Being Freelance

After being made redundant Tia Meyers didn't just take her experience of social media and start being freelance. She also decided to take it and grow a community of other freelancing females. 2 years on, we chat about the many lessons learnt both in adjusting her services, getting paid and work-life balance AND from growing a Facebook Group of 8000 members with meet ups globally. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter.* You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up. JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being

Ron Timehin thought he would work in the music industry, but he went a completely different route. Playing music since he was 7, reaching the highest musical grade on the trumpet at 16, travelling and playing in ensembles around the world, it seemed like a natural next step. However, the reaction to his pictures he had been taking and posting on Instagram gave him the confidence to pursue photography professionally. Ron worked his day job, while freelancing on the side. Building up his skills, growing his audience. When a big sports brand comes knocking you know you're doing something right. Afer grinding at it after work every evening and weekend he finally quit his job and went all-in - it’s been great ever since, with work for a number of huge companies! His work-life balance is much better now. While he still has very busy days, not having an additional full-time job on top of his craft frees up time for him. He can now take days off and arrange his schedule as he'd like it, with space now to work on pers

Elliot doesn't shy away from making a change in his life. After a string of non-coding jobs, he self-taught himself WordPress and became a freelance developer. From that he built up a successful agency - Raison. But when fatherhood beckoned he stripped back the pressure of being a boss to freelance once more. More flexibility, more time for his family. And plenty more to hear about too... We chat about the benefits of co-working, meet ups (Elliot organises them including WordCamp Brighton), becoming a specialist, charging day rates, being picky with your clients and experimenting with side projects. Crikey. Key takeaways: Your old skills can lead to new opportunities Make your billing make sense, and Give speaking a try! Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter.* You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland W

Roxanne is a planner. She plans what she's doing with her business 'by bun' two years ahead. TWO YEARS. And yet she'd never planned to be an artist. She spent six years in a proper zero-creativity job before realising she could make a living through her art. And she's done that by growing an audience who enjoy her content across various social media platforms. Who support her, both socially and financially. But she realises plans can change, things change. And that's okay. We chat about taking on and even creating social challenges, the pressures of constant content creation, making courses, hosting workshops and figuring out a way to balance her work-life as freelancer. Key takeaways: Set up multiple income streams early on Plan for the long-term, and Don’t fear change Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the B

Not long out of college, Kayla quit her PR job to become self-employed. She was seduced by the 'one to many' infopreneurs - making money online from being an expert, selling courses etc. The dream of passive income soon became a nightmare of over-work in order to keep her sales funnel topped up. After a year of crazy 80-90 hour weeks she switched from products to services and became a freelance copywriter. But that doesn't mean she didn't learn anything from that first year and be able to put it to good use for both herself and her clients. We also chat finances, processes and using a CRM to keep on track with both. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?

Ben’s always been self-employed. Right after graduating college, he hustled as a freelance illustrator and animator for two years, and grouped together with a team to run an animation studio for a few years after that. Although the studio work was successful, he had enough of “wearing multiple hats” there. He'd been doing illustration work on the side and really enjoyed it. He decided to “break up the band” in 2005 and became… Ben the Illustrator! He still has the daily concerns that you get with running any business, but he can now wear his favourite hat most of the time: that of a creative freelancer. He’s got the work-life balance down pat. He wakes up early to get a couple hours in, with a few more during the day and sometimes a bit more in the evening. The rest of the time he can be there for his family; he drops off and picks up his son from school every day, and has quality time with him every afternoon. It was brilliant hearing stories from him about working remotely for clients around the world, side

Working for agencies and studios as a graphic designer since 2012, Amber Asay hated that she couldn’t interact directly with her clients. She also couldn’t show off her work in a personal portfolio, since her creations were the intellectual property of her employers. Even if she could have, she didn’t take much pride in the type of corporate branding work she had been doing. Now she’s connected to her clients and her peers, slogging away at it, but riding a high as she charts her own path. She still doesn’t quite have a grasp of the work-life balance. Her work often is her life, but she has a plan... Great thoughts on working a full-time job while growing her freelancing practice, connecting, putting your work out there and more. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFol

Jenni Heffernan Brown has had a pretty interesting path to freelancing success. Working for mega corporations, then to graduate school with a bit of freelancing on the side, and now teaming up with another freelancer to form an agency. She’s never been one to thrive under strict rules set by others. A Straight-A student in high school, she was always in trouble for skiving, because she’d rather get the work done well and do other things on her own time, just like a freelancer! Now the co-founder of a marketing agency, she’s thriving on coming up with her own systems and processes and rules that work for her and her business partner. It took her years to get a sense of a work-life balance. Often having the urge to stay up until 2 am to work, she’s finally found herself more at ease letting go. She’s learned to step back and trust others to take on work, whether it’s her co-founder or other contractors. She even managed to spend a three-week vacation in Africa without access to WiFi, and didn’t tear her hair ou

Mark Steadman has had a self-described checkerboard career. Freelancing on and off for years in between spells in companies, agencies and even running startups. He's always had side projects. And whether or not they're a 'success', the experience still feeds back into his freelance skills. But now he's bringing his podcasting project in from the side to be centre stage, giving it more 'full time' attention to make it the focus of his business. He can find himself intensely pulled into his work. Often staying up late, diving into podcast production or designing an app, only to take a break and realise that he’s neglected a number of household errands. He’s getting better at the work-life balance though, and does take more time for “human” needs - you know, things like eating and seeing family. We had great fun talking about time management, the sometimes blurred lines between work and hobbies, and whether or not he really did appear on a TV show in the '90s. Key takeaways: • Don't be impatient • Finding

Jess knew she wanted to work on her own terms. What she didn't know, was what a virtual assistant was. And yet when an opportunity came up to be one, to work remotely and become freelance... she jumped at it. As years went by the amount of work started to overwhelm her. So she hired her own virtual assistants to help out... and her company Don't Panic Management was born. Everything 'virtual' had gradually become very real. Jess' story is one of going with the flow, swep along by hard work, consideration and seizing opportunities. Learning the ropes of managing people, managing the finances and managing not to panic. Instead, for the first time, to properly plan a future... Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone

It feels like Karen is being freelance on her terms. With her own voice, her own style. Stress free. Quite possibly in pyjamas. Here we chat about how she got started as a copywriter, how she got started making money from courses helping other writers and how she got finished with trying to be a digital nomad. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up. JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Frien

Through podcasts Michelle gained the knowledge and confidence to quit the 9-to-5 and start being freelance... and now years later her own podcast Creative Playdate is helping herself and others navigate being freelance, whilst also being a parent. From starting out, reaching out and figuring it out as a freelance mum. Since recording this conversation Michelle is on the move again... keep listening right to the end out to find out more. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventual

At the heart of Matt's freelance success are other people. Sure, of course he's good at what he does. He's not just made podcasts, he's both made and seized opportunities. But more importantly he's made connections when he's met people. Put simply: the more people you meet, the more chance you have of working with them in the future. Be that fellow freelancers or potential clients. Just keep meeting people! We also chat about building a business and family, great customer experience, producing his own independent podcasts and not just entering or winning awards, but co-founding the awards for his industry - The British Podcast Awards. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and a

Tidying her child's room Annie suddenly found a name for a business. With it she found a way to make work fit with family, she found meaningful work in a remote location and found a community of other freelancers to help her along the way. Now all she has to do is find time for herself... Hear Annie's journey as self-employed virtual assistant 'Hello My PA', becoming one of the freelance heroes. We chat co-working, being a freelance parent, managing your time, dealing with isolation and more. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Tw

If you don't take yourself seriously, why would your clients? South African photographer and digital artist Natalie chats about making connections, hiring other freelancers, expanding her services and wrestling with being a workaholic learning when to say 'no'. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up. JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREEL

'Social Mouth' Sam has a story of reinvention, investment, belief and community. We hear about the power of Instagram Stories and her Small & Mighty podcast in helping people get to know her. The benefits of a business coach. And the impact that ill health, a dog and a dad can have on your future. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up. JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).being

When Dan was made redundant two weeks before his second child was born, he knew failure wasn't an option. He had to make a success of being freelance. We chat about how he's made that happen - his coworking studio, networking and adapting to a changing world - always learning new skills, reinventing.. and never with his shirt tucked in. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up. JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your

For German freelancer Uli, it all started with sharing. Using Twitter to share and make reality her dream of living and working in London. Since then she's been sharing work spaces, sharing in communities, sharing thoughts, groups, content, challenges, knowledge and now she shares it with us. From leaving agency life to nurturing (or naturing) an entrepreneurial adventure with her company Secrets of Green. Maybe the real secret is in the sharing. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'l

Carson has always freelanced on the side. Chasing the cash and the creativity that freelance opportunities would bring whilst still studying or working full time. He's learned how to find the good clients, set expectations, communicate and avoid work overload (eventually). Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up. JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community 

Composer Grant Kirkhope has spent the past 20 years not just making video games music, but making a name for himself. From the lessons and habits learned as an in-house composer, to breaking out as a freelancer in a new country: looking for opportunities, an agent and a day off. 
It may seem like a series of ‘happy accidents’ but it’s a tale of persistence, creativity and professionalism. Doing whatever it takes to get the job. Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter. You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch