Exploring the art of conversing with AI, the discussion unveils common mistakes like using overly complex prompts. It emphasizes a natural, dialogue-driven approach, mirroring real-life conversations. By adopting the 3R framework—role, reference, and requirements—users can enhance their interactions and foster more meaningful exchanges. This method not only sharpens critical thinking but also leads to unexpected insights and creative solutions, ultimately maintaining human agency in the process.

Johnna Lacey, founder of J.M. Lacey Communications, brings over 20 years of professional writing expertise to the discussion on brand storytelling. She dives into why a compelling narrative is crucial for businesses to stand out. Johnna highlights common mistakes in storytelling and details how solo professionals can use narratives to build trust and community. Listeners will find practical steps to uncover their unique brand stories and learn to transform storytelling into a powerful tool for engaging clients.

Regret can trap us in a loop of 'what ifs.' This discussion highlights three common mistakes people make when handling regret. It offers tangible solutions to break free from those pitfalls. The key takeaway? Learn to separate your identity from past errors. Embrace regret as a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. With the right mindset, mistakes can lead to future success instead of stagnation.

Many freelancers give up on prospecting just before success. Timing is everything; sometimes a mediocre message can hit just right. Consistency trumps perfection—steady effort leads to better results. The gardening analogy illustrates the need for patience and persistence in outreach. Learn how to build a daily prospecting habit and see the value in staying visible. Embrace the idea that setbacks often precede breakthroughs; don’t let 'The Dip' deter you from your freelance journey!

Happy New Year!   If you're looking to make 2025 one of your best years yet, I have a different approach for you to consider...   Start with zero. And by zero, I mean absolutely nothing.   Doing so will help you accomplish more... and faster.   That’s the topic of this week’s short episode below.

Freelancers often feel unfulfilled despite their achievements. This discussion dives into the concept of 'Halftime,' encouraging a shift from chasing external success to pursuing personal significance. Through personal anecdotes, the importance of self-reflection and guidance in navigating change is highlighted. Unique challenges freelancers face during career transitions are explored, along with practical strategies to align work with core values. A program geared towards helping freelancers find clarity in their careers is also introduced, offering resources for meaningful transformation.

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly dealing with the same frustrating challenges in your business?   Maybe you get stuck managing messy revisions from unexpected sources, or a client keeps hitting you with last-minute rush work.   In this episode, I discuss how we often react to these situations rather than respond thoughtfully—and why that difference matters.   We explore two key steps to improve your responses:   Taking a pause before making decisions. Asking yourself better, more open-ended questions that lead to more productive solutions.   This episode is all about how the quality of your internal questions can shift your perspective and help you navigate difficult situations with clarity.   Listen below or subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform.

As freelancers, many of us crave the freedom to explore new places without the financial burden that travel can bring. But what if you could fly in luxury without spending a fortune? That's where points travel comes in, and today's guest is a true expert in this game. Spencer Howard, the mastermind behind , has helped countless people book premium travel with points instead of cash—making dreams of business and first-class travel a reality. In this episode, Spencer shares his journey from a political career to building a freelance writing business to becoming a full-time freelancer in the world of points and miles. He dives deep into the strategies freelancers can use to leverage credit card rewards and optimize points for travel, breaking down complex topics like transferable points and airline-specific credit cards. And he explains how to do this without getting into debt or paying credit card fees that don’t make sense. I learned a lot from this conversation. I realized that many of my hang ups about points travel were unfounded. And I discovered that I’m actually making some pretty big mistakes with a strategy I assumed was getting me huge travel perks (but it’s really not a great value!). If you love to travel, you’re going to find several actionable tips on how to maximize your points, avoid common pitfalls and plan your next dream trip—all without breaking the bank or getting into debt. Enjoy!

Navigating client requests for free advice can feel flattering but often turns burdensome. The host shares personal experiences of constant 'brain picking' and how it shifted from irritation to opportunity. By establishing a structured fee system, professionals can transform these interactions into valuable consultations. The discussion emphasizes recognizing one's worth and promoting respect for expertise. Practical tips guide listeners on handling such requests confidently, ensuring both clients and professionals benefit from their time together.

Most freelancers and solo marketers focus their marketing efforts on prospecting, networking, or LinkedIn.   But guesting on podcasts that your target audience listens to? Not so much.   And that’s too bad, because appearing on podcasts can be a powerful way to build your brand, meet and network with great people, generate leads, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your market.   In this episode, I sit down with Angie Trueblood, a seasoned podcast publicist, to explore how freelance writers and solo marketers can harness the power of podcast guesting.   Angie shares her unique journey into the world of podcast publicity and breaks down why being a guest on the right shows can make a huge positive difference in your business. We dive deep into actionable strategies, including:   Why podcast guesting is an underused but highly effective strategy for freelancers How to identify the podcasts that will bring real value to your business Insider tips on crafting a genuine, irresistible pitch Practical advice on preparing for your podcast debut to maximize impact How to track and measure the success of your podcast guesting efforts   Whether you’re looking to expand your client base, increase your visibility, or simply explore new avenues for growth, Angie’s insights will open your eyes to the untapped potential of this marketing strategy.