Podcasts about freelance university

If you're looking for more information and enrollment details for the Freelance After 50 Summit, please visit the Summit page here(affiliate link): https://aff.freelanceu.com/54280/162512 Welcome to this insightful conversation with Franklin Taggart and Craig Cannings, the founder of Freelance University. If you're re-entering the job market, especially if you're over fifty, this video is a must-watch. Craig Cannings introduces the Freelance After Fifty Summit, happening from April 15th to 17th. This event is perfect for those looking to join the freelance world, offering inspiration and insights from successful freelancers. You'll also be introduced to the community and resources offered by Freelance University, a highly regarded resource for freelancer careers of all kinds.In this virtual coffee break, Franklin and Craig discuss the origins and growth of Freelance University. Craig shares how he and his wife started the university sixteen years ago, rebranding in 2018. Freelance University has become an amazing resource for freelancers of all styles, shapes, and forms. Craig's new YouTube channel, Freelance After Fifty, caught Franklin's attention, and Craig explains the inspiration behind it. He reveals that over three-quarters of their audience are over fifty, committed to learning and slowly rolling out their businesses. This demographic has become their best customers, leading to the creation of Freelance After Fifty.Craig discusses the changing reasons people are freelancing today. While the laptop lifestyle was popular five to ten years ago, the pandemic and economic climate have shifted people's focus to financial opportunities. Many are starting side hustles to supplement their income or building full-fledged freelance businesses. Craig emphasizes the importance of mindset when transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneurial mindset. He shares his own experience of awkwardly shifting from a job to running a business and highlights the need to rewrite your job description as a freelancer.The conversation delves into common surprises for new freelancers, such as the significance of mindset, the myth of "build it and they will come," and the importance of community. Craig explains how Freelance University provides a supportive community for freelancers, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. He shares success stories of students who started freelancing after fifty and built thriving businesses.The summit covers various topics, including finding your freelance path, starting a side hustle, getting your first client, and carving out a freelance lifestyle that fits your needs. Craig highlights the importance of leveraging AI tools and technology to stay in demand and improve efficiency. He shares insights into the evolving freelance industry, emphasizing the plethora of opportunities, automation, and the growing interest in remote work.Freelance University Home: https://www.freelanceu.com/Freelance After 50 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@freelancefiftyChapters00:00:00 Summit Invitation and Link00:00:58 Craig Cannings Intro00:02:08 Inspiration for Freelance After 50 00:04:26 Shifting from an Employee Mindset to an Entrepreneur Mindset00:07:18 Facing Limiting Self Beliefs00:07:57 Common Surprises of New Freelancers00:10:50 Introducing the Freelance After 50 Summit00:14:42 The Terror of Entrepreneurship00:17:43 Summit Information and Enrollment Details 00:20:43 Finding a Freelance Niche00:25:59 Changes in Freelancing Since Craig Started00:29:49 Future Opportunities for Freelancers00:31:57 Next Step for Summit Enrollment00:32:38 A Couple of Summit Speaker Highlights00:34:53 Freelance University Resources and Community for Freelancers00:36:48 Franklin's Summit Topic and Invitation

How do you transition from being a stay-at-home parent to a freelance business owner? Today our guest is Lisa Doiron, a stay-at-home mom who built a web design business from scratch after years of taking time off to raise her family.  As a long-time student at Freelance University, she has valuable insights to share about developing skills and leaning on a community for support. Join us as we talk about valuable lessons learned during the freelance journey and effective strategies for finding clients!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Lisa Doiron - Lisa shares how she got started in the freelance space and how it's impacted her and her family. [3:04] Being a stay-at-home parent and then going back to work - Lisa explains what it was like making that transition. [3:43] The value of transferable skills - Lisa describes the core services she currently focuses on in her business. [5:06] Offering WordPress services vs. Squarespace or Wix - how WordPress has challenges but also valuable benefits that make it a pathway of opportunity for your business. [7:05] How Lisa's skills have evolved as a freelancer - Lisa and Craig explain how committing to learning helps your confidence and skills grow. [8:26] Niching down vs. serving a broad audience - Lisa describes the type of clients she loves to work with and how that focus developed over time. Craig explains how you can niche down by speciality or by audience. [11:24] The value of being versatile - how offering a variety of services keeps you working during times where clients and businesses are struggling. Lisa explains how being versatile helped her discover what she enjoyed and gave her connections and experience she can share with her clients.  [13:26] What Lisa has learned about herself through her freelance journey - Lisa shares the lessons she's learned and how she's evolved during this time. [14:24] The importance of being resourceful - Craig explains how the Freelance University Student Community helps students find the information they need so they can help clients solve problems.   Effective Strategies for Finding Clients [15:57] #1 Talking to anyone and everyone about what you do - making connections with colleagues who serve the same industry but in a different way. [16:26] #2 Trying to provide value wherever you can - setting yourself up as an expert so clients think of you first. [16:39] #3 Marketing all the time - keeping up your momentum and marketing even if you don't feel like you're ready. [17:11] #4 Being vigilant to know that clients can come from anywhere - tapping into your network. [17:30] #5 Using content marketing and social media - connecting with clients through social media content and answering questions in Facebook Groups. [17:58] Lisa's experience with Freelance University - how it's helped her get to where she is with her web design business. Lisa shares the amazing ways it opened her mind to the possibilities and allowed her to explore them all and have a support system. [20:48] The confidence Freelance University gave Lisa when working with clients - how she could go there to find training or answers when a client needed something she didn't know. [21:16] How to learn more about Freelance University's community and training center you can join through its 24/7 open enrollment. [22:08] How to learn more about Lisa  [22:42] How to access Freelance University's free training resources Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode: Freelance University The Transferable Skills Class with Janine Kelbach    Learn more about Lisa Doiron: Website: LisaMarieCreative.com     Resources and Tools: Google  WordPress   Squarespace Wix  Facebook Groups   

Today I am going to talk about why VAs don't work for free. This episode is for VAs and business owners alike - and it's just the simplest concept ever. When someone does work, they should get paid for it. Quote: I don't just sing for free. It's my work. You're paid for what you do. And I work hard. - Celine Dion Yeah Celine! There's a fire in my belly over this one, folks. Let's go. This week I saw a post in a VA group asking the group members if they were interested in a 3 month unpaid internship. You would work 15 hours a week for 3 months (!) to ‘learn the ropes' of a variety of marketing tasks for a private company. The OP called it great experience, something to add to your resume, with a potential for some paid time 3 months from now. And it would be great experience. But it's pretty much illegal. What?? Yep. In Canada you can't be an unpaid intern unless the internship is tied to an educational institution. I'll get into the specifics of that in a bit, but here's the thing … Someone is posting what appears to be an opportunity. So many VAs get excited because they can LEARN! And so come the replies... I'm interested, PMing you now, this is my jam, I would love to learn from you, and so on. And the VAs have NO idea that it's against the law. Not even the OP knows that it's not allowed, clearly (if they do it's even worse, butI'm pretty sure this one honestly didn't know!) Now I'm not trying to call out this person who posted this in that particular group. I want to use it simply as an example I gave her the info that she clearly didn't have, and she removed the post, but the problem is that this kind of damage is done DAILY to our industry, because we just don't know any better. And that's what gets me riled up. You must know! You need to learn what's right. It is your obligation as a small business owner. I actually bumped my regularly scheduled podcast episode to create this one for this week because I really want to know that you have the right information - at least where to get it - before you make these kinds of decisions in your VA business. You have to know what the legalities are of what you are doing in your business. It's 100% your responsibility to learn what you don't know, and to do things the right way. I'm not a lawyer, I don't play one on TV, and I bow the experts .. .every single time. But I'll tell you, one quick Google search will show you that you can not have someone do work for you and not pay them, claiming that they are getting an advantage or that it's good experience for them. Just because you both agree to something doesn't make it legal. write that down! Now, have I ever bartered work? Of course I have! Have I ever hired interns? Yes I have! Have I ever done free work for someone? You bet I have! But NOT for 3 months at 15 hours per week. And NOT for nothing else in return except the actual work you ‘get' to do. Come on. Let's break down the math on this … If you work 15 hours per week for 12 weeks, that is 180 hours of free work you are giving someone. Presumably, they are getting paid by their clients for that work, so they are earning money for the work getting.done. And yet you are not. They are getting free labour. It is as simple as that. If you charged the bare minimum VA rate, $25 per hour, that is the equivalent of $4500 worth of work for no pay. Most VAs bill $30, so that's already over $5K. Five thousand dollars you are giving someone! If they paid you minimum wage in Ontario, which is currently around $16 per hour, it's $2880. Almost $3000. interns are legally required to be paid minimum wage. Why would you agree to this? Because you are learning something? Because you are getting experience? Let me ask you this. If I offered you a marketing course that taught you how to do a few marketing tasks, would you pay me between $3 and $5K to take it? Of course you wouldn't. That is exorbitant. That's red flag number 1 - never mind the legalities! What is the tradeoff for you? I'll tell you one thing, it is absolutely not as much as the person providing the ‘opportunity' is getting. If you decide that you want to trade services with someone (ie barter) or if you want to do work with people for no money (volunteer), then here is what you should be doing instead. Bartering If you plan to exchange services with someone, do it properly. Decide what you will each do that is equal in value. For me, I bartered with my first business coach. $750 worth of my VA work for $750 worth of their coaching services. We BOTH got equal value, and we helped each other. Bartering is a good way to get experience, but you aren't just ‘getting' the experience. You are trading something else that is of the same value. I was a part of their mastermind group, I got training and coaching and it made me a better business person. They got client care and marketing support for their business, we built procedures, and we even expanded their team when things got going. The key with bartering is to have a contract in place - and a short time frame. As soon as possible, you want to start paying each other, don't let it go long term. You can trade VA services for learning ... just make sure they ARE of equal value. Free Work Volunteering is one way to get experience that isn't against any laws. But it's not usually something that you do for 60 hours a month. And it's definitely not called an internship. Volunteering is something you do for a non profit organization, charity or public service if you want to, and not because you are getting them to teach you something. You work in your expertise and you provide a service, like maybe bookkeeping or marketing and you do it in kind for them - like your church or a business association or group. You are helping them because you want to and because you can. So volunteering is not usually to get experience but it could benefit you by expanding your community of people who recognize your value. Internship An internship is a legal relationship or position that has rules attached to it. In terms of unpaid internships, they are simply not legal. An intern has to get paid at least minimum wage (in the example I gave you that would be almost $3K for the work requested). Unpaid interns are only allowed as part of an education institutional program (college or university etc), or through the co op programs. What does that mean? If your business isn't a college or university, no free interns! I'm not an expert guys. This information is readily available on the Canada.ca website. I Googled it, and you can too. As I said, I'm not a lawyer or a tax specialist, and I never give legal or tax advice, but I do tell you where to go to find it. It's soooo simple folks. Go to your Government website pages. They have all of the information you need to do things the right way. They tell you the rules, they tell you what the consequences are, and they can be severe. It is not good enough to say ‘I didn't know'. It's your responsibility as a business owner to learn what you need to learn to run your business where you live. On the intern info page you will also learn about misclassifying employees as independent contractors, which is another BIG issue in the VA industry, but not one that I'm going to cover in this episode (essentially if you are working with just one client, you are their employee … you can't be called a contractor if you don't have multiple clients … and both of you can get caught! Bet you didn't know that either... but now you do!) Protect yourself when you are getting started, or when you see what appears to be a great opportunity - investigate it. Don't assume that the other person knows what they are talking about. Here's what to do instead: Learn for free, don't work for free. There are umpteen thousands of free places to learn what you want to know online. Don't do free work for someone else to learn - especially if they are being compensated. You need to get paid at least minimum wage as an employee, or your minimum rate as a VA. Subbing for other VAs is a great way to learn on the job. They get to do all the marketing and business running, and you just need to help them with the work. I subbed for a great VA for 4 years because I just kept on learning more stuff from her (that is a great perk for a lot of VAs who run teams), but I got paid for every single hour I worked. And quite frankly, trust yourself. Offer services that you know how to do NOW - if I wanted to hire you today, what could you do for me? Those are the services that you need to be out there getting clients for. Don't try to get clients doing something you've never done - it's much too hard. Once you have revenue coming in, then you can take some training and change your service offerings. I started with some bookkeeping and finance type of work because I could do it (but I didn't like it) and as soon as I got a few months of revenue in, I joined Freelance University and learned how to do digital marketing. I found my target clients and started marketing my new services to them (I wasn't a new VA anymore, I just had new services). My business exploded because I did what I knew. I didn't need to intern with anyone and I certainly never worked for free - never mind knowing whether it was against any laws or not, I just knew that I was getting paid to do THIS at a job, and therefore I was getting paid when I did it for anyone as my client. So there ya go. That's my rant. I had to do it.Now back to your regular schedule program! ;) PLEASE learn what you need to know - don't sell yourself short, and do NOT work for free. Just ever. And to those business owners who think they can get VAs to do free work, just do better. Pay someone to help you. If you don't have a large budget, work within it. Value your VAs. They are soooo valuable to your business. Now in the interest of transparency, you heard me say earlier that I did hire interns - so I want to be clear on that. I did not pay my interns at the time. (gasp!). I bartered with my interns. They got trainings in return for the work they did for me - and they did 3 months of work for me during their internship. But it was for up to 10 hours per month (or 2 hours per week) - up to a total of 30 hours. Which amounted to about $600 of work I got, to their $600 of VA training. One of the things I bartered was my Getting Started as a VA training self study program - which is 10 hours of training and resources to help you start your VA business. They got immediate access to that and could easily get their business plan and business started within a few days if they went through the program and did all the homework. During their internship, they also got access to me as a coach and could ask questions, talk to me about setting up their business, which I only offer as private coaching services. It's valuable. So I know I did right by the few women that I hired as interns. It was a barter. And like I said bartering can be very valuable to both sides. The key is to offer very clear terms, a contract, and a stop date. And be reasonable with what you are trading - if someone needs 15 hours per week of support, they have to have revenue to support that. All right I'm jumping off my soap box now. The bottom line is there are right ways to work with people and there are wrong ways. If you find yourself in a wrong way, fix it. Value the people that you work with and who do work for you. If you have any admin experience whatsoever, you do not need to work for free. If you need to learn to set up your business or run it, then learn that. If you need to learn how to get clients, then learn that. If you need to learn to upgrade your existing skills, then learn that. And then when you have revenue coming in, learn something new and you can change the course of your business. Value yourself above all. I do! I am your advocate, and I need you to know that! Be Celine! You work hard, just like she does. Just like I do. Just like your clients do. They get paid for what they do. You need to get paid for what you do too. Celine gets paid! This is exactly what I help VAs do. As a VA coach and trainer, I help you set yourself up for success, helping you fix the specific things that are going wrong in your business. When we work together either privately or in a group we talk specifically about your business and you - there is no one stop solution for everyone when it comes to service businesses like VA businesses. I'll help you get clarity around your issues, and cheer you on as you walk through the steps to fix them. I've helped hundreds of VAs through their challenges and got them on their way to growing their business and the lifestyle that they dream of. I'd love to do the same for you. You can work with me privately, or you can join The Virtual Circle, my mastermind group for Virtual Assistants. Check it out at www.YourVAMentor.com/TVC (the virtual circle) - I bet it's exactly what you need to start running the VA business you dreamed of. Reach out to me if you are interested. That's all I've got for you this week, see you next time!

With all the innovation we're seeing these days, how do you stay on top of technology and even offer freelance services in that area? Today our guest is Paula Holsberry, who has journeyed from being a school teacher to a freelance Asana specialist with her business, Tessera Virtual Business Solutions. Join us as we discuss some important principles and strategies about niching down and turning a software into an income stream. We'll also share Paula's best strategies for developing your expert status and finding clients!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Paula Holsberry and the topic of staying on top of technology and offering services in that area - Paula shares how she got into freelancing, what she did in the past, and where she's at today. [4:46] Does your niche find you, or do you find your niche? - how Paula's experience shows that her niche discovered her and used transferable skills from her past career. [6:48] What is Asana? - Paula explains how Asana works and breaks down the services she offers in her business. [10:07] How Asana was transformative for Freelance University - Craig explains how it allows him and his wife/business partner to break down different tasks and projects by different groups and teams. [11:22] The importance of niching down in Paula's business - Paula describes how it was a pivot point in terms of her business growth, success, and freedom. [14:31] How niching down is important from a branding perspective - Craig describes the ways niching down allows you to be distinctive in the marketplace and brand yourself in a way that tracks with your ideal audience. [15:15] How niching down keeps you in a certain lane - Paula describes how it prevents her from getting distracted. [15:47] A good principle for freelancers to remember - how what you're doing today may not be the same thing you'll do in the future. [16:11] Software as a Service (SaaS) - what it means to freelancers and how you can package it into a service you provide to clients.    Suggestions for Freelancers Interested in Turning a Software into an Income Stream [17:59] #1 Think about what technology you love using - how seeing its value is a huge boost. [18:54] #2 Think about the places (industries, niche groups) that would benefit from using the technology - how that uncovers areas you can focus on as you start learning how to use it. [19:16] #3 Think about how much time you can commit to learning the technology - tips for finding a learning track or other training resources you can follow. [20:25] #4 Just start - the importance of learning as you go and remembering you won't be an expert in the beginning. [21:42] An important principle to remember - Craig explains how you just need to know more than the client does. He shares an example from his own experience that illustrates how learning a tool enough may lead to repeat work from clients.   Paula's Best Strategies for Finding Clients [24:17] #1 If you're working with a specific software, see if they have a directory you can be part of - how people often will go to the software's website for help and may find you in the directory. [24:56] #2 Become part of other directories - Paula shares examples that can connect you with clients. [25:34] #3 Create lots of content - how there's never a lack of material to use for your content creation and marketing when you're learning software. Paula explains the importance of producing and sharing content so you can develop your expert status. [27:44] How content is key to establishing your credibility - Craig shares encouragement and examples of content you can create around your domain of expertise. [29:23] Basic lessons Paula has learned as she's journeyed from being a teacher to an Asana specialist - how it's important to know when to say yes and when to say no. [32:33] How Freelance University has helped Paula in her journey - Paula shares examples of the huge role it's played and how she keeps coming back to the courses, Facebook group, mentoring, and coaching as her business evolves. [34:00] How to learn more about enrolling in Freelance University and benefiting from the FreeU community   Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode: Freelance University Freelance University Directory    Learn more about Paula Holsberry: Tessera Virtual Business Solutions  The Ultimate Guide to Your First 5 Asana Projects     Resources and Tools: Asana   LinkedIn  Teachable   Kajabi  Thinkific   ConvertKit  MailerLite   YouTube  Super User Index 

Managing your finances is crucial to running and managing a successful freelance business, whether it's full time or a side hustle. But many of us struggle if bookkeeping is not our strength. Today our guest is Ashley Cline, a digital marketing consultant and freelancing expert with more than 15 years experience in the digital marketing space. Join us as she shares effective tips, tools, and strategies that will help you manage and sustain your business finances long term, even if you experience cycles of feast and famine!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Ashley Cline and the topic of managing your finances - Ashley tells her story and how she arrived at her current freelance role. [6:27] The importance of freedom to Ashley - the different types of freedom she values and how they shifted to include time freedom and flexibility. [9:16] How freelancers can become great managers of their finances - the importance of treating your freelance work as an actual business. [12:37] The side hustle culture - how people don't often attribute their side hustle to an entrepreneurial pursuit. Craig explains how we need the mindset of an entrepreneur in order to manage our finances.    Common Mistakes That Freelancers Make with Their Finances  [14:47] #1 Not charging enough - how we need to charge for both time and expenses and have confidence. [17:12] #2 Not keeping track of books or understanding what you can write off - how we might not remember things and could miss little things. [19:20] #3 Not putting enough money away for taxes, opportunities, and expenses that come up - the importance of investing a little bit of money into growing your business.   How to Make Sure You Can Cover Your Expenses During Feast and Famine Cycles [20:50] #1 Focus on networking - Ashley shares tips and examples of networking groups based on her experience. [22:36] #2 Align with “channel partners” - Ashley explains what this concept is and how you can approach agencies that may refer clients to you. [24:36] The importance of always marketing your business during good times - how consistent marketing (“digging the well before you're thirsty”) can offset the months that are not as profitable. [25:59] How to take care of lean months - Ashley explains how “what gets measured matters” and shares tips on healthy financial habits you can adopt. [27:50] How saving and investing need to be balanced - Craig and Ashely share tips for being intentional and strategic with your finances every month. [29:19] Ways freelancers can succeed with their finances - Ashley shares books that can help you address your mindset, get organized, and understand your finances. [30:58] Tools and apps that can be used as practical help for your finances - Ashley recommends her favorite tools and apps for invoicing, time tracking, bookkeeping, and tracking your mileage. [33:13] Craig recommends his favorite all-in-one financial management tool that offers FreeU students a discount - he describes HoneyBook's features and how it creates an automated workflow for client management. [35:44] How to learn more about Ashley [35:58] The value of nurturing relationships - Ashley shares a story that shows how relationships can help grow your business over time. [36:52] How to develop your skills at Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University The Entrepreneur's Mindset course  Virtual Bookkeeping certification     Learn more about Ashley Cline: AshleyNCline.com  TicketSocket  Ice Cream Social   Resources and tools: Facebook  Facebook Ads  Facebook Groups  Business Network International (BNI)  The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill   Profit First by Mike Michalowicz   FreshBooks   Bench Accounting  Everlance mileage tracker  QuickBooks Online HoneyBook

How do you manage the tension between your personal and professional life when you work from home? Today our guest is Hilary Sutton, a fractional CMO, writer, speaker, and host of the Hustle & Grace Podcast, where she serves as the chief explorer in helping people cultivate a flourishing career in life. Join us as we discuss both the challenges and freedoms of working from home. We'll share important tips, strategies, and tools that will help you optimize your productivity and find your own unique rhythm!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Hilary Sutton and the topic of work-from-home productivity - Hilary shares her story and describes what she's been doing over the years. [2:42] Craig shares his story and describes what it was like going back to working in a cubicle - how he longed to go back to working from home. [3:49] How working from home has been important to Hilary - explains her work style and the challenges she faced when working outside the home. [6:01] The challenges faced by extroverts who work from home - Craig shares helpful strategies he and his wife/business partner have used to fulfill their need for social interaction. [6:30] The remote work revolution - Hilary shares her take on what the trends will be.   The Challenges of Working from Home (Productivity Pitfalls) [10:06] #1 Not having a dedicated workspace - some strategies to help carve out a space dedicated to work. [10:40] #2 Not maximizing your time - the limitations you might face and how to prioritize what needs to get done by time blocking and “big rock” strategies. [14:28] The concept of energy management - how “50-minute hustles” and other strategies can help you grow your business during the times that are most energetic and creative for you. [17:54] How using different spaces for different levels of work can improve productivity - Craig explains how you need to figure out the best environment and type of day for you. [19:17] Managing the tension between personal and professional life - Hilary shares her experience and strategies that have worked for her. [22:44] The importance of finding a rhythm - Craig describes his experience of dedicating a certain amount of time to work and life. [24:15] Tips to improve productivity - Hilary lists software and hardware that have helped her track time, avoid scope creep, collaborate with contractors or clients, and work remotely. Craig recommends additional hardware and software to include in your home office. [28:03] Using digital tools and apps versus analog planners or books - Hilary explains her preference for using digital tools for some planning and a physical journal for others. [31:57] How to learn more about Hilary   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University   Learn more about Hilary Sutton: HilarySutton.com  Hustle & Grace Podcast  The “What's Your Career Motivation?” Quiz    Resources and tools: Laura Vanderkam - Writer, Author, Speaker  Toggl  Basecamp  Apple desktops and laptops Zoom  Asana  Bullet Journal  The Bullet Journal Method  Google Calendar  Kindle Amazon

Today we're thrilled to present a student spotlight with Emma Marriott-Predmore, a military spouse who's been a virtual assistant since 1999 and now works as a freelance affiliate manager. She's built a thriving VA agency and referral networks that benefit military spouses and dependents who work remotely and relocate often. Join us as she shares her story and provides many valuable takeaways that will have a profound impact on your business!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Emma Marriott-Predmore and the topic of working as a virtual assistant - Emma shares her journey and how she arrived at her current role. [4:17] Emma describes her VA agency - how it includes military spouses or dependents who relocate often and would like to have a job that doesn't depend on physical networks. Emma explains how her family members also work as virtual assistants. [6:17] How the VA industry has grown up - Emma and Craig discuss how you can diversify your VA offerings in an era where people now understand what a VA is.  [9:46] Emma explains the type of clients she works with and what services her agency focuses on - how her niche involves talking to a client and problem-solving for them. [11:56] Emma's role as a freelance affiliate manager - Craig and Emma explain how Clickbank facilitates affiliate marketing and how Emma's agency uses it.  [14:47] How specializing in a particular software is a good direction for freelancers who enjoy working with technology - Emma talks about the different challenges her agency helps clients with. [16:39] The benefits of referrals - Emma explains how she's built her referral network. Craig explains how referrals are one of the most successful ways to have a client relationship. [19:24] Emma's role as a military spouse - how it's helped her as an entrepreneur by teaching her that you can't control everything. Emma outlines strategies you can use to face challenges and plan ahead in both life and client relationships. [22:17] How it's important to embrace the adventure of the freelance/VA industry - Craig describes how you need to be ready to move and shift when necessary so you can capitalize on opportunities that emerge out of a recession. [23:07] The importance of changing your niche when you need to - how your niche should be both enjoyable and profitable. [24:17] Emma shares her best strategies for scaling her business as a busy mom - how Emma networks by talking to people so she can build connections and promote her business. [27:25] How clients are everywhere - Craig discusses how we're entering an era where people understand and see the value in remote work.  [27:55] Emma shares advice for freelancers who are seeking to grow their business this year - how it's important to embrace change and be open to new opportunities and new skills. [29:19] How Freelance University has helped Emma - Emma explains how FreeU courses have helped her update her skills and knowledge by allowing her to dabble in a wide variety of different courses.  [31:25] How FreeU spots the trends for you and creates courses so you can be prepared for the next opportunity coming your way [33:07] How to learn more about Freelance University and networking with the FreeU community   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University ClickBank  ConvertKit   Rocketbook   Canva   Xero  Shopify    

How do you design a great website for your freelance business? Today our guest is Brian Hall, a conversion optimization consultant. He's helped big brands like Udemy, L'Oreal, and Ghirardelli increase their website revenue and now helps small business owners and freelancers improve their website strategy. Join us as we discuss the single most important element of a successful freelance website and recommended platforms to choose from. We'll also share some effective alternatives to help you keep it simple and still reach your target audience!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Brian Hall and the topic of setting up a great website for your freelance business or your clients - Brian explains how he started freelancing/consulting and where he's at today.  [4:32] How Brian's transition to freelancing finally worked - Brian shares three important things that contributed to his success. [6:39] Craig describes his experience starting a business while implementing similar strategies - the importance of joining a mastermind group and lowering your cost of living to give yourself a longer runway. [8:28] Should freelancers have a website today - Brian shares his thoughts about whether or not you need one and how it can help you. [10:25] How your choice to have a website depends on what focus you want to have - Craig explains how creating a branded website doesn't have to be complex these days. [11:12] The most important elements of a successful freelancer website - Brian describes the one important element that's worth 80-90% of your attention.   Three Basic Types of Offers (Calls to Action) for You to Choose and Optimize [12:18] #1 A scheduling embed or calendar link - so people can book time to talk to you so you can sell them your services. [12:30] #2 A “contact me” form - so people can send you a message. [12:46] #3 A lead magnet or newsletter - so people can read or download something of yours. [13:24] How a website differs from a resume - Craig explains how a website needs to focus on an offer and the headline. Brian describes how the headline wraps up with the offer to attract your audience.  [15:35] Personal branding - Brian explains whether an “About Page” is necessary and important. Craig shares an example of how some people include anecdotes on their LinkedIn profile to showcase their personality. [18:49] One of the best reasons to have a website - Brian explains how it gives you the opportunity to be yourself, express yourself, and share things about yourself. [19:39] The need for a balance between being fun and offering value - how you need to decide how to serve your audience best on social media. [21:05] How it's good to experiment with social media platforms and trends - the importance of noting the outcome and putting your effort into the offer on your website.  [23:00] The recommended website platforms for freelancers to consider - Brian suggests questions to ask yourself to help determine what type of platform you need. [23:28] Platforms for a one-page website - Brian lists the elements you need and a common platform that would work. [24:23] Platforms to help you focus on lead magnets and an email list - Brian suggests tools that support marketing automation and lead magnet download by letting you create a landing page. [25:00] The importance of considering different options and starting with the thing that's closest to your offer - Brian explains how there's no single recommendation for a multi-page website platform. [26:20] The value of WordPress - Craig explains how getting to know WordPress better gives you the option of offering WordPress services to clients. [27:11] The importance of following your joy - Brian shares his insights on WordPress and the additional elements you need to think about. He also proposes another way to choose a platform. [28:42] The importance of keeping it simple - how you can start with a simpler platform and then transition to a more complex website later on. Craig and Brian discuss how building a website helps but can also become a distraction from building your business and networking.  [30:42] How the energy you spend thinking about your offer is not wasted if you later redesign your website or migrate to a different platform  [32:27] How “ugly converts” don't matter - Brian and Craig advise against worrying that your website design will cost you business. [33:51] When does design matter - Brian explains how the design can get in the way of people finding your offer on the website. [34:20] How to access Brian's recommended resources and offers [36:05] How to level up your skills and access free resources at Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University The Freelance Podclass  The Building Your Authority Class The Marketing with Content Class with Julia McCoy The Winning Lead Magnet Class  The Winning Discovery Call course    Learn more about Brian Hall: Links to Brian's recommended resources  Freelance Website Blueprint course    Resources and Tools: Upwork  Zoom  LinkedIn   Instagram  Instagram Reels  Carrd.co  Mailchimp  ConvertKit  Calendly  Wix  Weebly  Squarespace  WordPress DigitalMarketer.com

Are you interested in building an agency or multi-VA firm? Today our guest is Kristy Yoder, the founder and CEO of Smart VAs and host of the Master Delegator Podcast. She leads a team of more than 70 VAs and knows a lot about transitioning from a solopreneur virtual assistant to a CEO. Join us as we discuss the strategies and mindset you'll need to have so you can overcome challenges and make a successful transition to CEO!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Kristy Yoder and the topic of transforming a solopreneur business into an agency or a multi-VA firm - Kristy describes her journey, how she started and then pivoted to an agency she runs every day. [5:19] How to release control - Kristy describes the strategies and mindset that help her delegate and release control to other VAs in her agency. [8:52] The “ceiling effect” - how you cap your revenues, energy, and capacity when you try to do everything instead of trusting other people. [9:22] The mindset you need to shift from a VA or freelance solopreneur to a CEO of a team - Kristy encourages solopreneurs and describes how she needs to be clear with her title and role as a CEO, changing from an implementer to a visionary, planner, and strategist. [13:17] How to start thinking like a CEO - the importance of envisioning your goals and plans and how you can wear that leadership cap even if you're a solopreneur. [14:51] The challenges that must be overcome when pivoting to a CEO model and mindset - Kristy explains her main challenge that she's still trying to overcome.  [16:51] How you can be your own worst enemy in business - Craig describes the challenges you may face and the importance of self-awareness so you can get out of your own way.   Tips to Help VAs and Freelancers Make a Successful Transition to CEO [19:05] Slow down, but don't procrastinate - the importance of coming up with a realistic plan for your business and focusing on it. [21:15] How to hire the right people for your agency - Kristy discusses her recruitment process and how her VAs must be in alignment with her core values, possessing the right skills and character. [23:25] The importance of character and hiring people you can trust [24:17] Resources on becoming the leader or CEO in your business - Kristy shares her favorite author and book. [27:11] How to learn more about leveling up your skills at Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University   Learn more about Kristy Yoder: Website: KristyYoder.com  Smart VAs  Master Delegator Podcast   Connect with Kristy: On Facebook  On Instagram  On YouTube On LinkedIn   Resources and tools: John C. Maxwell's book, Developing the Leader Within You  iTunes  

To kick off a new year and celebrate the 100th episode of the Freelance Podclass, we've created a brand new guide called “The Top 100 Freelance Jobs for 2023.” In this episode, we'll share important aspects of the top 100 jobs and go through many of the categories that will be in demand this year. This guide is the result of intensive research and surveys that uncovered the most in-demand opportunities heading into 2023. It's our hope that this 100th episode will inspire you to take action by moving in a new direction, tapping into a new niche, and pursuing new opportunities!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Craig shares the vision of Freelance University and the reason why this podcast was created - how FreeU's focus is helping freelancers learn skills that create opportunities and potentially translate into new income streams. [1:48] Craig introduces the topic of “The Top 100 Freelance Jobs for 2023” - he explains how the different categories were broken down, with jobs selected for each category.   Seven Major Categories From “The Top 100 Freelance Jobs for 2023” Guide [4:04] #1 Design - a growing industry with a variety of niches you can pursue and many tools you can use to launch a design business. [7:33] #2 Social Media - falls under the larger umbrella of digital marketing, but deserves its own standalone category since there are many roles you can do within social media, starting with a broader role and niching down into more specialized roles. [10:48] #3 Digital Media and Events - a fast-growing area with a wide variety of opportunities, from technical roles to virtual event management roles to voice-over roles. [13:32] #4 Digital Marketing - a category with so many freelance jobs you can drill down into and provide specific services while specializing in different tools and platforms. [17:40] #5 Business Management and Support - Admin type jobs that are essential for keeping executives or busy entrepreneurs organized by managing documents, teams, help desks, or other important parts of their business. [21:47] #6 Content - jobs that involve writing or editing, with opportunities to create specialized content for specific niches. [24:48] #7 Technology - an important category with certain jobs that will be in demand in 2023, with specific tools and platforms you can specialize in. [26:28] Craig emphasizes all the possibilities of the things that you can do as a side hustle, as a part-time freelance job, even as a full-time gig - how even in a down economy, the freelance industry can and will flourish, and you can capitalize on that by honing your skills, tapping into in-demand areas, and getting creative. [27:55] How to access our upcoming 2023 registration to Freelance University   Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode: Register for FREE Masterclass and receive the Top 100 Freelance Jobs Guide! Freelance University  WordPress  Squarespace  Canva  Instagram  Pinterest  LinkedIn  Facebook  Circle  Mighty Networks  Facebook Ads  Instagram Ads  YouTube iTunes  Google Podcasts  Stitcher  ConvertKit  ActiveCampaign  MailerLite  MailChimp  Google Ads  YouTube Ads Asana  Trello ClickUp  Notion  Zendesk  HelpScout  Freshdesk  Kajabi  Leadpages  Shopify Etsy 

As you reflect on the past year and look toward the future, what does 2023 hold for you and your business? Even if you've had a difficult year or faced challenging economic times, you can face the new year with a positive perspective. In this episode, we share a 7-step formula on how you can plan for success in 2023 using the acronym FREEDOM – the hallmark of why we exist at Freelance University. Join us as we help you plan for a successful year in 2023!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of reflecting on what you've done in 2022 and pivoting to look at the future with a 7-step formula on how you can plan for success in 2023 [1:27] Craig introduces the acronym of FREEDOM to highlight the topic - he explains how this acronym is the hallmark of why Freelance University exists and embodies his goals and hopes for your business endeavors in 2023.    7-Step Formula to Plan for Success in 2023 [2:35] F: Find or fine-tune your niche - who you're going to serve and what you're going to offer. Craig discusses examples of the two types of niche you need to gain clarity on as you approach a new year. [5:02] R: Refine your vision and goals - your “Big Why,” your vision, and your goals. Craig shares examples of each area you need to refine and how refining them benefits you and your business.  [8:15] E: Elevate your brand presence - the importance of making a website that will attract your audience. Craig lists examples of tools you can use to shine a good light on your brand, elements you need to include in your website, and training you can access through FreeU. [10:41] E: Evaluate and optimize your pricing and packaging - how you're going to price your services and packages in the new year. Craig introduces an important 4-point criteria for pricing your services and deciding whether to increase them.  [14:14] D: Develop your skills - what skills you could hone, heading into the new year, that would open up opportunities for you. Craig shares examples of skills that became in-demand during the height of the pandemic.  [16:01] O: Organize your systems and tech - what your systems and tech look like right now. Craig lists the four different types of systems and recommends how to assess them. He also suggests questions to ask yourself when you're doing a technology audit. [19:01] M: Market every day - blocking out an hour a day to consistently market your business. Craig explains why a yearly marketing plan is important and suggests specific ways to market your business. [22:05] Recap of the FREEDOM formula [23:23] How to learn more about Freelance University and join the waitlist to be notified of the upcoming intake - Craig invites you to a special event planned for Episode 100 of the podcast.    Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode: Freelance University  WordPress Design course  Squarespace course  Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile course  Referral Marketing Success course  The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran WordPress  Squarespace Wix  LinkedIn  Shopify  Calendly  ClickUp  YouTube  Asana  Facebook Groups 

How do you create proposals that turn into ideal clients? Today our guest is Eman Zabi, the founder of Scribesmith, a copywriting agency, and Terrain, an online learning business. She warns of mistakes you can make with proposals and suggests valuable tips for building a personal connection with potential clients. Join us as we discuss the best ways to ensure you deliver a winning proposal that has both relevance and excellence!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Eman Zabi and the topic of creating winning proposals that turn into ideal clients - Eman tells the story of how she got into the freelance space. [4:52] The benefits of fast-tracking skill development with bite-sized training [5:56] The topic of proposals - Craig explains how the freelance marketplace industry is growing and shares an example that illustrates the importance of writing a relevant proposal.   Mistakes We Can Make with Our Proposals [7:39] #1 Generic proposals - Eman suggests practical ways to avoid making this mistake so that you address the client's priorities. [9:29] #2 Incorrect tone - Eman and Craig stress the importance of tailoring your voice to the level of the company and brand you're applying to. [11:24] #3 Grammar errors - Craig explains the importance of delivering a proposal with excellence. [12:33] #4 Lack of professionalism - Eman shares examples illustrating the need to follow instructions. [13:30] #5 Lack of work experience - Eman recommends ways to establish credibility by sharing appropriate work experience. [14:02] #6 Lack of process - Eman and Craig emphasize the importance of talking about your process in a concise way. [15:26] Elements we should include in a proposal - Eman lists the crucial elements that will win over a potential client. She and Craig share examples of proposals that contain these elements. [18:23] The question of proposal templates - Eman discusses the benefits of using proposal software.  [20:47] How a personal connection is made in the initial email - Eman outlines the steps involved in connecting with a potential client before sending a proposal. [22:45] How to submit a proposal when you aren't able to make a personal email connection - Eman and Craig suggest tips for researching a company and making a good impression when you're applying through a marketplace. [26:08] The use of Loom and video in the context of proposals - Eman and Craig discuss when a video would be effective and when it wouldn't. [28:40] How proposal creation can become a repeatable process that helps you win clients [29:19] How to get to know Eman [30:04] How to learn more about Freelance University   Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode: Freelance University    Learn more about Eman Zabi: Website: Scribesmith  Online Learning Business: Terrain    Connect with Eman: Twitter: @Eman_Zabi  or @Terrain_io  Instagram: @Terrain.io    Resources and tools: Facebook Groups  Upwork  PeoplePerHour  Proposify HoneyBook  Google Docs Better Proposals.io  LinkedIn  FlexJobs  Loom  Instagram Reels  Netflix 

A morning phone call scuttles all but one of my plans today. I had a good time this morning on the Are You Waiting for Permission Pod-a-Thon with Meridith Grundei and Joseph Bennett. They made it the full twelve hours. It's the longest podcast episode I've ever been a part of, but I on;y had to show up for a small part of it. While I was on the podcast, my wife got a call about a family emergency that required an unanticipated trip to the Denver airport and back for me. My plans to finish editing and release the latest Your Own Best Company episode with Cat Stancik are going to wait another day. YOu will definitely want to hear that one. On my way back from the airport, I listened to three of my favorite podcasters. I thought I'd share my recommendation with you here. She Built This with Emily Aborn is a great show featuring interviews with women who have successfully built businesses and career paths they are loving. Emily is a wonderful interviewer, and her guests are top-notch. You can learn more and listen at https://shebuiltthis.org Copywriters Podcast with David Garfinkel has been a favorite for a few years, but in recent months he's been featuring stories and techniques of some of the most successful ad writers of the past century. He could easily publish this series as another book of his own. His book Breakthrough Copywriting is an excellent resource for any business owner or marketer. Check out the podcast at https://copywriterspodcast.com The last recommendation features one of my favorite past guests on Your Own Best Company. Craig Cannings of Freelance University hosts the Freelance Podclass. This show is a must for anyone pursuing a freelance career in any area, particularly in the digital realm. Check out the courses, programs and podclass here: https://www.freelanceu.com/podcast/ Thanks for the grace, everyone. Life threw a curve, but I still nicked it. #podcasts #freelancer #entrepreneur --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/franklin-taggart9/message

How do you run effective promotions and discount offers in your freelance business? And should you even offer them? Today we'll unpack six types of promotions and discounts, with examples of how you could apply them in real-life scenarios. Join us as we discuss the benefits of running discounts not just on Black Friday or Cyber Monday but at other strategic times in your business.   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of running effective promotions and discount offers in your freelance business - Craig also discusses the question of whether or not you should run promotions and discounts.  [2:43] Black Friday and Cyber Monday - how the holiday season can be a slow time for freelancers and reasons why it might be a strategic time to run a promotional offer that includes a discount. [4:33] The psychology of running discounts - how creating scarcity and urgency can be effective because our audience is conditioned to pursue opportunities for discounts.  [6:10] Why it's good to run a discount and who it would be ideally suited to - Craig describes five scenarios when a discount could build momentum in your business.   Six Types of Promotions and Discounts You Can Run in Your Freelance Business [10:44] #1 BOGO (Buy One Get One) - Craig defines the term and suggests possible promotions you can offer and the benefits of these kinds of specials. [12:35] #2 Special First-Month Discount for New Customers - Craig explains when you'd offer this promotion, what it looks like, and why it's effective. [14:18] #3 Loyalty Discount - Craig illustrates a scenario when you might offer this discount and explains why it's beneficial at certain times of the year. [16:29] #4 Referral Discount - Craig gives an example of industries that offer this, how they format it, and how it could benefit your business. [18:37] #5 Coupon Code Discount - Craig shares an example of what it could look like and why it's effective. [20:11] #6 Freebies - Craig defines this type of promotion and suggests the kinds of freebies you could offer strategically.  [22:18] Recap of the six types of promotions and discounts you can run in your freelance business [23:40] The benefits of joining Freelance University and info on how to join the waitlist so you're notified about the next registration period   Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode: Freelance University  Referral Marketing Success course  Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini, Ph.D. WordPress  Zoom 

In this episode, we're diving into the wonderful world of freelance writing! It's one of the longest running freelance trades and is still popular today. But how do you discover your ideal freelance writing niche when there are so many things you can do? Today we're joined by Melanie Padgett Powers, a freelance writer and editor who is the owner of MelEdits. She shares a simple three-step process that includes strategies you can use to figure out the what, who, and where of your ideal niche and clients!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Melanie Padgett Powers and the topic of discovering your freelance writing niche - Melanie describes how she got started in the freelance writing space. [4:21] The best freelance niches in 2022 - Melanie lists examples of in-demand niches that pay well. She also shares advice on how to leverage a niche you're interested in. [6:40] The challenges of working remotely - Melanie explains how she helped others figure out how to work from home. [7:37] Opportunities for writing jobs or gigs - Melanie suggests valuable ways you can help clients with writing tasks, strategies, and digital marketing. [10:16] Craig explains how podcasters require writers to repurpose podcasts into long-form blog posts - Melanie discusses why this is a great opportunity for writers.   How to Figure Out Your Writing Niche [11:33] #1 Do what you like to do - Melanie describes the negative effects of writing about something you're not interested in. She also shares practical advice to help you brainstorm topics you'll love. [13:08] #2 Think about who your ideal clients are - Melanie describes examples of niches you could write for and suggests how to brainstorm possible clients. [14:28] #3 Think about where your ideal clients are - Melanie explains how to reach clients by posting content in social networks. [15:24] The need for structure and strategy - Melanie stresses the importance of following the three steps. [16:00] How to find clients on LinkedIn - Melanie emphasizes content marketing and lists other effective strategies to help build your network and make more connections. [18:00] How to search for your “dream client” or “dream 100” on LinkedIn - Craig describes the benefits of LinkedIn newsletters. Melanie adds crucial advice to ensure your newsletters provide high value.    Final Tips for Finding Your Writing Niche [20:04] #1 Embrace and lean into networking and marketing - Melanie suggests reframing those two activities as “relationship building.”  [21:07] #2 Remember you're not “just a freelancer” - Melanie emphasizes the importance of thinking and acting like a business. [21:57] How marketing may not necessarily be your natural skill set - Craig provides encouragement about offering value and making connections. [22:47] How to get to know Melanie  [23:51] How to learn more about Freelance University and its membership-based offer   Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode: Freelance University  FreeU's “Freelance Friday” newsletter on LinkedIn   Learn more about Melanie Padgett Powers: Website: MelEdits    Podcasts:  Deliberate Freelancer  Association Station    Connect with Melanie: Twitter: @MelEdits  LinkedIn: Melanie Padgett Powers    Resources and Tools: Help a Reporter Out (HARO)  Instagram  Twitter  LinkedIn Reddit  Facebook Groups  Zoom

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services are vital for any business that's looking to level up their game in Google and get more visibility. But how do you begin offering those services as a freelancer or virtual assistant? Today our guest is Danielle Gagnon, an SEO specialist and lover of all things content creation. Join us as she describes the types of services you can offer, along with key steps you need to follow to launch those services. This is the first time we've ever talked about SEO in the FreeU Podclass, and it's a discussion you won't want to miss!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Danielle Gagnon and the topic of search engine optimization (SEO) as a service - Danielle explains how she became a freelancer with a passion for SEO and shares what she's doing today. [3:56] An example that shows the power Google can have in your business, but only when you're targeting the right audience and content in your blog posts [5:05] How the average business owner today still struggles with SEO - Danielle shares examples of ways clients need help as they realize the importance of an online presence. [6:51] Craig shares an example that illustrates how profitable SEO can become - the advantage of getting ahead of your audience using SEO versus other methods that interrupt their content consumption. [9:21] How SEO has changed throughout the years - new trends Danielle has seen happening and examples of content that works well and needs to be provided as a service. [12:59] The importance of writing great content to the audience instead of just writing for the search engines - how the algorithm is more about good quality long-form content and people's search intent.   Types of Services Recommended for New Freelancers or Virtual Assistants [15:16] #1 Blog writing - Danielle describes valuable opportunities for freelancers who would rather not offer the more technical SEO services. [15:55] #2 Updating existing blog posts - optimizing and fixing them up for SEO when they're no longer performing well. [16:17] #3 Repurposing content - turning podcasts and YouTube videos into keyword-rich or SEO-rich content [16:27] #4 YouTube SEO - Danielle reassures us that there are many different things you can specialize in that don't involve a lot of technical knowledge. [16:44] #5 Keyword research - researching new keywords and long-tail keywords people can optimize for. [17:00] Tools for researching keywords - Danielle shares her top three recommendations and describes the benefits of her favorite one.   Steps for Freelancers Planning to Launch an SEO Service [18:44] #1 Think about who you want to serve with SEO - Danielle shares examples illustrating how SEO strategies are applied differently to different businesses.  [19:48] #2 Start and be okay with learning, testing, and tweaking - encouragement that anyone can learn SEO and suggestions for ways to practice with your own content first. [20:42] Quick tips on how to find SEO clients - Danielle and Craig share suggestions for how to network online in Facebook Groups and partner up with related businesses to connect and build authority. [23:37] How to connect with Danielle [24:57] How to learn more about Freelance University   Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode: Freelance University    Learn more about Danielle Gagnon: Website:  Free Guide “Rank Secrets: 10 Simple Steps to Go from Buried to #1 on Google”    Connect with Danielle: Instagram: @daniellegagnon_seo   Danielle's Podcast: Content Cash Machine    Resources and Tools: Google  Facebook Live  Instagram  Reddit  Facebook  YouTube  SEMrush  Google Keyword Planner  Ubersuggest  Moz  Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)   Facebook Groups  WordPress  iTunes

In the social media age we're living in, you can lose your reputation in the blink of an eye. And that's a problem, because your reputation is everything in the freelance industry. But never fear — today we're talking about 10 different ways you can establish your reputation as a freelancer or virtual assistant. Join us as we discuss practical strategies you can implement right now to impress both current and potential clients!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of building a great reputation as a freelancer - Craig explains the importance of your reputation and tells a story that illustrates how companies can quickly earn a bad reputation.    10 Ways to Build a Good Reputation as a Freelancer or Virtual Assistant [3:20] #1 Design a great online presence - the importance of having a good website that will impress potential clients, along with other key elements to include in your online presence.  [6:14] #2 Specialize your services - two options for specializing your services and reasons why they establish a good reputation with your audience. [7:41] #3 Publish good content - tips on how to be a content marketer and examples of different platforms you can use to publish content. [8:46] #4 Build your email list - how giving away free value-added content allows you to nurture relationships and ultimately establish your reputation. [9:43] #5 Overdeliver on your services - examples of how you can serve clients well and exceed their expectations. [11:00] #6 Contribute to your community - an illustration of how you can invest in local networking or online communities in a way that will inevitably build your reputation. [11:59] #7 Solve problems with your services and content - how to be solution-focused with all the content you're sharing online and presenting on your website in your services page. [13:20] #8 Showcase your portfolio and/or testimonials - advice for different types of testimonials to put on your website and different items to put in your portfolio to leverage the power of social proof. [14:35] #9 Onboard with excellence - how to create a seamless onboarding process to impress new clients. [15:58] #10 Actively learn new skills and gather certifications - the value of certifications and how they demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Craig shares examples of certifications and badges you can share on social media and post on your website. [16:59] Recap of the 10 ways to build your reputation as a freelancer or virtual assistant - Craig explains how you can implement these strategies in your own business. [18:02] How to learn more about acquiring new skills and leveling up your current skill sets at Freelance University    Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University  Website Writing Success course Facebook Groups  WordPress  Squarespace  Wix  LinkedIn  Kajabi   YouTube  ConvertKit  LinkedIn Recommendation  Facebook Review  Instagram  Upwork  Rotten Tomatoes Asana  Trello 

Are you interested in offering freelance social media management services? Today our guest is Latasha James, an online educator and content creator who has encouraged thousands of people to start and scale online businesses. Join us as we discuss how to build a thriving freelance business as a social media manager. Whether you're currently offering these services or considering adding them to your business, you'll be encouraged to hear the reasons why this niche continues to be in high demand!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Latasha James and the topic of building a thriving freelance business as a Social Media Manager - Latasha explains how she got started in freelancing and how things evolved to where she is today. [3:07] What Latasha learned from her corporate experience and other jobs - how every experience is a part of your story. [4:12] How Latasha knew when to pivot from a full-time corporate job to a full-time freelance business - the important factors that influenced her decision and advice for others making similar decisions.   Why Social Media Management Continues to Be an In-Demand Niche for Freelancers and VAs  [6:37] #1 It's constantly changing - how it's hard for business owners to keep up with different platforms, algorithm changes, and best practices. [7:02] #2 All businesses can benefit from social media marketing - how post-2020 was a great awakening for business owners. [8:13] How social media has changed over the last couple years and the implications for service providers today - the growing importance of video.   How to Get Started as a Social Media Manager in 2022 [9:44] #1 Educate yourself - how to learn about the industry. [9:57] #2 Build a portfolio - examples of different ways you can do this. [11:00] How to stand out from a branding standpoint - the importance of specializing in a particular niche and platform. [14:02] The importance of listening to customer feedback - how their input can help you niche down too. [15:11] Final tips for people who are getting excited about being a Social Media Manager - how “data is how you make decisions.” [16:03] Reasons why an analytics skill set is important for Social Media Managers [16:59] How to learn more about Latasha James [17:40] How to level up your skills at Freelance University   Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode Freelance University  Facebook Fridays    Learn more about Latasha James Website  James+Park  Online Business Launch Lab   Connect with Latasha Instagram: @thelatashajames  Twitter: @thelatashajames  TikTok:@thelatashajames YouTube LinkedIn  Facebook: @thelatashajames   Resources and tools: YouTube  LinkedIn  Zoom  Instagram TikTok Twitter  Facebook  Facebook Ads 

Today we are talking with Craig Cannings, co-owner (with his wife Kelly) of Freelance University, father to five daughters, and lover of travel which means he fits in here in every way possible. I had the opportunity to get to know Craig over the last year and I couldn't wait to get him on the podcast because he effortlessly spits out fantastic insights without even trying. In this episode, we are getting into how building a business while raising little kids demands that you have systems in place,  why lifestyle first was the precipice for going on this journey into entrepreneurship, and how can you navigate a season of life change (like a business failing) in a way that best suits your family & your future self. We also get real about productivity & non-negotiable time and the role they play in the statement "I don't have enough time to build a business of my own" which (hint, hint) you have more time than you realize. If you want to enter into a new season of life, give this episode a listen because waiting for something to happen vs taking action is going to dictate your outcome and we give away some great insights and advice on how to make it happen. What are your expectations for starting your own business timewise? Are you being realistic?  Let us know over on Instagram! Guest Bio Craig Cannings is the co-founder of Freelance University with his wife, Kelly. Craig has had the privilege of helping over 20,000 students in 75 countries realize their dreams of launching a portable, freelance business (and lifestyle). He has enjoyed the great freedom of working from home and traveling abroad while raising 5 wonderful daughters. Important Links Freelance University Seasons of Life - LI Podcast Episode Location Indie - Join The Newsletter (scroll to the bottom of the page)  

What are the qualities of an exceptional subcontractor? Today our guest is Sue Harrawood, founder of Peace of Mind Virtual Assistance. She's been working in the VA industry for almost 20 years and knows a thing or two about subcontracting. Join us as we discuss the qualities of exceptional subcontractors and how you can prepare to be one. Whether you're interested in hiring subcontractors or becoming one yourself, you'll benefit from these valuable strategies and insights!    Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Sue Harrawood and the topic of being an exceptional subcontractor - Sue tells the story of how she got started in the VA industry and launched her business. [3:13] What it was like leaving corporate and working in a remote context - the challenges Sue faced and how she received help from others. [6:06] What it was like to hire a team - how Sue started the process of meeting and hiring team members. [9:33] How the know-like-trust factor plays a role in building a team  [10:08] Why subcontracting is a great strategy for someone starting out or continuing long term - how the benefits outweigh any disadvantages and can provide a level of contentment.   Specific Criteria Recommended for Subcontractors [14:14] #1 Personal and professional presence - how dress and appearance are important to Sue and her clients. [14:53] #2 Professional communication - examples of how to respond and communicate. [15:43] #3 Taking initiative - how to be in community, ask for help, and give guidance. [15:59] #4 Applying for a job posting - options for how you can show up professionally with attention to detail. [16:30] Craig's “Diamond in the Rough” strategy - the importance of hiring team members with good soft skills and giving them additional training in technical skills.   How to Prepare to Be an Exceptional Subcontractor [18:39] #1 Know who you are - how this helps you figure out what you want to do and achieve longevity. [19:17] #2 Communication is king and queen - the importance of communicating promptly when you're on a team. [20:21] #3 Develop your talents - how to prepare for upcoming interviews and be singularly focused. [21:23] #4 Be professional and well rounded - the importance of having a life outside of work. [21:32] #5 Know about the agency you're applying for - the importance of doing research to respond specifically to the subcontracting opportunity. [24:50] #6 Don't be a gossip - the importance of getting along with your team and making a good impression. [25:07] How your qualities, soft skills, and professionalism will be the deciding factor even if you have less experience than other VAs applying for an opportunity [26:24] The value of FreeU's training - how it's the right place for new and old VAs. [26:47] How new subcontractors can protect themselves as they enter an agency - important strategies to help them set boundaries. [30:43] How to learn more about Sue Harrawood [32:13] How to keep your skills current and learn more about Freelance University    Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University   Facebook Fridays    Learn more about Sue Harrawood: Website: Peace of Mind Virtual Assistance     Connect with Sue: LinkedIn  Facebook   Resources and tools: IVAA   Lisa Wells  LinkedIn   PowerPoint  Excel  Canva   QuickBooks   Facebook   Twitter  iTunes 

How do you build a recession-proof freelance business, able to withstand whatever circumstances you find yourself in? Today we'll unpack seven strategies to help you prepare for a potential recession and even thrive in the midst of it. Join us as we look to the future with hope, discussing the resilience of the freelance and virtual assistant industries!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of building a recession-proof freelance business - Craig shares a story that illustrates how freelancing and entrepreneurship often flourish during a recession. [3:24] How a recession creates a level of anxiety and vulnerability that inspires innovation, creativity, and change   Two Types of People Who Emerge During Economic Recessions [4:27] Play It Safe Paul - how he embodies the characteristics of being stuck in survival mode. [5:37] Make It Happen Mary - how she embodies the characteristics we should aspire to as freelancers or virtual assistants. [6:33] Examples of businesses and professionals who showed innovation as they pivoted during the pandemic - how a recession can also open up opportunities for freelancers and VAs even in the midst of downsizing.   Seven Ways to Recession-Proof Your Freelance Business [9:19] #1 Increase your savings rate - how to plan ahead for feast and famine moments by shoring up your finances. [10:42] #2 Manage your business expenses - how to do a subscription audit to reduce and streamline your operating costs. [11:47] #3 Diversify your service offerings - how to level up your skills in areas where there is great demand. [13:53] #4 Reconnect with people in your network - how to position yourself for new opportunities with previous clients and other people who may want to work with you. [14:58] #5 Flex your marketing muscle - examples of how to fire up your marketing activities in innovative ways. [17:02] #6 Be nimble and adapt on the fly - the importance of being ready to shift and adapt where needed. [18:05] #7 Learn and grow - the importance of investing in yourself so you can diversify your services and pursue new client opportunities. [19:52] Summary of the Seven Ways to Recession-Proof Your Freelance Business [20:46] How to level up your skills at Freelance University - the value of learning how to master, market, and monetize a skill set. [21:39] How to join Freelance University - the benefits of being part of FreeU.   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Learn more about Freelance University  Facebook  ​​  Twitter  Shopify  WooCommerce  Kajabi  Teachable Asana Facebook Groups  LinkedIn  YouTube Upwork PeoplePerHour Fiverr 

How do you successfully transition from being a corporate employee to a freelancer? Today we're joined by marketing authority Lindsay White, who left her corporate job in 2019 and created a profitable freelance marketing agency. Join us as we discuss strategies to leverage your transferable skills and enjoy the flexibility and autonomy offered by the remote work lifestyle!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Lindsay White and the topic of successfully transitioning from a corporate employee to a freelancer - Lindsay shares the story of how she made the journey from corporate to freelance. [5:05] How freelancing is now becoming more mainstream and desirable as a lifestyle - Lindsay shares her predictions about a corporate exodus toward remote work. [8:54] Predictions about the growth of freelance need - how many businesses have started outsourcing their work to freelancers. [9:50] The concept of autonomy - how the remote work lifestyle motivates people to do better work.   How to Make the Awkward Transition from Corporate to Freelance [11:34] #1 Start freelancing on the side and build up three months of your corporate income - advice on how to manage freelance work while raising a family. [12:20] #2 Find four retainer clients - how they prevent you from having to find new clients all the time. [13:45] #3 Think about your values from a non-monetary perspective first - how to figure out what structure of business works best for you. [14:45] #4 Learn to work smarter, not harder - how you can accomplish more deep work in less time by designing your own strategies and schedule. [18:00] How a new freelancer can leverage their corporate skills in their new service-based business - how to inventory the tasks you've performed and find the bottom level skill that can be translated to freelancing. [21:31] An example of how to offer clients services using your transferable skills - the importance of owning the skills you've cultivated over the years and bringing them forward. [23:45] Who would be a good freelancer - the characteristics that show a desire to learn something new.   How to Shift from a Corporate to a Freelance Mindset [24:47] #1 Determine how you're going to be successful - note all the tasks you'll need to perform to run your freelance business. [25:15] #2 Treat your business like a business - the importance of separating your work from the rest of your life at home. [27:33] How to learn more about Lindsay [28:50] How to learn more about leveling up your skills at Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University   Learn more about Lindsay White: Website  Free Offer: Director of Marketing Roadmap   Connect with Lindsay: Instagram: @LindsayWhite.co   Resources and Tools: Upwork  Drive by Daniel Pink ActiveCampaign  YouTube  Canva 

Finding your freelance path is of utmost importance to the development and growth of your freelance or VA business. It allows you to tap into the work you want to do, with clients you want to work with. Today we'll unpack a four-step process to finding your freelance or VA path (or any new career path). These strategies will help clarify which niche you'd like to focus on so you can truly enjoy and develop passion for your work!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of finding the right path for your freelance or VA business - Craig shares a story from his experience that illustrates the importance of enjoying your work. [2:14] How the freelance space allows you to craft a role that's tailor-made for you - a compelling quote from Steve Jobs that sets the stage for today's topic. [3:18] How the sky's the limit in terms of opportunities - the challenge of selecting from many freelance niches.   A Four-Step Process to Find Your Freelance Path (or Any New Career Path) [5:22] #1 A - Assess Yourself and Your Niche - four questions to ask yourself so you can confirm what area you're supposed to settle on and what type of freelancer you'd like to be.  [7:16] How Freelance University was created to be a playground for you to explore a variety of niches you can do in the freelance space [7:46] How to determine who you want to work with - examples of the types of clients you can work with and how that narrows down over time, along with your niche. [10:00] #2 R - Research Your Options in the Industry - an example of two ways to research the type of work other freelancers or virtual assistants do in a particular niche and what skill sets they have. [12:19] #3 L - Learn New Skills - how to develop the skills you need to deliver a high-value freelance or VA service. [14:17] How training paths and courses like the ones offered at Freelance University can clarify and confirm which niche you'd like to focus on. [15:56] #4 A - Apply Your Skills - how putting your skills into action either develops passion or shows that you're not meant to do a particular service. [17:52] How the FreeU Sandbox helps students access a practice WordPress site so they can learn by applying their skills. [18:39] Recap of the four-step process to finding your freelance or VA path [20:06] How to join the waitlist to be notified about the next intake of Freelance University   Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode: Join the waitlist to be notified about the next intake of Freelance University FreeU's Freelance Directory  Google  Upwork  FlexJobs YouTube  WordPress  Udemy 

Today we're talking about the wonderful world of digital ads! Join us as Colby Flood, the founder of Brighter Click, shares lessons he's learned while launching and scaling an education-first Facebook Ad agency. We'll discuss important strategies to help you build credibility, communicate well, and carve out a specialty as a Facebook Ad Manager or Facebook Ad Freelancer.   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Colby Flood and the topic of building a specialty as a Facebook Ad Manager or Facebook Ad Freelancer - Colby shares the story about his entry into the freelance space and his business, Brighter Click. [3:07] How the natural progression into freelancing often starts with general services before niching down to a specific area - the importance of finding your niche and having the confidence to further specialize in a service. [4:42] Why Colby chose the name Brighter Click, an agency name rather than his own name - reasons why your choice of name depends on the end goal for your business. [6:30] In light of the changes to Facebook, the potential for businesses who are seeking to improve their ad efforts - an explanation of the changes to iOS 14.5 and how it affected Facebook Ads. [7:46] How Facebook has been evolving and recommended changes for Facebook Ads strategies [9:58] The importance of having good SEO skills when offering Facebook Ad services (or finding someone who specializes in SEO to add on to your services) [10:50] The importance of going broad with Facebook Ads to let the algorithm work for you - a practical example with strategies you can apply to profiling your audience.   How to Get Started as a Freelance Facebook Ad Specialist [15:34] #1 Find an educational course, a resource, and a networking group to tap into - the benefits of staying on top of the changes in Facebook Ads by learning processes and best practices. [16:27] #2 Find some smaller clients and focus on building out case studies and processing out tasks as you go - examples of what to focus on and how to increase your rates. [17:08] The importance of training and experience - how Facebook advertising is changing a lot and requires you to be a relentless learner of your craft.   Lessons Learned from Launching and Scaling a Facebook Ads Agency [18:47] #1 Your value is often perceived by the level of your communication - the importance of ensuring your education and explanations match your skill. [20:01] How soft skills and hard skills are a winning combination - some examples of good communication between freelancers and clients. [21:30] #2 Once you've validated your business, be diligent about processing out the things you do - how to map out your process and some examples of tasks you'll want to delegate. [22:29] The benefit of being an “education-first” agency with long-term goals - what it means to Colby and how his agency provides free educational opportunities to team members. [24:51] Education through content marketing - how it builds credibility, draws interest to your services, and differentiates you from other marketers. [22:53] How the freelance space taps into the skill-based economy, not necessarily relying on educational credentials [26:46] How to get to know Colby Flood [27:16] How to learn more about Freelance University    Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University    Learn more about Colby Flood: Website: Brighter Click     Connect with Colby: LinkedIn  Email: colby@brighterclick.com    Tools and Resources: Facebook   Facebook Ads  Facebook Groups   Triple Whale   HighRoad   CustomerLabs  TikTok   Instagram  Slack   Depesh Mandalia   AdSignals (paid channel)   Facebook Ads Experts (organic free channel)  Andrew Foxwell (Slack channel and paid courses)   Cat Howell (courses)  Loom  Amazon  YouTube   Ad World  Ecom World Medium    Google 

How would you like to learn a strategy that can grow your freelance or VA business in more ways than anything else you might have done? Today we'll share a 3-Step Framework for creating winning lead magnets (free offers) that build your email list of prospective ideal clients. It's the same sort of process we've used to build our own base of students at Freelance University. Join us as we discuss this crucial strategy — it's had the greatest impact on our business over the last 14 years and can have the same impact on yours!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of creating winning lead magnets in your business - how it's a highly successful strategy that's had the greatest impact on Freelance University over the past 14 years.  [1:53] What is a lead magnet - a description of how it works and an example of how Craig tapped into the power of using free offers and lead magnets to build credibility.   Psychological Triggers to Authentically Persuade People to Respond to a Lead Magnet [4:45] #1 Reciprocity - how a process of give and take occurs when you offer something of value. [5:47] #2 Proof - how a lead magnet can establish your credibility when people receive the content and apply it. [6:34] #3 Affinity - how you can establish the “likeability” factor when you provide valuable content and build a relationship through email. [7:01] #4 Authority - how providing valuable educational content establishes you as an authority in a particular area.   A 3-Step Framework to Attracting Your Ideal Clients with Lead Magnets (Free Offers) [8:42] A summary of the three-step framework and description of how you can diagram the framework as a triangle [9:15] #1 Audience - important strategies you can use to determine who you're creating the lead magnet for and how it can address their needs and interests.  [11:16] #2 Skills - how to determine what your best skills (dominant specializations) are and how you can translate them into services that match the unique needs of your audience. [12:50] #3 Offer - the “Three T's” that help you come up with your offer and advice for how to apply the principles of Type, Topic, and Title to create a compelling lead magnet. [17:10] Summary of the “3-Step Framework” [18:25] Encouragement for freelancers and VAs - the importance of building your email list and nurturing a relationship with people who may turn into ideal clients. [19:24] How to learn more about leveling up your skills and creating lead magnets at Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University  VANetworking  Twitter  LinkedIn  Facebook  Facebook Groups  Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini WordPress  Instagram  Microsoft Word  Fiverr  Canva MailerLite ConvertKit  Mailchimp  ActiveCampaign 

How do you make an incredible impression on clients so they want to hire you for more projects, put you on retainer, and maybe even give you a blank check because you're so valuable to them? Today we'll discuss an invaluable topic that will revolutionize your client relationships. Join us as we share a laundry list of the 10 Best Ways to Wow Your Clients. It'll help you make a great first impression and continue to build trust for years to come!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of “wowing” your clients to help you make an incredible impression on them - Craig shares an important example from his experience working with a celebrity client in the online marketing space.   10 Ways to Wow Your Clients [4:52] #1 Lead with a high-value discovery call - what “high-value” means and how you should prepare for the call. [7:12] #2 Focus on relationships and results - how results are important, but you also need to be relational and make a unique connection with clients. [8:46] #3 Make yourself available (with clear boundaries) - how to be responsive to clients within certain parameters. [10:14] #4 Create a “don't-make-me-think” onboarding experience - how to make onboarding a seamless process using effective tools.  [12:36] #5 Own your role and skills - how to be an expert in your role so you become your client's advisor in that area. [14:35] #6 Be hyper-organized and use tools if necessary - what this looks like and why it's so important to clients. [16:50] #7 Offer random acts of kindness - examples of how you can show kindness to your clients and offer value. [19:01] #8 Go the extra mile - the importance of overdelivering and giving your absolute best in your projects and client relationship. [20:52] #9 Demonstrate high integrity always - how to be humble and honest to further the client relationship when you make a mistake or things aren't going well. [21:38] #10 Be proactive - things to think about so you're not reacting to situations, but are proactively responding to problems and challenges you foresee with a client. [22:34] Recap of the 10 ways to wow your client [24:16] How to learn more about the Client Training Center and complete suite of courses at Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University  Zoom  Instagram HoneyBook  Dubsado  Miro  Loom Slack  Asana Trello 

How do you build a thriving business while dealing with a chronic illness? Today we're joined by Business and Marketing Coach (and FreeU Mentor) Tammy Durden, who has dealt with severe chronic health conditions while at the same time building a successful business. Many students in our University can relate to Tammy's journey because of their own chronic health issues. And this might be exactly where you are right now too. So, listen in and be inspired as we discuss strategies to overcome challenges and keep your business moving in the right direction!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Tammy Durden and the topic of building a thriving business with a chronic health condition - Tammy shares her story, leading up to what she does today.    Lessons Learned from Experiencing a Chronic Health Condition While Growing a Business [4:47] #1 How to bring the right people on to the team - the importance of having people who know what to do. [5:09] #2 How success is defined differently, and it's okay to work from bed some days - examples of how Tammy overcame challenges and built a team of people also experiencing challenges.   How to Manage a Chronic Health Issue While Keeping Your Business Moving in the Right Direction  [7:04] #1 Having a great team alongside you - examples of how the team took over and took pressure off Tammy. [8:11] #2 Working from bed - how it's okay to do that. [8:16] #3 Doing freelance tasks and developing skills that are not urgent - examples of tasks you can schedule. [8:55] Types of services that are conducive to people who don't know how they're going to feel from day to day - examples of services that would be hard versus ones that would be ideal. [11:11] What to do if you don't have a team - strategies to help manage your health and your work while being honest with clients.  [15:18] Redefining what success looks like when you're dealing with a chronic health issue - important illustrations and perspectives from Craig and Kelly's and Tammy's freelance journeys. [19:13] How freelancing offers unique benefits not found in other jobs - examples of how the freelance lifestyle is better for health. [21:27] How to get connected with Tammy [22:19] How to learn more about connecting with community and developing skills at Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University    Learn more about Tammy Durden: Website: Fearless Business Boss   Connect with Tammy: Facebook Instagram

How do you maintain a healthy social media mindset while still growing your business, presence, and influence? Today we're joined by Business Mindset Coach Marion Wagner, a former school psychologist who helps entrepreneurs scale six-figure online businesses. She shares crucial strategies and insights so you can create healthy boundaries and choose the best social media channels to make authentic connections with your ideal clients!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Marion Wagner and the topic of building a healthy social media mindset - Marion shares her story and how she shifted from being a school psychologist to a business mindset coach.   Three Ways Social Media is a Blessing [5:26] #1 You can create connections and build relationships with people easily - an example of how it's used to reach out to people. [5:54] #2 You can show a more human side or a behind-the-scenes look at your business - how it shortens the window of getting a cold lead to know, like, and trust you. [6:18] #3 You can easily showcase what you do and what you offer - some examples illustrating how an active social media presence attracts clients.   The Importance of Creating Boundaries with Social Media from a Business Standpoint [8:46] #1 Time - key questions to ask yourself. [9:23] #2 Identity - the importance of knowing who you are, what you offer, what you stand for, and why you're there. [10:09] #3 Vanity metrics - the danger of giving too much weight to the number of followers or likes. [12:53] Social media channels that would best serve freelancers and virtual assistants - examples of strategies that would be most effective for you depending on who your ideal client is. [14:09] The importance of having a home base for your business online - how a branded website is an advantage. [15:38] Four signs that you might need some better boundaries for social media - important examples of how you can be consumed by social media.   Four Ways to Create Healthy Boundaries with Social Media [19:18] #1 Make a list of what you're going to do before you open up a social media app - how it prevents you from getting distracted. [19:51] #2 Set a timer - examples of how it creates a sense of urgency. [20:12] #3 Remind yourself that social media is a business tool - how to set boundaries when you're working on your business. [20:40] #4 When self-comparison pops up, ask yourself why you're having that reaction - how it's a good thing to recognize your thoughts and reframe them.  [22:32] The importance of being strategic and intentional on social media - the challenge of maintaining time boundaries. [23:41] Words of encouragement to help you level up your skills in social media - strategies to ensure you spend your time wisely so you reach your ideal clients. [25:50] How both social media and your website are ways to provide people with solutions and build affinity [26:37] How to get to know Marion  [27:48] How to learn more about Freelance University's training programs   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University    Learn more about Marion Wagner: Website: Marion Wagner Coaching  Freebie: Social Media Mindset Makeover mini-course    Connect with Marion Instagram: @marionwagnercoaching     Resources and Tools:  Instagram  Instagram Reels  Twitter   TikTok   LinkedIn Facebook   Pomodoro Technique Pinterest  iTunes  

Today we're excited to unveil highlights from our 5th annual Freelance Professional Skills Report! In spite of economic uncertainty, a global pandemic, and global unrest, we've seen an extraordinary spike in the growth of freelancing. Join us as we unpack the report and discuss exciting things happening in the freelance space in 2022. Results indicate this is a great time to start or grow your freelance or virtual assistant business!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the 2022 Freelance Professional Skills Report - how to access the link and download the report. [1:00] How 2022 is a great year for you to grow your freelance or virtual assistant business - reasons why the freelance industry has grown. [2:39] The basis for the Freelance Professional Skills Report and how it's generated   Highlights from the Report [3:20] Why people chose to pursue freelancing during the global pandemic - examples of compelling responses. [5:27] The percentage of freelance or VA survey respondents who are currently working either a full-time or part-time job while building their business - the challenges this presents and encouragement to persevere. [6:43] Top motivations for starting a business - examples of benefits experienced by freelancers and virtual assistants. [7:43] The percentage of respondents whose business either stayed the same or grew during the global pandemic - how this is a win for the freelance industry. [8:25] The top five most important hard skills that contribute to the growth of a freelance business - examples of top skills and how they benefit businesses. [10:49] The top three soft skills - examples of soft skills that are invaluable to a freelance business. [11:06] The best ways to find clients - examples of the most effective sources and strategies, according to respondents. [12:34] The #1 preferred social network for building a freelance business - how the result changed this year, compared to previous surveys. [13:49] In light of our current economic climate, the percentage of people who are encouraged that their businesses are going to grow - how the results indicate this is a great time to be a freelancer. [14:39] How to download the Freelance Professional Skills Report   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University  Download the 2022 Freelance Professional Skills Report   Marketing in 60 Minutes a Day course The Freelancer's Toolbox course  iTunes  Facebook Facebook Groups  LinkedIn  Instagram 

During the global pandemic, freelance marketplaces like Upwork continue to gain significance as valuable sources of jobs and gigs. But how do you win at Upwork and attract your ideal clients? Today we're joined by social media manager and educator Silvia Pinho, who's been on Upwork since 2013. She shares important strategies to help you personalize your proposals and earn clients' trust even before the initial discovery call!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Silvia Pinho and the topic of finding work on Upwork - Silvia tells her story, how she got started in freelancing and what she's doing today.  [3:00] Why Upwork is still a great place to find freelance projects and a good opportunity for freelancers - some important features that help you reach out to ideal clients and sell yourself. [4:48] How the COVID-19 pandemic led to more jobs being posted on Upwork and more freelance gigs - examples of how remote work has become mainstream.   Common Reasons Why Freelancers Struggle to Find Clients on Upwork [6:35] #1 Thinking it's a numbers game - how you shouldn't copy and paste proposals to a ton of jobs. [6:49] #2 Talking too much about yourself and not about the client - recommendations for what clients want to hear instead. [7:38] #3 Not personalizing your proposal - the importance of using a potential client's name and researching the industry. [10:00] #4 Having typos in your profile or cover letter - how correct grammar and spelling is important for writers and all freelancers. [10:53] Keys to creating a winning Upwork profile - how to earn clients' trust by sharing relevant examples of work, testimonials, and video introductions.   Recommendations for Finding Work on Upwork [14:48] #1 Use video to personalize your proposal - important tips for creating an effective video and examples of what to include in it. [15:55] #2 Show quick examples of work - how to demonstrate that you understand the clients' needs for the project. [16:36] The importance of offering value in your interactions on Upwork - how it sets you apart from other freelancers. [17:17] How video may not be easy for everyone, but it produces results - examples of how video can be effective in attracting clients. [18:24] The importance of quality, not quantity - advice for setting reasonable goals when sending out proposals. [19:02] The Know Like Trust Factor - how personalizing your proposal contributes to this. [19:38] How to get to know Silvia  [21:00] How to learn more about Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University     Learn more about Silvia Pinho: Website   Freebie: 5-Step Upwork Checklist    Connect with Silvia: Instagram: @thesilviapinho    Resources and Tools:  Upwork  Google  Grammarly  LinkedIn   Loom  iTunes 

Lack of focus can be a real business killer, derailing you from accomplishing what you need to grow your business. But how do we regain our focus? Today we'll unpack 10 practical ways to improve your focus in your business and get more things done. These strategies will help you regain and even increase your focus so you can complete your weekly priorities in both life and business!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of how to regain and increase our focus so we're completing our weekly priorities and accomplishing what we need to grow our business - reasons why focus is important. [0:58] “The nothing box” - how you can do something without a clear focus and not be aware of what you did or accomplished. [2:32] Why we become so incredibly unfocused - examples of physiological, mental/emotional, and organizational things that make us lose focus.   10 Practical Ways to Improve Your Focus in Your Business and Get More Things Done [7:10] #1 Get clear on the distinction between the urgent and the important tasks you need to get done in the week - how it's about prioritizing and blocking time. [9:12] #2 Set clear and tangible goals every day and week - an example of how Craig maps out goals and priorities. [10:40] #3 Time-block your schedule - examples of important tasks you might want to dedicate time to. [12:05] #4 Discover your ideal work times - how you need to figure out the times when you're at your best. [13:28] #5 Manage your energy, not your time - reasons why your level of energy affects your focus and the importance of taking breaks. [15:47] #6 Eliminate your dominant distractors - examples of distractors and how to eliminate them. [17:14] #7 Be healthy - examples of healthy habits to implement in your life to fuel your energy. [20:38] #8 Get organized with your taskmaster app of choice - examples of project management apps and how to use them strategically. [21:43] #9 Change your environment and pick a different place to get some work done - how it's a great way to renew your focus. [22:49] #10 Make meaningful connections with others - examples of ways to connect at Freelance University and in your business and personal relationships. [24:14] Recap of the 10 ways to improve your focus and get more things done [25:42] How to learn more about Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University  Google Calendar  Trello  Asana  ClickUp  Todoist

Do you ever wonder how you can generate more revenue and get more meaning from your work in less time? Today we're joined by writer, strategist and coach, Austin Church, the founder of FreelanceCake.com. He shares effective strategies for becoming not just an implementer, but a consultant and strategist for your clients in more than six different in-demand areas. These services will help you add a whole new layer of income to your freelance or virtual assistant business!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Austin Church and the topic of becoming a freelance strategist/consultant - Austin tells the story of how he became a freelancer and a strategist.  [5:46] The challenge of how to generate more revenue and get more meaning from your work in less time - some reasons why freelancers struggle to move from being an implementer to being a strategist or consultant. [7:21] The challenge of routine - how we don't always recognize how the aptitudes required in our tasks relate to consulting. [11:50] How we tend to overestimate how much clarity other people have - examples of ways you can use your expertise to lead strategy sessions with your clients. [15:13] How clients are enthusiastic in their gratitude after strategy sessions - the importance of using consulting questions before creating an actionable plan.   How to add a strategy service to your freelance business [18:21] #1 Paid Discovery or Project Roadmapping - examples of what this entails and the purposes it serves. [20:55] #2 Content Roadmapping and Content/Copy Strategy - examples of how you can help clients with their website content and questions you can ask. [22:06] #3 Social Media Strategy - how to strategize social media post topics. [22:36] #4 Product or Business Strategy - how it's similar to being an ad hoc business partner for clients. [23:08} #5 UI/UX Strategy - examples of how this applies to software and user pathways. [23:20] #6 Website Strategy - how it involves mapping the customer's journey through the website and clarifying the website's job. [24:15] An example of how lucrative technology consulting can be - encouragement to be proactive with clients and offer a strategy service. [26:01] How to sell your strategy services - an example of what Austin's sales funnel and packages are like. [31:27] How being a strategist builds credibility for your current services [32:22] A range of hourly rates for someone who's just beginning as a strategist - the best rule of thumb to use when figuring out pricing and going into your first strategy session. [37:06] How to connect with Austin and get to know more about what he's doing   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University    Learn more about Austin Church: Website:     Connect with Austin: LinkedIn:  Twitter:     Resources and Tools:  Double Your Freelancing with Brennan Dunn WordPress  Instagram Kajabi Clarity FM LinkedIn  Twitter 

How do you stay motivated to keep doing what you're doing in your business every day? This topic is one of the most important factors to your long-term success in your virtual assistant or freelance business. So, today we'll unpack seven practical strategies to help you stay motivated, even in the midst of adversity. They'll give you the courage to continue striving for success and giving your clients your absolute best!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of staying motivated in your freelance or virtual assistant business - the importance of continuing even in the midst of adversity or waning motivation. [2:19] An example of motivation and the courage to continue - how Craig's daughters achieved success during adversity.   The Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation [4:30] Intrinsic motivation - its definition, importance, and examples of how it's characterized by the three Ps (Purpose, Passion, and Personal Fulfillment).  [9:55] Extrinsic motivation - its definition, importance, and examples of how it's characterized by the three Rs (Relationships, Revenues, and Rewards).   7 Practical Strategies to Help You Stay Motivated in Your Business [13:55] #1 Know Your Big Why - how to create business and personal purpose statements to anchor you during the challenges in your business. [15:14] #2 Embrace the Freelance Lifestyle - how to embrace the many freedoms you can enjoy as a freelancer. [16:25] #3 Assess Your Niche - how to make sure you're doing what you love so you receive personal fulfillment. [17:06] #4 Mix Up the Environment - how to switch up work locations to keep yourself motivated and on track. [17:30] #5 Celebrate Your Little and Big Wins - how to be aware of the good things happening in your business so progress can breed motivation. [18:18] #6 Update Your Skills and Keep Learning - how gaining mastery over a skill set breeds motivation and enjoyment of the work. [19:03] #7 Join a Community - how aligning yourself with people who are extrinsic motivators will lift you up. [19:37] How to learn more about Freelance University's supportive community, small group masterminds, and mentorship designed to provide a support circle around your business [20:04] Recap of the 7 practical strategies and the characteristics of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University  Zoom  Facebook Groups  Facebook  Instagram 

How do you create a compelling brand that actually attracts clients? Today we're joined by Nikki Arensman, who is a brand designer, strategist, and host of “The Business of Branding” podcast. She's the perfect candidate to explain how to do branding the right way, from scratch, so you can stand out and connect with your ideal clients!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Nikki Arensman and the topic of creating a compelling brand that attracts clients - Nikki tells the story of how she became a brand designer and strategist.  [7:25] The competitiveness of the product industry and how branding is the way you can stand out   Reasons freelancers or VAs struggle to create a compelling brand [9:48] #1 Thinking branding is not exciting - some examples of the core elements that make up a brand. [11:39] #2 Thinking you aren't established enough - the benefits of thinking through who your clients are, how to speak with them and connect with them. [12:43] #3 Focusing too much on the visual elements of a brand - the importance of having the “meat” to back it up. [14:35] An example of effective branding - how the brand identity and business elements can connect with an audience and win a client. [15:45] The paradigm shift of recognizing that as a freelancer, you are both a business and a brand - Nikki shares some examples from her experience. [17:48] How many people come from an employment background - the challenges of creating a brand instead of writing a resume.  [19:41] How your brand identity sometimes needs to catch up to where your business has grown - the benefits of aligning your brand identity with all other business elements.   How to do branding the right way, from scratch [22:11] #1 The logistical perspective - examples of what you need to think about. [22:52] #2 The brand strategy - elements that help you figure out the who, what, and why of the business. [23:50] #3 The brand visuals - examples of how you could also create these elements before the preceding two steps to create initial momentum in your business. [28:12] The importance of having a first win and starting with a low-cost brand identity when your business is still evolving [29:16] How to access the Brand Identity Breakthrough kit - what the kit includes and how to use it. [33:39] How to learn more about Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University    Learn more about Nikki Arensman: Brand Identity Breakthrough:    Connect with Nikki: Website:   Instagram:    Resources and Tools: LinkedIn  Pinterest  Fiverr  99designs  Facebook Groups Spotify  iTunes   

It's safe to say we're operating in a remote work revolution right now, with renewed interest in companies and freelancers working from home. So, you may be wondering, what is the future of remote work? Today we'll hear from Michael Brooks, the founder and CEO of goLance, an award-winning online freelance marketplace. He'll share his predictions and key strategies to help you thrive in the remote work economy for many years to come!   Podcast Outline: [1:10] Introduction to Michael Brooks and the future of remote work - Michael talks about working remotely and tells the story of what led him to launch goLance. [9:10] The impact of the global pandemic on remote work and freelancing - reasons why remote work is growing explosively. [12:01] How many businesses were forced to go remote during the pandemic and discovered greater profitability - the importance of developing and managing trust for remote workers. [15:28] How freelancers are the most motivated group of people Craig has ever worked with - compelling reasons why clients can trust freelancers. [16:25] What Michael envisions the remote work landscape looking like - some exciting predictions about the worldwide working world.  [19:42] How higher quality platforms with higher quality people are likely to emerge because of the benefits of working remotely   Keys to thriving long term in the remote work economy as a freelancer [22:12] #1 Build Your Reputation - how to build your digital reputation online. [22:52] #2 Be a Subject Matter Expert - how you can perform that function yourself or outsource it. [26:10] What freelance specialist areas are in demand right now - some important examples where there's more demand than supply. [28:12] How to connect with Michael and learn more about what he's doing [29:20] How to learn more about Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode Freelance University   Learn more about Michael Brooks goLance    Connect with Michael Twitter: @MichaelBrooksPR    Resources and Tools oDesk (now known as Upwork)  Craigslist LinkedIn   Quora   Response CRM   YouTube   Google

How do you approach your freelance business with a boss mindset when you're used to being an employee? Today we're joined by Nachum Kligman, the CEO and founder of Book Like a Boss, a booking page builder that helps freelancers manage their schedules and lives. He knows a thing or two about being an incredible boss in his business and will share strategies for developing an entrepreneurial mindset. This will change the dynamic of your client relationships and help you present yourself with confidence!   Podcast Outline: [0:38] Introduction to Nachum Kligman and the topic of cultivating the mindset of a boss in your freelance business - Nachum describes his journey and how he's currently serving freelancers. [6:09] How it's easier to sell software than manufactured products - some examples showing the need for character and persistence in business. [8:37] Why it's challenging to pivot from an employee mindset to a boss mindset - how to change your mindset so you can establish boundaries. [11:46] The importance of teaching clients how to treat you - how your clients may also bring an employee-employer mindset to the relationship. [12:45] The importance of having a high perceived value - some tips for presenting yourself with the mindset of a successful entrepreneur. [14:43] How to overcome imposter syndrome - Nachum shares his experience and describes the perspective you must have. [18:41] The importance of owning your expertise - how recognizing that can change the dynamic of your client relationship. [20:42] Strategies to help you fully come into your own as the boss of your freelance business - how you must take control of your life and business. [22:03] Seth Godin's book Tribes says the world needs leaders - the importance of leading in your expertise and partnering in your client's success. [23:00] Congratulations and encouragement to freelancers - Nachum applauds you for going out on your own and building your own business. [23:46] How to get to know Nachum and check out Book Like a Boss [24:58] The growth of freelancing - how to learn more about Freelance University and develop your skills.   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University    Learn more about Nachum Kligman: Software Website: Book Like a Boss          Why Calendly Users Are Flocking to Book Like a Boss: NotCalendly.com    Connect with Nachum: LinkedIn: Nachum Kligman  Twitter: @kligman   Resources and Tools: WordPress  Amazon Gmail  Tribes by Seth Godin  Calendly

Do you ever wish you could have more energy and focus better on your daily tasks? In today's class we'll discuss the essential strategies you need so you can add more time to your day, accomplish more in your business, and see better results. Join me as I walk you through ten helpful ways to ensure you have your most productive day ever!   Podcast Outline: [0:41] Introduction to the topic of having your most productive day ever - some questions to consider and reasons why people experience a lack of productivity.   Ten Ways to Have a More Productive Day [5:21] #1 Identify and eliminate your productivity pitfalls - examples of different types of pitfalls and how to overcome them. [7:46] #2 Make your to-do list the day before - what to include and how to format the list. [8:48] #3 Build regular morning rituals - the importance of having a regular routine and some examples of how it helps you get into the mental and emotional space to be able to do good work. [9:59] #4 Use the fine art of time blocking - how to create focus times to zero in on your Most Important Task (MIT).  [11:29] #5 Batch your recurring tasks - how to designate a time for activities, like checking email and social media, to squeeze more out of the day. [12:28] #6 Keep a distraction list - the types of things to document so you can clear your mind and focus. [13:35] #7 Eliminate inefficient communication methods - the importance of putting boundaries on communication and some examples that could work when communicating with clients. [14:46] #8 Fill your tank with breaks - how to manage your energy and replenish your mind and body by stepping away from your computer at regular intervals. [17:06] #9 Daily sharpen your saw - the importance of preparation, how learning and development increase your motivation and confidence. [18:11] #10 Get plenty of rest - how adequate sleep at night and consistent sleep patterns give you good energy and focus during the day. [19:03] Recap of the 10 helpful strategies to have your most productive day ever [20:08] How to learn more about Freelance University programs and training   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University  Start-Up Fast Track Program  All-Access University   Scale to Success Program   Inc Magazine   Netflix  Twitter  Instagram   Instant Messenger  Skype   Slack   Bullet Journal   Asana    Trello   ClickUp   Todoist   Zoom   YouTube 

Today is the first day that you can pick up your own Paradise Pack but remember, this sale is only on until April 4th, 2022 so do not wait to grab a pack because once it is gone...it is gone forever! Today we are welcoming some more of our contributors to this year's pack including Erica Virvo Hackman from Nomadic Network & Our Whole Life Love, Annette Fortner from Chase for Adventure, and Craig Cannings from Freelance University. Just like in the pack, we are diving into all things travel, business, digital nomadism, and getting into the stories of each of our guests today. How did they get to where they are today? What were their biggest struggles? What did they do before their entrepreneurial journey? You will see yourself in one of the stories being shared and let it be your catalyst to create the lifestyle you have always dreamed of + we would be honored if the Paradise Pack played a role in getting you started on your journey. Have you picked up this year's pack? Let us know on our Instagram. Important Links The Paradise Pack - On Sale March 29th - April 4th Craig Cannings from Freelance University Annette Fortner with Chase for Adventure Erica Virvo Hackman from Nomadic Network & Our Whole Life Love  

Over the past two years, there's been unprecedented growth in the popularity of virtual summits. So, today we're joined by Krista Miller, an expert on virtual summits and founder of Summit in a Box. She'll explain why virtual summits have become such an in-demand and profitable service for so many freelancers and virtual assistants. And she'll also share practical steps for launching your own summit, even if you have a tiny email list!   Podcast Outline: [0:45] Introduction to Krista Miller and the topic of hosting a profitable virtual summit even if you have a tiny email list - Krista tells the story of how she became a thought leader in running virtual summits.  [5:22] How productizing a service is a common pathway for freelancers   Trends shaping the growth of virtual summits during the COVID-19 pandemic  [6:55] #1 Moving from pre-recorded to live virtual events - how people are becoming more comfortable with presenting live events. [7:18] #2 People looking for ways to make their events unique - some examples of how people are making their events stand out. [8:44] #3 People trying paid summits instead of freemium summits - how it's not a great idea, but it's being attempted. [9:01] #4 More people trying to launch in-person events - some reasons why hybrid events are also happening.   How freelancers could use virtual summits to sell services in their business  [11:02] #1 List building - how it helps more people know about your services. [11:27] #2 A big cash injection through your all-access pass revenue - how there's no limits to what you can do with the pass. [11:52] #3 A way to feature your services - how it will help you book out your services during your event. [12:20] #4 The relationships you build with speakers (and attendees) - how it's most important because of the connections with industry experts who can send you referrals.   Practical steps for launching a summit when you have a small email list [14:16] #1 Get specific on the summit you're running and the audience you're targeting - Krista shares an example of what it looks like to host a summit for a different audience. [15:51] #2 Get specific on how you're helping your audience - how it's easier to craft a summit that makes a difference for them. [16:27] #3 Get specific with your speakers - how to pitch speakers who have the same audience as your summit.  [17:29] The importance of niching down to make your summit distinctive - Craig shares an example of how this benefited Freelance University's summit, speakers, and audience. [18:10] Opportunities for freelancers who want to offer services for summit hosts - some examples of in-demand services and roles. [20:49] How to get to know Krista more   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University    Learn more about Krista Miller: Website: Summit in a Box  The Summit Host Hangout Podcast  On Instagram: @summitinabox  Traffic and Conversion - Ryan Deiss  Facebook Groups

Craig Cannings is the co-founder of Freelance University with his wife, Kelly. Craig has had the privilege of helping over 20,000 students in 75 countries realize their dreams of launching a portable, freelance business (and lifestyle). He has enjoyed the great freedom of working from home and traveling abroad while raising 5 wonderful daughters.    Here's what we covered on the episode: The Launch of Freelance University   Craig's background is in psychology and he was a counselor for a few years before making a pivot and joining his brother in-law who started a software company in 2003  In 24 months the business onboarded 40 people - Craig shares that his job was to train every new freelancer and person working with their remote software company How craig realized his talent and enjoyment for training/teaching people which led him and his wife, Kelly to launch Freelance University in 2008   Freelance University was launched to train freelancers in multiple different skill areas so they could start their own portable, flexible business    The story of how Craig and Kelly were able to onboard their first 7 students into their course by running a small Google Ad and hosting a free teleseminar  When they first launched Freelance University, they had 1 course, now they offer 80 courses and have multiple tracks and instructors  Craig explains how slow the onboarding process was back in 2003 while working remotely  When Craig was freelancing his niche was called web based marketing (now digital marketing) and was doing affiliate marketing, paid advertising, SEO and business development  As Craig moved into the University, he got more involved and was freelancing in course design and curation for clients in addition to creating his own  Craig says, because there are so many different opportunities in freelancing, where you start is not necessarily going to be where you end up Offerings at Freelance University  Running a business from home while raising kids and homeschooling them requires a lot of thought and strategy, Craig says but explains that he and Kelly were very disciplined with the free time they had and built effective systems over time   At the University, they do a lot of the business startup training such as setting up your virtual office, figuring out what your website will look like, your niche, what service you'll offer, etc.  Once people finish up the startup training at the University, they go into 1 of their 8 core tracks like, social media management, digital marketing, copywriting, web design, etc. where the University then gives them the technical skills they need to provide these services Once someone has been certified, the next step is joining the job directory at the University to get plugged in with potential clients   On their website, you can find people by searching for what service you need, for example if you need someone to help you with social media management, or you can send a job posting to the board   When the University first started, they were offering a la carte courses but about 5 years ago they made the decision to put everything under one hood and turn it into an education based membership, where people can buy annually or monthly and get access to all 80 courses, all 8 tracks, mentorship, the job board and community  How Freelance University created, Eight Ways to Thrive While Working at Home as a Freelancer because they saw an increase of remote working after the Covid-19 pandemic - Craig says working from home is skill that can be learned if you want to make it work  Adding Structure + Tools to Your Remote Working Lifestyle Freelancing can make it seem like you're free from a boss, dress codes, and a work commute but Craig says you still need to have some form of structure  Craig explains the importance of building a work schedule to keep yourself on track, having rituals in your day so your work and personal lives don't become too mixed, and guarding your technology so you're not constantly on it during your personal time One important tool Craig suggests using when working remotely is a PM app (Project Management App) he shares different PM apps like, Trello, Asana, and ClickUp and says they are great for laying out your schedule   If you're in the freelance space, Craig highly encourages you to get a client management app to create a seamless onboarding process and touches on all the built-in tools they offer for your convenience   You might also want to consider using a time management app to help you track your time, or a password management tool that allow you to never forget a password Popular Niches in Freelancing + Tips for Building Your Business  When picking a niche, Craig says to look at what's going on in the marketplace because you never want to train in an area that no one is hiring in Some popular niches in freelancing are currently, digital marketing, social media management, ad management, copywriting, virtual and digital media space management, virtual assistants, or any technical skill like graphic design.  On the Freelance University website they have a free guide, Discover 21 In-Demand Freelance Services to Offer in 2021 to help you find a niche that might be a good fit for you   Craig explains that it's important to understand that you're not going to build a thriving, full-time business overnight, you will probably have a full-time or part-time job while you're side hustling, then through babysteps your side hustle will eventually become your full-time business  When things aren't working out in your business, like not hitting your expenses for example, Craig says it's important to evaluate your business and see if you can reduce your expenses temporarily or see if there's a free app you can use instead of the paid app you might be subscribing to  Craig shares that it's important to block off time for marketing each week, whether that's reaching out to potential clients or networking because it's going to make you more visible which will lead to more potential clients  At Freelance University, they have an area called The Client Training Center which includes 9 courses that teach students how to network, make digital cold calls, set up a client-friendly website, etc.      If you are someone who is interested in working for yourself, Craig encourages    you to pursue freelancing because the industry is blowing up - don't miss the opportunity  Go to the Freelance University website to learn more and check out the FreeU Blog or Freelance Podclass    Links mentioned   Freelance University    Eight Ways to Thrive While Working at Home as a Freelancer   Discover 21 In-Demand Freelance Services to Offer in 2021   FreeU Blog    Freelance Podclass  Like what you heard?  Click here to subscribe + leave a review on iTunes. Click here to download my Sales Page Trello Board Let's connect on Instagram!

How do you continue growing a thriving business when you're interrupted by an illness or crisis in your life? Join us as Career/Business Coach Franklin Taggart shares strategies that helped him build his business during some of his greatest life challenges. His story will inspire and equip you to face the disruptions of life with hope and resilience!   Podcast Outline: [1:03] Introduction to Franklin Taggart and the topic of building a thriving business while surviving the disruptions of life - Franklin tells his story and how it led him to what he's doing today. [11:00] How a defining moment can change the trajectory of your life - Craig shares how he and his wife, Kelly, continued to pursue their goals in the midst of health challenges.   Lessons Franklin learned as he was battling the difficult disruption in his life   [13:59] #1 Don't let your insurance lapse - the importance of maintaining this support no matter how hard business gets for you. [14:18] #2 Don't wait until something is critical before you take action - the importance of paying attention to symptoms and seeking care. [14:54] #3 Have contingency plans - examples of things to put in place to prepare for certain situations.   How adversity can be a great teacher and make us better entrepreneurs [19:57] #1 Don't get lost in the deep emotions of adversity - how to acknowledge their importance while focusing on emerging opportunities. [21:14] #2 Prevention is better than a cure - how it's important to take care of yourself. [22:31] #3 No matter how difficult it gets, it's not going to last forever - how it's important not to create catastrophes in your head. [23:22] How adversity increases your capacity to deal with future problems and sometimes creates opportunity - Craig shares an emotional and powerful story from a FreeU student.  [27:23] Ways freelancers can get prepared for disruptions in their life and their business - the importance of staying connected and being engaged in a community. [31:05] How to learn more about Franklin [32:52] How to learn more about the Freelance University community and its next intake   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Learn more about Franklin Taggart: Podcast: Your Own Best Company Facebook Group: Your Own Best Company Free 1-Hour Best Next Step Call   Facebook Groups Zoom 

Today we're focusing on mindset — a topic that is critical to the success of your freelance business. Join us as Business Coach Amanda Kolbye shares key strategies and steps to cultivating a healthier mindset. These practices will help you navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship while maintaining day-to-day happiness and stability within your business!   Podcast Outline: [0:40] Introduction to Amanda Kolbye and the topic of developing the right mindset to run a thriving business - Amanda tells her story and highlights how mindset comes into play in your business.  [4:39] How COVID-19 has been a wake-up call urging people to do what they want to do - Amanda explains how you want what you want for a reason. [6:18] The importance of mindset in any business - Amanda outlines two ways mindset contributes to your success. [8:25] The three traits of a successful freelancer - how these traits relate to the idea of mindset, especially grit and unstoppability. [10:16] Enemies to a healthy mindset that creep up and cause people to go back to self-doubt or self-deprecation - Amanda gives examples of how we assign meaning to certain situations and suggests how to recognize and combat it.  [14:00] How freelancers sometimes feel like they don't know enough when they launch a new service - Amanda and Craig give helpful tips to shift your perspective.  Three Steps to Cultivating a Healthier Mindset [18:11] #1 Take time to question things and uncover your core beliefs and what narratives are fueling your subconscious thinking - how you can't shift things if you aren't aware of why and what's happening. [20:00] #2 Make it a practice, not an end goal - how mindset needs to be a daily or weekly practice like exercise to fuel the thoughts and beliefs you want to be apparent in your life. [20:40] #3 Do the uncomfortable work - how entrepreneurship is 20% business and 80% personal development or mindset. [21:23] The cognitive triangle - how this applies to freelance business activities like charging what you're worth. [24:47] How Amanda handles setbacks and adversity - some helpful and effective strategies that tie into mindset. [29:15] How community is at the heart of what Freelance University does and is one of the ingredients that make you unstoppable [30:52] The importance of having highs and lows while maintaining consistency - how you must figure out how to maintain your day-to-day happiness and stability within your business. [32:37] How to learn more about Amanda [33:34] How to learn more about Freelance University to level up your skills and become part of a community that will lift you up and help you accomplish your goals.   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Learn more about Amanda Kolbye:  Website: AmandaKolbye.com   On Instagram   The Three Key Traits of Every Successful Freelancer Instagram  Facebook 

Today's guest is Craig Cannings. He is the co-founder of Freelance University with his wife, Kelly. Craig has had the privilege of helping over 20,000 students in 75 countries realize their dream of launching a portable, freelance business, and lifestyle. He has enjoyed the great freedom of working from home and traveling abroad while raising five wonderful daughters.We're going to be talking about creating leads in your businesses as Freelancers. Don't miss out!Career PathCraig Cannings was a professional counselor for about seven years before his brother-in-law decided to start an online business. He was dealing with a lot of people that were dealing with big challenges.His brother-in-law invited him to work for his educational software company and taught him about online marketing and the likes. His wife also worked with her brother and the company went through fast growth. One of his roles was to train new Freelancers and Virtual Assistants that were joining their team. From there, he realized that he had a bit of a knack for teaching, and that kind of led to the idea of what it would be like to not only train people in their company but create a university that would train Freelancers and Virtual Assistants how to start businesses and that's what they ended up launching.Expert Tips In Creating LeadsReferralsPersonal NetworkYour personal network is your personal circle. It could be your family, siblings, friends, friends of friends, and even within your family circle, you may have what is called connectors. If you've read the book from Malcolm Gladwell – Tipping Point. He talks about connectors being those people that just seem to have an ever-expanding social network and they just know people. When you connect with a connector, good things start to happen.Professional CircleIt could be past colleagues, past employers. It could be even other Freelancers that you can do cross-referrals. Say, you've got the freelance graphic designer and you've got the freelance writer, they may work with a client that needs both services. They create this cool little referral network.ClientsYour clients are your best referral Network as well. Because they know your work, they could speak to your quality and give an example.Guest Blogging Or Guest WritingGuest blogging or guest writing is a great way to get yourself out there that will help in creating leads, resulting in more opportunities. People are always looking for great writers that can offer valuable content to their audience.List BuildingAre you building an email list? The number one marketing channel is our email list. Free content in exchange for an email address could be the context of some sort of lead magnet, whether it's a guide, a report, an e-book, a video series, or a little course. This is golden for writers because this is a great way to demonstrate their writing abilities.Remember, they're giving you their email address is like getting their phone number. Make sure you're giving them something very valuable and that you're not constantly emailing them. You don't want to do that either.Advice To Business OwnerThink about progress over perfection. It takes away the stress of having to try to get everything right all the time. There's something that you do every day that moves you even a small step toward reaching the goals in your business.You have to keep learning. Lifelong learning will help you adapt to unexpected changes. If we stop learning new tools, if we stop learning new tactics, then we will be using old-school tactics in a set of digitally enhanced worlds and you'll never thrive with it.Support the show (http://www.thesavvyscribepodcast.com)

Are you passionate about systems? Well, today we're discussing the wonderful world of systems — how you can use them to support your business and your clients' success as well! Join us as Alexis Fortier, Operations Consultant and OBM, explains how to systematize and streamline your freelance business so you can get more done and achieve better results. You'll also learn how you can become a systems expert for your clients and serve an ongoing role in automating their businesses.   Podcast Outline: [0:48] Introduction to Alexis Fortier and the topic of business systems - Alexis explains how she got into the online business management space and what she does now. [3:56] Symptoms of a business without systems - how a lack of systems profoundly affects clients and their business. [6:29] The definition of a system and how it benefits a business - Alexis and Craig give some examples of a system and how it goes hand in hand with Standard Operating Procedures. [9:04] The importance of documenting a system and analyzing it so you can determine how to make things easier [9:32] The top two systems Alexis creates for clients right now - Alexis and Craig discuss the intricacies of managing systems when a client has a team. [11:45] How to manage clients who don't realize their systems are antiquated and their business operations aren't sustainable - Alexis and Craig share some tips for approaching clients who push back or disagree.    Steps to Help Systematize a Client's Business [13:50] #1 Complete an audit - the importance of blocking out time to list and prioritize what the client is doing in their business. [14:55] #2 List how things are currently being done, step by step - some examples of how to list steps and decide what to automate and delegate. [15:36] The ongoing role an OBM plays after the systems are fine-tuned - Alexis describes the important tasks that clients continue to require. [17:03] Alexis' favorite tools to manage systems in her role as an OBM - she explains the benefits and uses of different categories of tools.  [19:52] How to connect with Alexis [20:27] How to learn more about sharpening your skills and growing your business with Freelance University's 80+ courses   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Learn more about Alexis Fortier: Website: AlexisFortier.com On Instagram @AlexisMFortier    Project Management Asana  ClickUp    Client Management Dubsado HoneyBook   Course/Membership Site Management Kartra Kajabi ConvertKit  WordPress Zapier 

As the remote work boom takes root, more and more businesses are hiring freelancers and virtual assistants. So, how do you make yourself more memorable, unique, and distinct when you're applying for remote work in this competitive industry? Join us as Lesley Pyle from HireMyMom.com shares key strategies you need to put in place in order to stand out from the crowd!   Podcast Outline: [0:46] Introduction to Lesley Pyle and the topic of standing out when you're applying for remote work - Lesley shares her story and what led her to embark on her freelance journey. [8:20] How COVID-19 has impacted Lesley's work and what trends she sees taking shape as a result of COVID-19 - Lesley describes how the remote work boom has taken root, providing savings for businesses and flexibility for parents. [11:19] How the trend of hiring freelancers and remote professionals (and creating remote work offices) will continue to evolve [12:54] How to motivate and inspire a remote work staff - the importance of learning to work with a team that's not in a physical office. [13:59] Common in-demand skill areas - Lesley and Craig describe the types of roles that are growing in demand.   Tips for Standing Out When Applying for Remote Work with a Business Owner [16:52] #1 Show some personality - ideas for using Canva to personalize your resume. [18:05] #2 Sell yourself - how to talk about what you've done for a company. [18:26] #3 Read the job description thoroughly - the importance of following instructions and learning about the company, industry, and business owner. [19:59] #4 Don't waste your time, and don't waste theirs - how to determine whether you have enough skills to apply for a job. [22:17] #5 Apply quickly and respond quickly - the importance of making a good impression by showing how responsive you are. [23:50] Recommendations for an online presence for people who are starting out in the freelance space - how to optimize your LinkedIn profile photo and ensure your online presence is appropriate for a future client to see. [28:11] Other sites where you can find remote jobs worldwide [29:46] How to learn more about HireMyMom.com [30:48] How to learn more about Freelance University training   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Learn more about HireMyMom.com: Website: HireMyMom.com On LinkedIn  On Instagram @hiremymom On Pinterest On Facebook: @HireMyMom Resources on HireMyMom blog    FlexJobs Upwork  Fiverr Tonya Sutherland, VA Networking Freelance University job postings Google Canva LinkedIn  Instagram Facebook Zoom Freelance University course listings  ​​

How do you future-proof your business? Today I share a five-step strategy, the 5C Formula, that will set you up for success heading into next year. Understanding this strategy could have a transformative impact on your freelance success moving into the future!   Podcast Outline: [0:32] Introduction to the 5C formula for future-proofing your business - how it could have a transformative impact on your freelance success moving into the future. Craig explains how four C's equal the fifth C. [2:04] First C is Clarity - how you need a clear road map or plan for what you're going to do to build your business. Craig describes how Freelance University builds clarity through in-demand core learning pathways.  [3:53] Second C is Currency - how it's important you have up-to-date, current, cutting-edge skills that clients need right now. Craig stresses that since learning is part of your success journey, Freelance University provides courses that develop current skills that will lead to income. [5:34] Third C is Confidence - how it can make or break an entrepreneur. Craig shares how skills breed confidence that will help you in your business. [7:28] Fourth C is Community - how it takes a village to raise a great entrepreneur or freelancer. Craig describes how community is the key to building a great business and how Freelance University is all about connecting with instructors, peers, and mentors to gain support. [9:03] Fifth C is Clients - how the first four C's help you land more clients and opportunities.  [10:21] How the Five C's make up the heart of why Freelance University exists  [11:16] How to learn more about registering for Freelance University's final intake of 2021   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Register for Freelance University's final intake of 2021   YouTube  WordPress Facebook Groups Meetup Groups 

Technology has empowered millions of people worldwide to offer freelance services from anywhere with an internet connection. The past two decades have seen freelance careers explode as companies and organizations have begun contracting with freelancers for everything from graphic design to social media marketing to HR. And changes in the job market related to the COVID pandemic have caused these numbers to expand even more explosively. If you are one of this growing number of freelancers, you'll want to listen to this episode. Craig Cannings is the co-founder of Freelance University with his wife, Kelly. He's has had the privilege of helping over 20,000 students in 75 countries realize their dreams of launching a portable, freelance business and lifestyle. He's also enjoyed the great freedom of working from home and traveling abroad while raising 5 wonderful daughters. Craig's experience working with freelancers goes back to 2003 when he was building a company that was completely staffed with remote workers. He and Kelly started FreelanceU in 2008 after seeing that there was a growing market of freelancers who needed to know more about building their businesses and creating success. Download “21 In-Demand Freelance Services You Can Offer in 2021” at https://FreelanceU.com Download the free 60-page “Freelance Startup Guide” at https://www.freelanceu.com/about/ And don't forget to listen and subscribe to The Freelance Podclass https://www.freelanceu.com/podcast/

In the final episode of season five of Behind The Membership, Craig Cannings, co-founder of https://www.freelanceu.com/ (Freelance University), joins us to share the story of how he and his wife Kelly transformed their business after switching to the membership model.  He shares what inspired him to go down the membership route after selling a la carte courses for so long, why they made the decision to adopt the closed-door enrollment model and how they've found a way to stabilize growth in-between launches.  He also talks about what it's like running a membership with his wife, the changes they made to the business during the global pandemic to better serve their audience and how they use badges and certifications to aid member retention… Plus much much more.  About Craig  Craig is the co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Freelance University, the #1 learning hub for Freelancers to level up their skills and increase their income opportunities. Since 2008, Craig has been delivering high-impact online training to 1000s of students in over 75 countries. He has been freelancing successfully since 2003 and has design a proven plan for launching a thriving Freelance business in 30 days or less. Key Quotes “It's a very interesting space as we see this freelance economy boom, even in the midst of a global pandemic.” “Now we're at a really good place. We have almost 800 members in our community and we're at the highest point we've ever been.”  “The membership has allowed me to take control of the business, as opposed to let my emotions or the model control me.”  Connect with Craig https://www.freelanceu.com/ (Freelanceu.com)  https://twitter.com/imcraigcannings (Twitter) https://ca.linkedin.com/in/craigcannings (LinkedIn)

Lauren Golden of The Free Mama is extremely passionate about helping Mamas start their businesses through freelance work. Today she is talking with Craig Cannon of Freelance U about how to find your niche. What are the BEST Freelance niches to pursue right now? Well, we have some answers for you! I am hosting a FREE Masterclass with Craig from Freelance University titled, “Seven Profitable Pathways to Freelance Success in 2021” scheduled for Tuesday, August 3rd. This webinar is the perfect way to jump start your success in the last half of 2021. Grab your FREE seat today! Register for the Masterclass Resources Mentioned: The Free Mama Movement The Free Mama Squad   Let's Connect:  Follow Me on Instagram  Join The Free Mama Movement on Facebook   Show notes available at www.thefreemama.com/67

Get access to our free trainings for web designers and DIYers at https://shannonmattern.com/free Leave a Rating + Review! Get the full transcript at shannonmattern.com/335 Bio: Craig Cannings is the co-founder of Freelance University with his wife, Kelly. Craig (and his team) have had the privilege of helping over 20,000 students in 75 countries realize their dreams of launching a portable, freelance business (and lifestyle). He has enjoyed the great freedom of working from home and traveling abroad while raising their 5 wonderful daughters.  Connect with Craig: FREEBIE - Discover Seven Proven Pathways to Freelance Success in 2021 Website Craig's Instagram

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we've seen digital content consumption increase like never before, leading to significant growth in freelance opportunities. Today I'm joined by Julia McCoy, who will teach you a 4-step process for building a content marketing system in your freelance business. We'll share important content marketing strategies so you can grow your influence, client base, and income streams!   Podcast Outline: [0:47] Introduction to Julia McCoy and the topic of content marketing - Julia describes how she started her freelance journey and where she is today. [5:40] How Julia's book Skip the Degree illustrates how passion and opportunities led to an important pivot in her career and freelance journey. [7:02] How the freelance movement is growing exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic  with increased digital content consumption - Julia and Craig discuss how this trend will continue with remote work going mainstream. [12:25] How picking a content channel allows freelancers to leverage their expertise - Julia and Craig discuss the concept of mastery and share some important content marketing strategies (e.g. the website first approach) that build trust in your audience. [18:17] The importance of consistency and how you'll see success with content over time - how content is a long game and builds an enduring freelance business. [19:46] Getting started with a content marketing initiative - Julia recommends a process you can follow to achieve success and create your own self-started career based on your passion (the 4 L's). [23:04] The value of mentorship - how students at Freelance University come for the courses but stay for the mentorship and support. [24:11] Further steps to levelling up once you have the skills, the mentor, and the knowledge - how you can build a legacy and create something that's rewarding as you pick a channel and delegate the rest. [26:44] Final insights for freelancers who want to have a great year in 2021 - how the freelance market and opportunities will help you thrive and how it's important to stay in your “zone of genius.” [28:41] How you can grow your freelance business and seek opportunities that bring other streams of income. [29:52] Where to learn more about Julia McCoy   Resources and tools discussed in this episode:   Learn more about Julia McCoy on Twitter https://twitter.com/JuliaEMcCoy and Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/fementrepreneur/    Julia's websites: Content Hacker https://contenthacker.com/ Express Writers https://expresswriters.com/  The Write Blog https://expresswriters.com/write-blog/    Julia's book on Amazon: Skip the Degree, Save the Tuition https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S5SC61H    Upwork https://www.upwork.com/  Google https://www.google.com  Clubhouse https://www.joinclubhouse.com/  YouTube https://www.youtube.com   Facebook Groups https://www.facebook.com/groups/  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/en  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/  Instagram Reels https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/introducing-instagram-reels-announcement  IGTV https://about.instagram.com/features/igtv  Facebook Ads https://www.facebook.com/business/ads

Hi everybody, this is a quick message for all freelance translators, interpreters, and language professionals out there. The end of the year is fast approaching, and what a crazy year it's been! Not only did we face the threat of a dangerous virus, but we also had to cope with many changes in our professional setting as well. So, if you're trying to think of ways to work on your professional development in 2021, let me introduce you to Freelance University. Take a listen to this Quick Tip to learn what they have to offer, then head on over to their website to start planning for the new year! P.S. This bonus episode was crafted through an affiliate partnership! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/translation-confessional/message

In today's podclass Craig shares some highlights from our recently-released annual Freelancer Report. We discuss how COVID-19 has affected actively working freelancers and share the top technical and soft skills that are most important today. We also reveal the most requested services for freelance businesses during this global pandemic and the most effective ways to find new clients. These important findings that will be both beneficial and impactful to your business moving forward!   Podcast Outline: [1:07] How the freelance industry is growing by leaps and bounds - Craig shares some reasons why this is happening and how the way people work has changed.   Highlights and Trends from the Annual Report  [3:03] The primary motivation for being a freelancer or virtual assistant and why respondents started their businesses in the first place [4:00] The business impact of COVID-19 - some encouraging results from respondents about how their businesses have been affected [4:58] The top five technical skills that are most important in freelancers' businesses [6:34] The top three soft skills that freelancers thought were most important to the success of their businesses [7:41] The top three ways to find new clients - examples of how FreeU students are finding ideal clients  [9:02] The most popular website platforms that freelancers are using - how having WordPress skills is ideal right now. [9:46] The top three social networks that are most important to freelancers right now [11:12] How the majority of respondents believe the freelance economy, industry and opportunities are increasing during this global pandemic and how there are prime opportunities for existing and new freelancers [11:58] Three core skill areas that will make you successful as a well-rounded freelancer who builds a long-term, enduring business - some important examples of how Freelance University teaches these skills [15:27] Where to find resources and information about Freelance University and how it provides valuable ongoing education to help you build a successful freelance business   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Infusionsoft https://keap.com/infusionsoft  WordPress https://wordpress.org/  Wix https://www.wix.com/  Squarespace https://www.squarespace.com/  Weebly https://www.weebly.com/  GoDaddy https://ca.godaddy.com/  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/  Facebook Ads https://www.facebook.com/business/ads  Facebook Groups https://www.facebook.com/groups/  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/  Freelance University Course: Cold Calling Success in a Digital World https://my.freelanceu.com/courses/cold-calling-success-in-a-digital-age  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/  Mailchimp https://mailchimp.com/  Netflix https://www.netflix.com/

Today I'm joined by Lindsay Marsh, a prolific course creator, who has transformed her freelance business into an online education empire. Online education is experiencing massive exponential growth and providing exciting opportunities to set up a new income stream. Lindsay shares her story and outlines the steps that can help you get started as a course creator in 2020!   Guest Biography:   I have had many self-made titles over the years: Brand Manager, Digital Architect, Interactive Designer, Graphic Designer, Web Developer and Social Media Expert, to name a few. My name is Lindsay Marsh, and I have been creating brand experiences for my clients for over 15 years. As a freelance graphic designer, I have worked on a wide variety of projects both in the digital and print space. I have had the wonderful opportunity of taking classes at some of the top design schools in the world: Parsons at The New School, The Pratt Institute and NYU. I have had the pleasure of teaching over 200,000+ students globally online. I have provided private tutoring in the area of design and marketing for over 8 years. I am also now a Canva Certified Creative. The thing I enjoy most of all about being a teacher is seeing my students flourish and be able to start careers that are passionate and rewarding.   Podcast Outline:   [0:40] Introduction to the topic of online course creation and our guest, Lindsay Marsh [1:46] How Lindsay got started as a freelancer and the lifestyle she's created working from home - the importance of referrals and how her experience changed how she crafts her courses [6:20] How learning has changed and the importance of constantly developing yourself [7:15] How Lindsay shifted from being a freelancer to an online course creator [10:46] Which platforms Lindsay used to launch her teaching business - how each platform worked differently and ultimately tripled her course revenue. [11:58] How your expertise can be packaged into courses even if you weren't originally a teacher or course creator [12:43] What kind of trend Lindsay sees in the growth of e-learning as we move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic - the elements that will be considered valuable by clients and how this will impact traditional education [15:06] Why starting as a freelancer provides a good training ground to becoming a course creator   Steps for Getting Started as a Course Creator in 2020   [17:27] #1 Figure out what you're going to teach - your top talents, skills sets, passions and target audience. [18:03] #2 Do some research on course platforms where you can watch preview videos - how to study them as a way of planning your courses. [18:27] #3 Start basic - what types of small courses to start with and how to progress to something bigger. [19:22] #4 Content creation is king - the importance of producing a lot of it and being consistent. [21:17] #5 Be a student of learning - how to create courses with the most impact for students. [23:27] #6 Don't be too hard on yourself - how perfectionism can prevent you from launching your course. [24:57] How the Online Course Creation and Management Program at Freelance University can help you start your first course from scratch [25:25] How to find out more about what Lindsay is doing   Resources and tools discussed in this episode:   Where to find out more about Lindsay Marsh:   Lindsay Marsh Graphic Design Courses website: https://lindsaymarsh.myportfolio.com/  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymarshdesign/?hl=en YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwmA5Dg4JDJdNQ5PmK2Lug Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/LindsayMarshDesign/  Behance https://www.behance.net/LindsayMarsh  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaymarshdesign    Udemy https://www.udemy.com/user/lindsay-marsh/  Skillshare https://www.skillshare.com/user/marshdesign?username=9342144  Photoshop https://www.adobe.com/ca/products/photoshop.html  Adobe Illustrator https://www.adobe.com/ca/products/illustrator.html  Adobe InDesign https://www.adobe.com/ca/products/indesign.html  Netflix https://www.netflix.com/  Amazon Prime https://www.primevideo.com/

While going through a crisis, it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes. We don't realize how a difficult time can grow and change us and our business in positive ways. In this podclass, we'll share 10 ways to thrive in your freelance business during the current coronavirus crisis (and at any time). Join me as I support and encourage you to embrace the resilience and innovation borne out of adversity.   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Craig introduces the topic of thriving during a crisis. He shares how the strategies in this podclass will be helpful for any crisis you may face, including the current coronavirus crisis.   10 Ways to Thrive in Your Freelance Business During a Crisis   [2:21] #1 Take a pause - The benefits of pausing and a personal story about a time when Craig needed to take a pause and consider his next steps. [5:09] #2 Launch a new plan - a tangible example from Craig's life when he changed how he worked and shifted the timeline for his business. [6:20] #3 Innovate and adapt - how resilience rises up and encourages innovation and adaptation. Craig shares an example of a good niche to pursue during the current coronavirus crisis. [8:35] #4 Learn new things - how this is a time to learn and develop your skills and make the most of your time during social distancing. [9:39] #5 Keep a consistent schedule - an encouraging example from Craig's life that shows the benefits of developing a schedule and sticking to it. [10:57] #6 Don't stop marketing - how this is an opportunity to continue networking and connecting with people so your business has forward momentum. [11:38] #7 Plan for rainy days - some examples of how to save a certain percentage of income to plan for future crises and how to adjust your budget now. [12:57] #8 Hold on to your support network - the benefits of holding your support network close. Craig shares how a health crisis in Craig and Kelly's life brought them closer and brought wisdom to their business. [14:17] #9 Don't give in to fear - the importance of resilience. Craig explains how we often imagine the worst case scenario and derail ourselves. [15:10] #10 Leverage new possibilities - how new opportunities can emerge during a crisis. Craig shares an example of how businesses are needing help with online technology for virtual conferences and summits right now. [16:35] Recap of the 10 ways to thrive in your freelance business during a crisis [17:33] Craig acknowledges the gravity of the current situation and provides encouragement. He explains where to find out more information about Freelance University's supportive community and training.   Resources and tools discussed in this episode:   Shopify https://www.shopify.com/ WordPress https://wordpress.org/  WooCommerce https://woocommerce.com/  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/  Netflix https://www.netflix.com/  Twitter https://twitter.com/  Facebook Groups https://www.facebook.com/groups/  Zoom https://zoom.us/  GoToWebinar https://www.gotomeeting.com/en-ca/webinar

Regardless of how long you've been freelancing, you're going to face this challenge at one point or another: How do you move from the core service you're offering to something significantly or slightly different? How do you listen to the warning signs that it's time to make a change in your freelance business? There are lots of different reasons why you may need to switch gears. In this episode, we'll walk you through five key steps to successfully transition to a new niche! Podcast Outline: [0:39] Craig introduces the topic of how to effectively change your niche. He suggests possible reasons that might lead you to make this decision.  [1:32] Craig talks about the movie “You've Got Mail” and how it illustrates the need to switch gears in a business when you come to a crossroads. [3:14] Craig outlines the 6 key warning signs that reveal it's time to make a change. Be sure to do some self-evaluation as we go through the list!   Five Key Steps to Successfully Transition to a New Niche   [8:36] #1 Assess your current offerings and service niche - What do you like about it and what do you enjoy doing? What don't you like about it? Craig suggests a list of questions to ask yourself and decide what changes you could make. He also introduces a resource called the Niche Identification Matrix. [11:58] #2 Evaluate your fit with your current target audience - Do you enjoy working with this audience? What audience would you best serve? Craig provides an example of a FreeU student who works with a particular audience in an industry she loves. [13:22] #3 Consider how to amplify your existing niche - What additional services could you add on to your existing services? Craig shares an example of how a niche can be amplified and how to identify complementary services. [15:13] #4 Research new niches that might interest you - How to think outside the box and figure out options. Craig talks about a FreeU student who switched to a completely different niche that suited her. [17:39] #5 Test the niche and see where it takes you - How to avoid being stuck in a rut and switch if you need to. Craig encourages us to avoid feeling like we have to choose a niche and stay with it whether we love it or not. [19:02] Summary of the five key steps to successfully changing your niche [20:04] Craig shares how Freelance University gives students access to all different tracks so they can try out courses and figure out what they want to do. He describes the types of resources and courses you can access.   Resources and tools discussed in this episode:   Niche Identification Matrix Infusionsoft by Keap https://keap.com/infusionsoft  WordPress https://wordpress.org/  Freelance University training: https://www.freelanceu.com/university/

In this class we talk about building authority and how to position yourself as an expert or an authority in your market. Many of you may be new to the freelance world and don't feel like an expert. And some of you may have been doing this for a while and still struggle with imposter syndrome. Join me as I walk you through 7 practical ways to overcome these feelings and position yourself as a trusted authority to your clients and an expert in your service offerings!   Podcast Outline: [0:42] Craig introduces the topic of building authority and positioning yourself as an expert or an authority in your market, even if you don't feel like one. He talks about the importance of owning this role.   [1:42] Craig shares a humorous story that illustrates the importance of being an expert. You'll have a chuckle and an “aha” moment when you hear it!   7 Ways to Become a Trusted Expert in Your Market [4:18] #1 Be a Specialist - How to niche down and offer services to a specific market. Craig provides examples of students at Freelance University who are offering specialized services. [7:15] #2 Be a Content Publisher - How sharing valuable, actionable content raises your status as an authority. [8:52] #3 Participate in Relevant Community - How you can be of service and value to your clients when you join the groups where they hang out. Craig shares practical examples of how you can offer value both online and locally. [10:13] #4 Establish Social Proof - How to establish both indirect and direct social proof. Craig admits this can be a difficult topic for people starting out and provides some helpful suggestions. [13:21] #5 Build a Credible Web Presence - How to establish authority by looking good. Craig lists the elements to include in your website and branding to make the best impression. [15:23] #6 Be a Lifelong Learner - How to commit to ongoing professional development that will make you the best you can be in your niche. Craig explains how Freelance University students showcase their certifications on their website and social media to show they've developed their skill sets. [17:04] #7 Build a Great Onboarding System for New Clients - How to establish an incredible first impression by having a seamless onboarding system. Craig shares examples of tools and tells a story about how he was impressed by a freelancer who used this type of system. [18:54] Recap of the 7 Ways to Become a Trusted Expert [20:42] How to enroll in Freelance University to help you become a lifelong learner and remain committed to having the best skills to produce the best results for your clients!   Resources and tools discussed in this episode:   MailChimp https://mailchimp.com/  ConvertKit https://convertkit.com/  ActiveCampaign https://www.activecampaign.com/  Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) https://keap.com/  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/  Medium https://medium.com/  Facebook Groups https://www.facebook.com/groups/  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en  Twitter https://twitter.com/?lang=en  WordPress https://wordpress.org/  Squarespace https://www.squarespace.com/  Wix https://www.wix.com/  17hats https://www.17hats.com/  Dubsado https://www.dubsado.com/ 

How well are your regularly reviewing the growth and success of your business? As we begin a brand-new decade, it's especially important to look at where we've come from and plan where we're going. Join me as I outline 10 business areas you'll want to evaluate to ensure your long-term success!   Podcast Outline:   [0:38] Craig looks back on his business and shares what he's learned over the past 10 years. He introduces the topic of the podclass and discusses the importance of planning for success at regular intervals.   10 Areas to Plan for Success in Your Business   [5:48] #1 Mindset - How a healthy mindset leads to a healthy business and vice versa. Craig provides a list of important questions to ask yourself. [9:30] #2 Business Growth - Quantitative questions and examples to help you evaluate this area so you can set strategic goals for 2020! [11:23] #3 Technology - How to do an inventory of all the apps and tech tools you're using. Craig discusses the importance of streamlining tools and choosing new ones if needed. [12:59] #4 Online Presence - How online presence is broken up into two areas and how to evaluate each area. [16:31] #5 Fulfillment - How this area is more qualitative and involves your feelings toward your business. Craig recommends key questions you should ask yourself. [18:10] #6 Work-Life Balance - A difficult balance to maintain. Craig shares how he has worked to manage this work-life tension in his own household and provides questions to ask yourself to evaluate this important area. [20:30] #7 Core Services - How to evaluate your services and determine any changes that need to be made. Craig also suggests strategies to evaluate and increase your rates. [22:57] #8 Marketing - The importance of regularly marketing your business. Craig describes four important areas to review. [28:39] #9 Systems - How to evaluate your business's back end. Craig shares examples of the types of systems to look at. [30:07] #10 Professional Development - The importance of being a relentless learner. Craig suggests ways to quantify the types of learning you've done over the past year. [31:55] Recap of the 10 Business Areas [33:41] How to find out more about Freelance University and its next upcoming intake Resources and tools discussed in this episode:   Link to the Mindmap: https://mm.tt/1380511749?t=Qk6Zp7ZzHD   Quote from Biz Stone: “Timing, perseverance, and ten years of trying will eventually make you look like an overnight success.” Quote from Earl Nightingale: "People with goals succeed because they know where they're going." The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran https://www.amazon.com/12-Week-Year-Brian-Moran/dp/0972963510  MindMeister https://www.mindmeister.com/  Trello https://trello.com/  Asana https://asana.com/  WordPress https://wordpress.org/  Wix https://www.wix.com/  Weebly https://www.weebly.com/  Squarespace https://www.squarespace.com/  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/  Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/solutions/facebook-live  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/  Twitter https://twitter.com/

Today we discuss a topic that is highly relevant during the holiday season. How do we make our clients feel valued besides providing incredible services and delivering high-quality work? In this class we show you five tangible, affordable ways you can express appreciation to your clients. We also share some tools and strategies you can use to show gratitude and solidify your client relationships!   Podcast Outline:   [0:42] Craig introduces the topic of showing appreciation to our clients and discusses why it's important. He shares examples of both negative and positive customer service quality. [3:43] How client appreciation leads to client retention and the importance of showing gratitude in tangible ways   Five Ways to Show Client Appreciation:   [6:09] #1 Send a handwritten note on a notecard that has your branding. Craig shares some examples of how personal handwritten notes are powerful. [8:04] #2 Send a follow-up email after an invoice. Craig explains how the content of that email is important and gives some valuable tips and examples. [9:51] #3 Send a thoughtful or personalized gift. Craig provides some examples and sites you can check out for ideas. [14:26] #4 Do a business shoutout. Craig explains what that is and how you can express gratitude and solidify the client relationship with it. [15:18] #5 Refer people to your clients. Craig shares how referrals can be a token of appreciation and make you an asset to your clients. [15:52] BONUS #6 Show up every day and provide the absolute best service you can to your clients. [16:47] Recap of the five ways to show client appreciation [17:34] How to find out more information about the next intake of Freelance University to upgrade your skills, tap into a new niche or start a freelance business from scratch. Resources and tools discussed in this episode:   Netflix https://www.netflix.com/  New Voice Media Study https://www.newvoicemedia.com/en-us/resources   Quote by John F. Kennedy: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”    Vistaprint https://www.vistaprint.com/  Paperless Post https://www.paperlesspost.com/  SendOutCards https://www.sendoutcards.com/  Greetabl https://greetabl.com/  Box Fox https://shopboxfox.com/  Sweeter Cards https://www.sweetercards.com/  Amazon https://www.amazon.com/  Starbucks gift card https://www.starbucks.com/card  Freelance University https://www.freelanceu.com/university/

In this class we talk about practical ways that you can add more income to your freelance business. Some of you may be looking at ways to scale your income, while others may be trying to smooth out your cash flow on a month-to-month basis. In this Podclass, I unpack 6 excellent income streams to help you grow the business you've always wanted.   Podcast Outline: 0:00 - Opening thoughts 0:45 - Introduction to topic: Adding more monthly income to our business and stabilizing our income 2:46 - Six Different Income Streams to Add to Your Business: 3:08 - #1: Niche Expansion (Service Expansion) 3:26 - Example - offering ActiveCampaign services   4:54 - #2: Consulting and Coaching 4:59 - Definition of an “implementer” 5:38 - Definition of a coach or a consultant 7:27 - The imposter syndrome 7:44 - Encouragement not to sell yourself short - You may know more than your clients do!   9:08 - #3: Public Speaking 9:58 - Types of speaking opportunities 10:27 - How speaking can be another income stream   10:55 - #4 - Affiliate Marketing 11:09 - Example of a successful affiliate marketer 11:27 - Definition of affiliate marketing 12:18 - Types of affiliate marketing activities 13:15 - The benefits of membership programs - how income can build   14:10 - #5 - Product Creation (Digital Product Creation) 14:50 - Different types of products you can create: 15:20 - Courses 16:50 - Digital Books 18:14 - Subscription Business or Membership Site 19:36 - Ecommerce Business (e.g. Dropshipping) 20:44 - Software and Apps (e.g. plugins for WordPress, mobile apps) 21:17 - Printables (e.g. checklists, calendars, to-do lists)   22:23 - #6 - Partnerships 22:36 - Practical examples of a partnership   24:40 - Recap of the different types of income streams 25:29 - Final thoughts and how to get on the notification list for Freelance University Resources and tools discussed in this episode: ActiveCampaign: https://www.activecampaign.com/  WordPress: https://wordpress.org/    Pat Flynn - Smart Passive Income: https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/  The Smart Passive Income Podcast: https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/podcasts/    Infusionsoft: https://keap.com/infusionsoft  Skillshare: https://www.skillshare.com/  Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/    Teachable: https://teachable.com/  Thinkific: https://www.thinkific.com/  Kajabi: https://kajabi.com/    Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/ Kindle Direct Publishing: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/    Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/   More info on Freelance University: https://www.freelanceu.com/university/    ActiveCampaign workshop at Freelancer University: https://my.freelanceu.com/courses/mastering-active-campaign Freelance University Affiliate Program: https://www.freelanceu.com/partner-with-us/

In this Podclass, I am joined by Rob Galvin of Themeific, who shares his insights on creating courses online. As freelancers you can leverage course platforms to generate new leads for your business, create new income streams for yourself, or offer a service to entrepreneurs, helping them build their courses. Rob talks about how to design (or build) a course and emphasizes having the right idea that will impact the right person.   Podcast Outline: 0:00 - Opening thoughts 1:01 - Introduction to Rob Galvin 2:34 - Setting the stage for the topic of course creation (why a freelancer or virtual assistant might want to create courses): Lead generation Another stream of income Opening up a whole new niche (building courses for entrepreneurs)   3:32 - Rob's story 6:26 - The importance of searching for opportunities in course creation 8:20 - Why are online courses so popular today? 9:02 - They're accessible to anybody. 10:05 - People want quick ways to get solutions. 10:33 - Our perception of education has changed. 11:29 - There's always new technology coming out. 11:37 - The game is changing from the traditional “just in case” information to the “just in time” learning. 12:50 - Business owners need to figure out where they should be spending their time and when they need to hire an expert to focus on course creation.   13:25 - Steps to designing or building a course: 13:40 - Things you shouldn't do: 14:10 - Your course idea should focus on what impact you're going to give to a certain person (the right idea for the right person). 15:42 - Think about your first course as a founding member's experience. 16:28 - Do a live cohort model as your first course. 19:46 - Create a private Facebook group so people can work together to solve problems. 20:46 - Take a smaller portion of a topic to teach on. 21:22 - Don't get caught up with the technology or overwhelm. 13:56 - Having the wrong idea 15:18 - Taking too long to get the course out there   22:16 - Picking a webinar tool: 22:34 - Pick a tool that you feel comfortable with. 22:13 - Don't get caught up in trying to create crazy automations.   23:20 - The opportunity to use Thinkific as a platform to help entrepreneurs: 24:20 - #1: Content marketing (videos, graphics, social media) 24:55 - #2: Content creation (videos, downloads, PDF worksheets) 25:22 - #3: Configuring the system (uploading the system, setting emails up, understanding the platform)   25:46 - The benefits of Thinkific and how to try it out 26:26 - Information about The Online Course Builder course at FreeU 26:53 - Diverse income opportunities available within the online course creation space 28:03 - Information about Rob's company and how to connect with him 29:03 - Closing thoughts   Resources and tools discussed in this episode:   How to connect with Rob Galvin: Themeific: https://bit.ly/robgalvin  (https://themeific.thinkific.com/) Facebook Group - Thinkific Studio for Online Course Creators: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thinkific/ (Tag Rob, say you heard him on the show, and if you have questions, he'll respond to you.) Tools: Thinkific: https://www.thinkific.com/ Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/ Kajabi: https://kajabi.com/ Zoom: https://zoom.us/ Facebook Live: https://live.fb.com/ Freelance University courses: The Online Course Builder: https://my.freelanceu.com/courses/the-online-course-builder  

The most common question the FreeU support desk receives is what is the best way to find great clients. At one point or another you may have struggled, or are struggling, to find clients. And often it's the deciding factor for many service providers on whether they will continue or quit. In this class I unpack the four best ways to find great clients: referral marketing, networking, content marketing and strategic cold calling.   Podcast Outline: 0:00 - Opening thoughts 0:47 - Introduction to the topic of Finding Great Clients 3:02 - Four Ways to Find Great Clients:   3:53 - #1: Referral Marketing   3:56 - The power of a recommendation from someone you know, like and trust 5:59 - Two types of referrals: 6:07 - Indirect referrals 6:47 - Direct referrals 7:21 - Three quick steps to getting great client referrals 8:57 - Current and past clients 9:51 - Family and friends 10:17 - Past employers and colleagues 10:37 - Local connections 11:36 - Other freelancers and virtual assistants that don't do what you do 7:25 - #1: Determine your ideal client referral 8:41 - #2: Identify your best referral sources: 12:14 - #3: Build your referral system 12:34 - Example of a referral request   13:57 - #2: Networking   14:15 - The benefits of networking 14:51 - Common networking fails to avoid: 14:58 - Not being yourself 15:46 - Not being prepared 16:09 - Monopolizing the conversation 16:37 - Being too focused on selling yourself 16:54 - Not following up 17:09 - Not being focused on the relationship 18:00 - Three types of networking opportunities: 18:10 - Events 19:16 - Groups 19:55 - Locations 20:28 - Course recommendation   20:58 - #3: Content Marketing   21:01 - Definition of Content Marketing 21:46 - The benefits of Content Marketing 22:40 - The CCTC Formula 22:46 - Content 23:06 - Credibility 23:22 - Traffic 23:38 - Conversion 24:02 - The challenge of Content Marketing 24:27 - Five quick questions to help define a Content Marketing plan: 24:33: Why do you want to create content? 25:48: Who is your target audience? 27:01: What content channels would fit you and your audience? 28:36: How often will you create and distribute the content? 29:32: How will you determine success?   30:56 - #4: Strategic Cold Calling   31:31 - Old vs. new definition of Cold Calling 32:38 - Three steps to making contact with your ideal client: 36:25 - Do they currently have an established social media presence? 36:42 - Do they regularly publish valuable content? 37:02 - Do they have active revenue streams? 37:10 - Does their voice or persona resonate with you? 37:50 - Do you see potential gaps that you may be able to fill with your services? 32:56 - Profile your ideal client. 33:57 - Source your ideal client. 36:15 - Screen potential clients: 38:22 - Important principle about marketing yourself   38:40 - Summary of Four Ways to Find Great Clients 39:19 - Final thoughts   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/ Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/ Google: https://www.google.com/ Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/ Rotary Clubs: https://www.rotary.org/en BNI: https://www.bni.com/   eWomenNetwork: https://www.ewomennetwork.com/page/homepage   WeWork Coworking and Office Space: https://www.wework.com/ Work Nicer Coworking: https://www.worknicer.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ IGTV: https://business.instagram.com/a/igtv   Twitter: https://twitter.com/ Twitter search: https://twitter.com/search-home?lang=en   Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Facebook Reviews: https://www.facebook.com/help/434605260012677 Facebook Live: https://live.fb.com/ Facebook Groups: https://www.facebook.com/groups/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/reg/join LinkedIn Recommendations: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/90 LinkedIn search: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/3544/searching-for-people-on-linkedin?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ YouTube Live: https://www.youtube.com/live_dashboard   iTunes: https://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/   Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/ Google Goals: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/1012040?hl=en   Freelance University courses: Referral Marketing Success: https://my.freelanceu.com/courses/referral-marketing-success Become a Networking Rock Star: https://my.freelanceu.com/courses/become-a-networking-rockstar

In this class we talk about the many freedoms that come from owning a flexible, location-independent virtual business. We share five different kinds of freedoms that you can embrace in your business so you're living the lifestyle you've always wanted. We also discuss six ways that you can make sure you are staying free and alive in your virtual business.   Podcast Outline:   0:00 - Opening thoughts 1:18 - Introduction to the topic of “Freedom” 1:39 - Top three reasons for freelancing from the “Freelancing in America” survey: 1:52 - To be my own boss 2:01 - To have flexibility in my schedule 2:04 - To work from the location of my choosing   3:05 - How the freedom lifestyle was marketed in the past 5:54: Five Different Types of Freedoms:   6:04 - #1: Personal Freedoms 6:52 - Story about micromanaging boss 8:11 - Craig and his family's personal freedom   12:24 - #2: Location Freedoms 12:32 - Story about a FreeU student's location freedom 12:53 - Craig's location freedom   13:05 - #3: Financial Freedoms 13:30 - Story about a FreeU student's journey   14:18 - #4: Relationship Freedoms   15:15 - #5: Time Freedoms 15:48 - Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique   17:08 - The importance of self-care 17: 58 - Six Strategies to Stay Free in Your Business   18:11 - #1: Do meaningful work that you love and that you're good at. 18:41 - Type of work 18:58 - Autonomy of work   20:07 - #2: Know your big WHY.   21:03 - #3: Set clear boundaries 21:09 - With yourself 21:52 - With clients   22:50 - #4: Own your business; don't let it own you. 23:21 - An example of the need to unplug   24:01 - #5: Be productive. 25:00 - Freelance University course recommendation   25:14 - #6: Connect with like-minded people   26:23 - Summary of Six Strategies to Stay Free in Your Business 27:15 - Closing thoughts Resources and tools discussed in this episode:   “Freelancing in America Survey”: https://www.upwork.com/i/freelancing-in-america/2018/   Freelancers Union: https://www.freelancersunion.org/ Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/ Zumba: https://www.zumba.com/en-US/ Freelance University: https://www.freelanceu.com/university/   Freelance University Courses: “Setting Boundaries and Building Healthy Client Relationships”: https://my.freelanceu.com/courses/setting-boundaries-and-building-healthy-client-relationships “Creating Effective Systems for Your Business and Your Clients”: https://my.freelanceu.com/courses/creative-effective-systems-for-your-business-and-your-clients

In this class we unpack the important role that "CONFIDENCE" plays in your success as an entrepreneur, freelancer, or virtual assistant. Craig speaks from personal experience how his lack of confidence really impacted him, shaped his journey and made it more difficult. All of us will experience self-doubt at times, but a constant lack of confidence impacts our business in very adverse ways. In this class, you will discover 5 ways to build your confidence so that you can attract ideal clients, charge what you're worth and ultimately create the freelance business that you always wanted!   Podcast Outline: 0:00 - Opening thoughts 1:27 - Introduction to topic: Confidence and how it shapes our outcome 2:57 - Craig's story 5:27 - Truth to take to heart: “You are better than you think.” 6:27 - Disclaimer 7:29 - How to talk to yourself 7:54 - Five Ways to Develop More Confidence and Reduce Self-Doubt 9:02 - #1: Develop a self-doubt radar. 9:47 - An exercise to do over the next 24 hours 11:28 - #2: Remember your past greatness. 12:39 - Documenting weekly wins 13:34 - #3: Know your value. 15:29 - Documenting strengths and weaknesses 16:29 - #4: Enlist a mentor or join a mastermind/peer group. 17:29 - The benefits of a mastermind group 18:07 - #5: Become a master of your skills. 18:52 - How students gain mastery and confidence through Freelance University courses 20:36 - How Craig has developed confidence in his course creation skills 21:28 - Recap of “Five Ways to Develop More Confidence” 23:24 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to check out what Freelance University has to offer Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Notes App: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/notes/id1110145109 Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/ Freelance University courses: https://www.freelanceu.com/university/ WordPress: https://wordpress.org/   Leadpages: https://www.leadpages.net/

In this class we talk about how to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. This is a topic that is of utmost importance to freelancers, virtual assistants and online professionals who provide a service. The reality is we all probably started as employees and adopted an employee mindset. In this class, you will discover the 10 characteristics of an entrepreneur and 7 steps to help you shift from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one. Podcast Outline: 0:00 - Opening thoughts 1:01 - Introduction to topic: “The Entrepreneurial Mindset” 2:21 - Discussion about question: “Do you believe that entrepreneurs are born or made?” 3:32 - Craig's story 8:40 - The challenges of leaving one's comfort zone 9:14 - Shifting from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one 9:53 - How an employee mindset can shape our business and hold us back 10:33 - 10 Characteristics of an Entrepreneur: 11:08 - #1: Risk taker 11:44 - #2: Adaptable and flexible 12:39 - #3: Problem solver 12:58 - #4: Self-starter and initiator 13:19 - #5: Planner and goal setter 13:33 - #6: Decisive 13:55 - #7: Focussed 14:06 - #8: Leader 14:28 - #9: Optimistic 14:51 - #10: Curious learner 15:26 - 7 Steps to Adopting an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 15:42 - #1: Define and regularly review your big WHY. 17:33 - #2: Own your schedule. 20:22 - #3: Focus on value, not time spent. 22:30 - #4: Create an entrepreneurial tribe. 24:22 - #5: Learn to make decisions quickly. 25:42 - #6: Never stop learning. 26:39 - #7: Protect your lifestyle. 28:19 - Recap of 7 Steps 29:09 - Closing thoughts Resources discussed in this episode: Mindset by Carol Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322 Freelance University course, “Setting Boundaries and Building Healthy Client Relationships”: https://my.freelanceu.com/courses/setting-boundaries-and-building-healthy-client-relationships

In this class we talk about how you can build a profitable niche in your business. This is one of the most commonly asked questions at Freelance University. “What niche should I choose?” “What niche is in demand?” “How do I know what type of service I should be offering?” Craig Cannings will answer all of these questions today and give you a free guide on the 150 best ways to freelance in 2019. You will also discover five practical steps you can take to build a profitable niche in your business.   Podcast Outline: 0:00 - Opening thoughts 1:04 - Introduction to the topic of freelance niches 3:00 - Five Steps to Building a Profitable Niche in Your Business: 3:36 - Step 1: Assess your current interests. 6:06 - Step 2: Identify your top skills and see where your interests and skills overlap. 8:10 - Step 3: Research potential niches. 9:02 - Three types of niches: 9:13 - Client Niche 10:14 - Skill Niche 10:49 - Hybrid Niche 12:29 - Introduction to 7 core categories in Free Guide: “150 Ways to Build a Profitable Freelance Business”: 13:42 - Digital Marketing 14:13 - Technology Support 14:54 - Online Business Management & Support 15:28 - Content Creation & Management 15:43 - Graphic Design 16:06 - Digital Media & Events 16:34 - Web Developer 17:29 - Step 4: Test the niche.   18:07 - Four questions to ask: 18:15 - What do my clients say? 18:53 - What do my colleagues say? 19:40 - What do the stats say? 21:01 - What does Google say? 23:01 - Step 5: Determine your core and complementary niches. 26:57 - Summary of Five Steps to Building a Profitable Niche 27:42 - Closing thoughts and instructions for accessing Free Guide   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Access Free Guide, "150 Ways to Build a Profitable Freelance Business," at https://www.freelanceu.com/ ConvertKit: https://convertkit.com/ Active Campaign: https://www.activecampaign.com/ AWeber: https://www.aweber.com/ MailChimp: https://mailchimp.com/ Infusionsoft: https://keap.com/infusionsoft Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/ WordPress: https://wordpress.org/ Canva: https://www.canva.com/ Adobe Illustrator: https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html Adobe InDesign: https://www.adobe.com/products/indesign.html “2018 Social Media Marketing Industry Report” by Social Media Examiner:  https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/social-media-marketing-industry-report-2018/ Google Trends: https://trends.google.com/trends/ Moz: https://moz.com/ Freelance Podclass site: https://www.freelanceu.com/podcast/

The Freelance Podclass is not your ordinary podcast! It features a series of actionable lessons designed to help you solve the biggest challenges you are facing in launching and growing a profitable Freelance Business. Join the founder of Freelance University, Craig Cannings, and an amazing faculty of Freelance experts as they offer valuable and practical step-by-step lessons and guides to up-level your skills and make you competitive in this rapidly growing Freelance economy. As a Freelancer, you need to "keep learning to keep earning," so access fluff-free, practical mini-classes that will inspire and propel you to live a flexible, thriving and profitable Freelance life!