Explore new niches, update your portfolio, or launch a new offer during slower weeks.

Summer Challenge:

What’s your personal summer survival goal?

DM me on Instagram and share it—she’s ready to cheer you on through the season!

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 of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, host Janine Kelbach welcomes Danielle Smyth, founder of Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing, to explore the power of data-driven branding. They dive into strategies for building a compelling personal brand that attracts clients.

How to Build a Personal Brand That Gets Clients

Key Topics Covered:

• Building with Strategy, Not Just Style:
  Danielle shares how her company leverages data to guide marketing efforts that focus on client acquisition, not just social media metrics.
• Realistic Marketing Timelines:
  Understand the timeframe needed to see results—expect 3+ months for new efforts, and up to a year for purely organic strategies.
• Ad Strategies That Work:
  Learn why Google Ads often outperform Facebook and LinkedIn for service providers and B2B marketing.
• Crafting a Strong Personal Brand:
  The importance of consistent messaging, niche specialization, and showing up as a professional to stand out in a crowded market.
• Avoiding Freelance Pitfalls:
  Danielle emphasizes the need for freelancers to “think bigger” and present themselves as business owners, not just writers.
• Navigating SEO in the Age of AI:
  With Google’s AI overviews changing the search landscape, traditional SEO is still valuable but evolving. Local SEO and visible bylines offer practical alternatives.
• Effective Client Acquisition Strategies:
  • Getting published on high-authority websites
  • Using newsletters like Substack to build a following
  • Leveraging LinkedIn and direct email outreach

About Danielle:

Danielle is a marketer with a focus on content and SEO. She owns Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing LLC and serves clients across many industries as a data-driven marketing consultant. She works with her team to provide a personalized approach to each client’s needs.

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 high-energy episode, Janine shares five smart summer strategies to help freelance writers stay productive and motivated when client work slows down. From relationship-building to content creation, these tips will help you make the most of the season and set your business up for a strong fall rebound.

5 Summer Strategies to Stay Booked

• Reconnection Email
  
  
  • Reach out to past clients with a warm check-in and availability update.
• Back to Basics Cold Pitching
  
  
  • Pick 2–3 brands you admire and pitch them—especially those you use and love.
• Launch a Mini Content Project
  
  
  • Create a lead magnet, mini course, or beta workshop using a low-cost setup before investing in premium platforms like Kajabi.
• Engage with LinkedIn Thematically
  
  
  • Share summer-related, niche-specific content (e.g., seasonal wellness tips or behind-the-scenes routines).
• Weekly Personal Outreach Ritual
  
  
  • Message one past client, one peer writer, and one new LinkedIn connection each week to build authentic relationships.

Weekly Action Challenge:

Send one casual, warm reconnection email to a past client before Friday.

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!