What you can do to protect yourself from AI - with Joe Pulizzi
The Content Byte
This week it's all about AI. Rachel and Lynne discuss the impacts of AI on freelance writing and marketing with Joe Pulizzi, founder of the Content Marketing Institute and The Tilt. During a fascinating (and positive) conversation, Joe offers insights on how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing media and marketing landscape, including: • The importance of niching down and building expertise • Leveraging AI tools for efficiency • Creating and maintaining owned assets like newsletters and podcasts • Focusing on building real-world relationships and in-person...
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Big-Biz Strategies Solo Operators Can Steal, with Ashley Cisneros-Mejia
The Content Byte
This week, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with Ashley Cisneros Mejia, a freelance communication strategist and host of the 'Talk Freelance to Me' podcast. Ashley shares her journey from agency owner to solo freelancer, highlighting the processes and systems she brought into her current business from larger agencies. We also explore: The value of community and networking for maintaining creativity and client relationships The evolving freelance market Integration of AI in business operations The importance of human connection and the benefits of collaborating with other creatives How to...
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Lucie Robazza on 5 micro-habits to prioritise your health
The Content Byte
This week, Rachel Smith and Lynne discuss essential health habits for freelancers with guest Lucie Robazza. Lucie, a certified health coach and personal trainer, shares practical tips on: Incorporating simple exercise routines The importance of protein-rich diets How to maintain good posture for productivity and long-term health How good health can make you more efficient - and make more money Quick and healthy snack ideas The episode covers habit-building techniques, such as micro habits, and emphasises the significance of sunshine and hydration in everyday routines. Perfect for writers who...
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Marketing without shouting, with Mia Fileman
The Content Byte
This week Rachel and Lynne are chatting with marketing expert Mia Fileman about marketing strategies for freelancers. We talk about: The concept of the 'trust recession' Mia's 'Honest Marketing Method' that emphasises transparency, connection, creativity, and conversation Effective community engagement Unconventional collaborations The importance of one-on-one client interactions, which help freelancers build genuine trust and stand out in a crowded market The episode also provides an overview of the Ripple Festival, Mia's innovative small business event combining business discussions...
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Ilise Benun on how to use AI to find clients
The Content Byte
This week Rachel and Lynne talk about how to find clients using AI with their guest, Ilise Benun, a business coach for creatives. In a practical and inspiring chat, Ilise takes us through (step-by-step) how to utilise AI for client acquisition, showing how to find your perfect clients and then how you can reach out. It's a great conversation, talking about: Why you still need to build relationships in real life Identifying target markets with AI Crafting effective AI prompts Approaching new markets and understanding pain points Networking and engaging with people How to use...
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Perfecting a creative flow as a freelancer – with Steven Puri
The Content Byte
This week Rachel and Lynne discuss productivity, creativity, and the concept of flow states with guest Steven Puri, the founder and CEO of the Sukha Company. Steven shares his career journey, from working on visual effects for blockbuster movies to developing an app that helps knowledge workers focus and minimise distractions. We chat about: Why it is important to find your "flow state" and practical tips to achieve it Understanding how you work best The importance of a structured routine The impact of environment on creativity How to manage your business as a freelancer The Sukha...
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Content chief Keshnee Kemp on social media, working with Woolworths and setting up an agency
The Content Byte
This week, Rachel and Lynne dive into what’s working (and what’s not) in social right now with guest Keshnee Kemp - former Head of Content at Woolworths and new agency owner of August One. Keshnee shares insights on: her career journey, from mags to TV to working in client-side and in agencies how traditional media, brand side and agency-side differs why media prepped her for Woollies, then Woollies prepped her for agency work bringing journalists into marketing, and why they can make great marketers running a lean agency operation and how she does it using AI for grunt work so you can...
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3 tools to stay focused, finish projects and feel calm, with Claire Emerson
The Content Byte
This week, Rachel and Lynne discuss essential strategies for enhancing freelance productivity with guest Claire Emerson. Claire, a freelance writer and project consultant, shares three key systems that can help you be more productive: • personal kanban • six-week project rounds • structured journaling She says these tools help freelancers manage tasks effectively, focus on personal projects, and reduce mental clutter. Claire also highlights the importance of setting clear, actionable goals and why she loves analog tools to maintain...
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Creating Inclusive and Accessible Content with Zoe Simmons
The Content Byte
This week, Rachel and Lynne explore the importance of creating inclusive and accessible content with award-winning journalist and disability advocate Zoe Simmons. Zoe shares her experiences with chronic illness and disability, discussing how these have shaped her career and advocacy work. Key topics include: The significance of using accessible language Practical tips for making content more accessible The impact of lived experiences in storytelling Zoe also touches on managing multiple income streams as a freelancer and the challenges of ensuring fair compensation for...
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How a services guide will attract clients, with Kendall Cherry
The Content Byte
This week Rachel and Lynne delve into the benefits of having a services guide with guest Kendall Cherry, founder of The Candid Collective. Kendall shares insights on: What a services guide is Creating and utilising a services guide to qualify leads, streamline the sales process, and protect creative energy How a services guide can help build an email list Why freelancers should be displaying their rates, even if your pricing can vary The essential elements for a compelling services guide Tips for incorporating authentic brand voice and storytelling Connect with Kendall through her...
info_outline- Her journey in journalism
- Her efforts to increase female representation in financial advising
- Setting up multiple bank accounts for effective cash flow management
- The significance of emergency funds
- Superannuation for freelancers
- Plus tips on raising prices and handling financial anxiety
Connect with Julia via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-newbould-44454712/
Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com
Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au
Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au
If you have questions you'd like us to answer in our next Q&A episode, just send them here.
Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details.
Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co