Deliberate Freelancer cover image

Deliberate Freelancer

Latest episodes

undefined
Dec 19, 2024 • 56min

#199: Struggling? How to Get Clients Now, with Rosanna Campbell

Today’s guest is Rosanna Campbell, a freelance content writer who writes “non-boring content” for B2B SaaS clients like Dock, Lattice, and monday.com. She lives in Madrid, Spain, with her husband, son, and their beagle who eats her furniture. Rosanna’s been freelancing for eight years. In this episode, we chat in-depth about six tips she shared in a recent LinkedIn post that helped her get clients when she found herself in a “total, terrible, terrifying scramble.” Rosanna is also consistent on LinkedIn, which we also talk about at the end of the episode. In fact, she is creating a workshop on how to be successful like her on LinkedIn, so I encourage you to follow her on LinkedIn for information on that workshop and lots of other great tips.  In this episode, we talk about:  Why and how she became a freelancer How some freelancers are struggling right now  How she shifted her mindset to better “sell” herself How to think about niching down your service and your industry  How to evaluate your LinkedIn profile and what it says about you How to make cold emails work for you The opportunities in your email inbox you’re missing out on Why she likes virtual coffee chats Why and how she’s become much more consistent with LinkedIn  Resources: Rosanna’s LinkedIn post: “Need to get a new client, like, NOW?” Follow Rosanna on LinkedIn Rosanna’s website Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee Episode #127 of Deliberate Freelancer: Embrace LinkedIn to Improve Your Business, with Atlas Katari
undefined
Dec 12, 2024 • 21min

#198: November By the Numbers

In today’s episode, I recap what my business looked like in November. This includes: How much I worked in November. Why I got behind and how I dealt with it. The types of work I did and how I charged. My total monthly earnings. Why I offered to help a new client for “free.” What I Learned This Week:  How Poet James A. Pearson (and his friend) look at burnout: “The Hidden Invitation of Burnout” Poet James A. Pearson on Instagram The Bookshelf: “The Uncommon Reader” by Alan Bennett Resources: Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee Episode #194 of Deliberate Freelancer: October By the Numbers Episode #62 of Deliberate Freelancer: How to Prevent and Deal with Burnout, with Alan Heymann
undefined
Dec 5, 2024 • 46min

#197: Be Honest: Are You Self-Sabotaging?, with Melissa Hobson

Today’s guest is Melissa Hobson, who does business as The Ocean Writer Ltd. Her writing focuses on marine science and conservation. Melissa lives in Hastings, England. She has written for National Geographic, Scientific American, BBC Wildlife, BBC Countryfile, New Scientist, the Guardian and more. She also does some content and copywriting for NGOs and companies, but still focuses on the ocean and conservation.  In this episode, we talk about:  The revelation she had after a conversation with a friend.  Using “I’m so busy” as an excuse.  Fear of failure. What she did in her business after a mindset shift.  How she gamified her pitching.  How she organizes her finances.  Using “busy” as a badge of honor or part of our identity.  Try this: Ask yourself “why” five times.  How she became interested in writing about the ocean.  The importance of following your curiosity.  Resources: Melissa’s website  Melissa on LinkedIn Melissa’s article about Fat Bear Week  Fat Bear Week in Katmai National Park, Alaska Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee Episode #163 of Deliberate Freelancer: Dealing with Overwhelm and Uncertainty: A Mini Coaching Session, with Helen Jane Campbell
undefined
Nov 21, 2024 • 25min

#196: Wrap Up the Year on a High Note

I’m excited about Bluesky! Are you on the platform too? Let’s create a Deliberate Freelancer starter pack — more on that in this episode — but follow me at @MelEdits. On today’s show, I share five questions to help you wrap up your year to create a “fresh start” in January. I explain the difference between these five questions and larger questions to ask yourself later in a solo business retreat to set up your year for success. The five questions are: What do I need to do now to line up work in January?  What do I need to do to wrap up the year?  Do I need to raise rates or fire anyone?  Where do I need to improve my marketing and networking? How much money did I make this year? What I Learned This Week:  Your standing desk isn’t making you any healthier: https://wapo.st/3ApawfD The Bookshelf: “Slow Productivity” by Cal Newport  Resources: Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group Melanie on Bluesky Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee Episode #149 of Deliberate Freelancer: Evaluate—and Expand or Fire—Your Clients for a Strong 2023 Episode #123 of Deliberate Freelancer: My 2021 Business Review and Questions to Help You Episode #148 of Deliberate Freelancer: How to Line Up January Work Now
undefined
Nov 14, 2024 • 30min

#195: Infusing My Core Self Back into My Business

On today’s show, I talk about how hiring a business coach for a few months helped me get excited about my business again.  Here’s what I share with you in this episode: Why I hired a coach. The initial goals I had with coaching and how that changed.  How outlining who my “core self” was helped me with my business direction.  Insights that my coach had that helped me.  Why you should ask yourself if the services you provide “light you up” and bring you joy.  How fight/flight/freeze/fawn may affect our businesses.  What the Polyvagal Theory is and a few ways to quickly calm your nerves (see links below).  What I Learned This Week: I need to create a menu of joy.  The Bookshelf: “The Caretaker” by Ron Rash  Resources: Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group Support ad-free Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee How to find a certified menopause practitioner Informative Johns Hopkins article about menopause Menopause expert Dr. Mary Claire Haver on Instagram Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s book “The New Menopause” Article “Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn: How We Respond to Threats” Reels to show you how to calm anxiety and stress through your vagus nerve: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4D5bHNggVY/ https://www.instagram.com/p/C5oyvuRyiFL/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DABReeTMLlp/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DBjkz5RPOgk/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DB9juS0PLO4/ Episode #182 of Deliberate Freelancer: A massive pivot from freelancing to owning a business with her husband, with business coach Jenni Gritters JenniGritters.com Episode #126 of Deliberate Freelancer: A Real Talk About Mental Health—and Languishing Episode #137 of Deliberate Freelancer: I’m Grieving. How Can I Keep My Business Running?
undefined
Nov 7, 2024 • 26min

#194: October By the Numbers

On today’s new regular monthly episode I recap what my business looked like in October. This includes: How much I worked in October. The types of work I did and how I charged. Why a lower-paying passion project can be worth it. My total monthly earnings. How I landed a new anchor client. Why I sometimes break the “freelancing rules” and charge hourly and per word.  What I Learned This Week: I am not as young as I used to be.  The Bookshelf: “The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary Resources: Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group Email Melanie feedback or suggestions about “By the Numbers” episodes: melanie@meledits.com  Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee
undefined
Oct 31, 2024 • 38min

#193: How to Improve Your Money and Your Nutrition Habits, with Reyna Gobel

Today’s guest is Reyna Gobel, MBA, MPH, a New Yorker who is a purpose-driven freelance writer. She writes journalism and content on personal finance, travel, pets, and health and nutrition.    Reyna is a personal finance and health expert and award-winning author. Her articles and quoted advice have appeared in over 300 publications and websites, including Forbes, Money, Reuters, NPR, Harvard Health, and The Atlantic. Michelle Singletary selected three of her books as the book of the month in The Washington Post. Reyna co-created the 30-Day Precision Nutrition Challenge and recently authored the fourth version of Graduation Debt : How to Manage Student Loans and Live Your Life.  In this episode, we talk about:  How to reduce your “ghost spending.”  The biggest mistakes she sees freelancers make with their finances. The importance of tracking your expenses. How budgeting apps can help you. How unexplained illnesses led to her nutrition journey. What she offers through her nutrition course. What I Learned This Week:  How AI super users are getting ahead at work The Bookshelf: “Worst Case Scenario” by TJ Newman Resources: 30-Day Precision Nutrition Challenge  Book: “Graduation Debt : How to Manage Student Loans and Live Your Life” Reyna on LinkedIn Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee
undefined
Oct 24, 2024 • 33min

#192: The Prodigal Daughter Finally Returns to Her Podcast

I am finally back! I know, I know — this was way longer than that a “summer” hiatus. I’m sorry for the delay, but to be honest, I wasn’t sure I was coming back. I’ll talk about that in today’s episode and share why I did come back (mainly because of you, my wonderful listeners).  Here’s what I share with you in this episode: A few minor changes to the podcast. How my income goals are going. Why my “summer” hiatus took so long. How I was reminded to prioritize what’s important to me. How I spent my summer vacation.  Why hiring a business coach was the right move. What I Learned This Week:  The types of Zoom backgrounds that are most and least likely to cause Zoom fatigue. The Bookshelf: “Everyone But Myself” by Julie Chavez Resources: Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee Episode #182 of Deliberate Freelancer: A massive pivot from freelancing to owning a business with her husband, with business coach Jenni Gritters
undefined
Jun 6, 2024 • 8min

#191: It’s Summer Hiatus Time!

The host takes a summer break to recharge and focus on personal well-being. They reflect on the importance of mental health and express gratitude to listeners. Exciting future topics are teased, encouraging everyone to revisit older content. It's a time for rest, reflection, and anticipation for what's to come in September.
undefined
May 30, 2024 • 55min

#190: Unpack and Improve Your Money Beliefs with Austin L. Church’s Book “Free Money”

Austin L. Church, a branding strategist for e-commerce founders and fractional CMO, shares insights from his book, "Free Money." He discusses how childhood money beliefs shape freelancer success and the importance of financial literacy. Austin reveals the psychological impacts of pricing strategies, the dangers of hustle culture, and the four freelancing stages: Moonlighter, Hustler, Lifestyler, and Diversifier. He also emphasizes setting healthy boundaries with clients and the value of investing in a business coach to enhance financial acumen.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode