The 6-Figure Freelancer Podcast | Freelancing | Entrepreneurship | Clients | Finances | Motivation | Personal Development | M

After 243 episodes, The 6-Figure Freelancer podcast is coming to an end. Manifesting your future is something that I talk about regularly, and I'd be remiss if I didn't follow that advice myself, as I move from being a six-figure freelancer to a seven-figure CEO.  In this final episode, I want to say thank you to all of you who have listened and supported this podcast, as well as talk a little bit about why I'm ending the show and what's next for me and my team.  “I'm sure one day I might go back and listen to all my podcast episodes, see how I've changed as a public speaker, as a podcaster, as a teacher, as someone who shares things with people. You know, it's going to be so cool to see how I've changed and how I've grown. And I'm glad that this little place on the internet can be that archive, that little memento from the time where I ran a multiple-six-figure agency.” ~ @AvaniMiriyala Main Takeaways When something is out of alignment, recognize it, and take the steps needed to fix it.  I'm no longer a six-figure freelancer which is why I've decided to end this chapter of my life.  Sharing is a huge part of learning. I've learned so much from the process of making and sharing this podcast. Every time we share something or teach something to someone else, we learn it even more, and that is a magical process. As you move into different patterns of your life, it's important to protect your energy, set boundaries, and invest in yourself so that you can show up for your team.  Links Podcast Royale Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Selling a business is something many entrepreneurs dream about. While some are content to own and operate their own business for the long-term, others set out with the goal to eventually sell or exit the business to pursue other interests. But just because you're ready to sell your business doesn't mean it's the right move or that the process will be easy.  Josh Hall, the founder of Josh Hall Design, joins me today to talk about how he built and sold a design business, and the journey he took to get to this point in his career.  As with many web designers, Josh's path was a seemingly unlikely one. He started out as a cabinet maker for custom tour busses while he was also pursuing a career as a musician. But when the financial crisis in 2008 hit, he was laid off from his job and started diving into design as a way to create his band's merch.  Through word of mouth, Josh was getting freelance design gigs, which turned on a lightbulb for him: he could actually make money doing the design work he enjoyed so much. He started researching business concepts and marketing and his business took off.  Now that Josh has sold his design business, his focus is on creating courses and a community to help coach other web designers on how to create and run a profitable business.  In this episode, Josh and I talk about his perspective on selling a business, how to put the right barriers in place while building a business, and what to look for when you are thinking about changing paths.  “For anyone who's interested in selling a business, I heard this analogy a while back and I love it. They call it income vines. It's like you're swinging from vine to vine. And if you're going to leave this vine and jump over to this one, you want to make sure it's strong and you're not going to go plummeting to the ground.” ~ Josh Hall Main Takeaways There's no right path. Everyone does their job differently and everyone can create their own futures and carve out their own niche. Look for red flags that are telling you to change direction. There's no rule that says you have to stay married to your business forever.  When you sell something, it has to be able to work without you. If you're building a business and it's all about you, it will be hard to sell.  Be cautious when you quit your 9-5 job for your personal business. If you don't put barriers in place and schedule appropriately, you might end up working 24/7 instead. If you plan on selling your business or otherwise exiting, make sure the new “vine” you're planning on swinging to is strong enough to meet your financial needs.  Links and Important Mentions Josh Hall Josh Hall Web Design Courses Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You by Josh Warrillow  Josh on Facebook Josh on YouTube Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Even though this year has been full of challenges, there's still much to be learned that we can apply to how we move into next year.  There's a lot to be thankful for, especially the growth and resilience that have emerged from the obstacles we've all faced in the past year, and I want to spend some time talking about how you can take that growth and build on it moving into the next year.  "I challenge you to ask yourself what version of you emerged from the ashes in 2020? What version of you are you moving into this new year with? There's a lot of stuff that we all need to learn. A lot of challenges do lie ahead of us, but we are much better equipped now than we were 365 days ago.” ~ @AvaniMiriyala Main Takeaways Think about the person you are going to be one year from now and start working backward from there.  To realize a reality where you are a new person, you need to start acting, thinking, and believing like it now.  If you are focused on where you want to be, you don't need to worry because if you surrender to life, it will take you there.  Links and Important Mentions Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life's Perfection by Michael Singer Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

The concept of overflow is similar in some ways to the concept of abundance. It's the idea that the natural state of your life can be an overflow in all areas. To truly embody the concept of overflow, you have to decide to sit in that space and expect that overflow. Overflow of money, of health, of relationships, of love, of support, or whatever it is that you're desiring. In this episode, I talk through how to experience overflow. This is a good place to start as you begin planning your goals and growth areas for next year. "That means tapping into and embodying [overflow]. When I say embodying, I mean, feeling the feelings I will feel in my body, actually feeling it in my gut, that abundance, that overflow, that excitement, that peace, that knowledge.” ~ @AvaniMiriyala Main Takeaways Abundance is putting yourself in a mental state where you physically feel your desires and you are always adding to the mental state that your desires will manifest. It's called overflow because you are constantly adding with each action you take to your end desires and eventually everything overflows. Your goals become reality because of everything you've put into this mental state of abundance.  Show up, dress, act, talk like your goals have already come to life and you will see your mental state overflow. Links and Important Mentions Amanda Frances Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Getting started as a freelancer or with self-employment of any kind can feel like a big risk. There are many unknowns that often become roadblocks. Fear of taking a risk and failing can be debilitating without the right mindset.  Chris Misterek, the founder of Self-Made Web Designer, joins me today to talk about how you can give yourself permission to take risks, and how you can reframe your mindset to help you feel empowered rather than fearful.  When Chris got started in web design, it was out of necessity — he wanted to bring in more income for his family. But within his first 18 months as a freelancer, Chris more than doubled his full-time salary. He knew he had made the right decision, and never looked back. Chris credits much of his success to taking the leap — jumping in and consuming as much information as he could to both build his portfolio and knowledge base.  A couple of years ago, Chris decided to go back to full-time employment as a designer. And he noticed that the biggest thing holding most people back from starting a side hustle wasn't a lack of talent, but fear — fear of failure, risk, the unknown, etc.  Knowing he'd been through all of that before and that his experiences could be helpful, Chris launched his coaching business, Self-Made Web Designer.  In this episode, Chris and I talk about how he got started, the pivotal moment that led him to make the jump into web design, and how you can overcome imposter syndrome and get started!    "Winners lose a lot more often than losers. Give yourself permission to fail, and do it a lot. Because you're going to learn a lot of things from those mistakes. And one day you're going to be able to look back, and it might be really slow, progress might be a lot slower than you would hope, but you're going to look back and you're going to realize, you just scaled this mountain.” ~ @ChrisMisterek Main Takeaways Some people are more risk-averse than others, and that's ok. But don't look at nudges toward self-employment as bad. It's empowering! For those just starting out with self-employment, know what you want to accomplish and let those goals drive your decisions. But don't let it hold you up for too long; jump in and figure out the details later. Have the mindset of being able to pivot and shift to attain your goals, even if it means dropping clients.  Do something for another designer or freelancer that you wish someone would have done for you.  Links and Important Mentions Self-Made Web Designer Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement by Rich Karlgaard Chris on Twitter Chris on Instagram Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Proposals drive freelance and contract businesses. But how do you know if your proposals are any good? By the time you present a proposal to a potential client, you should know enough about their pain points and goals that you can create something your prospect can't say no to.  I'll share my proposal builder with you, but we'll also discuss how you should organize your proposal and what you should include that will help your prospective clients see the vision of where you want to take them, and trust that you can get them there. “The moment they can see [your proposal] laid out, a clear plan in front of them, they will say ‘wow, this person knows exactly what they're doing, I need to work with them ASAP.'” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways A good proposal does one thing really well: it shows how you think. If you can communicate what your thought process is, you're going to land more clients.  When someone hires you, they want to know you can problem-solve to get the solutions they might need.  Help potential clients visualize the completed project with a plan laid out in your proposal.    A proposal is a critical component of gaining the trust of your prospective client. Show them you know exactly how to execute on their goals and the path you plan to take to get there. Links and Important Mentions Proposal Builder Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Going through tough times, whether in your business or personal life, can be stressful and feel like a setback, especially if things were rolling along. But these times of being tested are what we need to grow and improve. Today's episode is intended to help you move through challenging times in order to grow and level up to the next version of yourself. I am also here to say that it's ok and necessary to prioritize yourself and take a break sometimes.  “You are doing a great job, you are exactly where you need to be right now. There is a reason you are in this moment, there is a reason you are feeling what you're feeling, it's all happening for you.” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways Take a true, deep look at yourself and ask if you need a break. Are you run down because you need some time to yourself? If the answer is yes, then make sure you allow yourself space to take that break and prioritize yourself.  Investing in yourself and your energy is the exact thing that allows you to bounce back and take on the world.  If you are someone who runs a business, has a side hustle, or just juggles a lot of things, then you need to be able to prioritize your own energy so you can be ready and recharged to lead and serve others.  Focus inward when you need to. It's OK to step away in order to be your best self.  Links and Important Mentions Anna Nassery Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

If you've ever launched a business or started a project, you know that the litany of things you need to accomplish can be overwhelming. Sometimes, it's overwhelming to the point of causing you not to start at all or to stop prematurely.  Today's episode is about getting you to start even if the list seems like it's never-ending. It doesn't have to be perfect, you just need to get what you want to say or create out into the world for people to enjoy. Done is better than perfect.  "I firmly believe done is better than perfect. Start before you're ready. Start before you're ready because the world needs to hear what you say. And I promise you it's going to be messy at first. That's okay. Get the messy versions out of the way. Do it again and again and again. And you're going to start to get really great feedback.” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways Perfect is just a story. It doesn't exist, so stop trying to achieve it. That doesn't mean you should do low-quality work, just stop aiming for perfection. If you strive for perfection, you're just going to get in your own way. People want what you have to say and they want it now.  It's going to be messy at first, but feedback on those messy things is what you will need to make better versions of your content.  Keep pushing. Even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging, just know that the feedback and the friction will make the result even better.  Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Affirmations can change your life. I truly believe that. Throughout this episode, I talk about why they work and why you should use them as well as the changes they make to your brain chemistry.  While affirmations can be a powerful tool in your toolbox, it's important to be consistent and intentional with them in order to leverage their full power. The strategies and discussion in this episode will help you get started with using affirmations in your own life. “As I'm saying [affirmations], my brain is listening. My brain is strengthening that neural pathway every single time and my brain is trying to see how can I make sure that being confident is in [your] reality and my brain is going to start noticing things. It's going to start picking up opportunities, picking up little pieces of evidence, and strengthening and building a case for that statement.” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways Strong neural pathways are a result of doing something often or believing something to be true. This myelin is what makes something second nature (like driving a car).  When you tell yourself that something is going to be true (i.e. “It's going to be a great day!”) your brain automatically thinks that will be the reality and strengthens the myelin that reaffirms that.  You can use this default setting of your brain to do and affirm positive things, which strengthen the neural pathways, make it the reality, and can change your life.  Self-affirmations (i.e. “I'm confident.”) will make your brain believe this is reality and you will have more strength in the characteristic you are affirming.  Links Myelin Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Today I'm launching the first of my new mini-episodes series. These short episodes are a way to bring you consistent episodes that touch on whatever was on my mind at the time. Let's kick it off by talking about something I've been struggling with lately: feeling worthy of my desires. For context, I've been shopping for a house with my husband and when the price tag of a few of these houses landed in front of us, I was really reluctant to pull the trigger on buying it. After some introspection, I realized it was because I didn't feel worthy of my desires. These quick tips will help you figure out how to feel worthy of what you deserve and desire. “Imagine how powerful that affirmation is. I am worthy of my desires, no matter how big they are. I'm worthy of even my biggest desire, worthy of my smallest, all of the desires that come to me because they were put there and they're mine.” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways Practice your affirmations. You are worthy of everything that you desire. You're worthy of your smallest and largest desires because they were put there for you. Even when you're doing the right things to cultivate a mindset that allows you to accept your desires, sometimes you'll find that you hit a wall. Keep going and expand your mindset even more. When we start working on our mind, amazing changes happen in our business. If you're feeling pause or stickiness and not sure if you are worth a desire, do some journaling exercises, rewrite that code in your brain, and rewrite those affirmations to help reframe how you feel. Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

We've spent some time talking about taking your quantum leap in your life and business. But how do you get yourself ready to do that? To set the stage for success, let's talk about how to prepare for your quantum leap in life and in business.  If you're unfamiliar with the quantum leap, it's essentially a shift in mindset that allows you to operate as a desired version of your future self, today.I've had some interesting things align lately and much of that was possible because I spent time preparing for that shift. There have been a lot of behind the scenes changes, internal growth, and a lot of new habits that I've been cultivating. These tips and tricks will help you start your quantum leap today. “Feelings can turn around an entire day. They can turn around an entire week, a month, a year. They can turn around an entire life, and that's why holding the vision and trusting the process, knowing that all you need to do is feel the feelings you want to feel is important.” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways Look inward and have affirmation rampages. Journal, reflect, and spend some time with yourself to know what kind of person you want to be after your quantum leap.  Things won't change unless you change them and you won't be able to do the same things that got you to where you are today to take you to the next level.  Create an action plan. Sit down and write out your steps for going through this process.  Hold the vision. Trust the process, know that it's working out, and know that everything's happening in your favor.  Links Amanda Frances Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Today, I talk with the amazing Amanda Rabideau. Amanda runs Arch Collective out of San Francisco and is a fractional CMO. She has an amazing team of freelancers that she works with at Arch Collective and brings the best talent to her marketing clients. We talk about how she runs her business and how she brings massive value to the clients and the startups that she serves.  In her first job out of college, Amanda worked in sales for a startup and had to quickly learn how to do cold outreach as well as how to nurture long-term relationships. She first started thinking about freelancing after interviewing for several companies that all had the same pain points. She thought more about how she could work for all of them and landed on freelance consulting.  Amanda has thoughtfully put together the best people to bring the best results to her clients. And in today's episode, she shares tips and guidelines for how you can do the same in your own business.    “We want to take a $5 million company and make it look like a $50 million company without the price tag of full-time people to do that. And so you can bring in an amazing illustrator, you can bring in an amazing copywriter on one set project. And yeah, you pay for them and you pay for that talent, but you don't need to keep them on full-time for the rest of the year and not have as much work for them. So I think it's a really effective way to deploy capital, which is so sacred. ” ~ @ArchCollective_ Main Takeaways Understanding the metrics that determine success for your clients is the best way to deliver a great final product.  The fewer items you're waiting on from your client and the more you follow up with them, the more value you can add to your business and client. If you have a deadline, it's on you to get the materials you need to accomplish that task by the deadline. Freelancers will have to put in more effort and work harder than full-time team members. Know your worth and demonstrate it.  Whether you are a creative or otherwise, this is your business. You are a professional and you should conduct business in that manner. You need contracts, documentation, and follow-up.  Links Arch Collective Arch Collective on Instagram Arch Collective on Twitter Arch Collective on LinkedIn Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Carley Zuercher is the owner of Two Can Co. and CZ Invitations and today she joins us for part one of our conversation on business strategy, mindset, and gratitude. Be sure to check out part two of our discussion on her podcast, Tipsy Business.Carley's business and mindset have shifted a bit since she was last on the show, so I wanted to bring her back to talk about taking leaps in your business while still allowing life to be easy. Carley is currently running several businesses, doing business coaching, and writing ebooks.  We talk about how her businesses have shifted over the last year, being authentic in your work, and how gratitude is the most powerful mindset you can have. “I think that a lot of times people try to copy and paste everything that somebody is doing, but they don't believe in themselves or they don't think they're worthy of it or they don't believe it's actually going to work for them. And therefore it doesn't.” ~ @Carly Zuercher Main Takeaways The energy of being authentic and real with your audience will always outweigh fake, high-vibe energy of salesmanship.  You can't simply copy a successful person's strategy and hope for the same results. You need to tweak the fundamentals they're giving you and make it work for your audience. Most importantly, you need to believe that the strategy will actually work for you. Gratitude is one of the most powerful mindsets that you can experience, and visualizing it is a great strategy for your long-term business goals.  Links Carley Zuercher on Instagram Tipsy Business Podcast Twocan Co CZ Invitations Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Promoting yourself as a freelancer can be a little intimidating. The last thing you want is for people to think that you're pushy or you're obsessed with money. In this episode, we're talking about how I got into the right mindset to promote myself, and tips that you can use to promote yourself, too. You'll get the results you're looking for without sounding pushy and you'll actually feel good doing it.  “People want to know that you're a real person because they want that authenticity. They want to buy into that authenticity and know who you really are behind the curtain. So show the process, show what you do behind the scenes, on the ups and downs of your life and your business. Show all of it!” ~ @avanimiriyala Four Ways To Get Over Promoting Yourself Online 1. Find conviction You need to sell yourself on what you're selling. The best way to do this is to find the evidence from past clients that proves you're providing value to everyone you work with.  2. Document, don't create People want to know that you're human. Show the process, show what you do behind the scenes, on the ups and downs of your life, and your business. Show all of it. People want to see it and it can lead to great business opportunities. 3. Engage and interact Use your social media to be social.  Get out there and actually interact with your followers or friends. This reminds them that you exist and that you have expertise, which keeps you top of mind.  4. Be consistent You need to do this every single day.  As you interact, people are watching and keeping you top of mind, especially if you're talking about industry topics. This can definitely lead to revenue. Consistency is where the magic happens.  Links Get The Proposal Builder Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion by Gary Vaynerchuk Episode 221 | 6 Tips for Getting Clients on LinkedIn The Founder (Netflix) Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Sometimes getting new clients or getting rid of existing ones can be a hassle. Over the years, I've worked on perfecting the best way to onboard and offboard clients. I'm excited to share a few of my tips and tricks on how I do this in a way that feels easy and effortless and gives the client a feeling like they're being taken care of.Here are some tips for both onboarding and offboarding, and why it's important to do these in a specific way in order to maximize your ability to use referrals for new business.  "Referrals are how I get clients. It's the number one way I  get the dream clients that I want. They're always high quality. They're always high paying because they're happy customers that told other people so that they could be happy customers, too. It's just an amazing ripple effect. And that's why offboarding and tying everything up nicely is so crucial.” ~ @avanimiriyala Five Steps for Effective Onboarding 1. Everyone needs to sign the contract As soon as the contract is signed, it's go time for you and your team. This is your chance to roll out the red carpet and get everything in place to make sure your client knows working with you will be smooth.  2. Create your client profile in Clickup Once the contract is signed, you can get to work on creating the client profile. Their needs, wants, how much attention they require, the scope of the project, all of it. This will help you move through their project quickly and efficiently while nailing the deliverables.  3.  Create the necessary components to get the project moving Whatever systems you're using to track and organize the project, now is the time to get them all set up. Slack channels, task management, time tracking, etc.. These are the nuts and bolts that you will need to make things run smoothly after the kickoff meeting.  4. Have a kickoff meeting Make sure you have an agenda to help show your client what they can expect and on what timeframes. Set up your recurring meetings, get your processes and assets in line, set a timeline, get on the same page, and then dive into the first milestone of the project. After the meeting, make sure you follow up on your action items.  5. Complete action items from the kickoff meeting Once you've actually held the kickoff meeting, you need to make sure you follow up with your action items right away. Whether they are internal or for the client, following up on these items is critical in making the onboarding process smooth and ensuring that all resources are accounted for.  Five Steps for Effective Offboarding 1. Prepare assets for delivery This can be anything from image files to vectors to video tutorials. Just make sure that you have everything ready to go in a way that the client can understand and take control of.  2. Turn over the main files For me, this is usually a Figma file, but for you it might be turning over the working files of the design or website that you're working on.  3. Turn over additional files This is when you gather up any other resources that might be floating around for your project, organize them, and hand those off to the client. This can include internal docs, links, or anything you think might be of value to the client as they move forward.  4. Handoff communication and send an invoice You can do your handoff communication however you want (Slack, Email, etc…), but just make sure that you are clear and give them a list of what you handed off to them and what they will need to do with it. This way they can refer back if they have any questions or are looking for anything.  5. Schedule additional emails About a week later, you should send a follow-up email looking for feedback and a testimonial if they are willing. Then about two weeks later, ask for a referral if they had a positive experience. Make sure to follow up on these because social proof means more clients. 6. Send a handwritten thank you Sending them something personal shows that you enjoyed working with them. Links Clickup Notion Figma Loom Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Non-negotiables are the basics and foundation of your business. These items are the must-do items that are recurring on a daily basis. Of course, these items vary and differ from person to person, depending on their priorities, and goals - but they should be the cornerstone of how you operate your business and life. Today, I'm sharing my list of non-negotiables, some critical components of my routine, and the reason they're my priority. I also talk about how these non-negotiables help me get focus and stay grounded. “Life happens and if you aren't feeling it for some reason, take care of your non-negotiables and then rest up and you can come back feeling better the next day ready to work even more effectively. Non-negotiables are created to give us freedom.” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways Set the non-negotiables that will work for you and your business. These are going to be the basics and the must-do items for you on a recurring basis to help you reach your goals. The three main non-negotiable types are learning, business growth, and mindset.  My five non-negotiables for my business are reading, podcasts, reaching out to clients, posting to Instagram, and coming up with my 10 ideas of the day. My personal non-negotiables include drinking three, 24oz bottles of water each day, working out, cryotherapy, and getting my nails done. Work on getting your mindset to the level you imagine your future self has. Step into that version of yourself today. Links Proposals That Sell Themselves Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik James Wedmore's Mind Your Business Podcast Chakra Girl Radio The Lively Show Call Your Girlfriend The Tim Ferriss Show LinkedIn Instagram ClickUp Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Amira Alvarez is the CEO and Founder of The Unstoppable Woman, a global coaching company helping thousands of driven individuals achieve their financial breakthrough,  live their best lives, and become the unstoppable individuals they know themselves to be. Amira grew up believing that if she worked hard she would reach her goals. However, she soon realized that she was caught in the cycle of “never enough.” Once she had that realization, she committed herself to do everything she could to make things work and reset her mindset.In this episode, Amira talks with Avani about her coaching expertise, the reason why hard work isn't enough to help you reach your goals, and the laws of success that will universally help you become the person you imagine yourself to be.   “It's hard in the beginning because of our upbringing and how we're conditioned to actually think that the world is ‘happening' to us, not for us. It doesn't make us bad human beings, but it is how we've been conditioned. And so you have to recondition your thinking and reprogram yourself for success.” ~ @AmiraAlvarez Main Takeaways Sometimes the advice to just “work hard” can trap you in a cycle of never enough. And the only way to grow in that cycle is to work harder, which is ultimately unsustainable. Stepping up your game is 20 percent tactical and 80 percent mindset. Being able to charge more and hold value in a sales conversation is where your mindset makes a difference.  Make a commitment to yourself that whatever path you choose, you will do everything you can to make it work. Define your self-image. Imagine yourself as the one who has reached your goal and then close the gap between that image and your present self. Answer this question: What would you have to do to get it done this year? Links Amira Alvarez The Unstoppable Woman 3-Day Virtual Summit to Help You Create Consistent Cash Flow Amira Alvarez on Twitter Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Zach Fragapane is the founder and head of product at Jolly, an online network for professional workers and freelancers. His 13-year freelancing career has been both a side hustle and his main career, so he has wide-ranging experiences we can learn from. For Zach (who has worked as a freelancer for most of his life) it was easy to pinpoint where help and support were needed in the freelance industry, which is how Jolly was born. Though now it's much more than a freelance management system, Zach was able to refine and update his product based on his many years of first-hand freelance experience.  This year, the freelance industry, like most industries, took a hard hit from the Covid-19 pandemic. But when you get knocked down, the only thing to do is get back up — so we talk about the rise of freelancers in this era of technology and what you can do to get back on track.   “If your customer is able to see your price and the results you're going to drive and just a little about the deliverables, which is usually upfront anyway, then maybe more time can be spent actually focusing on driving those results.” ~ @ZachFragapane   Main Takeaways The most valuable feedback you can get is the feedback that comes from the actual users of your product or service. Even though there are a lot of people who lost their jobs and livelihood during the pandemic, there are more companies that are starting to consider hiring freelance workers because of the current situation.  Make use of the time you have now to create something of value that you can offer either for free or for a fee. The biggest struggle for freelancers right now is getting their first clients and/or retainers during these times of struggle. The key is to still go above and beyond and get every last bit out of each project. Links Zach Fragapane Jolly RetailMeNot Upwork Uber Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

We don't know what the future holds, but you can be more than just a passenger in your life. What if you could be the person you see yourself as in the future? Becoming that person means closing the gap between the present you and the future you. But how do we do that? In this episode, we'll discuss a few simple steps to help you close the gap and become the best version of yourself. “Start becoming who you want to be now. That is the fastest way to get from where you are to where you want to be. In order to get to where you want to be, you need to start acting like you're there already. That is the secret you need to figure out how you want to create the reality you want in your life.” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways 1. See and define the future you The first thing to do is to see yourself where you want to be and what you want to do with your life (and business). Define your future self because the only way to close the gap is to know what gap there is from the present you to the future you. 2. Inspect and upgrade Inspect and upgrade things that are happening in your life (and business). Are the things you're doing right now the same things you think you will be doing in the future? If not, upgrade your routine. 3. Prioritize taking care of yourself Self-care is the most common thing people miss out on, especially when things get busy. Treat yourself the way you deserve and you'll feel like the best version of yourself. 4. Learn to delegate It's time to become the leader you're supposed to be and delegating responsibilities to your team will help you focus on your goals.  5. Start becoming your version 2.0 Update your look and wardrobe to what you think the next version of yourself will look like. Set aside a budget for this because looking at yourself as version 2.0 makes you feel like you're getting there. Embody the person you see in the future. 6. It's all about how you want to feel Ask yourself how you want to feel running your business. Feel and embody those feelings and believe it will become your reality. The best way to attract abundance is to sit with those feelings. Links Proposals That Sell Themselves BrandUp Anna Nassery James Wedmore Training (Business by Design) Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Overwhelm is easy to experience when you're a freelancer—especially if you have a lot of work coming in. We all get overwhelmed and that's ok. It's up to you to move out of that feeling and into a positive feeling of abundance. Today, I want to talk about some steps I use to get out of feeling overwhelmed and get back on track. It's not always easy, but these steps will help mitigate those feelings and help you see the light at the end of the tunnel. “When you're in a place of scarcity, you're unable to see the solutions. You're unable to see the big available expansion that's out there. You're unable to see the opportunities, the resources that are already at your fingertips. That is what feeling overwhelmed is. It's like you're closing off and you're going into a place of scarcity. And when we are able to break from that, when we're able to take a break, move out or shake that energy up, we can move from a place of scarcity into abundance.” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways 1. Step away from your desk Getting away from your desk can quickly change your attitude. Your desk is where the overwhelm lives and if you step away from it, you won't be confronted by it every minute. Try relaxing somewhere else or getting out of your normal zone of occupancy.  2. Go outside Going outside and experiencing nature can significantly reduce stress and rejuvenate your mind. If you're in a city, look for pockets of green space and do some nature bathing.  3. Workout Getting in some movement and working up a sweat is a great way to alleviate some of the stress you've been feeling. For me, it's worked countless times to put me back on track.  4. Get out of your head Read a book, talk to a friend, listen to a podcast, whatever it takes to stop that overwhelming dialogue in your head. If you feel like the dialogue won't stop, then you need to push it out.  5. Journal it out If you're unable to work through some of the things that are in your head, journaling is a great way to get some of these thoughts out and on to paper. This can help identify the problem and the root cause.  6. Make a plan Get out your project management tool and start creating tasks and timelines to deal with all the stuff on your plate. This gives you the ability to systematically cross it off in real life and in your head.  Links The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Singer Liz White: Transformational Journaling Liz White on Instagram Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Cristina Cala is the founder of The Why Women Project, a feminist platform powered by a collective of professional women in media, marketing, and more.   Though she began her career in the corporate world, Cristina has been working with freelancers for many years and learned early on the importance of community and building a network. As she's branched out on her own, she's grown to understand the difference between the male gaze and the feminine gaze and how that changes her perspective on her business and her personal story. Cristina has deep insights into the freelancing world from a woman's perspective. In this episode, we talk about the feminist gaze, what it is, and how we can use it to grow together as a community along with many other great topics related to both business and societal challenges. “That's when the growth happens. It happens privately. It's not what you see on Instagram and Twitter. It's not the performative optical of, ‘Oh, I'm talking about it, I'm posting about it. And now I get my brownie points.' What are you doing in your life to talk to the people in your life and sway the way that they think and change their belief system so that they don't perpetuate it in their communities?” ~ @cristinacala Main Takeaways If you're just starting out, carve out your niche and then find a network of like-minded people in your industry.  The feminist gaze is the conscious unlearning of the male gaze (seeing the world and business like a man) and then substituting the gaze of a woman. When we step aside and make space for people who are different from us, it makes their world safer and makes them feel the way that privileged people get to feel every day.  You don't have to do everything yourself. It's okay, and probably necessary, to ask for help in the places where you might not excel.  When you're just starting out, have revenue goals (ideally equal to the salary you're leaving), learn how sales funnels work, and rely on a community. Links The Why Women Project Cristina on LinkedIn Cristina on Twitter The Why Women Project on Instagram Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Your clients are the center of your business. Building strong relationships with them is an important part of growth, so today we're talking about clients - specifically, how to lead an awesome client meeting. I've been coaching my team on how best to do this now that we're scaling up and bringing in more people, and I want to share my insights with you.  These steps seem simple, but even the smallest changes and adjustments can have a huge impact on the success of your client meeting.  “Now more than ever, as more and more of us are remote, we need to make sure we're letting our clients have all the signals they need for the best communication and the best meeting possible” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways 1. Have the right people in the room Make sure the right parties are in attendance on both sides. Don't be afraid to leave people out because there is such a thing as too many people in a meeting. It's best to have all the major decision-makers and managers there. 2. Set up all the tech that supports your meeting We do weekly meetings. But whatever the iteration is, make sure you have your Zoom, Calendars, etc., ready to go to optimize efficiency.   3. Sort out your personal setup Make sure you use video for your virtual meetings and that your setup for the meeting is good. Good lighting, a clean environment, and a good microphone make all the difference. 4. Have an agenda ready Having an outline is invaluable in making sure that a meeting runs smoothly. It creates a clear picture of who will be covering the different aspects of your meeting. Make sure to give your clients some transparency into your process if you won't be providing them with an agenda ahead of time.  5. Take control and be assertive Being assertive in a meeting isn't about power, it's about making sure you get through everything you need to before the time is up. Screen sharing and narrating your thought process is a great way to preemptively answer questions and give clarity to your clients on your decisions while also allowing for feedback.  6. Make sure everyone feels heard Not all the feedback you get needs to be implemented, but it's important to show your clients that you heard it. Use phrasing that affirms their feedback, even if you're not going to use it.  7. Don't be afraid to push back You are the expert, don't forget that! You don't have to belittle your clients' suggestions, but if it doesn't work, kindly tell them why it wouldn't work or why you don't think it's the best idea for the project.  8. Take conversations offline If things start to get sidetracked about a detail of the project, don't hesitate to set up a follow-up meeting to allow for a deeper dive. Your goal is to keep the current meeting on track and not waste time. Links Proposals That Sell Themselves Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is probably not at the top of your list when you think “Social Media.” A lot of us are glued to Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram and focus our marketing efforts there. But there's a whole world of potential clients on LinkedIn.In today's episode, I share some tips and tricks about how to get clients using LinkedIn and how you can optimize your presence on the platform so that potential clients can't click away.  “When you're [interacting with old colleagues on LinkedIn], you're continuing to keep yourself top of mind for that individual. Then when they think of a moment where they need your help, they will message you and think of you first.” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways 1. Optimize your profile Make sure that every piece of your profile is as optimized as possible — clear language about what you do, quality imagery, testimonials, the whole nine yards. This has a big impact on whether or not someone will work with you.  2. Put your LinkedIn profile link in your email signature When you're emailing people, potential clients, intros, and more, it's important to invite them to stay in touch with you. LinkedIn is a great way to do that.  3. Spend time on LinkedIn every day Start by spending 15-20 minutes on LinkedIn five days of the week. Their algorithm prioritizes engaged users and nothing says “engaged user” like showing up every single day.   4. Engage with at least four people daily You have four spots open in the “Activity” section of your profile. Fill them up every day. Write thoughtful, relevant comments on people's posts instead of just “Cool!” or “Great!” and you will be rewarded.  5. Interact with old colleagues Go to their profile, see what they are doing, and comment on their work. Keep yourself at the top of their minds so if they're working on something that fits your skillset, they will reach out.  6. Share content This is a simple but great way to build engagement and put relevant content out to potential clients. Don't forget to share your own content or make content that will help you in your pursuit of work through LinkedIn. Links Dylan Hey Avani's LinkedIn Profile Transformational Journaling  Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Imposter Syndrome is the feeling that you are doing something you shouldn't be doing. You may feel that you're not well educated or that you're not good enough in your industry or your field, and that you're just kind of winging it. However, more often than not, these are not true and you're actually just as qualified as anyone else to do what you're doing.  In today's episode, we talk about why we have these thoughts, what we can do to overcome them, and how to move forward.  “I realized being able to quiet our minds, being able to push the junk out of the way is so beneficial for us to then uncover what it is we know to be true, what it is we actually want.” ~ @avanimiriyala Main Takeaways 1. Meditation Meditation is a container for the things that are clouding our thoughts to dissipate. You can't just meditate one time, you need to practice and stay with it for it to work effectively.   2. Evidence Building Start making a list or thinking of events or pieces of evidence that prove to yourself that you are not an imposter and that you are actually an expert at what you do. Build a case for your greatness and your premium services.  3. Journal Journaling helps us get to the bottom of why we feel what we're feeling. Writing is a powerful tool that allows you to ask deep, tough questions and get the answers you are looking for.  4. Having Conversations Everyone has imposter syndrome. We're all just a bunch of human imposters trying to survive. Having conversations helps you understand that you're not in this alone and you're having a regular human experience.  Links Product Proposals That Sell Themselves Untamed by Glennon Doyle  Transformational Journaling  Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Today's guest is Edita Atteck. Edita is a personal breakthrough strategist and helps entrepreneurs around the world claim their inner power by guiding them to effectively work with stress. She focuses on helping her clients prevent burnout, unlock resilience, release limiting subconscious programming, optimize their mindset, and maximize their wellbeing in all areas of life. In this episode, Edita and I get to the root of what you can do to level up in your life, how your subconscious affects your perspective on the world, and where to go from here with that knowledge.  “How do we contribute to the world, as opposed to just looking how much we want to have in the bottom line? It used to be such a strong trend to focus on your profit and don't speak up about things that may matter because that may impact your bottom line. For me, that's not entrepreneurship. We are a human family first, then we are entrepreneurs.” ~ @editaatteck Main Takeaways Inner mastery is simply access to our inner power and inventory, which is all of our emotions, thoughts, nervous system, moods, and more. Everything inside of us is interconnected. From the nervous systems to hormones to ego and personality, it's all joined. Trying to grab one of these out and say “this is me” is incomplete.  Your subconscious mind and its filters have a massive impact on how you see the world and how you act inside of it. It's listening to you constantly, so choose your words carefully.  Links Edita Atteck Awaken Your Inner Leader: Transform Stress Develop Emotional Mastery and Thrive by Edita Atteck Rewire For Success Edita on LinkedIn Edita on Twitter Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

It's been a wild 2020 so far. The tragic death of George Floyd only compounds that. I've never been one to indulge in politics and I often find myself on the sidelines because I don't feel like I have a good opinion to contribute. However, today I'm sharing the tips that I've been using to think about the state of the world, current events, and how I plan on navigating them moving forward. In this episode, I talk about how I've been feeling in 2020 thus far with everything going on, self-discovery in the wake of recent events, and what I'm doing moving forward to hear the world around me more and find clarity.  “You have the answers that you're looking for inside of you. You're always going to find info online, on the news, on social media that supports any and all viewpoints. And at the end of the day, to truly understand how you feel and what is right, you need to tune into yourself.” ~ @avainimiriyala 1. Tune out social media There are so many voices out there on social media, that until you turn them off, you won't be able to listen to yourself. Social media is just algorithms that are determining what we see and what we don't. Pause them for a bit and search for yourself instead of absorbing whatever comes across your feed.  2. Have conversations with the people around you It's important for us to communicate and talk to our friends and families and ask questions. I don't think this should be any different. This is something that is happening in our lives. My best advice, and what's worked well for me, is to approach family and friends with empathy, no matter who they are, and ask questions and listen.  3. Actively seek out resources Learn, read, discuss, and look inside to figure out the facts and the stances you want to take. Educate yourself whenever and however you can. 4. Support looks different for everyone It could be buying black art or music, it could be an energetic healing, it might look like a protest. Whatever you are doing, it matters and it's helping. Remember that.  5. Listen  You have the answers that you're looking for inside of you. You're always going to find info that supports any and all viewpoints. At the end of the day to truly understand how you feel, you need to tune into yourself. 6. Find ways to show support and love It's important that we love each other, our communities, the black community, and our friends on an ongoing basis. If you want to see change, you need to show up and be consistent. We can make a difference, but only if we keep at it. Links Trudi Lebron Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Sometimes things just don't work out as planned. Today, I take a critical look at the launch of a “Master Class” I attempted earlier this year, and how and why it didn't go as expected.  The experience made me pause and think about why it really went wrong and what I could have done better.  In this episode, I want to talk about why there's no such thing as failure and why you're going to be OK even if you think you failed. Also, how I missed the mark in connecting with my audience, and the five things that you need to ask yourself before launching any new product. “The other thing that I learned from this whole situation was that I wasn't paying attention to my intuition. I was simply copying a launch strategy that I saw and that I had seen work for other people and I was like, ‘Oh, okay, this is a cool strategy.'” ~ @avainimiriyala No matter what, you're going to be OK Even when no one was signing up for my master class, and my mind was racing with self-doubt, I took a minute to realize that everything was going to be OK. There's no such thing as failure Failure isn't a real concept—it's defined by you. There is only feedback. If something doesn't go your way, it's simply a feedback mechanism telling you that you missed the mark and maybe need to adjust.   Connect with your audience and your own offer It should go without saying that you should know that your audience needs something before you offer it to them. That's where I went wrong. With the craziness of the world, I missed the mark on what my listeners needed. Similarly, I didn't connect with my own offer; it wasn't something that I would want to buy.   Five things to ask yourself before a product launch Do people actually want it? Is there an intent for your audience to purchase? Is this the right time for you? Does the investment make sense based on the person that you're talking about or selling to? Do you feel good about it? Links Proposals That Sell Themselves Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

In today's world, it's critical that we take charge of how we feel and that we understand that we are the source of our emotions. This mindset can help you move out of negative spaces and restore your feeling of personal power.  Last year, I was certified as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner. NLP is essentially the study of the mind and how we consistently use our minds to get the results we want in our lives.  Our brains are already creating our desired realities. Our brains are a reflection of what we feed it and our physical realities, so our lives are then a reflection of our brains. Therefore, our real life is a reflection of the life we're living in our minds.  Here are three ways you can use NLP strategies to create the life you want, as well as how to execute these strategies in your own life.  “You are in the right place at the right time and things are truly working out in your favor. And I believe that with all of my heart. Things are just happening for you. No matter who you are, everything's happening for you, not to you.” ~ @avainimiriyala 1. Anchoring Anchoring is something you're already doing that you probably don't notice. Essentially, anchoring is the attachment of a mental state or emotion to a physical location. Anchoring can also be tied to places on your body that generate specific mental or emotional states. That said, it's important to be deliberate about your anchors and use them to your advantage.  2. Reframing Reframing is the act of looking at a situation from a different perspective to see the positive in it or to see it from a different angle. When we think a situation is negative, that's just the words and emotions we've labeled it with. If we can work to find the silver linings or understand that it is something we can get through, we can start to put positive or neutral emotions toward the situation.  3. Powerful questions Powerful questions are used to help us loosen the possibilities of a situation. They help us realize that we don't have to be so rigid about a certain outcome, that we can start to loosen the possibilities and look at things differently. Asking powerful questions helps us zoom out to see things from a broader viewpoint. For example, instead of saying something like, “I can't afford that,” position it as a question, “How can I afford that?” Links NLP Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Today's guest is Dr. Janine Kreft. Janine is a former ballet dancer turned psychologist who has experienced tremendous growth on TikTok through her unique take on creating healthy boundaries.  When Janine left the world of ballet, she found the transition very challenging. It caused her a lot of confusion, frustration, and panic, and ultimately led to depression that she sought therapy for. Seeing how life-changing therapy could be, Janine went on to study clinical psychology and she's now working for the VA as a telehealth psychologist.  Though she never felt quite at home on Instagram, she immediately took to TikTok. And it's not just about entertainment. Janine uses her TikTok channel to help people better navigate relationships and boundaries through engaging content. And it's really taken off.  In today's episode, Janine talks about how she grew from zero to 303,000 followers on TikTok in the first five months of 2020. We also dive into how you can become the CEO of boundaries. "You can't just mimic or be someone else. There's only one you, as cliche as that sounds. And so in order to cultivate that inner knowing, one has to get quiet and go inward and truly seek answers from within for how to show up and what's going to truly fulfill them.” ~ Janine Kreft Main Takeaways On TikTok, you have such dramatic constraints on your time, that you have to be very mindful of the content you put into your videos. Give people a bite-sized amount of information that grabs their attention.  You don't need high-tech equipment or high production value in order to be seen on TikTok. The playing field is very level compared to other social media channels. Be clear about your intent and content on TikTok from the beginning. The algorithm gets to work quickly so the content you put out early will have an impact on the people who see your videos.  TikTok can be a great way to do user research. It can help you understand what types of information or products your audience would be interested in. Boundaries are not personal. They're not about other people. It's about how you show up. If you're not taking care of yourself, you'll have nothing left to give at some point. It's important for us to normalize boundaries in that regard, to not see it as a personal attack. Links Janine on TikTok Janine on Instagram The Chicago Stress Relief Center Gary Vaynerchuk  Charlie D'Amelio Dr. Julie Smith on TikTok Amanda Bucci Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

This episode came from an Instagram Live I did with my friend, Richelle Ouellette. Richelle is my go-to resource on all things money-related. She's someone who understands what it means to become friends with your bank account so that you can have a life of abundance and build a life of financial independence.  We talk about entrepreneurship, money, and mindset. We also discuss the Start from Scratch Summit — an online summit all about helping you with money and growing your income.  “Just because the world or the society that's around us says that something should be some way does not mean we have to actually let it be that way. You are the cause in your own life; you get to decide if those stories are not for you." ~ @avanimiriyala 1. Mindset is key to leveling up There's nothing more important than mindset when trying to reach that new segment of your business. If you want to get more out of life or business, you need to step into being the person who has more. You need to act like the person who has more and the next level will follow. 2. Use your data You have more data points than ever before. Use them! You know how much everything is going to cost and how many projects you have on your plate. Keep track of this, budget, and start laying it out (it doesn't have to be perfect) so you have a sense of the state of your business.  3. Use tools to free up your brain Even using basic software like Google Sheets is a great way to get all of the numbers of your business out of your head and onto “paper”. This allows you to use your brain for creativity and growing your business. Your brain is your biggest asset—take care of it by freeing it up. 4. You are the cause in your own life Just because everyone says something should be a certain way, doesn't mean it has to be that way for you. You are the motivating factor in your life and can chart your own path regardless of what's happening in the world. Links Richelle Ouellette Start from Scratch Summit Start From Scratch Summit on Instagram  Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

As we start to emerge from quarantine, it can be difficult to figure out what to do. Where do we go from here?  The silver lining in this pandemic is that there is immense opportunity for freelancers and agencies. We will be in demand, sought after, and ready to get to work as soon as everything comes back online.  If you were wondering how you were going to complete your goals for 2020, this will be a good episode for you because I have some bold predictions about what the post-quarantine world will look like, and why it looks great for freelancers. In this episode, we'll talk about what I've enjoyed about my quarantine time, what questions a lot of freelancers will have about this new world we're experiencing, and why I'm excited for this new way of doing business.  "This is another opportunity for us to position ourselves as high level impactful and specialized agencies and experts who are going to come in and save people's work lives. That's a huge, massive value that we can bring to our clients in this time." ~ @avanimiriyala 1. Remote work will finally be seen as legit I've been waiting for this one for a long time. I think that having to be physically present in an office (for most tasks) is an outdated way of thinking. This means that if companies are getting used to letting people work at home, so will clients. We have so many tools that allow remote work to thrive, so I look forward to it becoming a mainstay.  2. Companies will be hiring more agencies and freelancers A lot of companies have had to downsize and their teams have become smaller. This means that some of the work that they may have handled in-house will now be pushed out to agencies and freelancers. Likewise, people who have lost work are now available to hire onto our teams.  3. People want experts, not executors Companies are going to look for people that have to expertise to fix problems on their own, and not have to be gotten up to speed. These companies will want experts, not people who just show up and do what they're told. Likewise, these companies are probably behind schedule for 2020 and will be looking for people who can complete their tasks quickly and correctly. Links Avani's Mastermind Business Class Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

It's day 45 of quarantine and my mind has finally transitioned to "Play” and “Fun." It's important to continue to have fun and create play even though you might not have as much freedom as you'd like.  In today's episode, I talk about why I'm struggling with quarantine, what I've discovered about myself in lockdown, how I'm working to regain some control in my life even though much of what's going on is out of my control.  Even though we're all on lockdown, here are 10 ways I'm creating more play in my life, and how you can too.  “I challenge you to ask yourself a powerful question. How can I create freedom even though I'm stuck at home? How can I create that?" ~ @avanimiriyala 1. Making TikTok videos Admittedly, this might not be for everyone, but I have a background as a semi-pro dancer. I used to do Indian classical dance and perform all over the Chicago area. This is a blast for me and anyone can get caught up exploring the TikTok rabbit hole. 2. Reading for fun I've been revisiting the Outlander series. I usually only get to read like this when I'm on vacation, but since I'm not going on any of the trips I planned, I'm pretending this is like vacation and reading for fun. 3. Walking Getting outside and soaking up some Vitamin D is important and I've definitely underestimated that in the past. It's nice to get outside with a friend or partner. 4. Rollerblading (and other childhood activities) I used to rollerblade a lot as a kid and now I love experiencing that youthfulness and freedom from the past. Look for an activity you haven't done in a while and try it again.  5. Planning virtual hangouts Plan a video chat with friends that you haven't seen in a while. It's been really great to talk to my different friend groups with this extra free time.  6. Learning to read Oracle Cards  I have a beautiful set of Oracle Cards and it's been really introspective for me to sit and look at these cards and determine what they mean for me and my life.  7. Drawing There's an app called Procreate, which I have been using a lot on my iPad. I figured "I'm an artist, so I should learn to draw." It's a great tool and I highly recommend you check it out.   8. Cooking more  My husband and I have been cooking a lot more and looking at new and interesting recipes. We've been trying to get creative with our leftovers since we're not eating out as much.  9. Cleaning and organizing I've been going through a couple of spots in our apartment and reorganizing. I'm also doing some maintenance tasks like making the bed and doing dishes in the morning and it's a positive and organized start to my day.   10. Dreaming I've been dreaming about a whole lot of things with this newfound downtime. I've been casting these visions out into the world so that I can bring them into reality.  Links Avani on TikTok Outlander Series 8 Book Set by Diana Gabaldon Rebecca Campbell Oracle Cards Procreate App Stay in Touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

2020 did not start off how any of us would have expected. I had goals for my business this year, and I'm sure you did too. But, for right now, a lot of those goals have to take a back seat. I realized that this "slow down" can be reframed as a time of opportunity, where I can still take steps to grow the business, and I'd like to share those with you this week! In this episode, we'll talk about how to adapt goals to fit the current environment, growing your audience through collaboration, and updating your systems to make business even easier when it picks back up. "Take the opportunity to make the most of this time so that you can look back and be so thankful that you did what you did during this slow time. It will allow you to skyrocket and move forward in a way like never before." ~ @avanimiriyala 1. Get more rest This is the perfect time for you to recharge and unplug. That could mean reading, hanging out, or just doing nothing for a little bit to unwind. It could also mean picking up new hobbies or creative projects that you've been wanting to make time for. 2. Work on your mind Journaling, meditation, and working on yourself internally are great ways to take care of and up-level your mental health. Use this time to practice self-care. 3. Grow your audience Take advantage of opportunities to get your name out there. Try collaborating with other entrepreneurs and help each other out. It may also be a good time to experiment with new platforms and build new audiences.  4. Optimize your systems It's a great opportunity to implement new ideas and strategies with your business and team because there's time to breathe. Once business starts speeding up, you'll have systems in place that make your processes even smoother. 5. Update your web presence When business is busy, it's hard to find time to stay updated on our websites and landing pages. But when things slow down, it's easier to do this kind of work. Use the time wisely.  Links Mind Your Business Podcast by James Wedmore Tipsy Business Podcast by Carley Zuercher Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Losing a client is never easy, especially during the tough times we're in right now. As freelancers, we depend on our clients to keep us afloat and when we lose one of them, it's easy to take that loss personally. It's important to take a step back if we start to feel that way and instead step into a neutral headspace on the subject.  In today's episode, we'll explore four ways you can reframe losing a client so that you see the opportunity in the challenge rather than letting it get you down or add more stress to what's already likely a stressful time for you and your business.  "We reframed it. We saw it as an opportunity. We instilled that confidence with affirmations and we decided that we were going to move forward. We decided to make this the next step to the best moment, and the best time of our lives." ~ @avanimiriyala 1. Reframe the situation Try to find the good in the situation. It could open up more time for you to focus on other projects and clients. Or it could be a chance to pursue more ideal clients. 2. See things as an opportunity This might be a new opportunity for you to recalibrate your business strategy or implement new techniques with your audience. Explore the possibilities. 3. Recalibrate your confidence The decision your client made was not personal. The reason they had to move on was simply what they had to do for their business. Your mind will naturally try to tell you there's some other meaning to it but it's important to distance yourself from those thoughts. 4. Decide to move forward It's a waste of time and energy to sulk about the situation. Ask yourself, if this was a moment in time that caused your business to skyrocket, what would you do in the next week? This has the potential of being a turning point for you instead. Links The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

