Podcast

[Coaching: Brad #16] Successful New Client Meeting, Setting Clear Expectations + Dealing With Overwhelm

By Zach Swinehart

Coaching series: Can Zach get this beginner freelancer (Brad) to a 6-figure income ($8,333/mo) within 6 months?

Follow their journey through the ups and downs and watch them grow!

Milestones from today’s episode:

  • Brad’s successful meeting with a potential client for an affiliate manager role
  • Realizing the importance of choosing clients with a minimum monthly income to ensure worthwhile ROI
  • Focus on a simple action plan while working through the overwhelm

Coaching highlights from today’s episode:

  • Concentrate on actionable steps and not obsess over outcomes beyond your control
  • Set clear expectations with clients regarding ROI and project timelines
  • Focus on manageable tasks and self-care during challenging times

Original coaching call recording date: 10/20/2023


Want to get one-on-one coaching from Zach?

The DYF Accelerator community includes weekly live 20-minute one-on-one Zoom coaching with Zach that follows the same format as you saw here.

You’ll also get access to our huge library of all past coaching calls, along with a text-based community and weekly accountability check-ins.

Click here to learn more »


AI-Generated Summary:

  • 0:00 – 2:00 — Zach introduces the “six months to six figures” series of the Double Your Freelancing podcast, aiming to help freelancer Brad reach a six-figure annual income.
  • 2:00 – 4:00 — Zach outlines the coaching format, mentioning weekly one-on-one video chats similar to the accelerator community, inviting listeners to join.
  • 4:00 – 6:00 — Brad discusses a successful meeting with a potential client for an affiliate manager role at a well-known cybersecurity plugin company, expressing excitement about applying his new skills.
  • 6:00 – 8:00 — Despite the positive development, Brad shares his concerns about not hearing back after a background check and his struggles with depression affecting his ability to work.
  • 8:00 – 10:00 — Zach suggests Brad might feel secure to start work based on email confirmation, advises on managing finances and client relationships, emphasizing the importance of ending previous engagements positively.
  • 10:00 – 12:00 — Zach advises Brad on how to follow up with the potential client, suggesting framing it in a way that shows he’s in demand and to inquire about the status of the background check.
  • 12:00 – 14:00 — Brad acknowledges the need to follow up and realizes today marks the first business day since the background check submission, while Zach empathizes with Brad’s feelings of deflation and avoidance.
  • 14:00 – 16:00 — Brad mentions feeling a bit out of his depressive state and has been productive by earning certifications on an affiliate marketing platform, despite feeling he’s underperforming.
  • 16:00 – 18:00 — Brad expresses concern over his client relationships often ending after about three months and seeks advice on handling job commitments and personal finance in freelancing.
  • 18:00 – 20:00 — Zach discusses the importance of demonstrating value quickly to clients and differentiates between various types of work engagements, emphasizing the need for clear ROI in Brad’s services.
  • 20:00 – 22:00 — Zach explains the challenges of being a freelancer with a full-time commitment to a single client, limiting the ability to take on concurrent projects.
  • 22:00 – 24:00 — Zach discusses the real hourly rate after considering taxes and additional responsibilities of freelancers, questioning the sustainability of Brad’s current freelance model.
  • 24:00 – 26:00 — Brad considers the potential for subcontracting and automation in his work to enhance efficiency and discusses the idea of a performance-based, productized service offering.
  • 26:00 – 28:00 — Zach highlights the importance of proving ROI to clients, encouraging Brad to dive into work and start generating results as soon as possible.
  • 28:00 – 30:00 — Brad expresses a desire for clear successes and the importance of client selection in achieving significant results, with a focus on targeting companies that could offer substantial business growth.
  • 30:00 – 32:00 — Brad reflects on the value of posting in a paid business mastermind group versus Upwork, leading to better opportunities.
  • 32:00 – 34:00 — Zach emphasizes focusing on actionable steps and avoiding obsessing over outcomes, suggesting Brad establish clear KPIs for success.
  • 34:00 – 36:00 — Brad and Zach discuss setting expectations with clients and the importance of having a plan for achieving ROI.
  • 36:00 – 38:00 — Zach outlines a simple action plan for Brad, focusing on essential tasks to avoid overwhelm.
  • 38:00 – 40:00 — Discussion on the misconception of being paid for tasks rather than results, highlighting the importance of delivering ROI.
  • 40:00 – 42:00 — Brad acknowledges the challenge of shifting from a task-oriented mindset to focusing on delivering tangible results.
  • 42:00 – 44:31 — Zach offers empathy and encouragement, advising Brad to focus on controllable actions and self-care during stressful times.