High-Income Business Writing Podcast

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.

Erynn LaFlamme, Founder and CEO of Ethic Agency, is a marketing guru from Metro Atlanta who dives into how custom GPTs revolutionize content creation. She discusses the hands-on process of tailoring AI tools for specific client needs, enabling writers to enhance productivity and creative output. Ethical concerns, privacy issues, and the importance of a human touch in AI workflows are addressed. Erynn also explores the evolving role of writers in the age of AI, highlighting that this technology can complement rather than replace our creative skills.

I was doing an exercise the other day where I looked back over the past 3 decades of my career to think through every major breakthrough I had and every big move I made.   Not only was this a fun trip down memory lane, it also made me realize a few very important things.     One of them is that nearly every breakthrough happened during a very challenging moment in my career. And in a few cases, they happened when I was desperate—when I was in a very tight spot and desperately needed things to turn around.   And that got me thinking, “You know ... desperation can lead to some very powerful breakthroughs!”   That’s the topic of this week’s short podcast episode below.

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges freelancers face: the dreaded feast-or-famine cycle. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting out, the strategies we’ll discuss can help you create a steady stream of work and avoid the panic that comes with dry spells. The Growing Urgency of Client Prospecting The freelance world is facing increased pressure. With a challenging economy causing many businesses to put projects on hold, freelancers who’ve enjoyed steady work over the past few years are now finding themselves in a tough spot. The solution? A strategic and consistent approach to prospecting that can keep your pipeline full, regardless of external conditions. Recognizing Marketing as a Core Role As a solo business owner, marketing isn't just something you do when you need work—it’s a critical role that you must prioritize. Freelancers often come from environments where work is handed to them, but when you’re running your own business, you’re responsible for every function, including marketing and sales. If you’re serious about building a sustainable business, you need to accept this responsibility and make marketing a consistent part of your routine. The 10% Rule: A Simple Strategy for Consistent Marketing To ensure marketing becomes a habit, I recommend the 10% Rule—dedicating 10% of your weekly work time to marketing activities. This approach is flexible, achievable, and essential for maintaining a healthy pipeline of opportunities. Whether you're booked solid or facing a slow period, this rule helps you stay proactive in your marketing efforts. Building Marketing into Your Routine Consistency is key. Just like brushing your teeth or going for a walk, marketing should become a habitual part of your weekly routine. When you make marketing a non-negotiable habit, you’ll find that opportunities start to flow more regularly. This doesn’t mean you have to cold prospect constantly—staying in touch with your network, engaging with past clients, and maintaining visibility on platforms like LinkedIn can all contribute to keeping your pipeline active. The Priority Pyramid: Focus on High-Probability Opportunities First When your pipeline is dry, it’s important to focus your efforts on the highest-probability opportunities first. That’s where the Priority Pyramid comes into play: Current Clients & Open Proposals: Start by following up with current clients and open opportunities. This is the highest-probability area where you can secure quick wins. Past & Dormant Clients: Reconnect with past clients or those who have gone dormant. They already know, like, and trust you, making it easier to reignite the relationship. Dead Leads: Reach out to prospects who showed interest in the past but didn’t convert. Often, circumstances change, and they may now be ready to move forward. Cold Prospects: Finally, if you’ve exhausted the previous three categories, turn to cold prospecting. This can be time-consuming, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining a full pipeline. The Importance of Reps and At-Bats Cold prospecting can feel daunting, especially when you face rejection or silence. But remember, like a slot machine in Vegas, the more you play (or in this case, prospect), the higher your chances of hitting a jackpot. The key is to keep going, even when it feels tough. The more reps you do, the better your chances of landing a big win. Unwavering Commitment: The Foundation of Success Freelancing comes with its challenges, and it’s during these tough times that your resolve will be tested. It’s crucial to have a strong sense of purpose—your “Big Why”—that keeps you motivated. Like the American colonists fighting for their freedom, your commitment to your business and your goals will carry you through the toughest challenges. Upcoming Workshop: Build a Powerful Prospecting Habit in 21 Days If you’re ready to take your prospecting efforts to the next level, I’m excited to announce a new prospecting workshop starting next week. Over 21 days, you’ll receive daily lessons and assignments designed to help you build effective prospecting habits that stick. This workshop is all about action, accountability, and results—perfect for freelancers who are ready to transform their business. This is the last time I’m running this workshop in 2025. To join us, send an email to [ed at b2blauncher dot com], and we’ll get you all the details. The workshop begins on Monday, September 16, so don’t wait! Final Thoughts Breaking free from the feast-or-famine cycle requires a strategic and consistent approach to marketing and prospecting. By embracing your role as a marketer, following the 10% Rule, and focusing on high-probability opportunities, you can create a steady flow of work and build a sustainable freelance business. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the High-Income Business Writing podcast. I hope you found these strategies useful. Until next time, keep pushing forward and stay committed to your success.