6 Figure Creative

Over the last couple of years, my team and I completed over 1,600 sales calls. That kind of volume exposes what actually works in sales - and what doesn’t. The brutal truth is that many freelancers think they’re decent at sales… But they’re actually just bad at lead generation. You’re only talking to the hottest of hot referral leads - the easy layups. The real challenge? Turning strangers into clients. That’s why I put together 7 sales laws to help you close more deals, land more clients, and stop relying on luck. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/350

Most freelancers are making things hard than they need be by just "winging it" - stumbling through their business like they’re lost in the woods with no GPS. But here’s the thing: nearly every problem you have with your business has already been solved. The smartest minds in the world have figured out how to create predictable revenue, retain clients longer, and escape the feast-or-famine cycle. And they’re doing it in one of the most lucrative industries out there: SaaS (Software as a Service). Here's what it looks like if your freelance business ran like a SaaS company: Clients paying you every month (instead of one-and-done projects). A machine that brings leads in (instead of just relying on word-of-mouth). Your entire onboarding process is automated (instead of chasing emails, contracts, or invoices). Clients stick around for years (instead of disappearing after one project). You actually know all your important numbers (instead of just going by "gut") This episode breaks down exactly how to apply these SaaS strategies to your freelance business. Just steal what works instead of fumbling around in the dark. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/349

"Growth at all costs" can be dangerous. It's a CRAZY thing to try to grow only to sacrifice everything else in your life. Here's my 2024 in bullet points: → 2X’d the business (third year in a row) → Took my mom to Europe for a month (her first trip abroad) → Shut down operations for 2 weeks straight (paid the team to do nothing) → Zero 9pm work marathons (I never work past 5pm and never work weekends) → My wife still loves (and likes) me (because I prioritize her over the business) But let’s be clear—I didn’t just coast. This isn’t some “sit on a beach and brag about my life” kind of business. I worked hard when I worked. And I actually enjoyed my life when I didn’t. This week I’m sharing the four biggest lessons that made this possible—so you can grow your business without working yourself into the ground. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/348

Most freelancers make one of two big mistakes when it comes to paid ads: They dive in before they’re ready and burn cash they didn’t need to spend. They avoid ads like the plague—even when it’s their best option to make more money. If either one of those sounds familiar, this episode is for you. I break down 6 simple ways to know if ads are right for you right now. No more guessing. No more wasted money. No more leaving cash on the table. Listen now to see if ads are the secret weapon your business needs, or if there are better options for getting clients. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/347

$3 a day. That’s all it took for one of my clients to add $140,000 to their income last year. Sound crazy? It's not. This strategy is simple, low-risk, and requires no complicated funnels or tech setup. And the best part? You can set it and forget it. In this week’s episode, I’m breaking down step-by-step how to turn tiny ad spends into new clients using a straightforward strategy. Stop overthinking. Stop making excuses. Start seeing results. Let’s make this the year your calendar is finally booked solid. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/346

Today we're continuing with our "Back to Basics" journey by focusing on something that's often overlooked by freelancers - promotion. Promotion is super important to keep the clients coming in, but a lot of freelancers think they just need to be good at what they do. They admire those who seem to have endless work, thinking it all comes from word-of-mouth alone. But, in the early days of freelancing, just relying on referrals can be risky, leading to the scary "feast or famine" cycle. This situation can force freelancers to scramble, taking any job they can just to pay the bills. These "bill-paying" clients might not always be a good match, and we might not even want to work with them, but bills gotta be paid, right? I've been there, and I can tell you it's a quick way to burn out and start resenting your clients. In our chat today, we're going to help you avoid getting stuck with just bill-paying clients by sharing six ways to promote your freelance work effectively. If you're having trouble finding enough clients, it's probably because people just don't know you're there. That's where knowing how to effectively promote yourself comes in. By trying out one or two of the methods we're going to talk about today, you can bring stability to your work. More clients mean less stress, which lets you cherry-pick the projects you really love. In this episode you’ll discover: How to avoid "bill paying work" Six promotion methods for freelancers How client value affects your business' needs Why referral programs work The benefits of paid promotion Why owned assets are so vital to your business Why Clients By Design is for you For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/345

You are AMAZING at what you do as a creative. You create stunning designs, produce incredible music, or breathe life into visual media like photos or videos. Paid ads aren’t for you, right? The truth is, paid ads can work for anyone, including freelancers. This has been proven time and time again, in industry after industry… Paid ads are one of the quickest ways to multiply your income and bring in more clients. The beauty of paid ads is that you have complete control over them. It’s not like referrals, where you’re sitting around waiting for someone else to send you clients. It’s not like cold outreach, where you feel like you’re spamming people. It’s not like social media, where you’re relying on the algorithm gods to put your content in front of people. By using paid ads, you can take matters into your own hands and steer your business in the direction you want. If you’ve tried paid ads before and they “didn’t work,” don’t give up just yet. In this episode, I debunk 6 paid ads myths that are holding you back from using this powerful lead-generation tool. In this episode you’ll discover: The pros of paid ads Why survivorship bias is bad for business How paid ads can boost your business with real leads Why it's your fault if a client hires someone else and has a bad experience "Paid ads don't work for me" - nah, you just didn't try The perks of Client Financed Acquisition Building a long-term snowball using paid ads Looking to other industries to learn how to use paid ads for your business For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/344

Love it or hate it, email marketing is the closest thing there has ever been to a "magic pill" for anyone looking for stability in their month-to-month income. The sucky thing is...most of us "fall victim" to email marketing ALL THE TIME. You get tons of tons of emails from people offering their products and services, but you never make use of this powerful tool yourself. Most freelancers I see are making one (or more) of these mistakes: They think social media is the best long-term play (it's not) They think they can have the same success and stability 1 on 1 (you can't) They think "join my newsletter" is a great way to build their email list (it's not) They're actually building their list, but they're never sending emails (not good) If you want a time-tested, surefire way to stay top-of-mind, build trust, and actually reach the audience you've built, email marketing is where it's at. If you're having success on social media right now, I'm begging you to take this time to build an email list so you're safe/secure in the long run. Social media has historically always become a "pay to play" world for business owners, and Tiktok is already making that shift. Don't make the mistake of thinking that party is going to last much longer. If you're open to the idea of building, growing, and using an email list to grow your reach, and you like the idea of building trust in a one-to-many setting, this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast is for you. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/343

Freelancers lose out on so much. Not because they aren’t talented. Not because they aren’t working hard. But because they never ask. In this week's podcast episode, I’m diving into the single most overlooked skill that can unlock more clients, more money, and more freedom in your business. It’s simple, it’s uncomfortable, and it works. Stop waiting for good things to happen. Go ask for them. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/342

Was this year amazing for you? ...Or were you caught in a freelancing feast-or-famine sh*tshow where you felt like you were slamming your head into a wall over and over and over and over? If this wasn’t your best year ever as a freelancer, I need you to ask yourself one question: Do you actually have a plan for next year, or are you still hoping referrals magically fall into your inbox? That “wait-and-see” approach is why most freelancers stay stuck in feast-or-famine mode. One month, you’re making bank. The next? Crickets. It doesn’t have to be this way. I recorded a new episode breaking down the exact system you need to: Consistently attract high-value clients. Predict your income every month. Finally say no to those nightmare gigs that drain your soul. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/341

Freelancing can make you feel like SUCH a failure sometimes (myself included). Whether you’ve been in the game for a month or a decade, there are always things you don’t know that you don’t know – until it’s too late. This week, I’m sharing 25 tips that can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration in your freelance career. From automating tedious tasks to upping your payment game, you’ll learn: ✔️ How to get paid on time (every time) without playing debt collector. ✔️ Learn the #1 thing my wife is doing in her business that could save YOU hours ✔️ The shift that makes clients magically find your rate “affordable.” ✔️ How to save hours with simple automations. ✔️ Why a $19/month software might make (or break) your workflow Freelancing doesn’t come with a survival guide – until now. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/340

Tired of fighting for scraps? The endless price wars. The brutal grind. The feeling that clients can’t tell you apart from a dozen other freelancers offering the exact same thing as you. It’s exhausting and soul-crushing, but you don’t have to play this game. There’s a way to escape the bloody red waters of competition and step into a blue ocean where you’re one of the only options. No price wars. No burnout. Just high-value clients who choose you because you’re the only obvious choice In this episode, I’m breaking down the Blue Ocean Trio—three simple ways to: ✅ Escape the red ocean. ✅ Command higher rates. ✅ Build a freelancing business you actually enjoy. In this episode you’ll discover: How to stand out and avoid competing on price alone. Three key strategies to attract high-paying clients. Shifting from selling services to offering unique outcomes. How to find untapped niches with less competition. How to package services in ways that make price irrelevant For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/339

Ever been through a "famine" as a freelancer? It suckkkkks. The feast or famine life is pretty miserable. One month you're flush with clients, the next you're scrambling, hoping for a random referral to pop into your inbox. Here's a hard truth for you: If you don’t have a full client acquisition system, you don’t have a real business. The good news is that once you nail this, it’s like flipping a switch. You quickly see that consistently getting new leads means predictable income, and higher-paying clients. In this week’s episode, I’m breaking down the five essential building blocks of a client acquisition machine - updated for 2025. I’m giving you the blueprint you need to keep your business running like clockwork. Your next client shouldn’t be a mystery. Let’s fix that. In this episode you’ll discover: The best lead generation methods you can use How to get the attention of leads at the right time - in a small window when they need your service Why one-time promotions are working against you How to build trust with leads The best ways to nurture leads over time Understanding and optimizing your sales process The perks of a good follow up sequence Why freelancers need to provide a good service (or receive negative word of mouth) Increasing your business' MRR How to get a plan created just for you For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/338

You know that meme where everything is on fire, and the dog just sits there saying, “This is fine”? Yeah… that’s how most freelancers handle their business problems. Empty calendar? Nah it's cool. Terrible pricing? Meh. Awful clients? It’s fiiiiine. 🔥 Spoiler: It’s NOT fine. Here’s where I'll state the obvious: if you don’t actually solve these problems, they don’t magically disappear. They compound. But there’s good news: every single one of these problems is solvable. In this episode of the 6 Figure Creative podcast, I’m breaking down the one proven way to actually fix your problems for good. It’s time-tested. It’s genius-level simple. So you can stop pretending everything is fine and start putting the fire out. 🧯🔥 Your problems don’t solve themselves. But you can. In this episode you’ll discover: The best method for solving your biggest problems Why ignoring or half-solving problems creates a snowball of chaos—and how to reverse it. The #1 question to ask yourself to uncover your real business bottleneck. A simple framework to test, track, and tweak solutions until they stick. How to analyze your results and make data-driven decisions (even if math isn’t your strong suit). Why solving your biggest problem first creates unstoppable momentum in your business. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/337

Imagine pulling in $130,000 a year as a freelancer… And still struggling to make ends meet. Sounds crazy, right? But it’s happening. And I’ll tell you why. The truth? Income is just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re not focused on profit, that big income number means nothing. In the latest episode of 6 Figure Creative, we dive deep into why chasing revenue alone can actually sink your business—and how to flip the focus so that what you keep is actually worth your time. Don’t let your income be just a “vanity metric.” Get the details on how to make sure you're actually keeping what you make. In this episode you’ll discover: Why $130k/yr wasn't enough for one freelancer The "old way" vs the "new way" of being profitable Why opportunity cost means you may need to kill some services Making $300+ per hour as a freelancer For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/336

How much is one client worth to you? Not just per project—but over the next 12 months? What about the next 12 YEARS? Most freelancers leave a ton of money on the table because they don’t know how to boost client value. In this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast, I'm breaking down seven ways to make each client worth more—without overhauling your whole business. And here’s the best part... Just ONE of these tactics could be worth $10,000-$25,000+ to you over the next 12 months. Imagine if you implemented all seven. Whether it’s adding more services, nailing a sales process, or simply raising your rates, there’s a goldmine of potential in your current clients. In this episode you’ll discover: How to give yourself a $25,000 per year raise The essential terms for client value Re-selling your service to past clients Revamping your offering to close more sales Expanding your offering to benefit your clients Finding the right clients for your service Offering broader services for a narrower client base When to charge an onboarding fee Why you need to use a great sales process How to make more money when you don't have enough leads For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/335

Level with me for a second... Are you actually moving forward in your business, or just dabbling? My freelancers fall into the trap of trying to do everything. The result? Ten half-built bridges leading absolutely nowhere. It can be tempting to jump on every new, fun, shiny object you hear about. Ohhh that CRM looks awesome That direct offer funnel strategy Brian talked about was 🤌🏻 It's time I start productizing my services so I'm not reinventing the wheel with every project I should probably start taking social media seriously Oh... what's this "Boost Post" button do on IG?? (i.e. the "donate your money to Zuck" button) In our latest podcast episode, I’m breaking down the dangers of dabbling and how this approach is costing you time, energy, and income. It's time to stop chasing shiny objects and start building a plan you actually stick to. It’s nearing the end of the year and you’ve got two months left to finish the year strong. Let’s make it count. In this episode you’ll discover: Why podcasts can be a distraction for freelancers Creating a plan and following it until it's done Why you shouldn't work for free out of pity The theory of constraints The four main constraints on your business Options you're facing right now How we can help you For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/334

Are you stuck on the world's worst rollercoaster? You know, the one that goes from feast to famine every few months? If your freelance business is 100% relying on referrals and word of mouth, you might have unknowingly fallen into what I call the "Word of Mouth Death Trap"—where your income swings wildly, and you’ve got zero control. In this week's episode of 6 Figure Creative, I break down why this happens and, more importantly, how you can escape it. The solution? It’s all about controlling your inputs to create predictable outputs... Sounds boring, but the results are not. Learn the six strategies to take control of your client acquisition and build a business that doesn’t leave your financial future up to chance. In this episode you’ll discover: Avoiding the feast or famine income flow that leads to lifestyle creep Putting your business in your control rather than using "hope marketing" Using processes to gain more clients Finding marketing methods that work at scale What to track to understand your email marketing and sales numbers Using follow-up routines to stay top of mind with clients Nurturing leads long-term to warm them up for a sale How to get help for your business For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/333

If you’re not tracking these seven key metrics in your business, you’re leaving money on the table. Seriously—most freelancers don’t bother, and it’s why they never hit the income goals they SAY they want. I just dropped a new episode breaking down the 7 metrics you need to track. If you focus on these, you’ll make more money AND do it consistently—plain and simple. It's not hard to do, but you DO need to know which 7 numbers actually matter. In this episode you’ll discover: Understanding lagging vs. leading indicators What kind of leads to seek Key benchmarks for your business Eliminating low-paying aspects of your work Getting recurring revenue rather than new clients Why raising your rates is ok, even if you lose clients How to progress in your business with a personalized roadmap For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/332

Ever feel like you're drowning in things you can't control? I get it. It's frustrating when life throws curveballs like that potentially AMAZING lead ghosting you... Or that toxic client failing to pay you what they owe. But here's the reality: You have way more power than you think. This week’s podcast is all about "Controlling the Controllables". It’s simple—stop wasting energy on what you can't change, and laser-focus on what you can. Funny enough this is something I learned from my 3-year-old niece, and now it's your turn to apply this to your life. In this episode you’ll discover: How great parenting relates to you and your business How to adjust your attitude and actions when.... Why you need more leads Toxic attitudes to avoid Setting aside time to work on your business Taking ownership of everything in your business How to set up your notifications to focus on productivity Setting goals for your business and personal life For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/331

Tired of chasing clients like it’s a never-ending treadmill? Here’s the truth: Only ~3% of your potential clients are ready to hire you right now. The other 97%? They’re not even thinking about you. Think about it like car shopping. You're either part of the ~3% who are in the market for a new car and noticing cars EVERYWHERE, or you're part of the 97% where cars aren't even remotely on your mind. In today's episode, we dive into a no-BS strategy to target that golden 3%—the clients who want what you offer NOW. No cold outreach, no content grind, no relying on inconsistent word-of-mouth. Just a simple, repeatable way to land clients ready to pay today. Let’s turn that 3% into a full calendar of paying clients. In this episode you’ll discover: Why various types of marketing don't work anymore How to get the 3% of leads that are ready to buy right now How to turn on the "lead" faucet that you control Reducing risk to increase sales How to determine if your leads are a good fit Using a sales process to increase your close rate How to escape a red ocean market For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/330

NOTE: Sorry about the audio quality here. The mic cable had a short in it 😭 If you're working non-stop but still struggling to make ends meet, you're probably making one of these five major pricing mistakes. I just dropped an episode that breaks down 5 pricing traps freelancers fall into—and how to fix them before they burn you out. Here's the hard truth: you could be the great at what you do, great at keeping yourself booked solid, BUT still broke because of any ONE of these mistakes. Fix your pricing, and you'll be amazed how much more enjoyable your life gets (and your savings account will thank you). In this episode you’ll discover: How to match clients to your skillset Getting stuck with hourly rates and bespoke services Delivering the same service to clients on a repeatable basis Separating your pricing from your time Using "up to" language to protect yourself How and when to raise your rates For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/329

Imagine getting your business ripped apart by a guy who runs a $250M empire. That’s exactly what happened to me when I spent an entire day locked in a room with Alex Hormozi and 9 other entrepreneurs. Alex didn’t hold back—he showed us exactly why we were stuck, why we were plateauing, and how to fix it. The biggest takeaways? I break them all down in this 38 min episode If you’re constantly juggling 10 different projects and can’t seem to break through your income ceiling, this episode is for you. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/328

Raise your hand if you suck at self-promotion... 🙋🏻‍♂️ 🙋🏼 🙋🏿‍♂️ 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️ (←that's probably you.) Sadly, self-promotion is where most freelancers hit a wall. It's one thing to create an amazing service or irresistible lead magnet, but it's entirely another to promote it effectively. If your calendar isn't booked solid with projects from ideal clients, then you likely suck at self-promotion. (just being real with you 🤷🏻‍♂️) For those naysayers who think, "self-promotion!? You shouldn't have to self-promote if you're good at what you do!", I urge you to kill that thought with the fire of a thousand suns. That's a self-imposed limitation. If promotion is a "normal thing" across every other industry, why should freelancers be the exception? At its core, lead generation isn't about making lead magnets or revamping your freelance services. It's about mastering the art of self-promotion. So, whether you're a seasoned freelancer or a newbie, we're about to dive into the nitty-gritty of self-promotion. We need to make sure your service (or lead magnets) doesn't go to waste. By the end of it, you'll be armed with the tools to make your freelance business self-sustaining. In this episode you’ll discover: Why your lead magnets aren't working The six types of traffic The "core four" types of marketing Brian uses Using earned media to grow relationships Why only 3% of your audience is ready to purchase from you right now How hackers make money with stolen ad accounts Demand creation vs. demand harvesting Harnessing referrals and word-of-mouth marketing Using a referral circle to help fellow freelancers How to get a plan for your lead generation efforts For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/327

Let’s dive into a crucial piece of the freelancer's marketing toolkit: The Lead Magnet. Imagine your lead magnet as an introductory handshake in the online world. It's your first impression, and we all know how vital that is. Your lead magnet isn’t merely a "hello"... it’s an "I understand your problems and I know how to help." Every lead is a person looking for a solution, and your lead magnet is the first step in proving that YOU are that solution. What we’re crafting isn’t just a freebie or a basic tool. Your lead magnet is proof that you don’t just talk the talk but you walk the walk. It demonstrates up front that you bring real value to the table. And no, a lead magnet isn’t just another PDF or ebook – it can be, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be a tool, a resource, or a guide. It might even be a paid service or workshop. The shape of a lead magnet is flexible, but its purpose is rigid: to provide immense, undeniable value. This isn’t about merely generating leads or adding names to an email list. It’s about connecting with a person, and proving that you have the solution they’ve been hunting for. Ready to create something amazing? Let’s dive into this... In this episode you’ll discover: The power of paid lead magnets Solving problems for your leads People who have more time than money, vs more money than time Using your services to bring in new clients Why taking a loss in the short term can be a benefit in the long term Using information as a lead magnet The questions to ask when offering a free consultation The four main ways to fully solve the problem your leads are facing For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/326

Listen, I've heard it a hundred times, and I bet you have, too... "If you're good enough, you can just wait for clients to come to you." They say. "Word of mouth is all you need." They say. But here's the deal: sitting on your hands and hoping for that magical email notification of a new client isn't a strategy—it's a death trap. Let me paint a picture... You're a talented freelancer. You've had some good months, even great ones. But then there's that one sobering month. The inquiries dry up, the referrals dwindle, and your inbox is eerily silent. Panic sets in. That, my friend, is the terrifying "word-of-mouth death trap". There's a common myth in the freelance world. Some folks will have you believe that the only way to thrive is through word of mouth. But here’s the truth bomb: Anyone saying "word-of-mouth is best" is unqualified to give you that advice. They are just coasting along nicely with it, having never tasted the desperation of the dry season. Many still end up taking on gigs they aren’t passionate about, just to keep the lights on. And sure, referrals are fabulous. If you're great at what you do, you'll 100% get them. But if you're banking solely on word of mouth to keep your calendar booked with clients, then you're setting yourself up for a rocky ride. So, what's the antidote to this feast or famine nightmare? Two words: Lead Generation. Here's the breakdown: Leads become inquiries. Inquiries become clients. And when you have a consistent influx of leads every month, you've got a buffer against those terrifying dry spells. Suddenly, your business isn't about hoping for clients—it's about choosing them. In the coming series, we'll dive deep into the nuts and bolts of lead generation, tailored specifically for freelancers. Because here's the truth: understanding and mastering lead generation is like handing yourself the keys to consistency. Ready to escape the word-of-mouth death trap? Click here to start the Lead Generation Series. In this episode you’ll discover: Why Brian has had a horrible week thanks to Meta Different methods of lead generation, and how your business type changes your lead acquisition The importance of a solid lead magnet Keys to a valuable lead magnet What to do if you're struggling Understanding what your clients need Using the Three-Tier-Outcome Map Diagnosing problems to add value to leads For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/325

If you've been stuck at 4 or 5 figures per year as a freelancer, there's likely one ingredient that is holding you back from growth. Without this ingredient, it is 100% impossible to get clients, grow your income, and get past the 6 figure mark (if that's your goal). In this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast, my buddy Mark Eckert and I map out the path you can take to overcoming all of the hurdles between you and this incredibly important missing ingredient. In this episode you’ll discover: How to move from four/five figures to six figures+ Why you aren't full time yet How to revamp your entire public-facing identity as a freelancer The difference between advertising vs. content marketing and why this matters for freelancers Why you should be producing more than consuming How sticking to a schedule or routine can tie all of this together For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/324

If you've ever felt like your freelance life has been a neverending feast-or-famine roller coaster, chances are you're missing one (or more) pieces of a full client acquisition machine. You've likely "dabbled" with bits and pieces here and there, but you've never fully built each of the individual parts and refined them to the point where everything is working as a well-oiled machine bringing you high-quality clients every single month. In this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast, I break down each of the major parts of your Client Acquisition Machine, as well as what specific numbers you should be aiming for as a benchmark. If you've ever wanted more stability and predictability in your business, and you want a clear roadmap for how to make 2025 your best year ever, this episode is for you. In this episode you’ll discover: How to solve a consistency issue in your business Why dabbling is slowly destroying your income stream The foundation of your Client Acquisition Machine Creating a transformational outcome for your clients Building your Marketing Mothership Your responsibility to sell to those who need your service The parallels between software and freelancing Nurturing your leads for a long-term relationship Fine-tuning your Client Acquisition Machine For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/323

Here are a few of the biggest lies when it comes to marketing your freelance business. "If I'm good enough, people will find me and hire me" "The only marketing I need is word-of-mouth" "If I market myself, I'll come across as desperate" "This sort of stuff doesn't work for freelancers" If any of that sounds like you, my guess would be you likely have very little predictability in your income. You might go from having more gigs than you can handle, followed by extreme famine periods where your calendar dries up (along with your bank account). If you want steady, predictable income for your business every single month, there are 4 key things you need in place. If you're even missing one of these four pieces, you're making your path to predictability extremely difficult (or impossible). In this episode you’ll discover: Marketing plans for freelancers When email lists are vital, vs. when they're optional "Proposing" via text message The "3% rule" and the "80/19/1 rule" How your niche affects your marketing needs Swiping or dating: lead generation and lead nurture How to create a business you rarely *(if ever) have to market For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/322

Ever felt like your industry is just too saturated to stand out? Like you're just a tiny drop in a massive ocean? You're not alone. Nearly every freelancer has a moment (or ten) where they doubt themselves and their ability to stand out in a crowded "red ocean". That's why I was so excited to talk to James Martin from Made By James. James is a designer who's had immense success in the crowded niche of logo design. He's found a way to not just stand out, but thrive in an incredibly competitive niche. James is averaging around 1,000 inquiries from potential clients every single year, and this has allowed him to cherry-pick the best gigs and reject the "bill paying work" that many freelancers are forced to say yes to. Whether you're a designer or not, this episode will contain a lot of fantastic advice from someone who's built an incredible, long-lasting career as a freelancer. In this episode you’ll discover: How James Martin has thrived for nearly 2 decades as a creative Why niching down too early is worse than not niching at all How to stand out in a saturated market Passion vs. systems and habit Why it's dangerous to rely on social media Giving your clients the most value they can afford Why it's time to raise your prices right now Relationships in business The difference between survival and thriving For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/321

"I need more clients". That's the #1 problem our community has in every single poll we run. The issue with getting clients is that no matter how good you are at what you do, you will never be able to get enough clients if no one knows you exist. That's why we wanted to dedicate an entire episode to discussing our favorite 3 methods for building awareness and growing your business. Creatives have to learn this stuff if they ever want to get out of the "feast or famine" lifestyle. In this episode you’ll discover: How to make an offer so good people feel stupid saying no How to harness three of the six different lead sources The thousand true fans model How you can advertise for free Why an email list is crucial to more and more freelancers The importance of cleaning your mailing list For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/320

Here are the two rules for attracting your dream clients. Rule #1: Be attractive. Rule #2: Don't be unattractive. That's literally it. The hard part comes when you actually look at what is "attractive" to your dream clients. I'd bet you have a long list of alllll the things you want to see in their dream clients/projects, but very few people take the time to look at themselves and ask the most important question... "Am I the type of person that would attract this sort of dream client/project?" In many cases, that answer is, unfortunately, no. You're not anywhere close to being attractive to your dream clients. In other cases, you might be attractive to them, but you're doing little to nothing when it comes to communicating all the attractive things you have to offer them. In this continuation of our Client Acquisition Series, we dive into what it takes to attract your dream clients. In this episode you’ll discover: Why Guitar Center is the worst place to buy gear (unless they sponsor us) How Mark closed a half-million-dollar deal Why different clients need different approaches Setting expectations in advance High ticket vs. low ticket sales How to become attractive to your dream clients How to stay top of mind without being cringy Why red ocean businesses struggle For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/319

Have you ever had one of those awkward situations with a crush where you were TOTALLY into them, but you weren’t sure if they were into you? Yeah... That sucks. Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to help you there since we give business advice instead of dating advice. What we CAN help you with is the client equivalent of that situation. Here’s what I mean... You’re talking to a dream client. You’re way into working with them, but you’re just not sure if they’re into you. There are actually 7 key points to cover with every potential client, and if each point is a “positive”, then they’re giving you their permission to pitch/sell them (i.e. take the relationship to the next level). This framework was shared with us by someone earning multiple millions per year, and it works perfectly in the freelance world. In this episode you’ll discover: How to help your clients better by determining their needs When closing a deal comes down to good timing What to do if a client isn't sure they want to hire you Why being open and honest with clients is the only way to run a healthy business How to discuss your workflow and delivery with clients before closing a deal Why it's vital that clients trust you implicitly For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/318

Client acquisition is a nerdy marketing term that basically boils down to one thing: getting clients. While the idea is simple, our freelance community seems to be deathly allergic to client acquisition. I get it... None of us got into this game because we wanted to become marketers. We do this because we love spending all day every day doing what we love by being creative. Unfortunately, that's not how it works. Unless you simply want this to be your hobby, client acquisition is a skill and a process you have to learn, develop, and grow. The alternative is to keep doing what you're likely doing now... sit around and hope a client finds you. If your current "strategy" is "hope marketing", this episode gives you the big picture view of how you can get complete strangers to hire you instead of waiting around for a miracle. In this episode you’ll discover: Why people will never hire you if they don't know you How to build trust with potential customers When it's time to be yourself How dating and business are closely related Why Mark is was more of a ladies' man than Brian How adding value in the long term sets you up for success Why our "comfort zone" is holding us back Why we need to be ourselves and not be afraid of alienating some people How appealing to everyone is a bad thing for our businesses For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/317

Ever been offered a gig where a company or agency is hiring you on as a contractor (or subcontractor)? To anyone desperate for work it an sound like a dream, but here's the catch – it's actually a trap. In our latest podcast episode, I break down why contracting can seem like a godsend for freelancers desperate for gigs, but it often becomes a nightmare that's impossible to escape. So, what’s the alternative? This week I dive into: The 10% rule every freelancer should follow. The illusion of security in contracting gigs A stable freelancing model with diversified income streams, stackable projects, and flat-rate pricing For anyone who's currently contracting under another company, I hope by the end of this episode, you get away from the "dark side" and learn how much better a stable freelancing model can work for you. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/316

Ever feel like you're stuck on a rollercoaster of feast or famine with freelance work? You land a big project, then... crickets. We've spoken to over 800 freelancers 1 on 1 this past year, and nearly EVERY one of those freelancers was in the same boat... lack of consistency, and lack of any real plan. In this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast, I'm hitting you with some tough love to break that cycle and give you the real "secret" to consistent clients and income. (Hint: It's not a magic trick.) The secret to earning consistent income and landing premium clients isn’t what you think. It won’t be found in sporadic social media posts or half-baked marketing efforts. It’s about changing who you are. This episode is for YOU if: You're tired of the inconsistent income struggle. You're ready to take your freelancing seriously and build a real business. You're open to ditching the "dream client" fantasy and attracting clients who are a perfect fit. Ready to finally ditch the feast or famine cycle? For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/315

Ever feel like finding the perfect niche is like walking a tightrope? One wrong step, and you're either too broad and get lost in the crowd, or too narrow and miss out on opportunities. In our latest episode, we unravel this tricky dilemma. Whether you're worried about losing clients by niching down or spreading yourself too thin, we've devoted an entire episode to helping you find that perfect sweet spot! 🎧 Listen Now to learn: How to avoid being too broad or too niche. Real strategies to keep your services appealing and effective. The secret sauce to being known for what you do best without pigeonholing yourself. Don’t miss this episode if you want to become sought-after while still offering enough to attract and retain clients. In this episode you’ll discover: When you should niche down Why outcomes are more important than services Avoiding common mistakes when niching down Pitching your services effectively Using the agency model vs. the collective model Why services shouldn't be the focus Helping clients achieve their vision For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/314

I recently came across one of the coolest freelance businesses I've ever seen, and I wanted to bring this to the 6 Figure Creative audience. I'm not going to spoil anything, but this freelancer is earning over $1 Million per year without a staff, without contractors, and he's able to accomplish this just by taking inspiration from a totally different industry than his own. If you're feeling stagnant, stuck, uninspired, or you're simply not earning what you think you should be in your own business, this episode is absolutely for you. In this episode you’ll discover: Why you shouldn't rely on a single point of failure Taking influence from other businesses outside of your industry Creating income stability with a better business model How to stay away from becoming an "inbred business" How successful entrepreneurs deal with roadblocks Sharing knowledge with your "competition" For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/313

Ever felt trapped in the feast-or-famine cycle as a freelancer? I've been there, and it's brutal. But what if I told you there's a way out? I just got back from Alex Hormozi’s amazing workshop in Vegas. Spending two days at Acquisition.com HQ with Alex, Leila, and their leadership team was nothing short of eye-opening. Surrounded by business owners of all types, from an 18-year-old with a $250K landscaping business to people bringing in $10M+, I soaked in anything and everything that's working in business today. My big takeaway? Hormozi and his team harped on one core principle – finding and fixing the root cause of business bottlenecks. And for 95% of freelancers, this boils down to one thing... lead generation. In our latest podcast episode, I break down Hormozi's method that helped scale businesses to millions. Don't let the feast-or-famine cycle continue for the rest of your life. Learn how to generate a steady stream of leads so you get to take control of your income. In this episode you’ll discover: What I learned from the Hormozi's retreat Why it's important to find and eliminate bottlenecks in your business The things holding your business back Using paid ads for your business Testing ads the way the Hormozi's do Why this is all worth the effort For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/312

I'm super excited to share this with you today because this is the stuff that really moves the needle in your business. This is how you can charge more without losing clients or getting rejected. This is how you make your clients SO happy that they refer all their friends to you. This is how you become more attractive to your "dream clients". And this framework comes from a business owner earning over $100,000,000 per year... so you know this stuff works. Today's episode breaks down the 4 BEST ways to become more valuable, and if you get this right, you'll completely transform how you show up to clients. 99% of the freelancers I know neglect all 4 of these areas to their own detriment. As a result, they're losing gigs to their competitors, they get constant pushback on pricing, and they're not generating nearly enough referrals to keep their calendars full. In this episode you’ll discover: Focusing on the end goal, not the short term The value exchange The importance of social proof and perceived likelihood of achievement How to close bigger deals How time delay affects pricing and client acquisition The expert wins: why experts get the job 9 times out of 10 Why adding friction is a recipe for losing clients For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/311

Ever had a $20k month followed by a $1,200 month? Freelancing can be a wild ride. Even with solid client acquisition, those feast-or-famine cycles can stress anyone out. In our latest podcast episode, we're diving into something called dynamic budgeting. This is the secret to turning chaos into consistency. This is what creates a financial buffer in your business. This is what gives you the breathing room to say no to bad projects and yes to those projects you love. Listen now to learn: How to create a realistic budget as a freelancer The best tools for tracking expenses without the headache. Strategies to build an "oh sh*t" fund No more financial roller coasters. Let’s make freelancing sustainable and stress-free. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/310

Ready for some tough love? This week's episode of the Six Figure Creative Podcast is a wake-up call for freelancers stuck in "survival mode". Here's the big question... are you letting your emotions run your business? If the answer is yes, it’s time to change that. In this episode, I break down: The 12 things you can't ignore to build a thriving freelance business. The brutal truth about why most freelancers fail. A powerful mindset shift to turn your business struggles into triumphs. Stop letting feast-or-famine cycles dictate your life. It's time to build a sustainable, fulfilling freelance business that doesn't crumble at the first sign of trouble. 🎧 Listen to Episode 309 Now In this episode you’ll discover: Why emotions are ruining our businesses How running a business adds tasks to your plate The 12 roles and responsibilities of any business owner Why Brian almost passed out during his first gym session Your choices if you can't go back to a day job Getting a personal trainer for your business For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/309

For two grueling years in my early 20s, I poured my heart into a day job at Gamestop, never missing a day and always showing up on time. Despite the love from regulars and kudos from my boss, my financial reward after all that hustle? A laughable jump from $5.15/hr to $5.50/hr. That's right, a whole $0.35/hr raise after two years. Sound painfully familiar? Unfortunately, many of us have been undervalued at some point, struggling to secure that well-deserved raise. But here's the flip side... when you're self-employed, you call the shots on your "salary". No more waiting years for a significant raise - freelancers can see substantial income increases in a matter of weeks or months if you play your cards right. Ready to find out how? Check out this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast for a super-tactical and engaging session where we explore four actionable steps to give yourself a raise this year. In this episode you’ll discover: How to "get a raise" as a freelancer The limits on our businesses as freelancers Overcoming the constraints on your business Keeping your clients happy - and tracking repeat clients Eliminating a constraint to give yourself a pay bump Why whales are a risk to your business Improving your skills, beliefs, and character traits Finding the answers to your roadblocks For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/308

For freelancers, subscription pricing is like finding the holy grail. It changes the feast & famine nature of project-based work into a steady, reliable income stream. Last week, we kicked off this conversation, exploring how freelancers could shift from one-time gigs to recurring revenue models. The topic struck a chord, leading to an influx of interest and discussions. This week we’re going deeper into why this approach is also notoriously challenging for freelancers, and what you can do to have the best shot of making it work. Without knowing what you're doing, you might try to move to recurring packages only to find yourself overworked and underpaid. On top of that, clients are often hesitant to commit to recurring packages, fearing long-term commitments when they're used to paying for specific, one-off tasks. While the transition might be difficult, the payoff is absolutely worth it. Check out this week's podcast where I dive into 7 Pricing Strategies For Recurring Subscription Freelance Clients. In this episode you’ll discover: Why subscription packages are the holy grail for freelancers The advantages of value-based pricing Understanding that value isn't always financial Monthly pricing options to protect yourself Creating bundles for your pricing When (and how) to charge an onboarding fee Price increases over time Should you have a contract or not? How to offer incentives for clients to sign up for a subscription Safeguarding yourself from becoming overworked For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/307

The life of a freelancer sounds amazing on the surface.... The freedom of being your own boss and setting your own hours. The flexibility of working when you want. For some, even traveling the world as a digital nomad is a possibility. While that can all be true, the dark side is that there can also be a lot of unpredictability. What if you could change that? Imagine knowing how much you're going to earn each month and having a clear picture of who you're working for in the coming months. This isn’t just a nice thought... It's a reality for freelancers offering recurring services - think subscriptions, retainers, or monthly packages. When you do this, you move from always hunting for the next client to having "automatic clients." This idea comes from turning one-time gigs into ongoing relationships where clients pay regularly for continued services. Typically, freelancing is a one-and-done deal. You get a project, you do the work, you get paid, and that’s the end of the story. You start each month at zero—no guaranteed money, no clients waiting. It's like hitting the reset button every 30 days, which can make budgeting a nightmare and stability a pipe dream. But does it have to be this way? Not really. This constant chase for new gigs is a trap many fall into by only taking on one-off projects. There’s a better strategy that can help smooth out the highs and lows: setting up a recurring revenue model. If you’re tired of the freelance rollercoaster, check out this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative podcast where I dive into recurring revenue for freelancers. In this episode you’ll discover: Creating a stable income stream by using recurring offers Identifying industries that work well with recurring (or reoccurring) models Helping your clients with a recurring service Selling unlimited packages on a subscription basis Making recurring packages valuable to your clients For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/306

Navigating life as a creative freelancer is all about balancing what you love doing with what pays the bills. It's often framed as "selling your soul", but really, it's about making tough choices: do you follow your passion or chase the cash? For creatives, this dilemma is pretty intense. You've got the classic 'starving artist' on one side. They're rich in satisfaction but often struggle financially. Then there's the other side - the freelancers who focus mainly on what brings in money. Sure, they might be doing better financially, but at what cost? This week's episode explores each side in a search for finding a healthy balance between money and passion or the seasons of life that may be the right time to focus on money instead of passion. Whether you're the classic "starving artist" or the money-focused freelancer, this episode is worth a listen. In this episode you’ll discover: Hobbies vs businesses Are you motivated by passion or profit? The importance of focusing on what your clients want Giving yourself more free time by being profit-driven Reducing your stress by becoming a profit-driven creative Why passion-driven creatives need to change For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/305

Client acquisition is obviously an important part of running a freelance business because it’s how you make sure you keep getting paid every month. Despite how obvious this is, many freelancers don’t take this seriously enough... and it shows when work dries up and you're back into the dreaded feast-or-famine cycle. If you worked in a day job that decided to stop paying you for weeks or months at a time, you'd probably do something about it. However, many freelancers never do anything about this in their own business. They just keep showing up to "work" week after week, month after month, accepting their fate. If you'd like to be a better "boss" to yourself and actually make sure you get paid every month, this week's episode is all about avoiding some of the most common client acquisition mistakes If you stop making these mistakes and start taking client acquisition seriously, you’ll have more stability, better projects, and fewer dry spells. What’s not to like about that? In this episode you’ll discover: Avoiding the basic mistakes that you make during client acquisition Adding value as a freelancer Why a high close rate is dangerous for your business How to increase your sales with a high-quality follow-up sequence Fix your pricing model! For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/304

In the final episode of this 4-part series, we're diving into one of the most powerful but often misunderstood methods of standing out from the crowd. I saved the best for last. This has been the "secret sauce" behind my all of my successful businesses, from freelancing, to Airbnb, to multiple software companies, and even podcasting. Without this last piece of the puzzle, nothing I've tried would have worked, and I'd likely still be working at Gamestop for minimum wage (missing out on millions of $ in the process) If you're ready to become absolutely indispensable to your clients, listen to this week's episode to the 6 Figure Creative Podcast. In this episode you’ll discover: The importance of specialization Why niches work better than others Conversion-focused web design as a differentiation method Niching down vs. niching out The advantages of pushing bad leads away For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/303

Want to know the 3 golden rules for winning more clients than your competition? First off, forget about competing on price. It’s a dead-end street. Instead, focus on adding value in unique ways that don’t undercut your worth. It’s about quality, not the lowest bid. Second, make sure your stand-out factors are visible from the get-go. Qualities like a "great client experience" or a "cool vibe" are awesome, but they only shine through after you’re hired. You need something that grabs attention before that stage, something that makes potential clients think, “Yes, THIS is the right person for us,” before they even talk to you. Third, K.I.S.S. (keep it stupid simple). Focus on one differentiator at a time. In a sea of sameness, one well-defined trait can be your ticket to standing out. It’s not about being a jack-of-all-trades but a master of one. Last week, we talked about the ways you can differentiate by brute force, which can be tough and pricey. This week, let’s get into something more accessible yet equally powerful: building trust and credibility, especially through social proof. It’s about showing, not just telling, that you’re the real deal. Social proof, like glowing testimonials or endorsements, can be a game-changer. It’s about having others vouch for you, and showing potential clients that you’ve delivered 🤩amazing🤩 work before. This kind of proof doesn’t need to break the bank but does require effort and intentionality to gather and showcase. In this episode you’ll discover: Using social proof for differentiation The impact of reviews on your business. Asking for feedback and reviews How to get case studies for social proof Content creation to generate quote requests For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/302

Why should someone hire you vs alllll the other options they have? If you don't have a good answer to that question yet, it's time to start working on it before the estimated 500 Million freelancers come online by the end of this decade. This week I broke down 5 "Brute Force Differentiators" you can use to set yourself apart. If you're trying to find more ways to stand out, this is a great start! In this episode you’ll discover: The three rules of differentiation Why lowering your price will never help you When you need to stand out to close the deal Focusing on one point so you aren't spread thin Types of differentiators Why being the best doesn't matter Why gear is not a good differentiator Growing a better network to stand out For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/301