Student Spotlight: Building a Web Design Business from Scratch with Lisa Doiron
The Freelance Podclass
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...
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Student Spotlight: School Teacher to Asana Specialist with Paula Holsberry
The Freelance Podclass
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...
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The Financial Management Class with Ashley Cline
The Freelance Podclass
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...
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The Work from Home Productivity Class with Hilary Sutton
The Freelance Podclass
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...
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Student Spotlight: Military Spouse to Freelance Affiliate Manager with Emma Marriott-Predmore
The Freelance Podclass
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...
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The Website Set Up Class with Brian Hall
The Freelance Podclass
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...
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The Transferable Skills Class with Janine Kelbach
The Freelance Podclass
How do you bring your previous skills and experience into the exciting new world of freelancing? Today our guest is Janine Kelbach, the CEO of Write RN and host of the Savvy Scribe Podcast. She is a long-time nurse, educator, author, and freelance health content writer who knows a lot about transitioning to freelancing after having a long-term career. Join us as we discuss the top soft skills that can be transferred to freelancing and the top niches that are in demand in 2023. We guarantee this class will have a positive impact on many of you and encourage you to get started with your...
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The VA to CEO Class with Kristy Yoder
The Freelance Podclass
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...
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The Canva Design Class with Rhiannon Rosas
The Freelance Podclass
Canva is arguably one of the most popular design tools in the world right now. But how do you use it to offer a value-added service to your clients? Today our guest is Rhiannon Rosas, a graphic designer and social media manager who helps service providers stand out online with attractive content that’s cohesive to their brand. Join us as we discuss key graphic design opportunities and important steps for freelancers who want to get started in the Canva niche. Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Rhiannon Rosas and the topic of using Canva to offer a value-added service to your...
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The Top 100 Freelance Jobs Class
The Freelance Podclass
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! ...
info_outlineManaging 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:
The Entrepreneur’s Mindset course
Virtual Bookkeeping certification
Learn more about Ashley Cline:
Resources and tools:
Business Network International (BNI)
The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill