On today’s show, I discuss the current state of freelancing, which includes massive layoffs and shuttered clients in the media and tech world. But even if that isn’t affecting you — maybe you’re even having your best year yet — you need to be prepared for the lean times and to set up your business to lessen the risk of feast-or-famine. That includes setting yourself apart, diversifying, always marketing, and more. 

Here’s what I share with you in this episode:

• The number of layoffs in the media industry in the past year. 
• The hits in the tech industry. 
• The number of freelancers in the U.S. — the highest number in history. 
• Should you panic — or investigate and embrace opportunities? 
• How to be a “futurist” for your industry and why that’s important. 
• Reflecting on whether your skills need to improve. 
• How to set yourself apart from the competition. 
• How to “bridge” to new projects and services. 
• Why setting and tracking monthly income goals is crucial. 
• At least 10 marketing ideas to try right now. 
• When to raise your rates. 

Biz Bite: Organize your tasks into front stage and back stage.

The Bookshelf: “Nightwatching” by Tracy Sierra

Resources:

• Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee
• Join the discussion in the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group
• Episode #64 of Deliberate Freelancer: Using a “freakout” protocol to get work now, with Austin Church
• Episode #180 of Deliberate Freelancer: How to Crush Your Fear of Self-Promotion and Get Clients Now, with C.J. Hayden
• Episode #116 of Deliberate Freelancer: How to Create Case Studies to Land New Clients, with Emma Siemasko
• Episode #160 of Deliberate Freelancer: The Dreaded Feast or Famine!
• Episode #54 of Deliberate Freelancer: Think Digital First and Other Ways to Make Money Now
• Episode #53 of Deliberate Freelancer: Pivoting and Finding Resilience
• C.J. Hayden blog post “Avoiding the Feast or Famine Trap for Your Business”
• MBO Partners “State of Independence in America 2023” report
• “New Study Reveals Surge in Six-Figure Earners”
• Connect with Melanie on Threads @MelEdits_DC
• Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn