Freelancer and Other Words That Start with F

Ever thought about becoming a freelancer? Ever thought about being a writer? Would you write fiction? Non-fiction? Would you self-publish or work with a publisher? Adam Cole is a jazz musician who writes books. He writes about transformation and in his fiction, his characters must change themselves in order to rise to the challenges of their time and place. Sounds an awful lot like someone deciding to leap to Freelancing, huh? I have to admit - I know NOTHING about being a writer. That's why I was so excited to talk to my oldest internet friend about it. Adam and I have known each other since BEFORE the internet and I've followed his success as we've taken different paths through life. Based in Atlanta, GA in the States, Adam is also a business leader and co-director of the Grant Park Academy of the Arts. Adam engages with readers around the world on the subject of creativity and learning. He's pretty amazing. When it comes to writing - Adam is straightforward and his insight into the interconnectedness of things has earned him a passionate and loyal following. What I like most about Adam (other than his sense of humour and our long-standing friendship) is that his books launch people to new lives and new ideas. Adam has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Psychology Today, and NBC.com and is a regular contributor to periodicals such as UpWorthy, Transzion and Fupping. If you want to be a writer - and I know a lot of you do - and you're thinking about making the move to freelancing - there's a lot for you in this episode. Thanks for listening! Want to work with Adam, know more about what being an author is really like or read his books? You can find him on his website, Facebook or Twitter. ...and me? If you want to chat about all things Freelance, you can find me on startswithf.com, Twitter or Instagram. If you want to work together, drop me a line on Linkedin!

Ever thought about becoming a freelancer? Would you try to 'be it all' and run your own business or would you outsource the heck out of everything? Sherry Holub is a US-based freelance graphic and web designer - and my sister from another mister as we're both graphic designers. Sherry works with clients across many industries, but all of her work has one thing in common: Sherry. In our conversation, we talk about being a 'fixer' and the power of emotional intelligence. From the pitfalls of standing desks to the weirdness that is trying to do business whilst sitting on a yoga ball - Sherry and I have a LOT in common. We both have [and appreciate] long-term clients, with Sherry having worked with some of hers for 10+ years. ?In our chat, we talk about the seemingly endless freedom that comes with being a freelancer. But - is that really the case? Are freelancers 'free'? Can you really arrange your work to suit your lifestyle or is it just as hard, or harder, than being cubicle-based? We also talk about outsourcing - which can be a bit of an interesting topic for freelancers. Should you try and run your business yourself-- even if you're not good with numbers or particularly knowledgeable about marketing or promotion?  If you're a designer and you're thinking about making the move from agency to freelance - there's a lot for you in this episode.  You can find out more about Sherry by visiting her website. Thank you for listening!  If you'd like to be a guest, head over to startswithf.com and let me know! If you want to chat or have questions about freelancing, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram and of course, Linkedin. 

Ever thought about becoming a freelancer? Would you work by yourself, at home or find a co-working space? Would you lean on a network or be the solo captain of your own ship? ?Debbie Ford is a UK-based freelance Social Media Coach who believes in the amazing power of network. She couldn't find an online or 'real life' group that suited her needs as a freelancer - so she created her own! Started in 2016, Debbie's group, The Chichester Social, runs the Last Friday Club - a free monthly business networking meet-up for freelancers and independent business owners or solopreneurs. ?In our chat, Debbie and I, who are long-time internet friends, have a great laugh about working with clients, despite our different jobs. We talk about treating your own freelancing business as a client and giving it the marketing time and support it deserves. ?We also gab about finding business networking communities, a tribe and being generous with your time and expertise. ?Debbie is a gorgeous ball of energy with an infectious laugh. Couple that with my sarcastic lack of wit and you've got yourself one heck of an episode. Thanks for listening!

Rachel Vandernick joins me this week and I'm rather excited! Rachel is a US-based freelance Digital Marketing Consultant and an amazing problem solver. She helps her clients understand how to market their businesses and thrive in the digital world. AND, she's been doing it since she was a university student. From the seed of an idea during her student years, to running a business from her dorm room to now, Rachel has spent the last decade working across two dozen industries, including travel & hospitality, ecommerce, food & beverage, and aerospace, to build connections between prestige brands and their consumers. Not bad for a 27 year-old, huh? If you're thinking about making the jump to freelancing and find yourself wondering if you should LEAP or start your business as a side hustle, there's a lot for you in this episode! In our interview, we talk about marketing, of course, and specifically digital marketing as well as helping clients differentiate between the two. We also talk about travelling for work—and how to get the best from yourself when you're on the move (or not on the move, if you're me)! We also talk about the rise of freelancing in the last five years and Rachel shares the best (and worst) advice she's ever been given about freelancing. We talk about betting on yourself when thinking about becoming a freelancer and how to approach starting a freelance business and look at creating an 'on ramp' or runway as you head into your new freelance career. Rachel has great advice for people who may have reservations about jumping into freelancing full-time and with 'devil may care' gusto. Thank you for listening! If you'd like to be a guest, head over to startswithf.com and let me know! If you want to chat or have questions about freelancing, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram and of course, Linkedin.

Joining me for my very first episode is Erin Booth - an amazing freelance virtual assistant, digital nomad and course creator. Erin is SO good at what she does that she teaches others how to work the same magic. Her secret sauce? Freedom. If you're thinking about making the jump to freelancing, or are a new freelancer, there's a lot for you in this episode! Erin is a digital nomad and for the last five years, has travelled the world, taking her business with her. Erin launched her own VA business in 2012, waaaay back before virtual assistance was 'a thing'. She made a few mistakes - such as saying yes to everything - and found herself exhausted and overworked. Thankfully, Erin is a very smart cookie and figured out a way to max her time and her income. In this episode, we talk about the best (and worst) advice we've both been given about freelancing and how she and her wife marry travel with full-time freelance careers. We have a laugh about the fact that Erin and I are polar opposites when it comes to work - as freelancers often are. I prefer to stay in one place and Erin prefers to travel. Who's doing it right? We both are. Duh. Thank you for listening! If you'd like to be a guest, head over to startswithf.com and let me know! If you want to chat or have questions about freelancing, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram and of course, Linkedin.