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!
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Student Spotlight: Building a Web Design Business from Scratch with Lisa Doiron
Episode 109
Thursday, May 25, 2023 • Duration 23:11
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
Student Spotlight: School Teacher to Asana Specialist with Paula Holsberry
Episode 108
Thursday, May 11, 2023 • Duration 35:21
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.
The Plan for Success Class
Episode 99
Thursday, December 22, 2022 • Duration 25:32
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.
The Winning Proposal Class with Eman Zabi
Episode 98
Thursday, December 8, 2022 • Duration 30:51
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.
The Promotions & Discounts Class
Episode 97
Friday, November 25, 2022 • Duration 24:38
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.
The Freelance Writing Niche Class with Melanie Padgett Powers
Episode 96
Thursday, November 17, 2022 • Duration 24:39
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.
The SEO as a Service Class with Danielle Gagnon
Episode 95
Friday, November 4, 2022 • Duration 25:36
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.
The Reputation Class
Episode 94
Thursday, October 27, 2022 • Duration 18:52
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.
The Social Media Manager Class with Latasha James
Episode 93
Friday, October 14, 2022 • Duration 18:12
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.
The Exceptional Subcontractor Class with Sue Harrawood
Episode 92
Thursday, September 29, 2022 • Duration 33:09
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.
[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
[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.
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
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