The Content Byte

This week, Rachel and Lynne explore the importance of creating inclusive and accessible content with award-winning journalist and disability advocate Zoe Simmons.   Zoe shares her experiences with chronic illness and disability, discussing how these have shaped her career and advocacy work.   Key topics include: The significance of using accessible language Practical tips for making content more accessible The impact of lived experiences in storytelling Zoe also touches on managing multiple income streams as a freelancer and the challenges of ensuring fair compensation for lived experience and advocacy work.   Connect with Zoe through her website: https://zoesimmons.com.au/    or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-simmons-7119a994/    Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/     Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co

This week Rachel and Lynne delve into the benefits of having a services guide with guest Kendall Cherry, founder of The Candid Collective. Kendall shares insights on: What a services guide is Creating and utilising a services guide to qualify leads, streamline the sales process, and protect creative energy How a services guide can help build an email list Why freelancers should be displaying their rates, even if your pricing can vary The essential elements for a compelling services guide  Tips for incorporating authentic brand voice and storytelling Connect with Kendall through her website: https://candidcollective.co/  or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/  Sign up for her newsletter via: https://wallflowerfridays.com/  Listen to the Beyond Margins podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l5VbkGzhcZvUot9optKPf?si=nXFQIPaITIeynS3Y9cJw4g  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/  Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week Rachel and Lynne are joined by Maggie Patterson, creator of BS Free Business and author of 'Staying Solo', talking all about how Boundaries Are a Business Strategy. We explore: The importance of setting firm boundaries in freelance work Strategies to control your schedule How to build a sustainable, stress-free business The benefits of having clear communication and expectations with clients to foster trust and long-term business success Transitioning from spreadsheets to automated systems The value of onboarding processes Tips for maintaining client relationships without sacrificing personal time Listen to Maggie's podcast, Staying Solo: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/staying-solo/id1098466347  Take a look at her free workshop at https://bsfreebusiness.com/byte   Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week Rachel and Lynne discuss freelance finances, branding, and ethical marketing with guest Liv Steigrad. Liv, a brand strategist and copywriter, shares her insights on using psychology in branding, the importance of maintaining financial visibility, and offers practical advice for freelancers.  We also chat about: How to effectively position your services The impact of AI on freelancing Liv's experiences with financial transparency through her 'Dirty Money' series Liv's podcast, which is focused on neurodivergence in business Connect with Liv via these links: Mindset & Markets course: https://mindset-and-markets-masterclass.teachery.co/get-acess Podcast: The One That Works For You https://open.spotify.com/show/4WQ5rnPR0EXqyNg7MQquC3?si=1394a4220cbd460b Website: https://theidentitydept.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theidentitydept/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theidentitydept Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/    Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week Rachel and Lynne explore how you can use trauma as a catalyst to change your freelance career with guest Chris Stead, an award-winning journalist and content producer. Chris shares how an e-bike explosion in his home and the subsequent fire led to re-evaluating work priorities, embracing family travel, and developing new income streams as he talks about the profound impact this traumatic event had on his professional and personal life. It's a fascinating chat as we dive into Chris's journey from traditional journalism to running a YouTube channel, self-publishing children's books, and offering consulting services. It will make you think about how to manage multiple income streams, leverage technology for content creation, and how you can use personal experiences as a catalyst for growth. Connect with Chris via  Old Mate Media, https://oldmatemedia.com/ or Motivated Travel https://www.youtube.com/@motivated_travel Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/   Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com  Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

In this week's episode, Rachel and Lynne chat with Joanna Savill, a bit of a legend in the food industry. Joanna shares her career evolution from subtitle translator to a food journalism icon, including her work with SBS TV and The Sydney Morning Herald.   The discussion covers: The transformation of Australia's food media over the years Integrating immersive experiences in events How to leverage your transferable skills  Managing the ups and downs of freelance life The early days of food websites Joanna also reflects on her role in community-focused government work and her current focus on sustainability in hospitality.   Connect with Joanna via Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joanna_savill/    Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/    Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com  Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co

This week, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with award-winning director and writer Jane Manning. The discussion delves into Jane's impressive career in television and documentary films, which includes being one of the early female directors on Home & Away (and why programs like that matter), as well as significant projects such as Who Do You Think You Are? and Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation. During our chat, Jane shares: Her journey from documentary filmmaking to TV drama Her creative processes The challenges of storytelling in both documentary and drama How a TV series or documentary comes to life What it's like being in a writer's room Advice for freelancers looking to transition into television writing and production Connect with Jane via her website: https://www.thresholdpics.com/ or via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-manning-98079321/  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/  Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co   

This week on the podcast, hosts Rachel and Lynne chat with Megan Osborne, editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Megan shares her career journey from food writing to leading large-scale content strategies at prominent brands and now to editing Australia's largest circulation (paid) magazine.  She discusses: the evolving role of a magazine editor the integration of print and digital content why you need to understand audience data leveraging social media to engage younger audiences what she's looking for from freelance contributors (and even shares her email address!) Megan offers invaluable advice for freelancers aiming to get published and shares her favourite productivity tools and tech tips. Connect with Megan via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/osbornemegan/  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details.  Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week, Rachel and Lynne chat with Evelina Kaganovitch, a high-conversion fashion copywriter, about the intricacies and strategies of freelance copywriting. Evelina shares her journey from sustainable fashion to copywriting and discusses the importance of clear messaging over using too much jargon.  The conversation covers: Niching down in the freelance world Using social listening tools and AI to improve copy quality Finding the balance between the personal touch and technological help How to create effective email marketing strategies Maintaining trust and community in your audience ... and practical tips for freelancers who are navigating the evolving creator economy Connect with Evelina Kaganovitch (and find her downloads) on her website: https://www.evelinakreative.com/  or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelinakreative/  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/  Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co

In this episode, Rachel and Lynne delve back into the topic of niching down as a freelancer with Sabrina Rogers-Anderson, a health and fitness writer. The discussion covers the challenges and benefits of finding and committing to a specific niche, how to charge what you're worth, and managing finances. Sabrina shares her journey from generalist to specialist, overcoming personal adversities, and the pivotal role a business coach played in her transformation. The episode also touches upon the impact of AI on health writing, the importance of credible, evidence-based content, and she shares practical tips for maintaining a steady cash flow as a freelancer. Connect with Sabrina through her website: https://sabrinarogersanderson.com/ or via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinarogersanderson/   Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co