
Being Freelance
Freelancing? Being boss of your own life and business can be tough and isolating. But it can also be totally rewarding. Pick up tips, advice and thoughts on how to make it as a freelancer, an entrepreneur, as the owner of your own business, by hearing other freelancers share their experience. Hosted by Steve Folland. Come join us in the Being Freelance Community - You're not alone being freelance. Not anymore. www.beingfreelance.com/community
Latest episodes

Oct 16, 2022 • 41min
Web Developer Stephen Adams
Stephen wasn’t looking to go freelance, but when redundancy came 10 years ago, he took on a contract for a few months. And here is all those years later saying he’d never go back.In between he’s evolved specialisms, written a book that became a course and started working remotely. Stephen takes time out on side projects and courses to always stay on top of trends, tech and skills - thinking about what his clients might want now and in the years to come.And what about what he wants? As he nears the end of his 40s, Stephen’s now exploring what a future in freelancing will look like for him and his family.You'll find full show notes and transcript for this episode at beingfreelance.com This episode is sponsored by AXA Business Insurance.Get cover for your work, your tools, your reputation. It feels better being protected, being freelance.Work hard, insure easy. Check out their site or Search AXA Business Insurance.AXA Insurance UK plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation AuthorityThis episode is sponsored by IPSEThe Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed - support for UK freelancers.Advice, networking, events, perks - and sort your pension, insurance, legal, tax..There's a lot to think about when being freelance, and IPSE have your back. New to freelancing? The Being Freelance course is made for you!Steve’s rolled up everything he’s learnt from over 6 years of conversations with more than 250 freelancers.There’s no ‘one way’ to be a successful freelancer, but this course will help you avoid the many mistakes that most of us make. Learn from our experiences.Find out more about the course. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLooking to learn from and connect with other freelancers? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, and be part of the Being Freelance Community!Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Oct 9, 2022 • 38min
Sound Designer David Jeffers
In 2011, taking a family holiday from his job as a Ford engineer, changed David’s life forever. An accident on the beach left him paralysed from the chest down. Quadriplegic.When David was ready to work again, an old friend remembered their shared love of music. He suggested David create audio tracks for the animated videos his company were creating. His freelance business ‘Quadriphonic Sound’ was about to make some serious noise.Without the flexibility of being freelance, David wonders if he’d be able to work at all. Instead he’s making a name for himself on dream projects for huge brands, doing it all remotely around his health and family needs.You'll find full show notes and transcript for this episode at beingfreelance.com This episode is sponsored by AXA Business Insurance.Get cover for your work, your tools, your reputation. It feels better being protected, being freelance.Work hard, insure easy. Check out their site or Search AXA Business Insurance.AXA Insurance UK plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority New to freelancing? The Being Freelance course is made for you!Steve’s rolled up everything he’s learnt from over 6 years of conversations with more than 250 freelancers.There’s no ‘one way’ to be a successful freelancer, but this course will help you avoid the many mistakes that most of us make. Learn from our experiences.Find out more about the course. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLooking to learn from and connect with other freelancers? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, and be part of the Being Freelance Community!Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Jul 24, 2022 • 43min
Writer Nick Parker
The small agency Nick had joined had become a big agency. He’d become part of the leadership team. HR. Management. Meetings. He missed doing the ‘work’.He did know how much big clients were willing to pay for that work though.So Nick set out as a high-billing tone-of-voice specialist. A company of one. With various side projects, Nick embraces the freedom of freelance life - allowing moments of ‘high performing procrastination’ to explore his creativity.We chat about pricing, using a business name alongside a personal brand, thinking like a business (rather than a freelancer), side projects including products and newsletters, becoming a thought leader and more...You'll find full show notes and transcript for this episode at beingfreelance.com This episode is sponsored by Pension Bee.The flexible pension for the self-employed.Get set up in minutes and then get back to business.Start saving for a future beyond being freelance. Download the app or head to PensionBee.comPensionBee is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.With investments your capital is at risk. This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs.Time to boost your search rankings with Ahrefs Webmaster Tools - and it's FREE! If the idea of getting Google to work for you sounds confusing, Ahrefs also offers helpful tutorials on Search Engine Optimization.Want to get your freelance site more search traffic?Visit ahrefs.com/webmaster-tools and get this free tool working for you today. New to freelancing? The Being Freelance course is made for you!Steve’s rolled up everything he’s learnt from over 6 years of conversations with more than 250 freelancers.There’s no ‘one way’ to be a successful freelancer, but this course will help you avoid the many mistakes that most of us make. Learn from our experiences.Find out more about the course. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLooking to learn from and connect with other freelancers? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, and be part of the Being Freelance Community!Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Jul 17, 2022 • 48min
Brand & Web Designer Fungi Dube
Fungi left university as a scientist. But it was her experiments with Photoshop that had unexpected results. She now wanted to be a designer.Whilst working full-time in science, she designed on the side. By changing her entire persona online, she began to turn what started as a passion project, into a full-time freelance career.Fungi’s focus is in lifting African culture and narratives to the forefront of her design. From the ‘Sunshine City’ Harare, Zimbabwe, she’s brightening brands, packaging and websites the world over.You'll find full show notes and transcript for this episode at beingfreelance.com This episode is sponsored by Pension Bee.The flexible pension for the self-employed.Get set up in minutes and then get back to business.Start saving for a future beyond being freelance. Download the app or head to PensionBee.comPensionBee is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.With investments your capital is at risk. This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs.Time to boost your search rankings with Ahrefs Webmaster Tools - and it's FREE! If the idea of getting Google to work for you sounds confusing, Ahrefs also offers helpful tutorials on Search Engine Optimization.Want to get your freelance site more search traffic?Visit ahrefs.com/webmaster-tools and get this free tool working for you today. New to freelancing? The Being Freelance course is made for you!Steve’s rolled up everything he’s learnt from over 6 years of conversations with more than 250 freelancers.There’s no ‘one way’ to be a successful freelancer, but this course will help you avoid the many mistakes that most of us make. Learn from our experiences.Find out more about the course. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLooking to learn from and connect with other freelancers? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, and be part of the Being Freelance Community!Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Jul 10, 2022 • 46min
Illustrator Levi Jacobs
Levi left art school with no job, but worse, no love of art.Eventually he started creating and experimenting. Finding his style, he also found an art director and his lucky break. Going from flipping burgers to turning over big meaty clients.Still Levi has worked hard to keep the ‘play’ of art in his life. Joining a studio and forming a collective. He’s not going to let getting paid to create detroy his love for it.You'll find full show notes and transcript for this episode at beingfreelance.com This episode is sponsored by Pension Bee.The flexible pension for the self-employed.Get set up in minutes and then get back to business.Start saving for a future beyond being freelance. Download the app or head to PensionBee.comPensionBee is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.With investments your capital is at risk. This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs.Time to boost your search rankings with Ahrefs Webmaster Tools - and it's FREE! If the idea of getting Google to work for you sounds confusing, Ahrefs also offers helpful tutorials on Search Engine Optimization.Want to get your freelance site more search traffic?Visit ahrefs.com/webmaster-tools and get this free tool working for you today. New to freelancing? The Being Freelance course is made for you!Steve’s rolled up everything he’s learnt from over 6 years of conversations with more than 250 freelancers.There’s no ‘one way’ to be a successful freelancer, but this course will help you avoid the many mistakes that most of us make. Learn from our experiences.Find out more about the course. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLooking to learn from and connect with other freelancers? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, and be part of the Being Freelance Community!Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Jul 3, 2022 • 53min
Graphic Designer Frankie Tortora
Over 10 years ago Frankie crowd funded her training as a graphic designer. It’s fair to say she doesn’t look at problems the same way everyone does.And when pregnancy took her flourishing freelance career a few steps back, when she felt isolated amongst parents with full-time jobs, she didn’t settle. She searched. She got creative.As her first child was born, so was ‘Doing It For The Kids’. Through a blog, Instagram, award-winning podcast and thriving community, she’s forged a second family of freelancers juggling kids & business.Finding her feet, her people, her niche.And along the way, finding a co-mentor in Steve Folland (yep, of Being Freelance).Together, they took to figuring out how to run their ridiculously big side projects around everything else.You'll find full show notes and transcript for this episode at beingfreelance.com This episode is sponsored by Pension Bee.The flexible pension for the self-employed.Get set up in minutes and then get back to business.Start saving for a future beyond being freelance. Download the app or head to PensionBee.comPensionBee is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.With investments your capital is at risk. This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs.Time to boost your search rankings with Ahrefs Webmaster Tools - and it's FREE! If the idea of getting Google to work for you sounds confusing, Ahrefs also offers helpful tutorials on Search Engine Optimization.Want to get your freelance site more search traffic?Visit ahrefs.com/webmaster-tools and get this free tool working for you today. New to freelancing? The Being Freelance course is made for you!Steve’s rolled up everything he’s learnt from over 6 years of conversations with more than 250 freelancers.There’s no ‘one way’ to be a successful freelancer, but this course will help you avoid the many mistakes that most of us make. Learn from our experiences.Find out more about the course. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLooking to learn from and connect with other freelancers? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, and be part of the Being Freelance Community!Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Jun 26, 2022 • 47min
Photographer & Creative Director Bal Bhatla
Bal loved his job in advertising, but posting on Instagram as ‘Mr Whisper’ changed the course of his career, leading him to work not only for himself, but with some insanely high profile brands from the off.As an early ‘creator’, Bal has had to adapt as social media has evolved, to make sure the brands and the full-time rates kept coming. But despite the competition, he has his blinkers on. He’s only in a race against himself.In our chat we here how Bal:- has the confidence to stand his ground with big brands- found his style and niche- stops himself from burning out despite the urge to be always 'on'- uses side projects to keep himself inspired for client projectsAnd a whole lot more.You'll find full show notes and transcript for this episode at beingfreelance.com This episode is sponsored by Pension Bee.The flexible pension for the self-employed.Get set up in minutes and then get back to business.Start saving for a future beyond being freelance. Download the app or head to PensionBee.comPensionBee is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.With investments your capital is at risk. This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs.Time to boost your search rankings with Ahrefs Webmaster Tools - and it's FREE! If the idea of getting Google to work for you sounds confusing, Ahrefs also offers helpful tutorials on Search Engine Optimization.Want to get your freelance site more search traffic?Visit ahrefs.com/webmaster-tools and get this free tool working for you today. New to freelancing? The Being Freelance course is made for you!Steve’s rolled up everything he’s learnt from over 6 years of conversations with more than 250 freelancers.There’s no ‘one way’ to be a successful freelancer, but this course will help you avoid the many mistakes that most of us make. Learn from our experiences.Find out more about the course. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLooking to learn from and connect with other freelancers? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, and be part of the Being Freelance Community!Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Jun 19, 2022 • 43min
Write & PR Consultant Michelle Garrett
Although Michelle had a brief fling living the nine to five life in Silicon Valley, there was no chance of her resisting being her own boss.Starting out as a freelancer 20 years ago, Michelle could never have predicted that social media would become such a big part of her freelancing life - with a huge Twitter chat, community and Space that she hosts.In two decades she’s grown a successful business, a family, a community and ridden out the inevitable recessions and tough spells. It’s the long game and she’s got plenty to share on how to play it.In this episode we hear how Michelle:- builds authority and visibility by writing guest posts- loves retainer clients- overcomes the isolation of remote working- prepares for recession- fights back against those taking advantage of vulnerable freelancersAnd a whole lot more.You'll find full show notes and transcript for this episode at beingfreelance.com This episode is sponsored by Pension Bee.The flexible pension for the self-employed.Get set up in minutes and then get back to business.Start saving for a future beyond being freelance. Download the app or head to PensionBee.comPensionBee is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.With investments your capital is at risk. This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs.Time to boost your search rankings with Ahrefs Webmaster Tools - and it's FREE! If the idea of getting Google to work for you sounds confusing, Ahrefs also offers helpful tutorials on Search Engine Optimization.Want to get your freelance site more search traffic?Visit ahrefs.com/webmaster-tools and get this free tool working for you today. New to freelancing? The Being Freelance course is made for you!Steve’s rolled up everything he’s learnt from over 6 years of conversations with more than 250 freelancers.There’s no ‘one way’ to be a successful freelancer, but this course will help you avoid the many mistakes that most of us make. Learn from our experiences.Find out more about the course. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLooking to learn from and connect with other freelancers? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, and be part of the Being Freelance Community!Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Jun 12, 2022 • 48min
Designer & Illustrator Andi Best
After graduating with a degree in illustration, Andi moved back to his hometown.Renting an odd-shaped office with no windows might not have given him great views. But it did give him amazing business connections. Resources and referrals that would set the first of many freelance plates spinning.With a varied career, Andi is also enjoying the challenge of mastering freelancing with his latest clients…his children.In this episode we hear how Andi:- uses his email newsletter- regularly jumps on Twitter chats- uses being multi-skilled to his advantage- found clients and shared knowledge by surrounding himself with other businessesYou'll find full show notes and transcript for this episode at beingfreelance.comThis episode is sponsored by Pension Bee.The flexible pension for the self-employed.Get set up in minutes and then get back to business.Start saving for a future beyond being freelance. Download the app or head to PensionBee.comPensionBee is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.With investments your capital is at risk. This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs.Time to boost your search rankings with Ahrefs Webmaster Tools - and it's FREE! If the idea of getting Google to work for you sounds confusing, Ahrefs also offers helpful tutorials on Search Engine Optimization.Want to get your freelance site more search traffic?Visit ahrefs.com/webmaster-tools and get this free tool working for you today. New to freelancing? The Being Freelance course is made for you!Steve’s rolled up everything he’s learnt from over 6 years of conversations with more than 250 freelancers.There’s no ‘one way’ to be a successful freelancer, but this course will help you avoid the many mistakes that most of us make. Learn from our experiences.Find out more about the course. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLooking to learn from and connect with other freelancers? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, and be part of the Being Freelance Community!Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Jun 5, 2022 • 46min
Email Strategist & Copywriter Nikki Elbaz
After being made redundant from her New York agency job, Nikki thought she’d go to Israel for a year and freelance as a copywriter. If it didn’t work out, she’d come back and get another agency job.7.5 years later her family has grown up in Israel. Their mum is very much still freelance.But she’s not a general copywriter anymore, she’s since found her niche in email strategy. Building authority and a small team. And a website experience which is pretty unique.In this episode we hear:- how a mastermind changed Nikki's career- how a 'cold' email showed Nikki her niche and landed a dream client- Nikki's very different approach to her website- how building a team isn't as easy as you might thinkand so much more...You'll find full show notes and transcript for this episode at beingfreelance.com This episode is sponsored by Pension Bee.The flexible pension for the self-employed.Get set up in minutes and then get back to business.Start saving for a future beyond being freelance. Download the app or head to PensionBee.comPensionBee is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.With investments your capital is at risk. This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs.Time to boost your search rankings with Ahrefs Webmaster Tools - and it's FREE! If the idea of getting Google to work for you sounds confusing, Ahrefs also offers helpful tutorials on Search Engine Optimization.Want to get your freelance site more search traffic?Visit ahrefs.com/webmaster-tools and get this free tool working for you today. New to freelancing? The Being Freelance course is made for you!Steve’s rolled up everything he’s learnt from over 6 years of conversations with more than 250 freelancers.There’s no ‘one way’ to be a successful freelancer, but this course will help you avoid the many mistakes that most of us make. Learn from our experiences.Find out more about the course. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLooking to learn from and connect with other freelancers? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, and be part of the Being Freelance Community!Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland