The difference between playing in the garage and playing in an arena is one of finding your audience. Sure, you can stay in your garage and have your mom tell you you're great, or you can get out in front of a crowd and find out what they like.  On today's episode, Brent Weaver of uGurus.com explains how a creative freelancer can apply this insight to freelancing, by getting out there and finding the right clients for you, sharing the same strategies that have helped hundreds of consultants get ahead with with host Kyle Carpenter. Check it out! Today's links:   https://ugurus.com https://ownyourmarket.com email brent@ugurus.com for the Field Guide! Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

From garage band to concert hall for creatives: Brent Weaver on freelancing in the Deep End

The difference between a "freelancer" and a "consultant" is very fine. In many ways, it's just a shift in philosophy, but it can yield great dividends because clients view the two very differently.  On today's episode, host Kyle Carpenter talks with Michael Zipursky of Consulting Success, who has been coaching agencies and solopreneurs to building the consulting businesses they want for over a decade. He shares his steps for becoming a successful consultant, and they key difference in approach that separates one from a freelancer!  Want to get more advice from Michael? He's giving away his book for free at his website. See the links for more details!  Today's links:   https://www.consultingsuccess.com https://www.consultingsuccess.com/act-now-consulting-book Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Graduate from freelance to consultant with Michael Zipursky of consultingsuccess.com

Working from home is the new reality, and with it comes a very, VERY sedentary lifestyle. Without having to leave your house to do anything, it's easy to fall out of fitness and into new health problems. Personal trainer Adam Bradley works with artists and creative workers one-on-one, offering personal consultations about how to keep in shape in ways that work for you. In today's episode offers host Kyle Carpenter some tips about how to stay healthy while working from home, and his philosophy of why exercise shouldn't be a shame-based chore.  Today's links:   https://www.adambradleytrainer.com Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Never stop starting: Personal Trainer Adam Bradley on how Creatives can stay healthy

Whether you're a designer, a programmer, an illustrator, or a writer, if you work for yourself you are on some level a project manager. It can be a full-time job keeping yourself in a full-time job, and chances are you're wasting time and losing money in ways you haven't even noticed yet. But don't worry - Marcel Petitpas of Parakeeto makes a living by helping agencies and solopreneurs make the most out of their jobs, and he shares his strategies for effective project management with host Kyle Carpenter this week!  Topics include how to track time EFFECTIVELY, strategies for keeping your clients on track, and how to price so you don't lose money with every new project!  Today's links:   https://parakeeto.com https://parakeeto.com/blog/category/the-agency-profit-podcast/ https://twitter.com/Parakeeto https://www.instagram.com/getparakeeto hhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18166538/ Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Manage yourself, make money: Marcel Petitpas on project management for freelancers!

For many of us, crowdfunding holds a certain magical allure. It's the silver bullet, the golden ticket, the decision that can change EVERYTHING... IF we can get it together to finally put together that dream project. For Nalin Chuapetcharasopon, crowdfunding is a part of every day. That's because she runs Crush Crowdfunding, a consultancy that helps businesses succeed on platforms like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo. She talks with host Kyle Carpenter about why freelancers absolutely SHOULD be thinking about how to get a product crowdfunded - and why it's not as easy as you might think. Topics include: early adopters, crowdfunding strategy, and how to start building crowdfunding buzz BEFORE you debut!  Today's links:   https://crushcrowdfunding.com/ https://twitter.com/crushcrowdfund https://www.instagram.com/crushcrowdfunding/ Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.      

How creatives can crush crowdfunding: Nalin of Crush Crowdfunding

If you've ever written a detailed, thoughtful proposal only to have a client glance at it and reject it right away, you know that having to describe the work you do EVERY TIME you do it is exhausting.  Kai Davis solved this problem by turning his services into products with set prices! In today's episode talks with Kyle about the advantages of this approach, how to get started with it, and how to use it to make more money on the same amount of work! Today's links:   https://kaidavis.com/ https://productizedoffer.com Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.  

Order ON the menu: Kai Davis on how to productize service for better pay

We're all going through A LOT right now, and it's not always easy to stay on track with your business, or even your creative practice. In this week's episode, host Kyle Carpenter speaks with illustrator and designer Ben Lee about what creative life looks like during the pandemic, and even what it means to be creative when the world is, you know, basically on fire. It's a frank and kind conversation that grapples with topics we're all facing, in one way or another!  Today's links:   http://yellowrant.com https://twitter.com/blee412 https://www.instagram.com/yellowrant/ Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.  

DO Worry, Be Happy: Ben Lee on maintaining a creative business in pandemic

Alison Grade wrote The Freelance Bible because she saw her students develop skills in their field and then take their first, tentative steps towards running their own business... and not know what to do. At all. One of the key problems for new freelancers and anyone having to pivot because of COVID-19 is not recognizing that the SOFT skills they have - i.e. the ones you didn't go to school for - are sometimes even more important than those you actually trained for. She walks Kyle through her process for finding out what your business direction should be!  Today's links:   Alison Grade https://twitter.com/Alison https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-grade-b172  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0241399483/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie= Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.  

Hard sell your soft skills: Alison Grade of The Freelance Bible

If you're in the habit of combing job postings, you might have come across your dream job, got excited, applied and then... didn't hear back. Nothing. Not one peep. Even though you know in your heart you were the perfect fit for that job, and it was perfect for you! The solution to this all too common experience isn't a "killer cover letter." It's showing clients that you're the right fit for the job BEFORE it even goes to the posting. That means being proactive, and making relationships with clients before they even know they need you. Return guest Ami Sanyal of The Uncommoners Club walks Kyle through his surefire method for forming relationships with clients and making them your mentors in order to get the jobs you want. If you've never listened to the Clients From Hell podcast before, listen to this one: it could change your career!  Today's links:   https://megcumby.com https://twitter.com/AmiSanyal https://www.facebook.com/groups/cpyvr Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.  

Ami Sanyal on how to get your dream gig through your dream mentor

You can be great at what you do, but if you can't convince your clients that you are, you're not going to get the jobs you want. That's why getting outstanding testimonials is so important to a freelance business! Testimonial consultant Meg Cumby joins Kyle to discuss the key to getting FANTASTIC testimonials from your clients. HINT: it involves picking up the phone! Today's links:   https://megcumby.com https://twitter.com/megcumby https://megcumby.com/questions Check out the book Meg wrote with Kai Davis! https://getclienttestimonials.com Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Want great clients? Get social proof! Meg Cumby on the art of client testimonials

It's easy to get bogged down in feelings of anxiety and sadness right now, which makes it a perfect time to look outside and see what you can do for others. That's freelance mentor extraordinaire Alison K's strategy, and she tells Kyle how she's been checking in on her clients for their sake and hers, and how she's using this as an opportunity to work on her business in the ways that she can manage. It's an inspiring talk with actionable strategies about how to continue to grow when it feels like you should just huddle up. Don't miss out!  Today's links:   https://alisonkconsulting.com https://twitter.com/alisonk_consult  https://clientsfromhell.tumblr.com/post/183898975493/how-to-find-your-helen-alison-knott-and https://easel.ly Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Why now is the time to help: Alison K's guide to freelancing in COVID-19

COVID-19 has changed EVERYTHING, including the landscape of freelance work in the world. A team of Clients From Hell All Stars (host Kyle Carpenter, former host Bryce Bladon and site owner, Vernon Southward) meet to take stock of what it means to freelance now, how they're thinking about this new reality, offer actionable strategies for what you could be doing with any extra free time you might have, and what the future might bring.  These are strange times, but you're not experiencing them alone.  Today's links:   https://brycebladon.com https://twitter.com/brycebladon https://easel.ly Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

What to do RIGHT NOW: Bryce Bladon and Vernon Southward on freelancing in the COVID crisis

We all want to change the world, don't we? We'd like to leave things better than they were without us, but it's so hard to work full-time and still have energy left for "causes." That is, of course, unless you make your causes your job. Michael Fraser of Grantcrafty started as a freelance grantwriter for non-profits and now runs a small business, searching out funding opportunities for great causes and providing copy and marketing solutions for them too. He talks with Kyle about how he became an "entrepreneur" (he's uncomfortable with the term) and how he managed to make a successful business out of his values and his community Today's links:   https://www.grantcrafty.com Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Do good, get paid: Michael Fraser of Grantcrafty on community and values-based business

You have to suffer for your art. If you truly care about something, you'd do it for free. Great artists aren't recognized in their lifetimes. We've all heard these ideas, and internalized them to some extent. Duane Jones fights back against them with his clothing and lifestyle brand, Art Pays Me, reminding everyone that what you do, and who you are, has value. It takes courage to turn creativity into a business, and he talks with Kyle Carpenter about why the world will be a better place if more people can get paid for their art. It's a great and illuminating talk about how to change your mindset towards being the kind of artist who gets paid. Tune in for the REAL difference between art and craft (and believe us - it's the best definition you've ever heard).  Today's links:   https://artpaysme.com https://twitter.com/artpaysme https://www.instagram.com/artpaysme/ Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Overcome the starving artist within: Duane Jones of Art Pays Me

The great thing about remote work is you can travel while doing it. Of course, we all know we CAN, but how many of us actually pull up stakes and do it? Lynette Adams is a freelance writer and editor who recently wrote an article for The New York Times on housesitting, and how you can build a life for yourself trotting the globe. SPOILERS: it's a lot like freelancing! She and Kyle talk how to build a reputation as a reliable housesitter, what it teaches about client relations, the unexpected benefit of a negative review and most importantly, what it would take for YOU to get up and move across the globe for a few months!  Today's links:    https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/06/travel/house-sitting-for-beginners.html https://easel.ly/infographicdesign Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Freelancing around the world: Lynette Adams on house-sitting and work!

Life is full of changes. One moment you can be a freelancer, the next you can be working full-time for one of the most exciting blockchain projects in the world, and then a freelancer again! ...Okay, that's pretty specific. But that's exactly the journey Bryce Bladon has taken over the last few years, and he joins old friend Kyle Carpenter to discuss his return to the freelance fold, the strategies he's used to hit the ground running, and why knowing yourself is the most important thing you can do for your career.  Today's links:   https://twitter.com/brycebladon http://brycebladon.com https://easel.ly/infographicdesign Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

From full-time to freelance, again! The return of Bryce Bladon!

Making movies is hard. You need to be a combination director, camera person, sound designer, project manager and so much more. To do it successfully, you need to be disciplined with your time and your efforts.  Wes Anthony of Firehouse Creative has been making film and video projects for a diverse set of clients for years now, and he chatted with host Kyle Carpenter about a recent gig that tested his skills and what it took to make his company a success. Topics include remote work, pricing strategies, client communication and more; this is a treasure trove of an episode with great advice for anybody working in creative fields!  Today's links:   https://www.wearethefirehouse.com https://twitter.com/firehouse_ca https://easel.ly/infographicdesign Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

How to make movies, freelance style: Wes Anthony of Firehouse Creative

It will, if we start taking the right steps NOW. Adam Roach and Anya Switzer started LANCE, a freelancing solutions network in Canada in order to start pushing back against the race to the bottom clients want for their freelance employees. They share with Kyle their assessment of the problems freelancers face today and will face tomorrow, how they're trying to get in front of them, and what you can do to make sure that your freelance career remains flexible and lucrative.  Today's links:   https://www.facebook.com/wearelance/ https://lance.work https://www.instagram.com/creative_diffrences/ https://easel.ly/infographicdesign https://vimeo.com/375153590 Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

The future of freelance is freelance, but will that future work for freelancers?

It's a familiar feeling. You overpromised a client on deliverables and got overwhelmed with work, or family stuff came up, or you hit a wall in the project that you just couldn't overcome. You put it off for a day, then two days, then a week... All of a sudden you're way overdue and you haven't talked to the client in that entire time. Clearly they're furious with you, fuming behind your back. Or are they? Mike Tanner talks with Kyle Carpenter about the ways we create imaginary relationships with our clients, especially since freelancers don't usually get to talk to them one on one on a regular basis. It's never as bad as you think, for real. Find out how forgiveness is the way to move forward!  Let us know on twitter @clientsfh - do you create imaginary relationships with your clients? Or are you strictly business, with nothing personal riding on your performance? How did you arrive where you are?   Today's links:   https://twitter.com/oneredcatmedia http://oneredcat.com https://easel.ly/infographicdesign Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Freelance Forgiveness: Mike Tanner and the relationships in our heads

It's the middle of winter, and a massive tree just crashed down on your house. What do you do?  It happened to Cami Travis-Groves, and she knows she did exactly the right thing. She expressed gratitude that nobody was hurt and move on. She brings that attitude to her working life as a designer and as a coach for freelancers, and she shares her tips for how to rise to every occasion and why "work/life balance" is, in her eyes, totally bogus.  As a bonus, listen to host Kyle Carpenter pitch her (unsuccessfully) on why sarcastic positivity can be really helpful for some people!    Today's links:   http://www.camiimac.com https://twitter.com/imaccami https://easel.ly/infographicdesign Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

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