The Marketing Freelancer: Unicorns Unite

It’s not a surprise that video marketing is king right now. Looking at you, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts! So let’s talk about how to create the right videos that actually convert followers and viewers into clients. My guest is Milan Kowalewski, a video marketing consultant & strategist from New York City. For the past 10+ years he’s helped some of the top cosmetic doctors elevate their online marketing presence. Now he’s helping other entrepreneurs and service providers take their businesses to the next with smart design, sound advice, and creative video. Listen for Milan’s tips on: Why video marketing should be your marketing strategy in 2023 Showing up on video even when you’re nervous to put yourself out there Breaking the cycle of messing up those awkward to-camera videos 5 strategic places to use video in your marketing   Plus you’ll get his mega advice for writing an oh-so-important “hook” that everyone is talking about.   P.S. Be sure to connect with Millan – his video quality is insane and his voice, like butter.   Connect with Milan: Instagram: @milanmarketingandmedia Facebook: @MilanMarketingAndMedia Website:  www.MilanMarketingAndMedia.com Download his freebie: Polish Up Your Camera Confidence    Listen to these related episodes: How to Become a TikTok Manager with Alison Springer #121 Video Editing & Product with Noah Mittman #104    Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab Instagram: @emilyreaganpr  Facebook: @emilyreaganpr 3 ways we can work together:  Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School. My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I’ve got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help and I would love for you to apply here for the Digital Marketing Workgroup. You’ll get the latest updates and trainings, networking opps and job leads from online business owners who are looking to hire digital marketing implementers and assistants. Looking for a fast way to get your foot in the door with up-to-date skills? Take my 2-hour Quickstart to Facebook Community Management workshop and learn how to help online business owners like course creators and membership site owners manage and engage their community    >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services 

Listen up virtual assistants, creative specialists, and marketing mavens, always charge for your services. Today I’m sharing a couple of real-life stories where giving away “free” services actually backfired for these service providers.  This is an important lesson to learn, especially if you’re new in business when your reputation is at stake. I’ll also help you find ways to thank referrals without giving away free hours. To be a viable, sustainable freelance business, you have to pay attention to your profits and where you’re spending your billable time. Free doesn't make you money. Plus, we really don’t want you to resent your client work or your business down the road. Also, pay attention to the one thing you can do to combat the freebie expectation from well-meaning friends, family, peers and acquaintances. This tactic works every time You will never do free work again.    Announcement: The Digital Marketing Workgroup is closing for the year. This is your chance to get in with a freelancer community and be a part of the behind-the-scenes conversations, encouragement, and troubleshooting that we all need when we’re working solo. We also have advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and job leads. Apply here before Dec. 15.   Related Podcasts Mentioned on the Show Creating Healthy Money Habits & Money Mindset with Chelsea Brennan #107 Three Rules of Essentialism for Service Providers #40 Feeling Guilty about Charging for Your Client Work #25 Links Mentioned in Show: Freelance Business Kickstarter   Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab Instagram: @emilyreaganpr  Facebook: @emilyreaganpr 3 ways we can work together:  Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School. My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I’ve got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help and I would love for you to apply here for the Digital Marketing Workgroup. You’ll get the latest updates and trainings, networking opps and job leads from online business owners who are looking to hire digital marketing implementers and assistants. Looking for a fast way to get your foot in the door with up-to-date skills? Take my 2-hour Quickstart to Facebook Community Management workshop and learn how to help online business owners like course creators and membership site owners manage and engage their community    >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services 

Does the thought of a discovery call make your palms sweat? Have you had a few and wish you had done better?  Discovery calls are relationship builders.  Projecting confidence is a learned skill anyone can master — without much effort — and even as an introvert or behind-the-scenes queen.  In this episode, I’ve asked Tracie Patterson, a sales coach and offer specialist, to give us tips we can apply on our next discovery calls so we feel more in control and confident. Her specialty is selling yourself without being salesy. She'll teach us how to listen during the discovery call so you can build trust and connections. It all comes down to how you communicate your skills and prices that will convince the client to hire you above others, so it’s important to understand your jittery emotions and how to use them to your advantage.    Tracie’s tips on what to do as a newbie will surprise you. Especially when it comes to where to put your focus during a call.  Ultimately, discovery calls are an opportunity for you to see whether you and the prospect are a good fit.  So have fun with it. Be yourself. And calm those nerves with these discovery call strategies. Enjoy!   Heads up: The Digital Marketing Workgroup is closing for the year. This is your chance to get in with a freelancer community and be a part of the behind-the-scenes conversations, encouragement, and troubleshooting that we all need when we’re working solo. We also have advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and job leads. Apply here before Dec. 15.    Connect with Tracie Patterson: Instagram: @tracie_indiecopy Facebook: @tracieindiecopy Website: www.indiecopy.com Download Freebie: Ease with Sales    Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab Instagram: @emilyreaganpr  Facebook: @emilyreaganpr 3 ways we can work together:  Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School. My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I’ve got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help and I would love for you to apply here for the Digital Marketing Workgroup. You’ll get the latest updates and trainings, networking opps and job leads from online business owners who are looking to hire digital marketing implementers and assistants. Looking for a fast way to get your foot in the door with up-to-date skills? Take my 2-hour Quickstart to Facebook Community Management workshop and learn how to help online business owners like course creators and membership site owners manage and engage their community    >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services

From the moment you sign your freelance client, you are expected to take the reins. Seems simple yet that’s not always the case. To make this new working relationship successful, you have to include one crucial piece - the kick-off call. This is where communication starts.  Sure you’ll discuss expectations, boundaries, and priorities…but a kick-off call is much more than that and how you manage that call sends a signal to your new client.  Here’s what should happen in your kick-off call and how you can come across as professional.  Not only will you and your client be on the same page, but you’ll also feel more confident diving into the work, setting yourself up for success.  Bonus -  listen for my secret tips on building your resource library. It’ll make your tasks efficient and who knows, you may even create a course out of it one day.   Enjoy! Links Mentioned in this Episode Apply for the Digital Marketing Workgroup here Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab Instagram: @emilyreaganpr  Facebook: @emilyreaganpr 3 ways we can work together:  Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School. My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I’ve got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help and I would love for you to apply here for the Digital Marketing Workgroup. You’ll get the latest updates and trainings, networking opps and job leads from online business owners who are looking to hire digital marketing implementers and assistants. Looking for a fast way to get your foot in the door with up-to-date skills? Take my 2-hour Quickstart to Facebook Community Management workshop and learn how to help online business owners like course creators and membership site owners manage and engage their community    >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services   

Whether you’re attending a virtual mixer or an in-person conference, the fortune is in the follow-up.   This is how you keep the energy, excitement, and connection happening long after the chairs have been folded or the zoom room closed. Your new connection may not be the client who is going to hire you, but maybe someone in their circle will. You never know. But to get there you need to nurture and develop this connection into a relationship.   We don’t want to fade away. Networking follow-up will keep you, your business, and your services top of mind. So when the time comes, your name will be the one referred.   This episode covers four easy tactics for keeping the relationship going, even if you’re an introverted digital service provider or virtual assistant.   These tactics will result in others helping and supporting you, so when the time comes you can be clear on what you need, who you work with, and what services you do.    You got this!   Links Mentioned in this Episode Apply for the Digital Marketing Workgroup here Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab Instagram: @emilyreaganpr  Facebook: @emilyreaganpr 3 ways we can work together:  Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School. My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I’ve got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help and I would love for you to apply here for the Digital Marketing Workgroup. You’ll get the latest updates and trainings, networking opps and job leads from online business owners who are looking to hire digital marketing implementers and assistants. Looking for a fast way to get your foot in the door with up-to-date skills? Take my 2-hour Quickstart to Facebook Community Management workshop and learn how to help online business owners like course creators and membership site owners manage and engage their community    >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services 

Signing that first virtual assistant client is the biggest hurdle to jump over in your service-based business. Once you do, your confidence will soar, you’ll gain experience and it will be so much easier to sign more clients. But how do you stand out from the sea of applicants all competing for the same virtual position? Today’s conversation will provide valuable insight into the hiring process and how to make sure you move on to the next phase. Email Marketer Allea Grummert, owner of Duett, recently hired several contractors for her growing email marketing agency and reached out to me with her insights. She was shocked at how many people didn’t follow through with directions. She wondered if she was doing something wrong especially when it came to her test simple project and what the freelancer culture was really like. After messaging each other, we decided that every single virtual assistant, marketing assistant, and service provider needs to hear this conversation. Here’s what to do … and what not to do.  Also, take note of how she upleveled one of her own and what this virtual assistant did to get promoted. If you love this episode and you’re looking for clients, apply for the Digital Marketing Workgroup here.  Make sure you hit subscribe and even better if you leave us a review!   Links Mentioned in the Show Episode 76: Welcome Sequences with Copywriter Allea Grummert Apply for the Digital Marketing Workgroup   Connect with Allea Grummert: Website: https://www.duett.co  Instagram: @alleagrummet   Facebook: @duettco   If you want to join Allea’s next roundtable to talk about email marketing or get any of her freebies: https://www.duett.co/roundtable   Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab Instagram: @emilyreaganpr  Facebook: @emilyreaganpr   3 ways we can work together:  Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School. My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I’ve got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help and I would love for you to apply here for the Digital Marketing Workgroup. You’ll get the latest updates and trainings, networking opps and job leads from online business owners who are looking to hire digital marketing implementers and assistants. Looking for a fast way to get your foot in the door with up-to-date skills? Take my 2-hour Quickstart to Facebook Community Management workshop and learn how to help online business owners like course creators and membership site owners manage and engage their community    >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services  >>> Take the Quiz to Discover your Digital Dream Job  

Humans love stories. We are attracted to them for pure survival’s sake!   But storytelling is also crucial for our marketing content. Yes, stories have the ability to empower and change the world, but they also bring about brand awareness and sales.   That’s why storyteller Catherine Nikkel is here to help us embrace storytelling in our freelance client work and create TRUE content.    Catherine is a content creator, ghostwriter, author and Mindful Media founder. She specializes in helping CEOs, entrepreneurs, and influencers create copy that engages and converts. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Huffington Post, Yahoo!, Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, and more.   In this Unicorns Unite episode we’ll learn: Her #1 switch for better, more relatable stories How to begin all stories no matter what format: email, blog or FB post Her proven TRUE storytelling framework The one thing we have to have in every story – hint: it’s a little bit of “E”, but not the hallucinating kind. Her tip for pulling the good stories out of our clients What our clients need to know before they start How we can double down on your own storytelling strengths    This episode will help if our clients are struggling with what they should be sharing and how we get those stories out of them.   And as with almost every episode of this podcast… it’s very META. Everything we learn here today with Catherine, we need to apply stories to our own business.   Enjoy!     Connect with Catherine Nikkel Facebook:  @Catherine.Nikkel Website: www.catherinenikkel.com Take the Quiz: What kind of content creator are you? The Simple Story Setup — only $97 Free 5-Part Content Repurposing Video Series: The Content Experience   Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab Instagram: @emilyreaganpr  Facebook: @emilyreaganpr   3 ways we can work together:  Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School.  My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I’ve got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help , apply here. You’ll get the latest updates and trainings, networking opps and job leads from online business owners who are looking to hire digital marketing implementers and assistants. Looking for a fast way to get your foot in the door with up-to-date skills? Take my 2-hour Quickstart to Facebook Community Management Workshop and learn how to help online business owners like course creators and membership site owners manage and engage their community    >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services  >>> Take the Quiz to Discover your Digital Dream Job  

What burns me? Those get-rich-quick Tiktok VA Coaches who sell the fact that new virtual assistants could be making $50-75/hr. They get them in the door selling them the dream and then don’t actually teach the hard implementation skills. And that high rate is not at all what someone new on the scene is making. So back to reality and the world I live in. You gotta start in the mailroom and work your way up. So here’s three tips for raising your rates as a digital marketing assistant.Inside this episode, you’ll get tips on: Signs your rates and services are off What to say in discovery calls to communicate your worth Shifting into value-based pricing Creating your own credibility factor How to know when you’re ready to specialize Why unicorns DMAs are different How to make admin skills more valuable  Plus a bonus tip that all the successful freelancers “get”. Especially, listen if you’re not booked out and wondering if your rates are on par, then this episode is for you! Links Mentioned: Enroll now in the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School Episode 112: How to Raise Your Rates as a Virtual Assistant 3 ways we can work together:  Get enrolled in the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School.  My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I’ve got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help, apply here. You’ll get the latest updates and trainings, networking opps and job leads from online business owners who are looking to hire digital marketing implementers and assistants. Looking for a fast way to get your foot in the door with up-to-date skills? Take my 2-hour Quickstart to Facebook Community Management Workshop and learn how to help online business owners like course creators and membership site owners manage and engage their community   >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services >>> Take the Quiz to Discover your Digital Dream Job 

Have you heard the advice that it takes 2 things to grow a business: time and money? You have to have a combination of both as fuel to a business. You can use money to speed things up and save you time.    Well as digital service freelancers, we kinda get out of the “have to have money” to start paradox. As virtual assistants, there’s a very low startup cost for us because we’re using our brains to create and do the work. Instead of money though, we need hard skills.    Skills can speed up what we charge and the time in grade it takes to be successful. But there’s one other thing that is pure gasoline to your freelance business: your network.   If you get these two things in place: you will grow 10x.   (And not make the same mistakes I did for years.)   This episode dives deeper into these two growth factors and shows you the winner’s path to running a profitable, successful freelance business. Enjoy!   Sign up for Pricing & Services Workshop: Make a Living on Your Own Terms. We have 3 live sessions to choose from (Oct. 12, 13 & 15)  to help you take your skillset into the online space, create profitable packages, and position yourself to book out solid. Watch out! The Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School opens Oct. 12!   Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab Instagram: @emilyreaganpr  Facebook: @emilyreaganpr 3 ways we can work together:  Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School.  My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I’ve got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help and I would love for you to apply here. You’ll get the latest updates and trainings, networking opps and job leads from online business owners who are looking to hire digital marketing implementers and assistants. Looking for a fast way to get your foot in the door with up-to-date skills? Take my 2-hour Quickstart to Facebook Community Management workshop and learn how to help online business owners like course creators and membership site owners manage and engage their community    >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services 

Only 30 months ago, she didn’t know tech. She didn’t know marketing. She wasn’t even “on” social media. She had never freelanced. And yet here Allison Riesgaard is now working full-time in a 7-figure business as the right-hand woman, content manager and team manager. How’d she do it? What can you learn from her story? If you’ve been the central caregiver in your family, if you had to sacrifice your career as a military spouse, if you’ve been wanting to turn your brain on again... this freelancer journey episode is for you. Pay attention. Allison has so much advice and encouragement to share. I have been trying to get this introvert & business sidekick phenom on my show for two years. And she finally said yes. So this episode is a massive deal. You'll learn: What she did to get started How she worked her way up Why this freelance position is ideal for a mom of special needs children The hidden skills she uncovered along the way What she wishes she would have done from Day 1 And there may be a coaching moment or two sprinkled in! This is not one of those cliche’ IF SHE CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT stories.  Allison’s story is unique and powerful. With zero prior experience and total apprehension, worked her way up from virtual assistant to manager level.  Allison’s decision to take the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School has given her family increased financial stability, schedule freedom and unimagined personal growth. I’m so honored she was willing to come on the show and share. This is a real treat.    Happening Soon: Sign up for the Pricing & Packages Webinar: Make a Living On Your Own  Connect with Allison Her Stagnant Facebook: @personalally Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab Instagram: @emilyreaganpr  Facebook: @emilyreaganpr 3 ways we can work together:  Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School.  My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I’ve got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help and I would love for you to apply here. You’ll get the latest updates and trainings, networking opps and job leads from online business owners who are looking to hire digital marketing implementers and assistants. Looking for a fast way to get your foot in the door with up-to-date skills? Take my 2-hour Quickstart to Facebook Community Management workshop and learn how to help online business owners like course creators and membership site owners manage and engage their community    >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services