You know it’s important to save money. For retirement. For unexpected big expenses. And — especially as a freelancer — if you end up in a prolonged dry spell with no client work. Even though we all know that we should be saving, few people do. In fact, 62% of Americans have no money on hand for emergencies. It’s bad. Really…
The other day I was listening to one of my favorite podcasters talk about some of the differences between podcasting and hosting a traditional radio show. He was almost giddy at the fact that he was, as he put it, “un-cancelable”. No one, but his listeners, could put him off the (virtual) airwaves. And even…
This week I’m joined by Dennis Field, who — like me — has struggled with burnout. Who am I kidding though? This affects ALL of us. Late nights, weekends, and being “on call” for your clients can cause you to regret ever starting your own freelancing business. Dennis’ website How to Fight Burnout as a…
On Monday, I did something I’ve never done before. I (virtually) spoke in front of 390 people. Had you known me just a few years ago, you’d know just how big of a deal this was for me. I would have been terrified. I’ve always struggled with self-confidence. As a kid, my lack of confidence came…
Sooner or later, we all want to give up. A few of us act on it and go back to the relative comfort of a “show up and get paid” full-time job, or in more extreme examples give up technology and computers altogether and get into carpentry or even farming (no joke — I know a…
This week I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Sherry Walling, a clinical psychologist and counselor and the wife of Rob Walling. Sherry gave a fantastic talk at MicroConf last year on ways that entrepreneurs can manage their own anxiety, and I wanted to bring her on to discuss how you can make sure…
We’re all subject to doubt. Whether it’s asking Lindsey W. to the senior prom or preparing for our first marathon, self-doubt is a staple of the human experience. But when we face doubt within the context of our business, the implications become a bit more… severe. I can avoid going to prom and I might…
I want to talk today about fear. A few weeks ago, I began planning how I’d release my newest product, the Freelancers Guild. And even though I’ve sold millions of dollars of consulting services and hundreds of thousands of products, I was still gripped by the fact that I’d be asking people to pay me…
“I’m not enjoying freelancing. It was supposed to be this amazing blend of great money and freedom, but I find myself stressed, bored, or overworked. I’m either chasing down invoices, hustling after new work, or discouraged at yet another wordpress install.” – most freelancers at some point There are many highs of freelancing: big paychecks,…
Have you ever wondered what traits separate exceptional freelancers from the average? You know — people who charge huge rates, work on incredible projects, and just seem to be kicking ass with everything they do? When I was at LessConf, I heard a talk from Jason Blumer (disclaimer: he’s my CPA.) Jason talked about 20 things…