Fractional Growth Executive Sundar Swaminathan shares his experience freelancing and the importance of autonomy and flexibility. He discusses his expertise in data science and his growth strategy of networking and referrals. The podcast also covers transitioning from marketing to startups, exploring career options, strategies for managing stress, and casual conversations about expenses, TV shows, favorite restaurants in Amsterdam, and favorite animals.
Freelancing can be a lucrative and fulfilling career choice, providing the necessary support for one's family.
Networking and referrals are essential in finding freelance opportunities and building a solid client base.
Having autonomy, flexibility, and long-term perspective are key factors in achieving success as a freelancer.
Deep dives
Sundar's Journey to Becoming a Solopreneur
Sundar shares his background, going from corporate to freelance and his decision to become a solopreneur. He discusses the importance of autonomy and flexibility in his career choices and how having a child has influenced his priorities.
Networking and Referrals for Freelancing Success
Sundar explains his approach to networking within his professional network and how referrals play a crucial role in finding freelance opportunities. He also mentions the value of being part of marketplace communities and offering his expertise in demand side growth.
The Importance of Mobility and Autonomy
Sundar highlights the significance of mobility and autonomy in his career as a solopreneur. He discusses the freedom and flexibility he has in choosing projects and working remotely. Sundar also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective and not stressing over short-term setbacks.
Navigating the Freelance Economy
Sundar shares insights on navigating the freelance economy and finding success as a freelancer. He addresses the challenges of building a client base, experimenting with different types of clients and projects, and positioning oneself as an advisor or consultant in a specific area of expertise.
Embracing a Mindset of No Regrets
Sundar emphasizes the value of living life without regrets and making decisions based on long-term goals and personal fulfillment. He shares his perspective on stress management and accepting the things that are outside of one's control, leading to a more balanced and purposeful career.
Leaders, Sundar represents the fastest growing segment of the freelance economy...mid level top performers with impressive logos choosing to freelance or build for the freelance economy rather than continue as a Director or above role.
Prior we had Angie Moody who was a top performer at Microsoft, Visa, and Instagram. Then Ernie Park, a top performer at Hubspot. Now Sundar, a Carnegie Mellon grad and top performer at Uber and ready for it...a debt manager at the US Treasury.
A couple of things that really hit me:
Sundar views freelancing as the path to best support his family rather than the typical "I need the safety of a job."
Sundar works with post PMF B2C Marketplaces helping Series A-C make more profitable decisions through analytics and experimentation.
Sundar chooses to freelance for the autonomy, flexibility, and impact he can make.
Sundar views the freelance journey as... year 1 = existing network, year 2 = referrals, year 3+ = have to turn away business.
Enjoy!
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