Podcast appearances and mentions of frankie tortora

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from strategy and planning specialist Sophie Greenwood. She says:“Hi Frankie & Steve,I'm writing this while feeding my baby in a sensory room. True story!Anyway, I'm going to be rebranding and renaming my business in the autumn, and wondered if you had any advice for what steps I could take between now and then to make it land with a bang? The rebrand has already been done with a designer (Mad About The Brand) — it's all ready. I just want to make sure it cuts through the noise and makes some waves.I'm also coming back from maternity leave very soon — so it's all a lot of change at once!Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Sophie Greenwood's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi•••This episode is supported by With Jack.With Jack protects sole traders and limited companies on the high seas of freelancing so you're free to navigate uncharted territories and fish for amazing projects. With Jack is all about insurance for freelance creatives. Simple. That doesn't mean more forms or faff — it means less. It's not about endless features and stale service — it's about one solid policy and the personal touch.With Jack is a trading style of Ashley Baxter Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register.https://withjack.co.uk/why-do-i-need-insurance/

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous. They say:“I'm subcontracting on a project with a fellow freelancer. I like them, and working with them has been great. The project however, has been anything but. The clients are difficult, their working patterns don't fit with mine, and their constant changes have added to our workload many times.My question is —How do I maintain my relationship with the freelancer (with the hope of working with them again) while telling them that I don't want to do phase two of the project? I only signed up for phase one, but the client is acting as though phase two is a done deal, so I need to extricate myself without the other freelancer feeling like I've left them in the lurch! Help!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi•••This episode is supported by With Jack.With Jack protects sole traders and limited companies on the high seas of freelancing so you're free to navigate uncharted territories and fish for amazing projects. With Jack is all about insurance for freelance creatives. Simple. That doesn't mean more forms or faff — it means less. It's not about endless features and stale service — it's about one solid policy and the personal touch.With Jack is a trading style of Ashley Baxter Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register.https://withjack.co.uk/why-do-i-need-insurance/

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous. They say:“How do you tell clients ‘I don't want to attend that bloody meeting'!? I know meetings are needed (could have been an email though!) but my clients are now adding me to monthly all staff meetings, staff outings etc. I don't even think all the staff realise I'm a freelancer?? It just ties up so much of my time and I also don't actually care about holidays/xmas dos etc as I'M SELF EMPLOYED. Help!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi•••This episode is supported by With Jack.With Jack protects sole traders and limited companies on the high seas of freelancing so you're free to navigate uncharted territories and fish for amazing projects. With Jack is all about insurance for freelance creatives. Simple. That doesn't mean more forms or faff — it means less. It's not about endless features and stale service — it's about one solid policy and the personal touch.With Jack is a trading style of Ashley Baxter Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register.https://withjack.co.uk/why-do-i-need-insurance/

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous. They say:“Hi Frankie and Steve,I was asked by an organisation recently how much I'd charge to redesign a publication they produce three times a year, with a view to then designing that along with other publications for them going forward.Problem is, I sent the price in and now I'm convincing myself I've undercharged for the amount of work it will be… Kicking myself for letting the imposter syndrome voices in.What would you do? Suck it up because it's your mistake, or go back to them and correct yourself so you don't kick yourself each time you work on it (providing I get the job)? Have you ever revised a quote after sending it?Thanks!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi•••This episode is supported by With Jack.With Jack protects sole traders and limited companies on the high seas of freelancing so you're free to navigate uncharted territories and fish for amazing projects. With Jack is all about insurance for freelance creatives. Simple. That doesn't mean more forms or faff — it means less. It's not about endless features and stale service — it's about one solid policy and the personal touch.With Jack is a trading style of Ashley Baxter Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register.https://withjack.co.uk/why-do-i-need-insurance/

In this episode, I chat with Frankie Tortora, the founder of the Doing it for the Kids community and fellow graphic designer and podcaster! Frankie shares her experiences, challenges, and rewards in building a thriving community for freelancing parents and, as I'm sure you'd expect, is super honest about some of the harsh realities of it. Whether you're considering starting a membership or a community, this episode is a really juicy deep dive into what it takes to do it. Key Takeaways: Building a community is not as easy as it looks; it requires a lot of emotional labor and dedication. It is important to differentiate between building a community and building an audience, as they are not the same. Engaging with the community and modeling desired behavior is crucial for creating a positive and supportive environment. Dealing with churn is one of the biggest challenges of running a community. The rewards of building a community, such as seeing members connect and support each other, are invaluable. Episode Highlights: 01:47 Frankie's Journey: From Freelancer to Community Builder 04:09 Challenges and Triumphs of Managing a Growing Community 07:17 Transitioning to a Paid Community Model  09:52 Understanding the Difference Between Community and Audience 22:06 Balancing Community Management with Freelance Work  About the Guest: Frankie Tortora is the founder of the Doing it for the Kids community, an award-winning podcast, and a graphic designer. Community Website: doingitforthekids.net Graphic Design Website: francescatortora.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ftortora Mentioned in the Episode: Circle (community platform) Penny Wincer (writer) Steve Folland (co-host of the "Doing it for the Kids" podcast and founder of the Being Freelance community) End Credits: I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk ) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous. They say:“Dear Frankie and Steve,A retainer client of mine gave notice over the weekend (her business is quiet and she can't afford to keep us on) but it's got me thinking and feeling a bit stuck.I feel like *something is going to happen* — like a shift is coming? — but I can't quite put my finger on it or work it out, and I've decided I want to do this myself rather than doing some coaching etc.I suppose my question is… What do you and Steve do when you feel like this? Do you ever feel like this??Any tips or advice for working things out on your own?Thanks!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi•••This episode is supported by With Jack.With Jack protects sole traders and limited companies on the high seas of freelancing so you're free to navigate uncharted territories and fish for amazing projects. With Jack is all about insurance for freelance creatives. Simple. That doesn't mean more forms or faff — it means less. It's not about endless features and stale service — it's about one solid policy and the personal touch.With Jack is a trading style of Ashley Baxter Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register.https://withjack.co.uk/why-do-i-need-insurance/

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Don Burns aka Anonymous. They say:“Hi Frankie and Steve!I have a childcare question for you…With our first born, we never considered putting her in nursery. I reduced my hours at my (employed) job and my partner and I shared looking after her by working alternate days.This time around I'm self-employed, and with my partner now working 5 days a week, I'm only able to work after 4pm which is really hard. I'm getting work done, but it's incredibly difficult to get motivated to work at that time.Our youngest is now 2 and therefore qualifies for the 15 ‘free' hours a week. But we both feel incredibly guilty about thinking of using a nursery, even for a couple of afternoons a week. I personally feel like I'm being selfish, because we are making it work at the moment without formal childcare, and the number 1 reason we'd put him in a nursery would be so I can work during the day a bit more.Sooo, can I have your pros and cons for using paid-for childcare when you're in a situation like mine? When you don't NEED to.Thank youPs. I'd like a detective name please”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Katie Beardsley — Owner at Willow & Woods, Life of Sprout, and And Other Memories:Katie says: “Hi Frankie & Steve,I'm at a stage with my business where I know what I want to be doing and where it is going, but I need to get myself out there more. With 3 young kids, 3 small businesses, a dog and a tortoise... I don't need to tell you, but I really don't have the time to be doing the marketing that I need to be doing. Especially as I am useless at it and don't really know what I'm doing! So I'm thinking about hiring some PR help but this doesn't come cheap. I'm sitting on the fence, umming and ahhing over it because I know that I *can* do it myself, but I don't want to get it wrong. But I also don't want to spend money on something that might not work (which has happened in the past). So after my very long intro — my question is this:How do you know when the right time to be spending money on a business is? Are there certain markers I should be reaching financially, or audience wise before I consider signing up to what is likely to be a minimum 3-month contract? What do I do? My brain is going round and round in circles!Thanks,Katie”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Willow and Woods websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous.They say…“I'm struggling to get back into the rhythm of creating content consistently.This isn't just an after-Christmas thing, this is an after-the-summer-last-year thing.I used to create every week without fail and I know people like what I do. And I even know it made a difference to my business, but I struggled with even once a month for the second half of the year.What do you think? How can I get my making mojo back?”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.•••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from graphic designer Kiemia Farrow.Kiemia says: “Hi Frankie and Steve!I've been full-time freelance since 2020 (brave or stupid one month into a global pandemic?? You decide) and now have over 15 years of agency, in-house and freelance experience behind me.I charge by the hour and have some fabulous clients who trust the process and appreciate the timesheets I keep when I invoice them at the end of the month.I never quote up front, in fact, I refuse to do so because I am so bad at working out how long projects might take…!However, my question is — how do I know what my hourly rate should be? I never hear *anyone* discuss their hourly rate, and I am finding it quite a challenge to figure out if I am ‘doing it right' or not?I currently charge £50 an hour for existing clients, and all new clients I have moved to a new rate of £65 an hour. I have had no one complain or question it, I have not lost a client from it, but at the same time, I don't want to run the risk of losing a client or scaring away potential new clients if I am wayyyyyy off the mark in terms of pricing.How is everyone working this stuff out??Thank you for the fabulous work you both do, keep it up!Kiemia”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Kiemia Farrow's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi 

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Louise Jenkins who supports women with their transition into motherhood, and develops and facilitates workshops in partnership with organisations working to end violence against women and girls.Louise says: “Hi Frankie & Steve,With Wildling now at school, technically I have ‘more time' available to me spread out over a full week.*Chokes on tea because we all know ‘more time' is bullsh*t — have you seen the amount of school-related admin there is?!*Anyway. So far so good. But I need help managing this newfound time, and how to make the ‘best' of it I suppose? I'm battling with setting boundaries, and how to approach and commit to new or potential partners/clients, as well as finding space for MYSELF too.I'm slowly finding a groove. But would love to know how you and everybody in DIFTK found this shift?Thanks! Louise”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Louise Jenkins' websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from graphic designer Ange Lyons.Ange says: “Hi Frankie & Steve!Do you think it's possible to market yourself as a freelancer in 2024 without using social media? Particularly if you *hate* showing your face?Thanks! Ange”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Ange Lyons' websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from marketing consultant Ayo Abbas.Ayo says: “Hi Frankie & Steve,It's tough out there right now — what do you think is the quickest way freelancers can make something happen in terms of winning work?Thanks, Ayo”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Ayo Abbas' websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

Today I am joined by the fabulous Frankie Tortora, a freelance graphic designer and the brains behind Doing it For the Kids! ❤️ In this episode I get to hear first hand what it's like to be a freelance parent as Frankie  shares her journey and how it led to the creation of a thriving online community and award winning podcast!

Today I am joined by the fabulous Frankie Tortora, a freelance graphic designer and the brains behind Doing it For the Kids! ❤️ In this episode I get to hear first hand what it's like to be a freelance parent as Frankie  shares her journey and how it led to the creation of a thriving online community and award winning podcast!

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from wedding florist Esme Ford.Esme says: “Hi Frankie & Steve!I am giving a 10 minute talk next week and I need your help.Public speaking is something I never do, so I had a little practice and filmed myself doing my talk and my voice is soooooo wishy washy. I hate it when I ‘ummm' a lot so try to actively pause instead, but then the flow of the talk is all wrong?I just feel like my voice has no authority!How do you both make your voice sound so clear and confident? Have you always been good at speaking or have you just improved with time?Thanks!Esme”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Esme Ford's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this special episode to celebrate ONE YEAR of Women's Business I've invited back my first ever guest – the one and only Frankie Tortora – to do a review of the year with me, pulling out some themes that have come up, got us all thinking, and sparked brilliant discussions.   Frankie acts as both host and guest, picking the topics (out of her sparkly unicorn hat!) and discussing them all with me, sharing her personal experiences and stories, while I share my insight and highlights from the last 30 episodes of the podcast – what I've learnt, what I've loved, and what's really stayed with me. Topics covered include: Mental Load Career Trauma  Careers Advice  Multi-Hyphen Careers Measures of Success A massive THANK YOU if you've listened to any episode this year. Year two here we go! Find Frankie and everything to do with her work, her community, and her brilliant podcast for freelance parents here.  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here. You can subscribe to my Substack for deep dive essays on some of our discussions here. ------------------- Thank you so much to Wild for sponsoring this episode - it's the only deodorant brand I use and it really works, so they are my dream partners.  Wild is the UK's number 1 natural deodorant company featuring a fully sustainable design and recyclable refills.  They've also recently launched a luxe 100% plastic free body wash which I love – it comes in an aluminium case with compostable refills.  Use code WOMENSBUSINESS for 30% off sitewide. Go wild!

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Babs Harris aka Anonymous.“I work with corporate clients around workshop facilitation and keynote speaking. My question is around pricing transparency. I am finding that I am getting lots of enquiries (which I am very grateful for!). Most of the time I respond via email with my fees and the potential client doesn't have the budget. I would say this happens three quarters of the time. My fees are probably higher than average but I'm happy with the price point and the value I offer and I have lots of repeat clients that I work with closely. It's not a major admin task to respond to each enquiry individually but collectively over a month or so it can take up quite a bit of time. So I am looking at reviewing how I do things. I'm keen to understand what others do and why. Do they: 1. Display prices on your website? 2. Send fees in response to an enquiry, prior to setting up a meeting with the potential client? 3. Meet with the potential client first and then send prices after? Which approach do you think is best for maximising revenue, building relationships but also protecting time?"What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Roxanne Maxwell aka Anonymous.She says…“I had a situation recently where I responded to somebody who I know really well offering to help me with something. I said yes, appreciated the service they did for me and I paid them for that service.Afterwards, they asked if I'd be happy to give a testimonial and I said, ‘sure — how about you draft something and I'll tweak it?' They sent me something. I tweaked their words so it was more like me and shortened it so it wasn't so gushy because… you know how some services just go the extra mile and they're brilliant and you were wax lyrical about them because you loved them so much? Well, this wasn't one of those situations. But nor was it a shit service. It was just… bang for your buck type stuff.Since then my endorsement has been used as a propeller for this particular service in online spaces and it's just made me feel really uncomfortable.It's made me really think about how we ask people for testimonials, but also, how we use those testimonials and how that lands with the person we've asked. Now I know it's really important to get testimonials, and I know it's really important to bang our own drums and promote ourselves — but is there a way to do that without making the people we've asked feel icky?I mean, should have I said — ‘happy for you to use this, but could you not plaster it everywhere, everyday, for 50 weeks of the year?!' (which is how it feels at the moment) Because, if I'm honest, this experience is going to make me reluctant to give testimonials in the future and I would hate for any of my clients to feel like that.”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from project management expert Nina Lenton.Nina says: “As well as my work as a freelance project director and manager, I have a blog on the subject of everyday joy (in life and work), which I write on every now and then.  I'd like to do more with it, but am afraid I could easily spend all of my time doing that instead of paid work, which of course isn't really sensible!How do people who have similar side projects (blog, podcast etc) manage to balance it with paid work (or even manage to get paid something for doing the side project)?”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Nina Lenton's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Lametta Truffleballs AKA Anonymous.They say…“Hi Frankie & Steve,I see a lot of freelancers ‘doing good' with their business, donating x % to the planet or to another good cause. I really like this idea, but — with two small children, one of which is still in a private nursery — I feel like I just don't have the spare money to do this? Should I just suck it up and do it anyway??Help!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Colin Parks AKA Anonymous.They say…“Hi Frankie and SteveI've worked for a company (employed) for over 12 years. It's grown from 50 people to a 5,000+ strong agency.I work with digital technology as an Account Director and I've managed some decent clients. My key skills are listening to, understanding and challenging client requirements, and then translating them into actionable, achievable outcomes. I have the soft skills of technology, but I don't code. I'm now fed up with the increasing internal hierarchy, unnecessary process bollocks and the required emphasis on being seen to do things (like PowerPoint decks) rather than actually achieving valuable outcomes for clients.Anyway, I'm currently on 3 months of gardening leave so I have some time to plan my goals, brush up on skills, and, of course, do some gardening…Ultimately, I want to go freelance, but I don't want to be known as a “C” word (Consultant) as I intend to actually roll my sleeves up and do work such as designing Proof of Concepts, helping their development teams and deciding on the right technology.What advice can you give someone wanting to go freelance when it's about services and outcomes rather than outputs? That is, I don't create, say, graphics or videos. Instead, I help clients define their problems and investigate solutions. Any thoughts? Thanks, Colin”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Grace Abell, designer at Abell Design — a brand and digital creative studio.She says…“To cut a long story short — I'm a seasoned freelancer who is just getting back into working evenings as I'm caring for twins during the day.My problem is this: As I do not have the capacity for project work, I'm now taking on small tasks from one agency whose fingers are in many pies. I have a set of ethical views which are privately held. These tend to overlap with what this client does, but not always. Therefore, I need some tips on turning down work on topics which are icky for me personally, but aren't icky for other people. The client always asks “are you available?” and doesn't usually disclose what the task is. This kind of work is often under NDA. I'm just very scared I'll agree to a job based on my availability, then the content will arrive in my inbox and I'll have to turn it down there and then. I've considered writing my list of no-gos in a contract, but then I don't really want my views to be known by every client. I'm not ashamed of my opinions — I just think it's more professional and mature to keep them to myself. What do you think?”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Abell Design websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Emma Roberts, director at Social Qual.Emma says:“You know when you stumble upon someone fab, and your brain goes ‘ooh, collaboration potential'? Perhaps we meet on LinkedIn and then organise a cuppa or intro call. We chat, we laugh, we bond over work joys and woes... and then we part with that cheerful, 'let's collaborate soon' but then… often our busy lives take over. I'm on both sides of this — an instigator of these types of calls and also someone who people reach out to.    So, I'm wondering...How can we make these cuppa-time conversations transform into actual collabs? Or should we even bother with these sorts of meetings?It feels like I need to be more strategic about which invites I accept and who I reach out to.  The social side of me responds to new folk with a Pavlov-dog response of ‘let's arrange a call' but I'm increasingly feeling a bit unsatisfied with that approach.  Anyone else? How do I get more strategic about these calls without being a nob?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Social Qual websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

To celebrate 100 episodes of DIFTK, Frankie & Steve answer a bunch of quick fire questions! And a HUGE thank you to everybody that has listened, reviewed, sent in a question or a comment. Wouldn't be the same without you. Thank you. •••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Lucy Critchley, founder of Untold Creative Services.Lucy says:“I use Canva A LOT. My clients find it super simple (mostly!) so it just makes sense. I've never learned how to use Illustrator/Photoshop etc but I feel like I should…? I think it would be a good skill to have and could be a benefit to my business in terms of being taken seriously with design/graphics/socials work. But I haven't a clue where to start! Or if it's even a good idea or not. It probably also stems back to being told I wasn't very creative when I was younger… hello imposter syndrome!Any thoughts welcome!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••Untold Creative ServicesFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous, AKA Lotus Vanreisel.Lotus says:“Hello freelance friends!I'd like your opinion on an email I've received from one of my longest and most favourite clients…After months of no work and no contact, she asked me last month if I have any availability in the next few weeks. I said ‘yes' and also told her that my rates had gone up since we last spoke.Here is her reply:"So I'd love to be able to put some work your way but the hourly rate is a bit high — is there any flexibility? I know you don't really do full days because of your daughter. Let me know."This irritates me no end as it implies I should charge less because wI have childcare duties. (I also know she worked part-time and didn't earn much when her kids were younger.)How do you handle situations like these?I'll also add that another long-standing client just asked me for a lot of work over the next couple of months, so while I could fit her in, I don't have an awful lot of availability.Would love your thoughts.Thanks, Lotus”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.•••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from designer, coder and illustrator Andi Best.Andi says:“I can't go on like this — I think I need to give in and ask for help!I am inundated with work and the enquiries keep coming, which is a great problem to have, but I don't know what to do about it.Previously I've mitigated large volumes of work by quoting higher or asserting my unavailability — ultimately turning work away. For a "busy period" that works well, but for the past 6 months I've been consistently (too) busy, and I now accept that I need to try something else. I just don't want to keep saying 'no'.I think I need more resource? I don't want ‘staff' (insurance, sick leave, payroll? No thanks!) but I do want something more robust than the ad-hoc outsourcing I do now.I think I need a firm freelance partnership? Or agency temp?Or similar arrangement?What's holding me back is a lack of trust in an unknown entity (the quality of the work, sharing client credentials etc.) —  ultimately relinquishing control of the work that's getting my name attached to it. And also a fear that their rates will exceed the fees already agreed for the work.Any advice?Thanks, Andi”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.•••Andi Best's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous, AKA Zoe Honeysuckle.Zoe says:“Hi Frankie and Steve,I've been running my own business since May 2020 (with a 5 month old in tow!) and I feel fairly well versed with the peaks and troughs of freelance life.However, over the past few months I've noticed a few clients who are on my smaller packages/retainers drop off because of financial reasons. All good, and all totally understandable.I thought I'd use this new gap in my schedule to put together some new packages and try something a bit different around social media content creation and email marketing (and podcasts!) BUT, one of my existing clients has now asked for more hours and I am torn. I don't know whether to go for it — my client is brilliant and I really like working with them — or say no and protect my new-found time to build something new.I'm nervous that my new packages won't sell in the way I hope, and I don't want to turn down (well paying) work. What would you do? Help!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.•••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from copywriter Lucette Funnell.She says:“I've been approached by a local charity about a volunteer position. I'm interested in what they're doing and definitely feel I could add value. But where on earth would I find the time?!And as a chronic over-thinker who always ends up taking longer than planned to do everything… And who already has a list as long as my arm of things to do for my own business… How would I keep it to just 3-4 hours a week?Will it add value? Or would I be better off working on marketing my business/ exercising/ making lunches that aren't biscuits or toast?”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.• • •A BIG thank you to Patch and The Quick Brown Fox Video Production who supported our meetup in London. About PatchPatch is a new type of workspace and community hub, an accessible and family friendly place to work, discover and meet on the high street. We believe in a better balance for family and our health, in less commuting and more community by combining co-working with culture near to where you live.We are actively expanding across the country and would like to hear from you if you'd like one near you. Head to www.patch.work or check out instagram.com/patchplaces/ About The Quick Brown Fox Video ProductionThe Quick Brown Fox Video Production is a growing video production company based in southwest London with a real love for the carefully crafted moving image. We offer our clients over 20 years of filmmaking and video editing experience combined with creative backgrounds in Architecture and Sound Design.Our social media savvy team can help put your business on the map with engaging video content. We proudly help businesses and organisations tell their story in a captivating way that captures their audience's imagination. Head to www.thequickbrownfox.co.uk for more information.•••Lucette Funnell's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from Sophie Greenwood, founder of Ink & Bear.She says:“I recently invested in a rebrand of an online event that I run (Super Seconds Festival) — I worked with an illustrator (Vicky Hughes) and loved the process from start to finish. I loved setting a brief and having someone else be able to do the work a million times better that I could do it. Now I'm slightly addicted to the idea of getting people to support my business! So, my question is... What's the best thing you've ever invested in / outsourced in your business and what's on your wish list for the future?”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.• • •This episode is supported by AXA Business InsuranceAt AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That's why it's AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered.And while we're making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family.Work hard, insure easy.Visit AXA's Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support.AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.•••Sophie Greenwood's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from artist and illustrator Lisa Callaghan.She says:“As an aspiring creative freelancer, what do you recommend as being the first steps towards generating paid work? How do you get those very first paying clients?I'm already on social media, putting my work out into the world (well, to all of my 25 followers!). I've also looked at platforms like UpWork and haven't found any projects that fit — either they're looking for much more experience than I can offer, or I have what they want but they'd like me to do it for less than minimum wage.Help!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.• • •This episode is supported by AXA Business InsuranceAt AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That's why it's AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered.And while we're making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family.Work hard, insure easy.Visit AXA's Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support.AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.•••Lisa Callaghan's InstagramFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from designer Jason Hunt.He says:“I occasionally get the urge to approach a company who I think are doing their brand absolutely no favours and underselling what I know to be brilliant. I'm a designer, so approach this from a branding and design perspective (though of course their copy might also be shit!)This has never worked, and I rarely even entertain it these days, but I have a company that I am dying to approach as they are brilliant at what they do, have a great and friendly reputation and would even probably have money to spend on all these things. I just can't fathom out for the life of me why they haven't upped their game?Has anyone ever done this (successfully) and do you have any tips on how to write the initial approach to not sound like just a mansplaining twat?”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.• • •This episode is supported by AXA Business InsuranceAt AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That's why it's AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered.And while we're making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family.Work hard, insure easy.Visit AXA's Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support.AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.•••Jason Hunt's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from wedding videographer Charlene McNabb.She says:“Hi Frankie and Steve! Happy New Year!I'm sitting here with a notepad. Two actually. One has my 'to-do' list on it that I created before Christmas (check me out for being super organised). The other has what to prioritise over the next 6 weeks, but here's where the overwhelm has come flooding in.When you're running your own business and need to do ALLLLL the things, how do you prioritise stuff when everything is a priority?The list ranges from loads of paid client work (editing and stuff), to updating the website and portfolio (important, as it's key wedding-planning season), to marketing and SWOT analysis, accounts and even stripping the bloody paint off the stairs.I mean, I'm happy to push that last one back, it's been on the back burner for 8 years now anyway, but still…Do you think you can send some wisdom my way please?Thanks, Charlene”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.• • •This episode is supported by AXA Business InsuranceAt AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That's why it's AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered.And while we're making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family.Work hard, insure easy.Visit AXA's Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support.AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.•••Charlene McNabb's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from website lead generation consultant Tom Garfield.He says:"Are awards worth it?Do you get business from them? Is it worth the effort of entering? Do clients care about them? Should we be applying for as many as we can?! It seems like winning awards is a good idea, but I just don't know what to think."What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.• • •This episode is supported by AXA Business InsuranceAt AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That's why it's AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered.And while we're making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family.Work hard, insure easy.Visit AXA's Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support. AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.•••Tom Garfield's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week me (Frankie Tortora) and him (Steve Folland) have a chat in response to an excellent question from Dex Sorbet AKA Anonymous.They say:“I've worked on two excellent projects for a really high profile client in the past year. When the projects finally went live I dropped them an email to say how great they were and how happy I was to have been a part of them. I got a lovely reply that ended with — ‘please do keep in touch for any future projects that might be up your street.' But I don't quite know what to do with that! How can I turn that vague and polite sign-off into something I can be proactive about? Do I send occasional emails to say “Hi” in the hope that they might have something in the works? Or will that make me seem a bit desperate? How do I maintain a relationship with a client who might have work in the future without being a bit weird?”• • •This episode is supported by AXA Business InsuranceAt AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That's why it's AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered.And while we're making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family. Work hard, insure easy.Visit AXA's Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support. AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.•••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from brand and visual identity designer Matt Jones.He says:“After years of having a full-time job, I always knew exactly when I would be off for Christmas, when I would be returning and not having to worry about projects or answering emails while I was off.This is my first year as a full-time freelancer approaching Christmas and I'm worried about being able to 'switch-off' over the holiday season…What advice do you have about managing client expectations? When to set an out of office? And any other tips or tricks on how to switch off (not checking emails, editing to-do lists etc)?Oh… and also throw into the mix that it's both my daughters birthdays smack bang in the middle of December!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.• • •This episode is supported by AXA Business InsuranceAt AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That's why it's AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered.And while we're making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family.Work hard, insure easy.Visit AXA's Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support.AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.•••Matt Jones' websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from accountant Claire Owen-Jones.She says:“I have a ‘boring' business and make a ‘boring' podcast. I'm okay with that — I'm an accountant so I am very familiar with DULL — but I struggle with how to market it.Via the podcast I answer common accountancy questions. This week's episode is 7-10 minutes of me explaining payments on account, for example.How can I make the un-fun more memorable and/or appealing?”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.• • •This episode is supported by AXA Business InsuranceAt AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That's why it's AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered.And while we're making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family.Work hard, insure easy.Visit AXA's Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support.AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.•••Claire Owen-Jones' websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from writer, editor and proofreader Louisa Ellins.She says…“Dear Frankie and Steve, As much as I love my office in the box room, I keep hearing that co-working spaces are a great place to meet potential clients, and I sometimes miss the office chat from my employed days. I've decided to dip my toe into co-working spaces after the school summer holiday break, and I've found that there's several different options in my town. I wouldn't go full time, but it would be nice to have the option of a hot desk to work from sometimes. What tips do you have for making the most of my time there?  Thanks so much! Louisa”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. • • •This episode is supported by AXA Business InsuranceAt AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That's why it's AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered.And while we're making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family.Work hard, insure easy.Visit AXA's Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support.AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. •••Louisa Ellin's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Rosie Bakewell aka Anonymous.She says…“I'm working alongside another freelance consultant on a project, and our client is a big corporate organisation.As a mum to a 5-year old daughter, I only work in school hours and during school term-time.However, none of the people I work with have children, so they work 9 to 5 (and more). AND the client has team members in the US who aren't available until 2pm in the UK.A few times I've ended up having to work after 3pm, juggling work with looking after my daughter, because nobody else was available to move an urgent task forward.I've had enough of this, and with the new school year coming, I'd like to set some firm boundaries. But I'm worried that I will seem awkward and unhelpful if I say I'm not available after 3pm??Do you have any tips on setting and maintaining boundaries with clients who don't have children and so don't understand the challenges associated with being a working parent?”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.• • •This episode is supported by AXA Business InsuranceAt AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That's why it's AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered.And while we're making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family.Work hard, insure easy.Visit AXA's Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support.AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.•••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from inclusion and equality consultant Beth Cox. She says: “How do I get into the zone earlier in the day?Pre-child my working hours were 10-7, with my best work done between 3 and 7 - it took me that long to really get into the flow. The thing I've struggled with since having a child at nursery and school is that I tend to hit the elusive 'flow' approximately 20 minutes before I have to pick up my child. Pre-child I could have leant into it and created my best work, but now I have to drop what I'm doing and take another day to get back into that zone again (if at all).When I mentioned this in the DIFTK community, Tori Beat felt the same. She said:"I get so frustrated when I feel like I'm about to have a mild epiphany and then POW, it's pick up time.It's akin to when one of those magicians whips a tablecloth from underneath a beautifully laid table but, instead of leaving everything in miraculous good order, EVERYTHING IS SMASHED ALL OVER THE FLOOR. And I've got to tidy up."It is so frustrating, and I just don't know how to change it. Even now, I've got a clear day for focused work but it's only 10am and I'm clearly very distracted.My son goes to a childminder two days a week after school so I do have two 'long' days, but even then the flow doesn't happen until about 4pm (I rarely get it on the short days). I'm a solo parent so can't take turns with a partner to just work through, and rarely get child-free time other than that I pay for, which doesn't help. HELP. How can I take less time to get in the zone of doing my best work?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.•••Download a DIFTK Bingo cardPlay DIFTK Bingo onlineBeth Cox's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

Over 10 years ago Frankie crowd funded her training as a graphic designer. It's fair to say she doesn't look at problems the same way everyone does.And when pregnancy took her flourishing freelance career a few steps back, when she felt isolated amongst parents with full-time jobs, she didn't settle. She searched. She got creative.As her first child was born, so was ‘Doing It For The Kids'. Through a blog, Instagram, award-winning podcast and thriving community, she's forged a second family of freelancers juggling kids & business.Finding her feet, her people, her niche.And along the way, finding a co-mentor in Steve Folland (yep, of Being Freelance).Together, they took to figuring out how to run their ridiculously big side projects around everything else.You'll find full show notes and transcript for this episode at beingfreelance.com This episode is sponsored by Pension Bee.The flexible pension for the self-employed.Get set up in minutes and then get back to business.Start saving for a future beyond being freelance. Download the app or head to PensionBee.comPensionBee is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.With investments your capital is at risk. This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs.Time to boost your search rankings with Ahrefs Webmaster Tools - and it's FREE! If the idea of getting Google to work for you sounds confusing, Ahrefs also offers helpful tutorials on Search Engine Optimization.Want to get your freelance site more search traffic?Visit ahrefs.com/webmaster-tools and get this free tool working for you today.  New to freelancing? The Being Freelance course is made for you!Steve's rolled up everything he's learnt from over 6 years of conversations with more than 250 freelancers.There's no ‘one way' to be a successful freelancer, but this course will help you avoid the many mistakes that most of us make. Learn from our experiences.Find out more about the course. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLooking to learn from and connect with other freelancers? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, and be part of the Being Freelance Community!Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from WordPress developer Morena Fiore. She says: “Hi Frankie and Steve,I'm a web developer specialising in WordPress and SEO.I'm still fairly new to freelancing and am wondering if my clients' contract is strong enough. I think I've covered myself for scenarios I've already experienced, but I worry there might still be things I haven't accounted for because I've just not experienced them yet??So my question is: What butt-saving clauses have people got in their clients' contracts?Thanks!Morena” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••Download a DIFTK Bingo cardPlay DIFTK Bingo onlineMorena Fiore's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK Facebook CommunityDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from copywriter and freelancing mentor Laura Smith. She says: “Hey Frankie and Steve,Can you help me figure this out?I'm a freelance copywriter that has worked with a lot of small business owners on their content. The more I worked with them, the more I realised I really liked the extra conversations they were having with me about how to start a business. So much so, I launched a mentoring programme for new freelancers. So far so good.So at this point, I already I have two different things to focus my marketing on — copywriting and mentoring. BUT. The more mentoring I do, the more things it uncovers that people find really helpful — mostly how to review your business and create strategy — and I'm really enjoying it. So, I'd like to offer more specific sessions around this kind of thing but I'm concerned I'd be spreading my services too far and my audience won't be able to easily recognise what I actually offer (which would be three different things by now, if you're counting).Can I successfully offer these new business sessions without compromising my existing copywriting services? Is there even time in the day? Is it possible that my brain just hates me? Help! Oh, and there's a 7 month old who doesn't sleep in the picture too. Obviously! Thanks, Laura” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••Download a DIFTK Bingo cardPlay DIFTK Bingo onlineLaura Smith's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK Facebook CommunityDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

On this episode, Louise is joined by freelance podcasting royalty! Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland are not just co-hosts of the brilliant Doing It For The Kids podcast, but they've also been co-mentoring each other as freelance business owners (with kids and mammoth side projects) over the last few years. Here, they share their experience of co-mentoring and the impact it's had on their businesses and their lives. Listen in to hear:What is co-mentoring and how it can change your business (and your life!)Why it's so important to have someone to cheer you on and challenge youFrankie and Steve's top tips for structuring a co-mentoring sessionWhere to find the right co-mentor (and how to ask them)Pros and cons of co-mentoring vs. mastermindsSay hi to Frankie and Steve:Frankie Tortora is a freelance graphic designer and founder of Doing It For The Kids, a community for parents who work freelance. Steve Folland is a freelance video and podcast creator and founder of the Being Freelance community.Doing It For The KidsWebsite: https://www.doingitforthekids.net/Podcast: https://www.doingitforthekids.net/diftk-podcast/ Facebook group: Doing It For The Kids: CommunityInstagram:  @doingitforthekids_Being FreelanceWebsite: https://www.beingfreelance.com/Podcast: https://www.beingfreelance.com/the-best-freelance-podcast Course: How to get started being freelanceFacebook group: Being Freelance CommunitySay hi to Louise:Louise Shanahan is a freelance health and medical copywriter and a big fan of finding your freelance niche. She's on a mission to help others build a freelance business that feels easy and works for them – in weekly snack-sized bites.LinkedIn: Louise ShanahanTwitter: @LouiseShanahan_Website: thecopyprescription.comIf you find this episode helpful and you'd like to show your appreciation, consider leaving a tip over at ko-fi.com/15minutefreelancer. All donations help cover the cost of running the podcast and are very much appreciated!

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from interior and events stylist Sally Cullen. She says: “Hey Frankie, Steve and the DIFTK community,Last year when we were still deep in lockdown I was asked if I would like to cover maternity leave on a magazine for a year. I wasn't sure what was in store for my freelance career as an interiors stylist at that point (thanks Covid) so I said yes on the proviso I could still keep all my regular client work and fit that around the full time job.That was nearly 8 months ago and far from slowing down, my freelance work has increased way more than I could have predicted and I have basically been working 2 full time jobs since then. Gulp.I have been trying to survive week at a time doing my best not to let any of the (many) balls drop but I have the niggling feeling in the back of my mind that I should be making more of this unicorn time as an employed person, but I'm too knackered to think what that looks like!I have ceased all social media updates because I just do not have the bandwidth right now but what else could I, or should I be doing with the handful of weeks I have left in-house?Should I be getting training? Using this high profile magazine job to get more freelance work? Using it as a way to create more portfolio work? I need to act soon before it all feels a dream and I'm back on the other side of the commissioning fence!Yours, Completely-Spent-Sally” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••Download a DIFTK Bingo cardPlay DIFTK Bingo onlineSally Cullen's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK Facebook CommunityDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from project manager and editor Rose Parkin. She says:“Talk to me about school holidays.We're currently in the second week of Easter, but the summer break is looming.Both me and my partner are freelance and we have two kids aged 5 and 8. We don't tend to do a huge amount of holiday clubs (maybe 1-2 days a week at most) so the kids end up having a fair bit of screen time so that we can juggle work, cooking, house chores and our own downtime.Our routine tends to be 7-8am TV, then 'full on' parenting (with one parent, then the other) until 3pm, then they have an hour of technology time, then a film.Today I'm seriously feeling the guilt of them being in front of screens and missing out on the sunshine. I'm interested to know how others juggle holidays and maintain some flexibility while also having some structure to ensure work gets done?!Is that too much to ask??”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••Download a DIFTK Bingo cardPlay DIFTK Bingo onlineFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK Facebook CommunityDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

Have you ever considered partnering up with another freelancer to expand your business? Teaming up could be a great way to attract bigger projects, expand your services and grow your business without doubling your hours. But how does it work? How do you find the right business partner? What happens if you disagree?!In this episode, I chat to Adam Pearson, one half of the research powerhouse that is PS Research, which he runs with his business partner, Emma Slater. He shares his experiences of going from being a solo business owner to forming a successful partnership:Why Adam made the jump from company of one to forming a partnershipHow to find the right person to partner withUnexpected upsides of working with a partnerHow to figure out working styles, money stuff and holidaysHow to market your partnership to new and existing clients.Since Adam is just back from paternity leave, we also discuss how he planned for a chunk of time off – and how other freelancers can do the same.Mentioned in this episode:PS Research: https://pearsoninsight.co.uk/ Emma Slater: https://twitter.com/emmapsresearchGareth Hancock: https://www.thatcontentshed.com/Frankie Tortora: https://francescatortora.com/Dave Smyth: https://websmyth.co/Martin Brooks (Gold Stag Accounting): https://www.goldstagaccounts.co.uk/Being Freelance Podcast: https://www.beingfreelance.com/Say hi to Adam:Website: www.psresearch.co.uk LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/pearsoninsight Twitter: @adampsresearch Say hi to Louise:Louise Shanahan is a freelance health and medical copywriter and a big fan of finding your freelance niche. She's on a mission to help others build a freelance business that feels easy and works for them – in weekly snack-sized bites.LinkedIn: Louise ShanahanTwitter: @LouiseShanahan_Website: thecopyprescription.comIf you find this episode helpful and you'd like to show your appreciation, consider leaving a tip over at ko-fi.com/15minutefreelancer. All donations help cover the cost of running the podcast and are very much appreciated!

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Rene Hammer aka Anonymous. They say:"Hi Frankie & Steve, My partner hates their job. Like, really hates their job.Meanwhile, they see me being busy and wearing all the hats — but happy working freelance. So I've been softly encouraging them to become self-employed too.They're coming round to the idea. But crucially, they haven't fully figured out what it is they would actually DO as a freelancer. I don't want to say too much about their job in case it gets back to their employer but hopefully you can still answer my question — How do you pin down what your freelance business is and does??Thanks!"What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••Download a DIFTK Bingo cardPlay DIFTK Bingo onlineFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK Facebook CommunityDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from website marketing specialist Tom Garfield. He says:“Life costs so much more now!Fuel, heating, food, clothes, EVERYTHING is way more expensive. I shudder every time I hear the letterbox clunk, wondering what bill is coming for me next. I don't want to dip into savings or reduce my pension payments. That feels like a bad plan… Do I raise my prices to keep up instead? Can I use the cost of living crisis as justification??Other than pulling my kid out of nursery, living life as a recluse and doing nothing at all (I've had quite enough of that, thanks covid!), what's the best way to keep financially afloat when the water just keeps rising? Heeeeelp!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••Download a DIFTK Bingo cardPlay DIFTK Bingo onlineTom Garfield's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK Facebook CommunityDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi