Can I REALLY Make It?

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Asking freelancers that use this as our only source of income hurts us so bad.  The same amount of time is required to do the job, but now you want it at a lower rate.  That is both a loss of time and income for us, and it can be debilitating and discouraging, because now we have sellers remorse.  We're sad that we had to do this job for you for a lower rate than normal, and we are the only one's who will suffer.Please do not do it.  One time, maybe...but every time...you will lose me as a service provider.Support the show

Never give up on your dreams! If what usually works stops working, take what you know and reinvent it... make it better... make it different so those who love and support what you do will continue to do so, with the same enthusiasm they had from day 1!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Have you ever heard the saying "It's Business, Nothing Personal".If so, and if you believe that, you have been LIED TO!!It's ALWAYS Personal!Why...because it's YOUR business, and YOUR business is always personal....yours and personal are one in the same.How can your business not be personal to you?So, when people say that, they're just using that as an excuse to cover up something that will likely hurt or even destroy your business.Even if you do follow that belief, when some business action damages your business, aren't YOU hurt by it?If so, then it's Personal!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Me being good at what I do is why you came to me, or hired me after I reached out to you.Don't penalize me for giving you what you wanted, if I exceeded your expectations, or beat your deadline.My end product is not always based on time, but instead is based on my abilities, which again, is what you hired me for.The time it takes me, and what I charge is not always directly correlated.If anything, I should be rewarded for finishing your project before the deadline.  That gives you so much of your time back....your life back!Me being fast is a win for the both of us.  It's not a negative.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contracts protect your intellectual property...your creations, and it protects you from people stealing your work, and making it theirs.Whatever profits they make off your work, without your permission is theft, and that money belongs to YOU!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Good Fast Cheap Triangle....clients want, but cannot have all 3....only 2.If they want something Good, and Fast, it will NOT be Cheap!If they want something Fast, and Cheap, it will NOT be Good (or as good as it can be).If they want something Good, and Cheap, it will NOT be Fast.  Fast comes with an extra "rush service" charge, and you cannot get that for cheap, with along with the good work, at the same price point.Pick 2, or pay extra for all 3!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I HATE when a client wants to talk on the phone....because they ALWAYS want to negotiate for a better..."Low-Ball" deal.  SUCKS!  It's never because they want to pay your rate...they want to compare your rate to someone else's work that isn't as good as yours.  You would think 1+1 ='s 2....my rate is higher because my work is BETTER...that is NOT a deal for ME...only for you!I work to make money, not lose money....period!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A.I NEEDS us!  It absolutely does!Why?Because it cannot create without us teaching it how to create!  We show A.I what to do, and it follows suit....it goes off what we show it. Yes, it can build from that, but it does not have that human element...that human touch, and that's how we stay relevant.  Instead of fearing A.I and viewing it as a career ender, consider using it as another tool, just like all the available tools in Photoshop.  Work WITH A.I,...don't fight it!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Managing client expectations are KEY to your success as a freelancer.You have to know exactly what a client is seeking, in order for you to deliver successfully, avoiding repeat revisions.Often times, we will have clients that are unfamiliar with the terminology we use in our given professions, and when they cannot express that to us clearly, it can lead to you working for hours in the wrong direction, costing you money and possibly a return client.Managing their expectations also means educating them on the process of getting them to their goals, without days and back and forth changes to said project(s).This is your key to success...Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------No matter what the situation, do NOT let someone undervalue your worth...your time, your work!Whatever you do, no matter if it takes you minutes or hours, you took time...often YEARS to learn how to do that, and there is nothing more valuable!Time cannot be replaced...once it's gone, it's gone, and in this world, our time is worth money, so charge accordingly.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------It's almost like the stages of Grief....Denial, acceptance, anger, etc, right....but we're not grieving, we may just be stressing....for NOW!!BUT, that always passes, and if you can simply Acknowledge and Embrace your current situation, you can then work on ways to get out of it!Let's create your WAS day!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2023 is starting off pretty tight for many of us, but so have the previous years, and yet, WE ARE STILL HERE!No matter what you are dealing with right now, STAY IN THE FIGHT, because your call could be coming NEXT!!But if you leave, you'll never receive it.Support the show

Looking to support local small businesses....then you've come to the right place!  Here is the list!  All good people who need your support!Let's help make their 2023 GREAT!!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------No matter what your skillset is, no matter your level of natural talent, we ALL HAVE TO put in the Hours!!You have to stay consistent in your practice in order to become a master!  Nobody, not even the greats like Steph Curry or Kobe Bryant just wake up great...they put in the HOURS!!  When there are or aren't cameras around, they are putting in the work and they are GREATS!!  You cannot be Great, unless you put in the work just the same!STAY ready, so you don't hafta GET ready!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Don't make the mistake of setting your sight's too low.  Shoot for the moon.  If you miss, at least you'll be amongst the stars.NEVER limit yourself.  If you have a minimum goal, cool.  If you shoot to exceed your minimum and you miss, at least you'll reach said minimum.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Just because your work doesn't fit within a client's budget shouldn't mean you have to charge less.  Your client will just have to find another artist.And I'm not talking about within a few dollar...I'm talking about $100's or more.They simply can't afford you at the moment.Your time and talent is worth what you charge...don't let anyone tell you otherwise.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Have you ever noticed when you finally get to that Ah-ha moment...that moment of clarity...that moment of peace when it comes to your business dealings?Nothing makes you nervous anymore, because you've reached that point of confidence where you can negotiate a $100,000 contract, as stress free as you would a $10 contract?If so, let me know.  I'd love to hear about it.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------It hurts you more than it helps you....PLEASE BELIEVE ME!It hurts us all...it hurts the industry as a whole!By working for free, to establish yourself...to build a name, is a terrible way to get yourself out there.What that does is, let other businesses that wish to advertise on your platform know that you are willing to work for free...or for clothes, etc.  But free clothes don't pay your bills.And once the word gets around that you are willing to work for free, it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to start charging for your services later.Please stop...you are destroying what we all have worked so hard to build.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The World LOVES and NEEDS media, but sometimes people think it's free, or that it magically appears!No, we have to put in HOURS to make it so....but because we've put in the hours and make it look easy, some tend to think we're just playing around on the computer, and shouldn't be paid.I think NOT, and I'm sure you'll agree after you hear my stories.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I don't know about y'all, but I HATE the Process!  I am TIRED of the Process.The Process can sometimes steal your joy.I am in the Process of trying to find a way to Retire....NOW...and it's Rough!!But, we tolerate the process to reach our goal....so, what do I do to keep from burning out while dealing with the process.Click the play button, and give it a listen.I appreciate you all!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When we start a business, all we see is success.  But that's the EASY part.  I mean, you wouldn't be going into business to fail...but what happens when issues come that could cause your business to fail....how do you handle it?Today, I'm gonna tell you what I do.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------It is Absolutely Mind Boggling that Racism EVER existed....and STILL exists in 2022!!C'mon mannn, for REAL!?Racism in the workplace...career ending, yet STUPID racist people are still around, and I just don't get it.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------EVERYBODY goes through an Ugly Stage!Weather it be with hair style changes, clothing changes, or even changes from a teen to a young adult.We all go through it, especially in freelancing, but what if you KEEP GOING to get through that Ugly Stage...guess what....there's nothing left but Beauty as Far as the Eye Can See...Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What puts you in a creative mindset?  What environment is right to make you wanna get down to serious business?Do you like it loud, tv on, music on, people around you?Mine may be like, or unlike yours...but I'd love to talk about it at ahmed@arobersonphoto.comSupport the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------You ever come across someone who finds out you work from home, and think's you sit back chillin' all day, so they ask you to run errands or do favors for them....as if your time isn't tight?I recently have, and I TRY not to get too upset, cuz most 9-5ers I come across have NO IDEA what we have to do in order to "make it".But, maybe after you explain to them, as I do, they'll understand and respect your position.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Working on Consignment...should you, or should you not?I RARELY do....but, what about YOU?Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Passion!Do you ever feel like you're losing your passion for your craft?If so, what do you do to keep, or get it back?In this episode, I talk about how I almost lost my passion for photography, and how I did lose my passion for car stereo 20+ years ago, and how I got it back TODAY!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Competition is not always a bad thing.  Competition keeps you sharp...makes you step your game up to either maintain your position, best yourself or those who want to best you.Don't run from it.Don't let it destroy you.Embrace it, and let it make you the best version of yourself!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Yesterday's Prices are Not Today's Prices......That is such a crazy line to me.Why?Because there are soooo many people CONSTANTLY gunning for Your Position.Sticking to Your prices MIGHT work against you when someone equally talented, but cheaper comes along.There's no loyalty in business.  Especially when it's not YOUR business.When you provide a service for someone, whether it be a 9-5, or Freelance, WE ARE ALL REPLACEABLE!But, you can make yourself harder to replace, by being flexible.  Smart, but flexible....and I share how I do it in this episode.Thanks for Listening!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------How do you deal with Criticism?Can you handle it....or do you shy away from it?There are ways that I deal with it...listen in to hear how.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dressing for Success.How do you do it...do you ALWAYS wear a business suit, or slacks etc when going for a gig interview, or do you dress according to where you're going to be working?Know what I mean?  No?  Then please, give this episode a listen ;-)Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Maaaaaan, y'all already KNOW how I feel about clients thinking because I make this look easy, I can do it for a quick $5 bux!Who does that!?Who spends YEARS perfecting a craft, just to do it for a couple of bucks....what a Nightmare!Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What is your Creative Process?  Do you like to dive right into work, or do you need to be isolated to get your mind right?Can you focus in chaos, or do you need peace and quiet?Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Last week, I talked about a nightmare potential client, but today, today was great....I worked with an Awesome Return client that I have been working with for years, and it feels so great, especially when coming off a bad experience prior.I often talk about retiring IMMEDIATELY, but she is one person that I would gladly continue working with even when I am "done".My retirement will be soft, meaning, I would only work with select people...even more selective than I already am now.  I would only, likely be working with people I have a long established successful history with....and again, she'd definitely be on the top of that list.Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I had a meeting with a potential client, and unfortunately, just like my past experiences, it didn't go well, just like I thought, but I went in with an open mind.I can't expect future in-person meetings to go like the one's before, but this is what happened....Support the show

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Have you ever worked REALLY hard at building something that is perfect to you?  If so, why would you want to change that!?Change creates growth, but if you've worked hard to achieve something, I see NO REASON to change that, and I tell you why, in this episode.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoy the show.Support the show

If you're looking to advertise your business on this podcast, please email me at:ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss.There aren't many things I do not like about freelancing, but this one thing.....ughhhh man...I am NOT a fan of, and I will tell you why!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please email me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com for details.Working REALLY hard, but not getting the results is very discouraging, but YOU MUSN'T QUIT!!I know it's cliche, and you hear it all the time, but you wouldn't hear it all the time from successful people, if it weren't true.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

If you'd like to advertise your business on my podcast, please email me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.comCustomer Service is LIFE!Without customer service, you have no business, and your business is your life....so it is a critical part of your success and survival!Let's talk about why.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

This is the successful strategy that I have used, and I believe it can work for you just the same.And if you're interested in advertising your business on this podcast, please contact me at: ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.I appreciate your continued support.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

Through my error, I accidentally deleted this week's episode right after recording it, and could not recover the file, so I invite you to listen to one of my more popular episodes until next week.My apologies, but I do appreciate your continued support.And if you'd like to advertise with me, please email me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss.Thank you!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

In Freelancing, it is extremely difficult for some to find a routine in this, because a lot of our work happens when it happens.I THINK I found a way...at least for me, which can help you too.  I hope you'll enjoy!And if you're interested in advertising your business(es) on my podcast, please email me at ahmed@arobersonphoto,com so we can discuss,Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

* There was a slight interruption in recording...my apologies for the sound briefly dropping out...but it was too deep into the episode to start over *And speaking of Starting Over....that is what this episode is about....a little.It's about Not Quitting...because if you DO quit, you WILL have to start over....can't just come back to where you left off...doesn't work that way...for me at least, but let's talk about it...Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

Adam Rosen is an entrepreneur that loves to support business owners and share his rollercoaster startup journey to help those on a similar path.As a founder of a tech startup, Adam spent 5 years leading a college recruiting startup that was acquired in 2019 by a leading college marketing firm. On the side, he is a paid speaker and has coached hundreds of startup and small business owners.His primary focus is on helping startups get more sales appointments, hassle-free, through his lead generation business, Email Outreach Company.Adam also enjoys sharing stories from his journey and learning from others on their own unique path, through his podcast, “The Rise: with Skrizz & Adam”.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

** I have New, LOWER rates for advertising on my podcast. Please email me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com for info and rates.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dealing with angry clients is NEVER fun, but it happens in our world....even in the conventional 9-5 world.How you deal with them can be critical to the success of your business, and your brand....your name.There is no one right way to deal with angry clients, but this is how I do it.  Hopefully, it can work for you!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

Maintaining your health and weight in always important, but it could get away from you if you spend hours at a time sitting at your desk.I posted photos of my weight loss last week on facebook and instagram, and in this episode, I talk about how I'm doing it.  You're gonna be SURPRISED at what's working for me....it's a good listen.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

Yes, I get Interviewed by my friend www.careerspresso.com about my path towards, and journey in Photography.I think it's a good listen, and the best part is, it's is Archived in the Library of Congress FOREVER!!Thank you Story Corps, Annenberg Space for Photography (no longer there) and the Library of Congress.I am a part of history!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

Yes, your Social Media Profile is yours...Yes, you can say pretty much anything you want on it...But can your potential employers check it, and use it to hire or not hire you....YES, they Absolutely can....So please, PLEASE be mindful of the things you post or say online, cuz it could come back to haunt you.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

Episode 50 y'all...we made it!!  Thank you for your continued support.In this episode, I talk about why you MUST stay confident in your rate, and confident in your work, enough to stick to your rate...and the pitfalls of bidding lower than your rate!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

I had the pleasure of sitting with Inner Legends Athletics' CEO Terrell Tinson to talk about his ups and downs we experience as self-starting self-employed businessmen, as well as his future plans for growing his company!I hope you enjoy and gain from this listen.You can find Terrell at:https://www.instagram.com/innerlegendathletics/and https://www.innerlegendathletics.com/Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)

Mannnn, whoever said "if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life" was LYING!!!  LOL!I work WAAAAAAAY harder than I ever did at ANY of my 9-5's, now that I work for myself.9-5 money was there whether you worked a full 8hrs or not.Working for myself...the money is there ONLY if I'm there, and that's still no guarantee.So, let's talk about it and clear things up a bit.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative)