6 Figure Creative

"But they do it for less". If you've heard lines like that over the past year, get ready to hear it even more over the next 5-10 years. Why? Well here's a terrifying stat: There are an estimated 500,000,000 freelancers "coming online" by the end of this decade. WTF can we do to set ourselves apart from all those people WITHOUT resorting to dropping our rates? It all comes down to one unsexy word: Differentiation. Why should someone hire YOU vs alllll the other options they have? If you don't have a damn good answer for that, you're going to have a bad time... Stick around for this new series where I'll dive into all the nitty-gritty on how to stand out, earn more, and keep doing what we love for the rest of your life. In this episode you’ll discover: How freelancing grew in recent years Why should someone hire you? How low pricing hurts you and all other creatives The dangers of trying to appeal to everyone Making sure we don't lose our creativity while running a business The importance of differentiation in your business For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/300

If you're an obsessive learner (or ADHD) like me, there's probably a long list of new things you've learned and implemented as a freelancer over the past year. Maybe you've set up that rock-solid client contract, nailed down an onboarding process that's smooth as butter, or started following those essential tips for staying top-of-mind with clients without driving them or yourself crazy. Or perhaps you've been working on your project management skills to keep all your ducks in a row or taken a page out of Michael Janda's playbook to become someone people just can't help but like. And let's not forget about setting those boundaries to keep things professional and sane. But here's the kicker: doing all these things isn't the end of the road. It's not about ticking boxes and moving on. The real magic happens when you stop and ask yourself... "Is all this stuff actually making a difference to my clients? "Am I getting better at this?" That's what keeps the wheel turning and what makes you better month after month, year after year. Now, when most freelancers wrap up a project, it's usually a quick "thanks and goodbye" deal. Maybe you're a bit more proactive and ask for a referral, but I bet asking for feedback isn't high on your list. It might be because you don't know you should, or maybe you're just scared of what your clients might say. And hey, that's totally understandable. But here's the problem: not asking for feedback is a missed opportunity. Sure, "asking clients for feedback" doesn't sound as flashy as "marketing" or "client acquisition," but by the time we're done here, you'll see it in a new light. Feedback can be your secret weapon. It's not just about finding out what you're doing right or wrong; it's about showing your clients that you care, and that you're committed to being the best you can be. So, even though it might seem scary or unexciting, collecting and using feedback can reshape how everything in your business is done. In this week's episode, I give you specific questions to ask your clients at the end of every single project. THIS will forever change how you spot weak points and make improvements on the most important things. In this episode you’ll discover: Why asking for feedback from clients is so important How clients' wounds can fester Using feedback to continuously improve your business Building your feedback flywheel The two main types of businesses How to collect your data Share your feedback with us! For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/299

So you made it to $100,000+ per year... Congrats. Too bad you made so many sacrifices that you're constantly stressed out, you're missing out on time with friends and family, and you resent your business. The irony is that you became a freelancer because you hated your day job and you wanted to work for yourself. Now, you feel like you have 50 "little bosses", and you hate your life a little bit more with each new client you gain. If this sounds like you, it may be time to put boundaries into place to get to that sweet spot between hitting your income goals while also enjoying your life and business. In this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast, I give you 6 different boundaries you should have with your clients so you can actually stay happy, healthy, and profitable. In this episode you’ll discover: Maintaining mental and physical health while you're running a business How to handle revision requests without losing your mind Eliminating one of the most painful freelance experiences How to keep your clients from taking advantage of your kindness Boundaries for corporate/agency clients Using boundaries to avoid scope creep Avoiding stress with payment issues How to learn more about building your client acquisition machine For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/298

You have had one of those projects that went south fast? You're cruising along, and then boom, you hit the revisions stage, and it's like hitting a brick wall. Emotions run high, lists of changes start flying in, and what was supposed to be a quick fix turns into a never-ending nightmare. If you've been freelancing for a while, then I'm sure you've been there. This is the make-or-break moment in your quest for repeat clients and referrals. If the revisions process feels like a battleground, you're in trouble. It's supposed to be about making things better, but instead, it can end up being the thing that drives you and your client apart (sometimes forever). But here's the good news... It doesn't have to be this way. The revisions stage can actually be a chance to show your clients that you're 100% on their side and that you have their best interest in mind. Instead of dreading feedback, see it as a way to make the project even better. It's about getting organized, setting clear expectations, and most importantly, keeping your cool. So, how do you go from Revisions Hell to Revisions Nirvana? That's the topic of this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast. In this episode you’ll discover: Making a flawless revisions process to keep your clients happy and create a viral business The rules of efficient, effective revisions How to politely stay firm on your project scope Creating client guidelines Why freelancers drop the ball Refining your processes once you have data For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/297

Being likable is a super power for freelancers, and here's why... This business is all about making a great first impression, keeping your clients coming back for more, and getting them to tell their friends about you. When you meet a new client, hitting it off right away can make a huge difference. Just like when you meet anyone new and instantly click — you just want to hang out more. For freelancers, being more likable means clients are more likely to pick you over someone else, and stick around AND refer more work your way. See why this matters? Here's what sucks... Some people are just bad at being likable. If that's the case, what can you do? To help us all out with this, I brought back one of the most likable people I've ever had on the show: Michael Janda. Michael joined us back on episode 207 and walked us through how brought in 6 figures his first year freelancing, and went on to bring in over $30,000,000 from his design agency before he ultimately sold it. Those numbers show proof that he knows his stuff, and this episode, he'll walk us through what we can do to become the person people WANT to be around (and hire). No matter who you are, there is something you need to hear in my conversion with Michael Janda. In this episode you’ll discover: Why relationships are so important to building your business Building your reputation vs. building relationships How he landed a $500,000 client just by being nice Getting out of your shell when interacting with people What skills to work on to grow your business Asking people about themselves to win them over Why playing games with your business is bad Creating goodwill with your clients For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/296

Today, let's chat about a struggle that hits home for a lot of us creatives... We kind of have a bad rep for getting projects across the finish line on time without dropping the ball. You know the drill – underestimating how long things will take, forgetting those tiny yet crucial details, and then, bam, you've dropped the ball... Again. Then we get those fun 3 AM panic attacks about that thing you forgot to send off to your client. Yep, been there, done that. Here's why we kinda suck at this: Trying to store every single tiny little project detail, deadline, and step in your head is a surefire recipe for disaster. There's just no way for our brains to keep track of this. It's a common trap, thinking you can wing it because you've done similar projects before. "I've got this," you say... Until you don't. But what if you didn't have to rely on your beautiful creative scatterbrain to keep everything straight? Enter the concept of an "external brain." This isn't sci-fi; it's about using tools and systems outside your head to keep track of all the moving parts of your projects. Your "external brain" never forgets, always keeps you on track, and is the difference between a smooth project delivery and a midnight meltdown. Switching to an "external brain" means you can focus on what you do best – being creative – without the added stress of remembering every little detail. So, if you're nodding along, thinking, "Yep, that's me," it's time to make a change. Listen to this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast to dive into the world of project management tools and find your perfect match. Your brain (and your clients) will thank you. In this episode you’ll discover: How to make sure you hit your deadlines without stretching yourself thin Creating your project checklist Checklists vs SOPs Handling client revision requests The different types of project structures Why templates will make your life easier Using project management for data tracking Brainstorming your tasks to create your delivery lists For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/295

Pretty much all of us got into this "trading creativity for $$$" thing because we absolutely love what we do. It's easy to forget that there's more to the game than just passion + being good at your craft. The whole "client communication" thing usually isn't the most thrilling part of your day. It's like, we get so caught up in the excitement of creating and learning new things in our field that we kind of let the whole talking-to-clients thing slide. It's not because we want to be bad at it, and it's not because we're terrible people... But because we're just not wired that way, especially if your background is anything like mine. Before freelancing, here was my entire job history: A janitor at a water park Flipping burgers at Burger King Selling video games at GameStop Corporate world? Never heard of her. Team meetings and office politics? Nope. So when it comes to wearing the "professional communicator hat", it's something I had to learn the hard way. I had no clear boundaries, no set times for chats, no structure. It was chaos. Messages got lost, things got forgotten, and before I knew it, I was that flaky freelancer nobody wanted to deal with. If that's anything like you, it becomes a stressful, awful mess FAST....not just for you but for your clients too. Think about it from their side. They've just dropped thousands of dollars on hiring you, pumped to see what you'll create together. But if they're left in the dark, not knowing when they'll hear from you or what's happening, that excitement turns to anxiety, then frustration, and maybe even anger. No one wants to work in that kind of vibe. Bottom line... If you want to keep doing what you love (and get paid for it without losing your mind), you've got to get a handle on the whole communication thing. To help with this, I've got 6 rules for client communication for you to follow. Think of this as the bare minimum any good freelancer should be doing. It's about setting clear rules for when and how you'll talk to your clients, making sure everyone's on the same page, and keeping things running smoothly. It's about making your clients feel taken care of and avoiding that whole excitement > anxiety > anger cycle that can lead to horrible projects (and no referrals). Check out the episode, and IMPLEMENT ASAP. In this episode you’ll discover: How we can learn the skills we need to have healthy, effective communication with clients Six rules to keep your clients happy (and yourself sane) Internal business communication tools vs. external communication tools Why clients want plain, simple English Keeping your clients up to date Using feedback loops to make sure your clients are happy, without overworking Turning a client's outlook around by going the extra mile Communicating expectations to leads and clients Conflict resolution techniques to use with your clients For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/294

When you're freelancing, those first steps with a brand new client are absolutely crucial to nail. It's like when you're trying out a new app and everything from the welcome screen to the first few clicks just flows effortlessly. You instantly know you're going to enjoy using it. That's the smooth, user-friendly vibe you want your client onboarding system to have. So, why is it such a big deal? For starters, it's all about building trust. We're in a world where a lot of our interactions happen over emails or messages, making it tough to really feel a connection. A smooth onboarding experience can help make your client feel like they've made the right choice in picking you. It also helps avoid those awkward "that's not what I thought we agreed on" moments. Getting everyone clear on what's what from the start means less back-and-forth later on. It's choosing the right playlist before a long drive – it sets the tone and keeps the vibes good all the way. But it's not just about avoiding mix-ups. An awesome onboarding process shows you're a pro who cares about your clients' experiences. This can lead to more work from the same clients and even some word-of-mouth recommendations (i.e. "infinite clients"). And let's be honest, who doesn't want that? Plus, a slick onboarding system can save you a ton of time on the admin stuff, giving you more time to focus on the actual work. It's about being prepared to be creative vs frantically scrambling for things. So, if you're nodding along and thinking, "Yeah, I need to get my onboarding game on point," then you'll want to check this week's podcast episode. We break down a 5-part client onboarding process that's straightforward and effective. It's packed with practical tips and insights that could really make a difference in your freelancing journey. Give it a listen and let me know what you think! In this episode you’ll discover: How to build a great client onboarding questionnaire Why bad onboarding destroys relationships Organizing your data to avoid embarrassing moments Creating a kickass kickoff call Why it's easier to fire a client earlier rather than later JUST USE A CALENDAR LINK Make your kickoff calls as short as possible - while still covering everything needed Setting expectations properly Remember to show excitement! For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/293

We're now rolling into the first real episode of this new "Infinite Clients" series, and my goal is to set up each episode in this series with a new rule... or better yet, a commandment. Maybe we'll have a full "10 Commandments For Infinite Clients" by the end, but let's just start with #1: Thou Shalt Put It All In Writing. If you want a guaranteed way to lose a client for life (including any referrals they might have sent), start by putting nothing in writing. Mismatched expectations are a killer of client happiness. The client might expect one thing, and they get something totally different. That's why a rock-solid client agreement is so important. This isn't about them simply being slightly annoyed. It can lead to bigger issues like losing clients for life or even running into legal disputes (Yuck 🤮). The goal IS NOT to lock them into some sort of "legalese" contract they hardly understand... it's to write it all out in plain, easy-to-understand English (or your whatever your native language is) so they understand what IS and IS NOT included. This is the first step to infinite clients. In this episode you’ll discover: Why setting expectations accurately is vital to your business How to use a client agreement to ensure you and your clients are on the same page The key elements of a client agreement How setting timelines keeps your projects on schedule Who owns the created work Credit and cancellation policies For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/292

The phrase "Infinite clients" sounds like one of those terrible, cheesy, late-night infomercials, but is something like that really possible? Absolutely not. Infinite? Come on... Here's what I love about that phrase, though. If you HAD to come up with a way to create an "infinite" supply of clients, how would that look? It's essentially what "hope marketing" would look like in a perfect world, and it's something we should always be striving for. Here's what I mean... Imagine being a freelancer whose work is so awesome that your clients can't stop talking about you. Every single client you work with refers someone else, then THEY refer someone else... and suddenly, you have more clients than you could possibly handle. Imagine doing such killer work that your clients do the marketing for you. That's the idea behind the "Viral Coefficient" of freelancing. Every happy client you have brings in another one, creating a chain reaction of a growing, "infinite", client base. Now, let's get real. Freelancers usually have a lot on their plates – marketing, sales, dealing with clients, admin stuff, and oh, actually doing the work. The reality of making this happen is incredibly hard but it's a goal worth putting a lot of thought and energy into. THAT'S what this new series is all about: How can you create such an incredible client experience that every single client refers at least one new client to you? That's the key to building a "viral" freelancing business. While "infinite clients" may be an impossible goal, it's worth every single ounce of time and effort you put into it. In this episode you’ll discover: Brian's journey to increased fitness Important January deadlines The balance between marketing and fulfillment Keeping your clients happy Knocking it out of the park for your clients The five phases of business Minding your boundaries Where to share your feedback and ideas for the podcast For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/291

January can be a slowwwwww season for a lot of freelancers. There are two approaches you can take if this is the case for you... Approach #1: Chill. Rest. Maybe complain a little. Play a lot of video games. Pout a lot. Approach #2: Realize that you're the captain of your ship, and you're the only one who can make 2024 your best year ever. You can view any "slow season" as a reason to complain, OR you can view it as a chance for major progress, rather than a setback. This is a perfect time for taking on big projects that can lead to both significant progress and (potentially) big money. In this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast, I've got 11 projects for you to consider taking on to make this year your best ever... Think back to the biggest jumps in your business – whether it was when you were getting this thing off the ground, or you finally did that big thing you were scared sh*tless about... I'd be willing to be some of your biggest step changes in your business were the result of something big you took on. So if this is a slow season for you, don't waste it! This is a hidden opportunity to tackle those big projects. And with it comes big money. In this episode you’ll discover: Why big projects are the best sources of income How to develop a new offer Helping your clients reach their dream outcome When to explore a new niche Client calls: why you need them RAISE YOUR RATES Using SOPs to make sure your business runs smoothly Staying top of mind with your network Using micro-gigs and upsells to grow your business Building your personal brand For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/290

I've just returned from my year-end planning retreat in Chattanooga, TN, and DAMN it was awesome. This is only my 3rd year doing this and considering I started my freelance journey back in 2009, I discovered this secret WAY too late... Planning is the secret sauce to having your best year ever (which 2023 was for my businesses). But here's the kicker – it doesn't have to be a mind-boggling, complex ordeal. A stupidly simple plan that you actually use is worth its weight in gold compared to some over-the-top, convoluted plan that just gathers dust. Let me share a little secret with you. I tend to be the king of "overcomplication". I'd plan so intensely that I'd lose sight of the actual execution. But I learned my lesson, and now I'm all about finding that sweet spot in planning – the perfect balance. As entrepreneurs, if we're just meandering through life without a plan, we're like driftwood caught in someone else's current. We get pulled INTO other people's plans, and that's not where we want to be. In the world of freelancing, hanging out with that person with the plan often means working for an agency at a fraction of the price they're charging their big-shot clients. You become the outsourced work, not the mastermind behind the project. That's probably not the dream you're chasing. So, what's the alternative? We're going to craft our annual plan. This plan is going to be your North Star, your guiding light, pointing you in a direction that's infinitely better than aimlessly drifting along. We're going to be intentional in our pursuits, not aimless wanderers. That's the goal here, and it's a goal worth pursuing with all your freelance might. So, let's create a plan that'll help 2024 be your best year ever, because remember... if you don't have a plan, you'll end up in someone else's plan. In this episode you’ll discover: Why you need a plan Analyzing your income and expenses for a better business Viewing your lifestyle with a realistic approach Brain dumping the current year - and the future Setting goals realistically Looking at what areas of your business have room for growth Understanding when your goals are completed, and creating milestones Why you miss your goals Planning ahead for your whole year For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/289

Ever felt like you wanted to reach out to someone, but didn't want to bother them? Maybe it was an old acquaintance, a past client, or even a prospective client you've had your eyes on for a while... Creatives typically have this voice inside our heads that says "don't do that... you'll just be bothering them". Here's something that may surprise you: That voice is usually a lying, thieving, horrible bastard who's simply holding you back from getting what you want... What's even worse is that this voice is holding your prospective clients back from the rich experience of connecting with you and all of the value you could potentially bring to their lives. If you want proof, just look at your own life. How many other people are constantly reaching out to you, bothering you with offers you don't want? How many other freelancers are "bothering" you about hiring them? How many old acquaintances are reaching out to you about meeting up for dinner or drinks to catch up? Hell, how many potential love interests are sliding into your DMs? If you're like 99% of the rest of us, those things are rarely (if ever) happening. There's a better way to handle this stuff. It's something called The Rule of 7, and it's one of the keys to the incredible success of this week's guest. This week I got to speak to a "7-figure creative" who turned his 6-figure freelance business into a 7-figure agency (which he eventually sold). He's used the Rule of 7 ethically to get more clients, stay top of mind, build trust, win more projects, and ultimately, earn millions and millions of dollars through his creative business as a designer. This is what separates struggling creatives from multi-million dollar powerhouse guests like Mike Janda. In this episode you’ll discover: How to prepare yourself for an economic downturn Positioning yourself as a freelancer to replace your day job Solving problems as a method of sales The rule of 7 The importance of meeting people in person Competition at the top levels of freelancing Understanding the market you're in to provide a valuable offer Balancing between big city freelancers and "cheap" options in other countries For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/288

"This ONE trick doubled my income". As dumb and clickbaity as that sounds, it's kinda true. Here's what I mean... the last time I did a deep dive into my freelance business, I realized something interesting... More than 50% of my annual income was directly attributed to following up with leads who never replied. About 20% of my income came from following up 4 or more times in a row (with zero response). That's pretty wild if you ask me, especially considering that most freelancers only follow up one time (if that). Seriously, this is the "secret sauce" that could double your income if you're willing to commit and do it right. Now, I know what you're thinking – "Follow up? That's it?" It's way more powerful than it sounds because it's easy to do, yet so few actually do it. Even if you're currently making just $10k a year. Imagine turning that into $20k just by implementing what I teach you in this week's podcast episode. Today, we're diving deep into the world of short term and long-term follow-ups. But here's the best part – you can automate the heck out of this. Most good CRMs (Customer Relationship Management software, in case you're not in the know) can make this easy. In this episode you’ll discover: How to follow up with you leads in an appropriate way When to follow up Getting people to show up to your sales calls Scheduling follow-up calls before getting off the call you're on Cross-selling your other services to clients Getting unambiguous answers Brian's "Fibonacci Follow-up" process The advantage of "last chance" follow-ups For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/287

Here's one of the biggest traps I see freelancers fall into when it comes to sales calls: They think they're good at them, but they're really not... Why? Two reasons: 1. They've never actually tried to close anything other than friends/family/referrals (the easiest to close, but rarely enough to keep someone 100% booked solid) 2. They've never actually seen how a real sales call is done If you ever want to get to the point where you can stay booked solid, then you need to know how to get strangers to hire you. Understanding how to run a great sales call is a huge piece of that puzzle. The good news? You can just start super simple and then get more fancy as you learn more. This week's episode will walk you through a super simple four-part sales process. But here's the kicker: the big goal isn't just to make a sale... it's more about really getting to the heart of what the client needs. And when you get to the heart of what they need, it's way easier to actually close clients. In this episode you’ll discover: Starting simple: your first sales process The four key parts of a sales process: connect, diagnose, prescribe, collect What clients want vs. what they actually need to get from point A to point B Asking for money on the call to eliminate objections The most common objections Is it a disqualifier or an objection? Educating your clients to close the sale Why I no longer recommend proposals Next steps after listening to this episode For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/286

If you're a freelancer who's ever felt like sales is a foreign language, prepare to have your mind changed. First, it starts with understanding what sales really is. Sales is not just about persuasion... it's a process. In this new podcast series, I'm going to give you a comprehensive guide to the entire sales process for freelancers. Here's what's in store for this new Sales Series: Lead qualification (because let's face it, not every lead is a good fit) The all-important CRM setup How to do the discovery call (i.e. your first real dance with a potential client) The proposal process The art of follow-up (Yes, it's an art that balances persistence with respect) Closing the deal Cross-selling and upselling. And so much more... My goal with this series is to go deep into each topic, making sure you come out the other side not just understanding sales, but loving it. Why? Because mastering sales is not just about closing deals... it's about opening doors – to better projects, higher pay, and greater confidence in pricing your services. If you've ever felt like sales is your Achilles' heel, this might be your time to turn it into a secret weapon. In this episode you’ll discover: Why you're missing out on clients - and you don't know it Sales leads vs marketing leads Why a leaky funnel is detrimental for your business Avoiding burnout by rejecting leads who are a bad fit Setting up your systems for success The important features to look for in a CRM Why business owners need to wear many hats Moving projects through stages in your CRM Opportunities and tracking pipeline value For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/285

The dark side of freelancing (that no one wants to discuss) is the wasteland of low-dollar "Fiverr Freelancers" charging bottom-dollar rates for "butt-in-seat" projects. Whether you're on Fiverr or not, you may still be trapped in this low-dollar wasteland that is essentially just another soulless day job you've created for yourself. These projects tend to be unfulfilling and draining, and you end up in a horrible financial place. This is what so many newbies and struggling creatives do, and many never make it out of this trap. I know this might sound painfully obvious, but you can't build a sustainable freelance business out of low-dollar, unfulfilling work where you're competing with hundreds (or thousands) of copycat competitors willing to work longer hours for less money than you. This is why I wanted to bring on Ryan Koral from Tell Studios to talk about how he successfully transitioned from $500 projects to regular $50,000 projects, eventually scaling his freelance business to over $1,000,000 per year. Ryan shared a ton of incredible info, including one of my new favorite strategies for closing high-dollar projects, so do not skip this week's interview. In this episode you’ll discover: Why Ryan pivoted from a full-time job earning $23,000/year to a becoming a full time freelancer How "yes mode" affects the start of your business Why you don't hire significant others for your business Dealing with employees who don't have the right expectation The benefits of delegating tasks to others Why your employees aren't the idiots you think they are Your value vs. how your clients value your work How to sell a low $$$ workshop that leads to a $50k project (with a 100% success rate). For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/284

As we wrap up The Lead Generation series, you likely already know how important staying top-of-mind is. If you're not top-of-mind when the client is ready to hire someone, you won't get the gig. Period. So what are the 3 best strategies for nurturing your leads, and ultimately getting more gigs? That's what this week's episode is all about! In this episode you’ll discover: Nurturing leads the way you nurture a garden The three unofficial buckets of lead nurture strategies What being "known well" should mean to you Choosing a type of content for your content marketing Discovery content vs. nurture content Why paid ads are content marketing Using retargeting to nurture your leads The difference between a marketing lead and a sales lead Why you need to go all in on your chosen content area For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/283

Want to know the biggest sticking point in a freelancer's career? It's when you run out of friends and family to sell your services to. The moment you move into the world of getting strangers to hire you is the moment you find out what you're made of. It's honestly a scary place to be, but most people don't have large enough personal networks to stay booked solid with friends and family alone. Enter The Complete Client Journey: this is the 7 stages you need to walk someone through as they move from stranger to repeat client. This is what most freelancers are missing. They haven't mapped out their own personal journey for their business. This week I have a special episode that walks you through mapping out each of the 7 stages for your own business. In this episode you’ll discover: The seven stages of the client journey Answering the right questions so people don't reject you Retargeting leads based on video views or other triggers Handling objections from your leads Looking at average annual client value vs. average project value The crucial key to following up with people How to get great referrals to grow your business Where to get your own template for this worksheet For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/282

Ah, freelancing, my friend! Let's talk about the art of nurturing relations in this wild, wonderful, sometimes impossibly difficult world. You see, it's a bit like trying to find love on a dating app (which is where I met my wife 8 years ago). You don't just swipe right and immediately pop the big question, do you? No, no. It all begins with that elusive, deep connection. In the dating world, you chat, you laugh, and you get to know each other. You share stories, experiences, and maybe even a few secrets. It's a dance, a beautiful journey... and it can take years. You nurture romantic relationships because you know that without a real, genuine connection, no amount of swiping or proposing is going to land you a lifelong partner. And so it is with freelancing. You don't just send out proposals left and right, expecting clients to fall into your lap. You take time, effort, and energy to build relationships and connect with people. You listen to their needs, understand their pain points, and offer genuine solutions. Like a budding romance, it's about showing that you care. Just as you wouldn't propose on a first date, you don't rush into relationships with your clients. Instead, you showcase your expertise and your passion for what you do. You build trust, foster connections, and, over time, you become their go-to person. That is the true art of nurturing leads. This week marks the start of our three-part Lead Nurture Series. Listen now to learn The 4 Building Blocks of Turning Strangers Into Clients. Let's get started! For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/281

And on September 29th, someone played dirty and swiped access to my ads account. 19 days, folks. Nineteen. That's how long I was locked out, twiddling my thumbs while some hacker ran ads for elderly women’s bras on MY dime. As hilarious as that sounds, they threw a huge wrench into my marketing machine that cranks out thousands of leads monthly. Now, I’m no mathematician, but those 19 days of darkness cost me. We're not just talking about the pocket change of $3,000 they blew on those bra ads. We're talking about tens of thousands of dollars with of lost opportunity because my ads were MIA. With paid ads, you can earn big if you spend big. Now, cut the 'spend' part out for nearly three weeks. Ouch! But let’s back up... Why am I even bringing up this drama? Because we’re in an era where one simple digital slip can cascade into a financial avalanche. And here's the kicker: I thought I had my bases covered. I had digital walls, moats, and guard dogs, all in the form of complex passwords and two-factor authentication. And yet, someone found that one unguarded window and climbed right in. This isn’t a story for sympathy, but a plea for every freelancer out there. Those shiny digital tools and platforms that feel like extensions of our brains and hands? They're double-edged swords. One day, they're helping you dominate your niche, and the next, they're the nail in your financial coffin. It doesn’t matter if you’re into paid ads, content creation, or just plain ol' social media engagement. Let this be a wake-up call. Our digital tools have multiple doors, and we need to make damn sure each one's bolted tight. This week I'm sharing some insights on cyber security risks, including the one that got me, even though I thought I was secure. The main takeaway is to be careful online. Small mistakes can lead to big problems. In this episode you’ll discover: How Brian's Meta account was hacked, and why that cost lots of money Four ways your accounts are vulnerable to attack The importance of two factor authentication How phishing attacks work Why keyloggers are dangerous to your accounts The importance of using a VPN whenever you are not using a secure network How to protect your accounts from attack The two most important ways to protect your account Additional steps to secure your accounts Performing regular security checkups For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/280

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/279

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/278

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/277

How much is an average client worth to you? Whatever that number is, imagine how much more they'd be worth to you and your freelance business if they were paying you that amount every single year. Now imagine how successful you'd be if every single client you've ever had was paying you the amount every year for the rest of your career. That's the reality for those who run recurring subscription businesses, however, most freelancers only offer one-and-done packages. Whether you call it a retainer, subscription, or simply a "monthly fee", most who follow this podcast would love the idea of acquiring a client one time and having them keep paying you every single month. But... What if your service just "doesn't make sense" as a recurring subscription? If that's you, I'd challenge you to listen to this episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast. No matter what service you offer, there's likely some way to shift your clients to a recurring income model. Our guest this week, Annemie Tonken, has managed to build her family photography business to 6 figures per year from 6 hours of work per week. If you want to learn how she's managed this, and how she's launched a highly successful recurring-subscription photography service in an industry where very few others are doing the same, listen to episode 223 of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast ASAP. In this episode you’ll discover: Transitioning your freelance business to a recurring revenue model Becoming a more efficient business-manager Solving your clients' ultimate needs so you can earn more on each project The hidden benefits of a recurring revenue model Average client value and the impact this stat has on your business How to keep your subscribers happy, active, and paying The key factors of adding value to your client's lives (for maximum profit) How she earns a 6-figure income from 6 hours of work per week For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/276

Hey, you... The one out there juggling a thousand tasks, feeling overwhelmed by how much needs to be done, all while trying to meet client expectations — let's chat. You've probably heard a topic as mundane sounding as "time management" and just tuned out. That's fair because this topic is usually boring as hell. "Time management" can feel like something invented by spreadsheet nerds who want to crush your creativity. There's some truth to that. The problem is is, what seems boring is usually the medicine you need. This is my attempt at discussing time management in a way that won't crush your soul. So let's start with the basics. How did you get to this place of overwhelm in the first place? Two things: 1. The Emotional Tug-of-War Creatives, like you and me, we're in a unique dilemma. On one hand, our emotions drive our art. We can channel passion, sadness, or elation into something magical. But here’s the downside: sometimes, our emotions run us instead of the other way around. Think about that task you've been putting off just because you "don't feel like it." Yep, I’ve been there. Procrastinating on this very podcast, to be exact. But here's the thing: by letting our fleeting feelings decide our to-do list, we end up sidelining those high-priority tasks. 2. The Ping of Doom While being led by emotions is one pitfall, the other, equally treacherous one is becoming a puppet to others' whims. Picture this: You're deep into a project, and ping — an email arrives. A client needs revisions, and suddenly you're derailed. Sound familiar? Freelancers, admit it. We suck at this. I do too. There's this urge to leap at every client request. While it might give them instant gratification, it leaves our personal and professional needs in the dust. This frantic jumping between tasks, known as context switching, doesn’t just break our rhythm; it exhausts us. And trying to refocus afterward? A time-wasting task. Mastering Your Day with a Simple Hack Now that we've painted a pretty bleak picture, let’s flip the script. The secret? A strategy I've been leaning on for years: Plan tomorrow today. It’s not just about jotting down tasks. It's about proactively designing a day that balances what you want and what others need from you. In this week's episode of 6 Figure Creative, I give you the full framework I've been using for years to set up my day for success. This works in any industry for any service. In this episode you’ll discover: Why freelancers struggle with time management How to control our own time, rather than letting others dictate our schedule People making requests aren't trying to hurt you Blocking out your daily schedule Big brain vs. small brain Batching your tasks or sticking to a routine The benefits of using Do Not Disturb on your devices For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/275

Have you ever taken a pause and really thought about the significance of being willing to “suck” at something? We creatives often find ourselves cocooned in this small world of what we're already good at. We spend our time in areas that come naturally to us. The zone where our creative juices flow and your hands complete the task with ease. It's our safe space, and damn, doesn't it feel good to be there? But... here's the twist – this very zone, this "comfort bubble" is also our biggest limitation. The moment a challenge pops up or a task gets too tricky, we recoil. We can't bear the thought that we're not good at something. We've all been there, right? The first signs of a struggle or roadblock and our instincts go, "Abort! Abort!" It’s as if the territory outside of our comfort zone is a minefield we should avoid at all costs. And that's the crux of this week's podcast episode... "Dare To Suck". Those words have been on my mind for the past 5 years because of a past podcast guest. We often forget that every G.O.A.T., every expert we admire, first sucked before they succeeded. By giving ourselves the freedom to be imperfect, to suck at something, we open up a world of possibilities. In this episode you’ll discover: Why perseverance is important in business Everyone sucked when they first started learning How age affects fear of judgment The problem with an instant-gratification world Relating your experience to levels in a video game The four levels of incompetence Why people give up before they get good Learning the skills you need to learn, while you still suck For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/274

We often look up to the biggest names in our field and think, "Wow, I want to be just like them", but we rarely consider the consequences. While it can be great to take inspiration from others, it can also backfire... Why? Because the top 1% in our field are really, really good at some things (like taking the perfect photo or creating a memorable logo), but that doesn't mean they're experts at EVERYTHING. In this episode, we dig into what I call "inbred businesses." This is when everyone looks to the top 1% in their industry for how everything "should" be done... leading to a bland, tasteless copy of a copy of a copy of a copy. We're all creatives, so we (of all people) cannot simply accept the excuse, "Well, that's just how it's done in my industry". You need your own special sauce, which (much like the restaurant industry) is best found outside of your industry's bubble. In this episode you’ll discover: Why the top businesses in your industry aren't the businesses to learn from The advantage of looking to other industries to learn and grow The biggest cop-out you could make: "That's not how we do things in my industry" What a website exists for The difference between what you want and what you need Using the "template of the internet" for your website For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/273

Last week we did a deep dive into the world of automation and talked about how it can help take care of boring, tedious, and repetitive tasks. Well, this week, we're taking it a step further and discussing how to automate some of the client acquisition and marketing tasks in your freelance business. In this episode, we'll explore the three core areas of marketing: lead generation, lead nurture, and sales, and discuss the numerous opportunities within these areas where you can implement automation. From the moment someone first finds you to the moment they hand over their hard-earned dollars and become a client, automation can play a crucial role in streamlining the process. I know that marketing can sometimes feel overwhelming, but by automating certain aspects of your marketing, you can... Stay top of mind, Build trust and credibility Turn leads into actual paying clients... ...all without breaking a sweat! I truly believe that this episode will provide you with practical ideas and actionable steps to start automating your marketing and make your freelance business more efficient. So grab a cup of coffee, put on your headphones, and let's dive in! In this episode you’ll discover: The three main steps of marketing Automating each step of your marketing funnel Linking your website to your CRM Using automation to nurture your marketing leads Defining a lead for your business Automating your social media accounts How to automate your sales process The disadvantage of having someone set up automations for you How to reject leads automatically For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/272

You know those tedious, terrible tasks you keep putting off? Yeah, we all have those. 🙄 Imagine if they could get done without you lifting a finger. Sounds magical, right? Well, in our latest episode, I dive deep into the magic world of automation. 🪄 No, it's not as scary as it sounds. In fact, many of us are doing it without even realizing it! Ever wondered what automation actually is? I've broken it down into three simple steps: a trigger, an action, and a result. 🔄 Curious about how automation can help you make more money? I chat about how it aids in attracting more clients and maximizing their value. 💰 And if you're thinking, "Brian, where do I even begin with all this?", don't fret! My goal for this episode is to open your eyes to the possibilities. Not to overwhelm you with too many details. We're keeping it big picture, friend! 🖼️ Sometimes, simply knowing what's possible is the key, so I can't wait for you to listen and see what ideas you have! In this episode you’ll discover: Using automation in your business to eliminate tasks you don't want to do Understanding what's possible when using automation Setting yourself up for automation success The tools you can use to automate your business Using fulfillment automation to provide better service to your clients For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/271

Feeling like you've hit a ceiling in your freelancing career? Ready to take the leap into True Entrepreneurship but unsure where to begin? You're not alone, and I've got the perfect resource for you! I recently recorded a podcast episode all about what it means to graduate from freelancing. This episode is tailored for creative freelancers like you who might feel stagnant or limited in their current roles and are seeking new challenges, broader impact, and diversified income streams. In this episode you’ll discover: The six levels of freelancing What it takes to master the "agency model" How to build your "offer ladder" Creating tools for your industry And more... If you're ready to explore the idea of transitioning from freelancer to entrepreneur, this episode is a must-listen. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/270

In today's episode, I'm dedicating the entire discussion to the creative versus the entrepreneur. We'll explore the pros and cons of each side, helping you navigate the battle within and find that sweet spot in the middle—the balance that leads to a happier, healthier, and more prosperous freelance career. First, let's really understand your creative side. As freelancers, most of us start as creatives at heart. We stumble upon a skill or a passion that sparks our imagination, ignites our creativity, and propels us to share our art with the world. It's what drives us to be here in the first place. But to become a successful creative freelancer, it takes more than just passion and raw talent. It takes a truly entrepreneurial approach. This is where the magic happens, where we turn our creativity into a viable business. Remember, both the creative and the entrepreneur are essential elements of your freelance business. Embrace the good parts of both and avoid the dark sides of both. By finding that sweet spot in the middle, you'll find the ideal balance for running a happier, healthier, and more profitable freelance business. So, if you're a creative freelancer who wants to earn more from your creative skills (without selling your soul), this episode is an absolute must-listen. In this episode you’ll discover: Balancing the creative and entrepreneurial sides of your brain Why creatives are selfish Creatives and speed to finishing a project What entrepreneurs understand that creatives don't Using people, processes, and systems, to create value Keeping your creative spark alive Scheduling time for creative and entrepreneurial tasks Expanding your horizons by joining communities and finding mentors For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/269

I get how it feels when your website doesn't bring those sought-after leads. It's frustrating to spend so much time and care building a beautiful site, only to be greeted with crickets. The thing is, your website is likely more like a confusing labyrinth for potential clients... All those options, paths, and choices can be overwhelming. It's like a choose-your-own-adventure novel, where you're never quite sure if you're heading for the jackpot or a dead end. So what happens when your clients can't navigate this maze? When they're faced with too many options, they don't stick around. They abandon your site before even reaching out. It's a lose-lose situation, and it's costing you leads and clients. Fortunately, there's a better way... Did you know you could guide your clients purposefully through their journey instead of leaving them stranded? The key is understanding the six critical stages of the client journey. And once you master that, you can use carefully crafted funnels to guide your clients through each stage. Curious about these funnels? You'll be excited to learn they are two of the best-performing funnels for freelancers - the Lead Gen Funnel and the Opportunity Funnel. They're no magic tricks but clear, straightforward strategies to turn more leads into clients. This week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative podcast talks all about the 6 Steps of the Client Journey and the two best funnels for freelancers. Learn about this, and you'll be on your way to creating a great experience for your clients. In this episode you’ll discover: Why websites are not optional in 2023 The reasons your funnel may be leaking Three types of funnels for your business The importance of explaining your offer to leads Manipulation vs. influencing Proving you have the solution Explaining next steps For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/268

Here's a concept that will make you more money - everything in business is based on inputs and outputs. Yes, this sounds soulless, and yes this seems to take away the creativity, but stick with me. It's all about understanding how your freelance business operates, just like any other machine out there. Picture this: When you work a regular job, you know your input is your time, and the output is your hard-earned cash, right? It's simple. Similarly, with a car, you put in gasoline, and you get mileage or horsepower as the output. Easy peasy. But here's the thing: Many freelancers forget about this essential concept of inputs and outputs, and it's holding them back. You see, the more input you put in, the greater the output... Work more hours, get more dollars. Pump more gas, get more miles. Rob more stores, get more jail time Makes sense so far, right? But here's the kicker: It's not just about two-dimensional thinking... There's a crucial factor determining your output more than anything else, and that's the actual machine. Better job = more $$ for the same hours. Better car = more miles for the same amount of gas. Your freelance business is the machine in question here. Just how well-oiled is it? Here's where things get interesting - the better your freelance business machine, the higher your income and the less you'll need to work on things you don't want to do. Leverage is the name of the game. But let's be real. Some of you might be working for less than you could earn at McDonald's. Nothing's worse than pouring your heart and soul into your work and feeling under-compensated. So on this episode, we're breaking your freelance machine down into five major pieces, then talking about the inputs and outputs of every individual part. Bring your toolbox, and let's start tinkering. In this episode you’ll discover: The inputs and outputs of your business Using leverage to increase your hourly earnings Generating leads via inputs and outputs How to nurture leads in your ecosystem Choosing the right leads to work with Focusing on client success Tripling your income by adjusting your pricing Why taking action is so important For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/267

Have you ever had an amazing potential client reach out to you? They seem really interested and they look perfect for you... But then, poof! They just vanish. Time goes by, the job doesn't happen, and you're left scratching your head, wondering, "wtf did I do wrong?" This can be really frustrating, but guess what? We can fix it! If this sounds like something that's happened to you, here's how you fix it: Be impossible to ignore. The truth is, if this part is hard for you, you're likely only getting 50% of the clients you could be getting, which means you're flushing money down the drain. How do I know? Well, when I looked at my own business, I found out that half of my earnings in a year came from clients I had to check back with five times or more. In this week's podcast episode, I'll give you five effective strategies on how to stay top-of-mind and be impossible to ignore. Ready to dive in? In this episode you’ll discover: Why following up is vital to your success How to followup without bothering someone Benefiting your customers by following up Nurturing relationships one-to-many Establishing expertise as a creative Email's not dead! Using retargeting to nurture leads and stay top-of-mind For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/266

In any freelance business, there are two ways to increase your income: Get more clients Make each client worth more. While most freelancers focus on the first method, most of us ignore blatantly obvious ways you can make each and every client worth more $$$ to your business. The beauty of focusing on how you can make each and every client worth more is that the improvements you make here can have a massive impact for the rest of your life. Despite this, few freelancers spend time thinking about how they can better monetize the clients they already have. And that's where this episode comes in handy. So, if you're maxed out on clients, and you're looking for ways to still increase your income (without burning yourself out), this episode is for you. In this episode you’ll discover: Why knowing your AACV is vital to your business Focusing on outcomes rather than hours worked Why you might have to start working for someone else The pitfall of offering low-value services Methods you can use to increase your AACV Why you struggle with pricing your offering The difference between working with people vs. businesses Why you should work for rich clients For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/265

On today's podcast episode, I wanted to have a candid chat about something critical to your success as a freelancer... It's a topic that's often glossed over, but it's the backbone of your entire business: Fulfilling the services you're paid for as a freelancer. Have you ever wondered why some clients never return, or why they don't refer your services to others? Maybe you're finding that more and more of your clients and projects are becoming a pain in the 🍑? If so, it might be time to take a good, hard look at your fulfillment processes. In this episode, I dive deep into the six common mistakes that can completely derail your fulfillment experience as a freelancer. Spoiler alert: if you're committing any of these, especially the first one, you might be setting yourself up for a nauseating ride. Here's why... As a freelancer, you are literally getting paid to deliver on your promises. When you mess up fulfillment, you're inadvertently sabotaging your own business. This can lead to fewer referrals, less repeat business, and the potential for some seriously stressful interactions with clients. The good news is that this episode isn't just about identifying the problems; it's about finding solutions and paving the way for smoother, more satisfying client relationships and more rewarding freelance projects. I can't wait for you to join me in this discussion. We'll go through these six pitfalls, figure out where you might be going wrong, and most importantly, talk about how to right those wrongs. In this episode you’ll discover: Reframing from "to do" to "don't do" Why offering more services is the opposite of what you need to do The pain caused by avoiding SOPs Focusing on an outcome rather than a service Keeping communications clean Setting healthy boundaries Missing the mark with your clients For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/264

Today, we're kickstarting a new podcast series. We're calling it the "Freelance F*ckups" series - because, let's be real, we all have those moments. This series is special because it aims to address one of the main issues we face when listening to advice-rich podcasts - information overload. Picture it as an "Advice Buffet" where you're trying to juggle countless pieces of advice, strategies, and tips. It's overwhelming, isn't it? For a lot of us, this all-you-can-eat Advice Buffet leaves us frozen in Analysis Paralysis Mode instead of actually helping us move forward. What if we can switch the narrative from what you should do to what you should avoid? This, my friends, is the vision behind our Freelance F*ckups series. Each episode will focus on major pitfalls that freelancers encounter, areas where we commonly trip up, and how to sidestep these mistakes. So, let's navigate these bumps in the road together, step by step, week by week. This series won't be about adding new tasks to your ever-growing to-do list. Instead, we'll examine the habits, practices, and mindsets that might be tripping you up, allowing you to pivot, adapt, and avoid these missteps in the future. Let's get started! In this episode you’ll discover: The snowflake fallacy Why businesses are often inbred The pitfall of staying in bill-paying mode Acquiring new clients Working in fits and spurts Building bridges half-way vs. all the way For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/263

I've been talking to a lot of freelancers recently, and I'm a bit troubled by their underwhelming financial goals. It's not about being greedy, it's about being realistic... This is why I am presenting a bold idea: $100k should be the new minimum wage for freelancers. Many freelancers look at $100k as their most ambitious goal, while I look at it as merely the start. Hear me out. Gross income as a freelancer is vastly different from a salary in a day job. The reason is simple: expenses. They're part and parcel of being a freelancer, and I'm not just talking about pencils and paper here. I'm talking about substantial, often overlooked, expenses that can take a big chunk out of your earnings. In this episode, we're going to delve into those figures, so you can gain a clearer understanding of where your money goes, why $100k should be your new minimum goal, and what you should be doing to get yourself there. The aim of this episode is to challenge your thinking and to help you set yourself up for a better, more stable life as a freelancer. In this episode you’ll discover: Why your expenses should be factored into your income goals Costs you need to consider off the top of your income Considerations for your pricing When it may be time to shift niches For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/262

We all know the life of a freelancer isn't easy. There's an unending list of tasks to tackle, clients to please, and portfolios to build. On top of that, we juggle personal commitments and the oh-so-precious "me time" that often gets squeezed out. So, it's no surprise that we often find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, the creativity squashed out of us, and, at times, a sense of exhaustion that doesn't seem to let up. Sound familiar? It does to me. In our latest episode, I dove headfirst into this ocean of overwhelm in response to a heartfelt listener question. They wrote in, juggling a 60-hour work week, a freelance business, a spouse, and the all-important quest for sleep. And their question was, "how do I battle exhaustion and overwhelm when I need to use any free time to transition to working for myself?" I know this will likely resonate with you. It certainly did with me. Now I'm not about to pretend to be some sort of authority on managing overwhelm, but I am someone who's experienced these struggles and found ways to manage. I hope that by sharing my experiences and insights, I can help you navigate your own journey a bit more smoothly. This episode isn't about quick fixes or short-term solutions. We won't be tackling overwhelm as if it's a symptom to be temporarily alleviated. Instead, we'll be diving into the root causes, aiming to unearth lasting solutions that help you overcome this persistent roadblock. If you're constantly feeling overwhelmed (or if you're the one who submitted the original question) this episode is for you. I hope it brings some clarity, perhaps even sparks some realizations, about your own experience of overwhelm and how to overcome it. In this episode you’ll discover: Treating symptoms vs. treating the cause The golden handcuffs keeping you stuck How a lack of boundaries affects your time Why boundaries are one of the most important things in your life Avoiding your problems and letting those fires burn Breaking down large tasks into small, bite-sized chunks The seasons of overwhelm The benefits of asking for help For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/261

Here's a wild guess: I bet you've never set a real marketing goal for your business. Since most freelancers struggle to consider themselves a "business", this really isn't a big surprise. When it comes to the 10th episode of this "Back to Basics" series, marketing goals are about as basic as things get when it comes to marketing. How are you going to put together any sort of marketing plan without setting marketing goals? Now, I get it. I'm sure you have plenty of ideas fluttering around in your head about what you want from your business... Maybe it's a certain income level, a specific rate per project, or attracting a certain type of client. But here's the reality check: these are more like vague wishes than concrete, achievable goals. Without shaping those vague ideas into SMART goals, you may find yourself in what I call "plateau hell." Do you know that frustrating state where your business seems stuck? Perhaps you've hit a certain revenue mark - often around the $50,000 to $60,000 range - and you just can't seem to break through. You might even feel like you're regressing. I've been there before, and it's not a fun place to live. In this episode, I am sharing a tried and tested approach to goal-setting that can help you escape from the Freelancer Plateau Hell. In this episode you’ll discover: Why the basics matter The business goals to aim for Increasing client value SMART goals for marketing The importance of promoting your business Using reviews to build trust and authority Why high conversion rates are a bad sign For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/260

In the latest installment of our Back to Basics series, we're diving headfirst into an often overlooked yet vital subject: carving out your unique niche as a freelancer. Today's exploration centers on what I term "The Copycat Freelancer" dilemma. Don't get me wrong... I’m not here to criticize. Instead, I want to guide you past this hurdle that's probably been holding you back for years. Imagine I asked you, 'Why should a client choose you over your competitor?' What would your response be? Most freelancers are stumped by that question, and if you're being honest with yourself, you probably aren’t doing anything unique that sets you apart. The result? You end up competing on price alone, setting your rates based on what competitors are charging. Ultimately, it's a race to the bottom that builds zero client loyalty and makes your freelancing journey tougher than it needs to be. In the episode, I delve deeper into the issue of differentiation and give you some help with carving out a unique place in your industry. Of course, this topic is nuanced, and there's a lot more to unpack. In this episode you’ll discover: Why a UVP is important to your business The paperclip vs. the Prada bag Having an outcome-focused business How I got an unfair advantage (and you can, too) Setting yourself up as a specialized business Examples of well-differentiated businesses For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/259

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/258

This week we're tackling a challenge we all face as creatives: how should we price our work? Getting this right is a huge deal, but damn it can be tricky! Pricing your services isn't just about picking a random number. A lot of us tend to set our rates by looking at what others charge or by trusting our gut. If that sounds like you, no shame, but this is the #1 way you end up undervaluing your work and undercharging. Part of this is about self-confidence, part of it's the fear of losing a gig. If you're thinking, "That's totally me, always underpricing", it's all good. We've all been there. The key is to recognize this pattern and aim to break it. You've got to develop a solid strategy for setting rates that truly reflect your worth. So, are you ready to take a deep dive into the sometimes-intimidating world of pricing? Let's kick the undercharging habit in the A$$ and figure out a better way to price your services. In this episode, we'll walk through five different ways you can price your services. We'll dive into each method, discuss the pros and cons, and give you the tools you need to decide which one works best for you. In this episode you’ll discover: The minimum income goal for any freelancer The consequences you face as a low-earning creative Overworking yourself with low rates How to price your services Using value-based pricing for your business Protecting yourself with flat rate pricing How to keep clients consistently coming back The gutsy payment method that big agencies can use For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/257

Our ongoing series, Back to Basics, is all about diving deep into the foundation of freelancing. Today's focus is on the services (i.e. products) we offer as freelancers. This is the biggest difference between successful and struggling freelancers. All too often, we choose our services based on what WE want, while putting little to no thought into what our clients want. It's like trying to sell a product with a flaw. Think of any garbage Amazon purchase you've made, where the only review you'd give is a warning to others. That's certainly not the reputation we want for our services, right? In this episode, we break it down into three distinct levels of service that you can offer. While there are many facets to this, sticking to the basics keeps us grounded, and honestly, it's a lot less overwhelming. As an entrepreneur, I know how easy it is to leap into the complexity of advanced strategies. However, for this episode, we're keeping it straightforward and accessible. My hope is that this episode provides a moment of clarity - an "Aha!" if you will. A moment that sparks fresh perspective, prompting you to say, "Hot damn, I hadn't thought about it that way. I've been doing this wrong." After all, a single shift in perspective can be the game-changer that propels your freelance journey forward. In this episode you’ll discover: The three tiers of freelancing Selling flawed services or products The basic Fiverr freelancer Providing an outcome rather than a service Why this episode is a lesson to our editor The damage ChatGPT is doing to butt-in-seat jobs For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/256

We're navigating a series right now that we've lovingly titled "Back to the Basics." I'm particularly excited about today's episode where we peel back the layers on a topic that's often shrouded in mystique, over-complication, or sometimes, just plain neglect: Marketing. You might ask, what exactly is marketing? Well, let's simplify it. As I've mentioned in previous episodes, the core of marketing is about presenting the right message, to the right person, at the right time. Yes, it really can be as straightforward as that. When you unpack and understand each element of this mantra, you're well on your way to attracting more clients and growing your income from your creative prowess. Now, I know what you're thinking. Many of you creatives might be wondering, "Marketing? Isn't that for big businesses??" Well, yes, and no. Let's put it this way: To truly thrive in your freelance career, you need to embrace both the creative and the entrepreneurial spirit. Also, you may be apprehensive about the idea of marketing, worried that it's a slippery slope toward becoming one of those overly pushy salespeople. I get it. But here's the good news - marketing doesn't have to be an "icky" process. Quite the opposite, in fact... It can be a natural, authentic way of expressing the value you bring to your clients, without compromising your integrity or your creative soul. So, for all of you freelancers who are passionate about your craft and want to learn how to generate a healthy income without feeling like you're selling out, this episode is designed for you. We're going to break down the basics of marketing, helping you understand its core principles and showing you how it can be a positive, empowering part of your business. Join us on this journey back to the basics, and let's redefine marketing together. No jargon, no fluff, just the essentials. In this episode you’ll discover: The definition of marketing Marketing vs advertising Advertising vs. marketing The four Ps For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/255

We all know that the freelancing world is thrilling, fulfilling, and at times, let's be real, a bit terrifying. One of the most daunting parts of freelancing (and one that I've grappled with myself) is cash flow management. In today's episode, we're diving deep into this crucial topic. The one thing I want you to take away from this episode is how to skillfully manage your cash flow so you never have to see your bank balance hit zero. I'm sure you've heard this saying before: "Businesses don't fail, they simply run out of money". This isn't just some platitude, it's backed up by data. A study cited by Business Insider tells us that 82% of small businesses (freelancers included) fail because of cash flow issues. That's right - they ran out of money. That's why today's episode is so crucial. As someone who's seen my income swing wildly from one month to the next (like when I made $20,000 in January 2015, then just $1,200 in February 2015), I've learned first-hand the stress of getting this wrong. You might be thinking, "But Brian, I'm just a freelancer. I don't have a big business with tons of employees and overheads. Do I really need to worry about cash flow?" The answer is a resounding YES. It doesn't matter if you're a solo freelancer or a big business, managing your cash flow is vital to keeping your business afloat and making sure you're not living paycheck to paycheck. In this episode you’ll discover: The detrimental effect of fluctuating income on a small business Why freelancers need to invoice quickly and accurately Building up a strong cash position to avoid cash flow issues How to avoid your business shutting down Collecting payments for unpaid invoices Why waiting for payments is killing your business Being responsible with credit For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/254

Here's how most freelancers manage their money... Step 1: They check their bank account Step 2: They wonder where all their money went. If that sounds like you, then I want to help you avoid running your business like that. I've taken the time to simplify the budgeting process for you, focusing on creating an easy, actionable system that you can actually use. This episode is short, sweet, and perfect for those who are looking to get a handle on where all your damn money is going. My goal is to help you be more intentional with your money and avoid that dreaded feeling of having your hard-earned cash just disappear. In this episode, I'll teach you how to automate your budgeting process so that you never spend what you don't have. This podcast is specifically tailored for business owners and freelancers, but I believe anyone can benefit from the process I share in this episode. So, whether you're new to the show or a returning listener, I hope you'll join me on this journey back to the basics of budgeting. In this episode you’ll discover: How to budget and plan for your money The pitfalls of not creating a budget Splitting your funds into multiple accounts to ensure your liquidity The limits of your operating expense account Using the Profit First system for your business For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/253

We're continuing our "Back to Basics" series, and in this episode, we're diving into the not-so-exciting world of business banking for freelancers. But before you think about skipping this one, let me tell you why it's a must-listen. As someone who's gone through more than 10 different banks over my freelancing journey, I've learned a thing or two about what it takes to find the right bank for your freelance business. Why is this so important? Well, if you're unhappy with your current bank or just starting your freelance journey, this episode will save you from the frustration and headaches of dealing with subpar banks that just don't meet your needs. Plus, it might even save you from making the same mistakes as "dumb Brian" (that's me!). So, if you're ready to learn how to choose the right bank for your freelance business and avoid those dreaded deal-breakers, give this episode a listen. I promise to keep it short, sweet, and to the point – even for those of you who think you couldn't care less about banking. You might just be surprised by how much this knowledge can impact your journey toward a happier, healthier, and more profitable freelance business. In this episode you’ll discover: Why to avoid big banks and local banks What to look for in a business bank account Fees to avoid on your next bank account The importance of creating a separate business account Set up your bank account today! For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/252

If you've ever wondered whether you should operate as a sole proprietor or form an LLC, this episode is just for you! We'll dive into my own personal journey, why I avoided LLCs for so long, and ultimately, how you can make the best decision for your freelance business. Now, I want to point out that this discussion is specifically for US-based freelancers. I wish I could cover every business entity in every country, but my knowledge is limited to what's available in the US. So, if you're based elsewhere, I apologize, and I hope you still find value in the conversation. In this episode, we'll explore the key differences between a sole proprietor and an LLC, and how they can sometimes look and feel the same. I'll also share some recent insights I've gained to help you make a more informed decision for your business. I truly believe that this episode will provide you with a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of both sole proprietorships and LLCs, ultimately helping you choose the best path for your freelance business. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's dive into this (not so) exciting topic together! In this episode you’ll discover: Which business structures to consider for your business The advantages of running an LLC How to set up your LLC For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/251