This pandemic has affected all of us differently;  some of us more than others. People have been laid off, gotten sick, or lost loved ones, and my heart goes out to them. It's important that we support each other during these trying times. I encourage you to call and connect with the people you love. We all need it so much. Over the three weeks I've been in quarantine, I've picked up a few tips that might help you through this crazy time and help you move forward bit-by-bit, so you can look at things in a better light. "Pick up the phone and FaceTime someone that you love. I think you should do it right now. If someone's struggling or if they're not struggling outwardly, call them. They probably are struggling on the inside and we're all experiencing new things right now that we've never experienced before."  In this episode Avani talks about: The importance that reframing and gratitude can have on your mental health.  How setting goals can help you feel accomplished while at home. How to allow yourself to "play" at home and let your mind escape the pandemic. How to win at quarantine life 1. Have gratitude It might seem like this item is on all my lists, but I can't stress enough how important it is to be grateful. If you can think about things that are good in life, you'll feel so much better. 2. Practice reframing Reframing is being able to look at something from a different angle and find the good in it. For me, I've been able to see this situation as an opportunity to learn new things while I've been inside and to do some self-reflection. Use it as an opportunity to expand. 3. Have goals What are some things that would make this season of your life successful? Write down the things that you would like to get done and that will make you feel accomplished. 4. Care Take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Now is the time to make sure you stay active and stay connected with friends. Workout, talk to friends, meditate, do yoga, read; anything to keep you healthy in body and mind. 5. Play Find freedom and fun in the life you now live at home. This could be exercising, it could be watching a TV show, it could be visiting an essential business if you can do so safely. Find the things that feel like play. Links The Vortex - Esther Hicks Pamela Reif Journey Junkie Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Today's guest is Selene Vakharia. Selene is an online business and marketing coach for entrepreneurs. She works with her clients to help them attract their dream customers so they can take their businesses and passions full time. Selene is intently focused on helping businesses attract their dream clients through authentic marketing. Her definition of authentic marketing is being aware of who you are and what works well for you. Essentially, seeing prospective clients from the angle of how much value you can add to their business versus only the number that comes with making a sale. By starting to build her brand before she had anything to sell, she was able to focus on people and the needs that weren't being met. This allowed her to have a solid understanding of how to approaching selling and marketing when she was finally ready to sell something. The conversation in this episode focuses on marketing your business, which is a cornerstone of creating a growing and thriving business. With so much that is happening in the world right now, this is a timely topic to go over, since we cover connectedness and how to be authentic online. “Every time I'd go out and have a coffee with someone about a potential project that was coming up or about what I was doing, I wasn't focused on getting the sale; I was focused on building that relationship.” In this episode Avani and Selene talk about: Selene's view on authentic marketing and how you can use it to grow your business. The time it takes to network and build relationships and why it's worth it. How to dial in your “why” and keep your business your own. Main Takeaways As a CEO, you always need to keep your dream client in mind. This will mean that your business will pivot throughout its journey. Find the gap between what your client needs from your industry and fill it. Be willing to adapt. Authentic marketing is important for growing your business. For a lot of people, the traditional “sell” methods don't work because that isn't how they align as a person. Be aware of who you are and understand what works for you to build relationships with your clients. When building relationships with clients, focus on them as a person first before moving to sales. Get to know them and take your time with it. They might not even become your client, but they'll help connect you to different clients down the line. Don't compare your version of success with someone else. Your business should be the job that's right for you and it should support the lifestyle that you want to have. Links Courageous CEOs SMRT Pop Ups Follow Selene on Instagram Follow Selene on Twitter Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

On today's show, Kristin Molenaar, founder of Yes Boss VA, talks about how to use virtual assistants to help with the smaller business tasks while you work on the higher-level items that drive your business forward. Kristin didn't start as an entrepreneur, even though she always felt entrepreneurial. Her early career was in the beauty industry, but feeling stifled in her corporate job, she walked away to start her own business in 2014. She tried consulting in the beauty industry, since that's where her experience was, but she quickly realized she didn't really like the industry. The first year out of her 9-5 was a struggle, but was determined to make it work. Rather than force something, she started taking freelance jobs. She picked up clients here and there and eventually grew to a point where her husband could quit his job and she could focus full-time on building the business. Eventually, she built her business into what it is today, Yes Boss VA, a service where Kristin helps solo entrepreneurs accelerate their business development by using her network of VAs. In this episode, she talks about her entrepreneurial journey and what it means to be a leader in your business. “I find that a lot of entrepreneurs are very stressed out and they're really lonely. These things could be avoided completely if you put a proper team in place.” In this episode Avani and Kristin talk about: How you can hire a VA, even if you're a new entrepreneur. A CEO's job as a leader and a new perspective on how to move your team forward. Kristin's three-step blueprint to making more money while working less. Main Takeaways As a CEO and entrepreneur, it's important to start working with a team as soon as possible. This helps relieve the stress of small daily items and lets you work as the visionary your business needs. VAs are helpful for taking care of tasks that you might've ended up pouring hours of research into if you tried to do it yourself. Your VA can also record themselves doing a task in case you have to do it again in the future. Get your VAs involved with your vision and communicate with them. This makes running your business less lonely and you'll be able to lean on them for support as a team. Leadership is more than leading followers. Much of the time it means leading a team of leaders. What that means for you as a leader is that you should be helping these individuals step into their leadership roles much like a mentor would. Links Yes Boss Essentialism - Greg McKeown Work Less, Make More Yes Boss on Instagram Kristin on Instagram Kristin on LinkedIn Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

My guest today is Dee Gautham. Dee is the owner of Dee Gautham Fitness and is a NASM certified personal trainer. She's also the founder of the Boss Body Method of coaching to help busy, professional women get into their best shape ever – both physically and mentally. Dee spent her early career working in Silicon Valley in the software industry. She eventually quit her 9-5 job to be a freelance coach and now she runs her own company with a team of coaches. As a freelancer, Dee went through times of working from home and setting her own schedule, so she's pulling from her personal experience as well as the experience of her clients. She went through times when she was working with large groups of people, and then the pendulum would swing in the opposite direction. She got to a point where she felt very lonely and her mental health started to deteriorate as a result. But Dee was able to find ways to combat the feelings of isolation and loneliness. Given the state of the world right now and how it's impacting work for so many people, our conversation was very timely. Even if you're a work-from-home veteran, Dee has a lot of valuable information that will improve your work-from-home experience. And if you've suddenly been thrust into a situation where you're working from home unexpectedly, it's even more pertinent. Dee and I first met on Instagram, where she posts great tips on how to level up your health, wellness, and nutrition, as well as your mental health. I highly suggest you check her out after you listen to this episode. “I think this is a time, more than ever, to be there for each other; make the connections.” In this episode Avani and Dee talk about: Getting out of a sedentary lifestyle and remaining active while staying at home. How to combat loneliness to keep yourself sane and stay mentally healthy. The importance of boundaries for both your work and personal life. Main Takeaways When working from home, it's easy to fall into sedentary patterns. Make sure you're able to get some fresh air. Stay physical by taking walks or doing home workouts, and make sure to keep up on your nutrition by eating well-balanced meals and drinking plenty of water. Not only do you want to keep up on your physical health, but your mental health as well. It's easy to get lonely when working in isolation. To cope with this, establish a two-way connection with people instead of just scrolling through social media. If you find yourself absorbing negative energies from social media or the news, it's a good idea to set boundaries for yourself. Only allow yourself to consume a certain amount, and give yourself a time limit on how long you spend on apps. Just like you have boundaries for what you consume, have boundaries for your workday. Have a schedule blocked off with what business you want to get done in certain time blocks. It's also smart to set a specific time to start and end work for the day. Links Work with Dee Follow Dee on Instagram Follow The Boss Body Revolution on Instagram Follow Dee on Twitter Dee on Facebook Dee on YouTube Ultimate Sales Machine - Chet Holmes Deep Work - Cal Newport Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Morning routines are one of my favorite things and I believe they've been foundational to everything in my life, including relationships, my personal life, my health and wellness, and my business. In today's episode, I share tools and tips for how to construct the perfect morning routine for you. These are tools that I've found to help me and I believe will be useful for you, too. I call this my 4-part toolkit for crafting a morning routine. “I started doing my morning routines even before I started my business. This was something that helped me feel grounded, helped me feel more like me every single day, and I'm really grateful that I found this.” In this episode Avani talks about: Limiting your phone use before you start your day. How gratitude can help cast positive energy into your mornings. Things that you want to learn in the morning vs. those you don't. 1. Clearing Clear all of that “gunk” out of your brain. This can include negative self-talk, thought patterns, bad dreams, etc. It all builds up. To clear it out, I like to journal and get it all out on paper. The act of writing it down gets it out of my head so I can move on with my day. 2. Grounding To ground yourself, I suggest a few things. Meditation is a great place to start. Once you get comfortable with meditation, it's good to just sit in the quiet without being on your phone. Movement is also a great way to ground yourself. This could be walking your dog, yoga, making tea or coffee, anything that can help you move. 3. Casting Casting is a way to get new and invigorating energy into your mind and life. You can do this by practicing gratitude, affirmations to yourself, future pacing in your journal, and being sure to sink into the feelings you want for the day. Visualization is also part of the casting process. 4. Learning Find a way to put good back into your mind in the morning. I suggest avoiding the news, NPR, and other things that may put negative imagery or energy into your life. However, podcasts or books that can provide ideas or positive energy are a great way to start your day. Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

There's a lot of noise out there on the internet about how we can attract clients to our freelance business. Most of the advice out there is focused on posting a certain type of content on social media or creating complex automated email campaigns. The problem is that most of the time these strategies don't work, especially if we don't have the right audience or a large enough audience. In this episode, we'll talk about some actionable tips that you can follow in order to grow your own client base, and lay out the exact client attraction strategy that I use in my own business to keep my client pipeline full. “The number one question you should be asking your potential client is, “How can I support you?” This question makes them feel like you truly care about them beyond your own bottom line.” In this episode Avani talks about: Making sure you have the right audience for your business. Recognizing your clients as actual people with wants, dreams, and needs. The importance of reaching out and maintaining a relationship. 1. Make a list Think of everyone you've ever worked with: colleagues, old bosses, classmates, friends, people you met at conferences, etc. Write them all down or put them into a spreadsheet. Fill in as much information as you have, including email addresses and phone numbers. 2. Reach out Using your list from step one, start reaching out to everyone. The most effective method for the initial outreach is either via phone call or text. Even if people don't respond right away, they're more likely to check their text messages or voicemails compared to emails. 3. Keep in touch Once you're in touch with people on your list, ask them out for coffee or lunch. Or ask them about their lives and how you can support their work. This will mean a lot to potential clients and is helpful for creating meaningful relationships before you even work together. 4. Make it a habit Make it a habit to stay in touch with the people on your list. Text them after your lunch date or wish them a happy birthday. Don't be afraid to become their friend. Even if they don't become a client right away, they will think of you if needs come up or if they know someone looking for a referral. Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Today I got to sit down with Jonathan Stark, the go-to resource for helping you transition from hourly pricing to fixed pricing as a solo freelancer. Jonathan has been in software consulting for 15 years and he's an expert in helping people improve their freelance business by moving away from an hourly billing model. He's written several books on the topic and has several podcasts where he talks about this topic as well. If you find yourself stuck in the same salary year in, year out, it's because you're charging hourly and putting a cap on your earnings. If you raise your hourly rates, you may lose some clients and it becomes a harder sell. The remedy is to move to project-based billing where your earning potential suddenly becomes limitless. In this episode, we get into the exact details of how to make this transition. We also talk about how we can satisfy customers and build long-term relationships while also making more money. "Retainer work is just not selling time, you're selling your expertise. It's your brains, not your hands. So, you just make yourself available and if they don't use, they don't use you. " In this episode Jonathan and Avani talk about: How hourly billing opens you up to more direct competition with your competitors. Strategies for how to gauge what your fixed rate should be. How to sell your expertise instead of your time. Main Takeaways Hourly billing has become the default way freelancers operate. However, this forces clients to focus on your rate instead of your expertise. When you offer a fixed price for your services, customers will know exactly what they're getting into, and won't feel pressured to micro-manage. Giving them a price they can count on also helps build long-term relationships. When you start with a fixed price, it gives you the incentive to get that work done as quickly as possible, without cutting corners, to make the most profit from the job. Fixed-price retainers are a great way to build a steady income you can count on. Links Value Pricing Bootcamp Jonathan Stark's Website Hourly Billing Is Nuts [Book] The Freelancer's Roadmap [Book] Ditching Hourly [Podcast] The Business of Authority [Podcast] Jonathan on Twitter Win Without Pitching - Blair Enns Pricing Creativity - Blair Enns Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Whether you've left your job or you're planning on leaving your job, becoming the CEO of your own business is an important topic to cover, and is one that often gets left out of the discussion when talking about pursuing a freelance career. When you're a CEO, you have to be the one calling the shots and being the visionary. This is not an easy thing to do as a freelancer because you often work alone. It is, however, an essential part of ensuring that you drive the direction of your career rather than slipping back into the routine you had when you were employed by someone else. In today's episode, we'll discuss four steps that will push you closer to becoming the CEO of your business. “You started a business to have flexibility, to have ownership, but to also grow yourself. In order for all of those things to happen, we need to become the CEO of our business.” In this episode Avani talks about: What becoming the CEO of your own company means for you. How simple planning can drastically shift the pace of your business. How you can step into the role of CEO. 1. Planning your week At the beginning of every week, you should plan out the three big things that you want to get done and prioritize them. 2. Block time in your calendar If you don't physically block out the time in your calendar to get these items done, all of your time is going to be taken up by meetings, team members, and other things on your mind. Fill your calendar with your priorities first and then backfill with other items as they come up. 3. Motivation Understand and connect to your “why”. Why did you leave your job? Why are you doing what you're doing? If you can plug into your “why”, motivation is going to come easier. 4. Have a way to step into your CEO mindset Stepping into this mindset helps you to level up mentally and it gives you confidence. My favorite way to do this is with morning affirmations in my journal. Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Being an entrepreneur can be challenging. There are perks and rewards to being your own boss, but it's not always a walk in the park. Sometimes it can be just plain hard. However, it's important to remember that we're in control of our businesses, and the reason it starts to feel hard is because we're focusing too much on the little things. That said, in today's episode I talk about five things that instantly get me excited about my business so that you can feel amazed by what you're doing as well. This is a way to remember that even though it's hard, we can still feel great about what we're doing and the path we're on. “It is such an empowering thought to realize that that responsibility means that you also have the power to make changes. This makes you realize that anything you want to do in your life starts with you.” In this episode Avani talks about: What being “at cause” is and how you can use it to reshape your life. Reminding yourself of the things that make you love your job. The importance of gratitude in your life's direction. 1. Remember that you are at cause Being at cause is greater than being in effect. When you are at cause, you are the reason your life is the way it is. You have the control to make your life better. 2. Ask yourself what you're proud of List out the things that you're proud of. This is important because it lets you see how far you've come, and celebrate that moment. 3. Make a bliss list Make a list of 10 things that your business has allowed you to do in the last year that you wouldn't have been able to do otherwise. Let yourself appreciate where this job has taken you. 4. Do something on your bliss list Look at the 10 items on your bliss list and pick one to do again or to start with. It will help remind you of how good you've got it, and it will remind you of your job's advantages. 5. Practice gratitude Once you look at the world from a place of gratitude, you can do so many things in any situation. You'll be grateful for what you have, and being grateful makes you feel even happier about your life. Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Over the last six weeks, I've been doing a lot of internal work. This process has involved a lot of thinking about what I'm doing, what I want to do, and how I plan to shift things as I move forward in this new year. A lot can happen in a year, so today's episode is about how I'll be focusing my business in 2020. Making these decisions has involved a lot of conversations, a lot of reading, and a lot of listening. Just making the decisions and getting them out there to you all makes me feel excited and reinvigorated about my business. Getting them out there also serves as a point of accountability for me, which will be an essential part of keeping me focused this year. “My year is going to be rich in my relationships and the people that I help and I'm going to have fun doing it.” In this episode Avani talks about: How her business improved in 2019. The focus allows her to more quickly build up certain aspects of her business. What she wants to accomplish through her business in 2020. 3 Things I'm Focusing on in 2020 1. Miriyala Strategy and Design MSD is my consulting business. In 2020, I am focusing on this in order to impact not only my clients, but my clients' clients. This is a priority for me. 2. Six-Figure Freelancer Podcast This podcast is one of my favorite ways to share with you what I'm learning. It's my way of giving you any sort of “cheat codes” that might be helpful in your own business. 3. 1-on-1 Coaching This will be the only way to get strategy coaching with me this year. I'm putting my Client Attraction Method in the vault for now. (No need to worry if this is a service you currently have access to.) Stay in touch Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

I am thrilled that we've made it to episode 200 of Six Figure Freelancer and I'm glad that I get to celebrate it with all of you. In 2018, when I first wanted to start the podcast, I thought of putting it off for a more convenient time, but I'm happy that I was convinced to start when I had the thought. And here we are 200 episodes later. In this episode, I want to talk about 10 things that I've learned throughout these two years and 200 episodes of podcasting. Whether this gives you the nudge you need to start your own, or is just a fun way to recap everything you've heard over the last 200 episodes, I'm glad you're here. "If you have this nudge, this inkling to do something like this (or anything, for that matter), it's there for a reason. Don't be afraid to take action. " In this episode we talk about: What pushed me to first start my own podcast. The importance of keeping your podcast honest. The impact of gratitude on me and my podcast. 10 things I've learned from podcasting 1. It doesn't have to be perfect Making mistakes is human and there's no need to get hung up on them. What's important is that the information is valuable and pertinent. 2. Practice makes you better After practicing on the podcast, it has become easier to communicate and to articulate thoughts. And the episodes continue to improve because of it. 3. It's OK to take breaks Taking breaks to help recharge is helpful for generating new ideas and fresh content. It's also great to know that you, the listeners, are understanding of this aspect of the podcast. 4. Let content be easy Content doesn't have to be hard to come up with. In fact, it can be built on passing thoughts that you have during day-to-day life. 5. Consistency We all know how important consistency is, but it's worth repeating. The consistent growth of the podcast is related to the consistent output of the podcast. 6. Use systems Take advantage of the various systems you can use to make podcasting easier on yourself. You don't need to know how to do everything, just who to go to. 7. Experimentation Podcasting is a great format for sharing ideas, but it's also great for testing different ideas that you'd like to share and talk about. 8. Be honest about the good and bad People will use your podcast to learn and you can't learn unless you know the source is trustworthy. Being a trustworthy source and helping people to grow can have an amazing ripple effect. 9. You won't always be motivated It's easy to lose sight of why you want to podcast, which can make you feel unmotivated. In those instances, dig deeper and recognize that you could be changing lives through the things you say. 10. Gratitude Interacting with the gratitude you, as listeners, give is encouraging and helps influence the podcast to be the best that it possibly can be. Links Podcast Royale — Done-For-You Podcast Production and Marketing Stay in touch Get The Client Magnet Roadmap Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

In the past year, I went through a time where I felt like I had come to an endpoint in my learning. Whether it was my ego protecting me from taking on too much or just my packed schedule in general, I foolishly believed I had learned all there was to know about my craft and business. Though I previously believed I was a growth mindset person, I found myself in a place with a fixed mindset that was limiting me from moving forward in my life and in my business. In today's episode I want to share some tips for how you can access your growth mindset even if you're currently in a fixed mindset. And even if you do have a growth mindset, these tips are helpful reminders that can deepen your commitment to growth. “I still sometimes have a limiting mindset. But we are all human. There are new things that we're uncovering and learning and we're always going to have so much more to learn.” In this episode we talk about: Forming good learning habits. Surrounding yourself with the right individuals and opportunities to help you be more growth-minded. Using mistakes to help you learn and expand. 6 tips to access your growth mindset 1. Make learning as easy as possible for you We live in an era where you can access a lot of information from your fingertips. Whether it's audiobooks, podcasts, or reaching out to those you admire, there's always new information available. Take advantage of this and learn in the way that suits you best. 2. Learn daily Make it a habit or routine to learn something new. This could be with podcasts or audiobooks as well, but it should be regular. Making it a daily habit will ensure that you're always learning and tapping into your growth mindset. 3. Commit to at least one in-person event per year Going to events or conferences can help invigorate your learning. By meeting new people and connecting, you get access to different viewpoints and thought processes that help engage your brain. 4. Surround yourself with growth mindset people The people you surround yourself with will influence who you are and who you will become. If you surround yourself with fixed mindset people, you will be in a fixed mindset with them and won't feel propelled forward. 5. Create space for growth Plan time in your day to open up your mind for growth. You can do this through meditation, journaling, or whatever helps you to relax and find that whitespace. You need to have an open mind that's free of distraction to help you engage with new material. 6. Embrace mistakes It's easy to desire perfection, but that can ultimately keep you stagnant. If you are willing to make mistakes, you open yourself up to more opportunities for growth. Links Liz White Mindset: The New Psychology of Success - Carol Dweck James Wedmore - Mind Your Business Jim Kwik - Kwik Brain Stay in touch Get The Client Magnet Roadmap Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

In today's episode, I talk with Andrea Collins. Andrea is a former national radio host and is now a freelance voiceover artist making a six-figure income. Andrea spent close to 13 years in radio and television before going out on her own. And over the past year, she's been building her business from the ground up. It has been an exciting and scary time all at once, so Andrea dug in to freelancing as a way to ‘layoff-proof' her job. She didn't want to be subjected to the whims of the tumultuous media industry. She started with some podcast consulting and had a few other channels, when voiceover work started to produce some good results. She leaned into it and found resources that allowed her to audition for many jobs each day, and ultimately was able to create a replicable business model. If you are someone who's been on the fence about freelancing, or don't know how to begin, this is the perfect episode for you. “When people are starting out they think that they need to have had a lot of work to show. They rush out and buy the services of very expensive people online. Whether that's really expensive coaching programs with multiple sessions or fancy acting classes or a really expensive microphone. But they don't need any of that to get started.” In this episode Avani and Andrea talk about: The world of voiceover and how to get into it. The audition process for voiceover work. How to retain past clients with vocal work. Main Takeaways Make sure what you're doing is viable before you buy all the tools and equipment. Branch out and see what sticks first. In the world of voiceover, you won't win every audition, but you'll be able to learn from your mistakes and get better during the next audition. Working from home provides a certain flexibility to your job, but it also adds another layer of responsibility to the work that you do and the timelines you need to meet. Being able to retain your relationships with past clients allows you to have more regular work. It can be beneficial to give clients deals to incentivize retention. Links Voices.com Freelancer.com Andrea's website Andrea's Instagram Stay in touch Get The Client Magnet Roadmap Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Being able to win clients without having to give them a pitch is such a helpful tactic to use when running a business. I want to share these strategies because it's how I've been able to close almost all of the clients I talk to. In this episode, I'll share all of the details and tactics I use to close client deals without ever having to do a traditional sales pitch. “You should have tons of questions, and make sure they're useful questions. Do your research beforehand. Find the things you don't need, see if some of those questions are answered online, and then bring everything else to the table.” In this episode Avani talks about: The dos and don'ts of talking to clients about your services. How to quickly establish rapport. The importance of a potential client's goals. 7 Strategies to win over clients without a pitch 1. Take the lead As soon as you introduce yourself to a potential client, don't be afraid to set the agenda and dive in. Doing this helps demonstrate your knowledge on the subject and makes you look like a clear professional. 2. Immediately build rapport Rapport is the feeling of liking and trusting. You can get into it by mirroring and matching the tone of a potential client and signal subconsciously that the two of you are alike. 3. Uncover goals quickly Understanding the potential client's goals gives you a “North Star” that you can point to in conversation with them. If you keep leading them to their goals, you position yourself as an expert. 4. Spend 90% of your time in diagnostic mode Ask lots of questions. You can come up with your own ideas later. This is the time where you can figure out how to best help them by asking them anything. 5. Use the word “we” instead of “you” By using the word “we”, you subconsciously tell your potential client that you are already on the same team and that you're already working together. 6. Stop presenting, start collaborating When presenting, it's easy to get caught up the moment without actually solving the client's needs. By collaborating, you can make sure you are still centered on the client's goals. 7. Don't send presentations as proposals Presentations can get long and normally don't get to the point right away. Clients want to have a one-page paper saying what you'll do and how much you want them to pay. Links Win Without Pitching Stay in touch Get The Client Magnet Roadmap Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

This episode goes behind the scenes to share some things that I'm doing to dive into the next five to 10 years ahead of me. For me and my business, it's always top of mind to be looking forward to make sure what I'm doing today aligns with where I want to be in the future. Learning to cast your vision is important for the future. When we plan out for the next week, we need to know where we're going. Why should it be any different when we plan years in advance? This is the essential thinking behind the process of casting your vision and we dive deep into the process in this episode. “How do I know what I should be doing next year if I don't know where I want to be in 10 years? I need to take the time to map what that looks like and then work backwards to make sure my actions are in alignment with what it is I want ultimately in my life.” In this episode Avani talks about: The effects casting your vision can have on your future. Where she wants to be in 2025. How you can also plan ahead to find the best outcome for you. Main Takeaways It is important to have an idea of where you're headed, even if it isn't super specific. List the feelings you want to feel and let that energize you to the point of achieving your goals. Even if you make a mistake on the way to where you want to be, you're able to learn from that and it will still be valuable to you. Every step will open opportunities for you and bring you to where you need to be at the right time. Links The Vortex - Esther and Jerry Hicks The Power - Rhonda Byrne The Untethered Soul - Michael A. Singer Stay in touch Get The Client Magnet Roadmap Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Mental shifts are the key to making big moves in business. The strategies and tactics are great, but they're not going to make a difference unless you've put yourself into that mental space where you need to be. If you get yourself in the right mindset, and continue to practice that, everything else falls in line almost effortlessly. It's amazing being able to watch that unfold in your own business. “I'm constantly looking to level up. I'm constantly looking to become a better version of me, for myself, for my family, for my husband and for my team, and my clients.” In this episode Avani talks about: Shifting your mindset to become the best version of yourself. James Clear's Be-Do-Have framework. How to tell yourself who you are and where you want to be in the future. 1. Daily affirmations These are “I am…” statements that affirm who you want to be. You can journal these, say them aloud, or any other way that helps you to tell yourself what you want to be. 2. Future pacing This is similar to affirmations, but they're more long-form. Where would you like to see yourself in the future? What are the details? Speak life into the life you want for yourself. 3. Associate with the right people Hang around the people who are where you'd like to be someday. Grab coffee with them. Or if you can't do that, listen to their podcasts and read their blog posts. Be a learner. 4. Have rapid subconscious shifts You may need to do this with a coach or someone certified, but you need to get into your subconscious mind rapidly to get to the root of your struggles and have major breakthroughs. If you need help, you can reach me at the website linked below. Links Atomic Habits by James Clear Liz White's Website Follow Liz White on Instagram Avani's Breakthrough Sessions Stay in touch Get The Client Magnet Roadmap Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn

Tracy Timm is the founder of Nth Degree Career Academy, and a career coach who works with individuals and organizations who want to realize their full potential, do work they love, and make an impact at the same time. She has a fascinating story that I'm excited to share with you in today's episode. In a way, Tracy was her own first client. She found herself in a place of misery with her job, wondering every day if this was all there was to life. She tolerated the job because she was making money and achieving some level of success (at least on the outside). Eventually she decided it was time to quit. And the process she worked through is the same one she now uses with clients. The steps she took to figure out what she really wanted and turn that into a profitable business became a blueprint she could use to help others do the same. Tracy and I related on so many levels in this episode. It was great to hear how she helps people redefine their lives so they can chase success. This is the perfect episode for anyone working a nine-to-five, looking to turn their side hustle into a future business. “Nothing is wasted unless you waste it. So if you're in a job right now and you feel the inkling to do something different, I would invite you to consider that.” In this episode Tracy talks about: Her journey from a nine-to-five employee to a business owner. Her three-phase career clarity strategy. The importance of being able to define a niche in your career. Main Takeaways Understand that it's ok to quit. If you're looking for a sign about when to quit, that's a good enough sign in and of itself that you should quit. Don't let someone else's definition of success define you. While building your business, don't use a side hustle as your main form of income. Instead, start using your free time to grow your business and treat that as your side hustle. Learn how to grow where you're planted. Figure out how you can get all that you possibly can out of the current situation you're in before moving on to something bigger. Learn how to understand the value of your previous experiences. Discover your true value, define your unique niche of genius, and then drive your career forward. Links Brendan Buchard - Why to QUIT Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Tracy's diagram for this episode Tracy's Website Tracy's Email Follow Tracy on Instagram Follow Tracy on Twitter Stay in touch Get The Client Magnet Roadmap Follow Avani on Twitter Follow Avani on Instagram Follow Avani on LinkedIn