Focused

On Halloween, David and Jason revamp the podcast with a new format. David struggles with how he's spending his time. Jason tries to figure out when to say no and gets a better perspective about how well his business is doing, prompted by a job inquiry from a former co-worker. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Podcast Listener Survey: We rely on advertising as a way to support this show. If you could do us a favor and answer a few short questions, it would be really helpful to us. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership My App Story – MacStories Under the Radar #102: Procrastiworking - Relay FM

Unicorn Sidekick Kathy Campbell joins us to discuss how she ended up becoming a Free Agent while behind a desk at her "real job," when having her new career discovered her. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase. Guest Starring: Kathy Campbell Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership The Unicorn Sidekick

Relay FM Host and App Launch Map founder Aleen Simms joins us to talk about her accidental fall into freelance work and setting high standards for her clients. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase. Podcast Listener Survey: We rely on advertising as a way to support this show. If you could do us a favor and answer a few short questions, it would be really helpful to us. Guest Starring: Aleen Simms Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership

So you're working in a house full of kids. Or a partner who is there all the time. It can make working from home difficult to say the least. We discuss the good and bad of working around kids (and others) who are in your house with you. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to get 10% off your purchase of Timing. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership

So you're thinking about going out on your own. It's time to build The Spreadsheet, a tool to let you gauge your potential income and expenses and give you a realistic view of what it will take to succeed. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Eero: Never think about WiFi again. Use code FREEAGENTS for free overnight shipping. Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership

Jason asks David to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a law firm. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership

Passion projects can be an enjoyable outlet. But how do you balance the work that pays the bills with the work that feeds the soul? This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership

Telephones and text messaging seem like necessary evils at best, but for many small businesses they're required. You just need to figure out how to use them effectively--and set rules so that they aren't abused. While Jason leaves the phone off the hook, David describes his trial of Google Voice and ultimate decision to use a live receptionist service. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Timing: The automatic time tracking app for OS X. Use code FREEAGENTS for 20% off until the end of July. Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership Virtual Receptionist & Live Call Answering Service | Ruby Receptionists Google Voice

Relay FM co-founder Stephen Hackett discusses his origin story, including an abortive attempt at being an Apple blogger, a fateful meeting over tea with Jason and David, how he left his job to become a full-time podcast entrepreneur, and the personal challenges he first encountered when he went independent. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Casper: Because everyone deserves a great night sleep. Get $50 off with the code ‘FREEAGENTS’ Timing: The automatic time tracking app for OS X. Use code FREEAGENTS for 20% off until the end of July. Guest Starring: Stephen Hackett Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership Free Agents #3: My Curse and My Reward, with Myke Hurley - Relay FM Analog(ue) #9: My Shoes Are A Bit Dusty - Relay FM 512 Pixels The Reality of Indie Life

What happens if you're a lone-wolf independent operator, and then you get sick? Jason was recently out of commission for several days, and David had serious health issues immediately upon going independent. What strategies can help mitigate against illness? How can you avoid getting sick? And what's the deal with disability insurance? This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Timing: The automatic time tracking app for OS X. Use code FREEAGENTS for 20% off until the end of July. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership