Are you an independent, or thinking of becoming one? In this 17-minute podcast, I share some of the lessons I’ve learned over the last 20 years as a sole proprietor. Whether you’re a writer, PR practitioner, graphic designer or just about any kind of freelancer, I think you may pick up some tips here. Of course I’d love to hear your suggestions. Please comment below.
Please listen and let me know what you think! You can download the show right here or subscribe through iTunes. You can also listen on the Trafcom News Podcast blog by clicking on the Blubrry player on the right part of the screen, where it says "Listen now."
Here are the show notes:
Comment line: 212-624-0209
00:01 Intro and welcome
00:55 How this show came about: I get lots of calls for advice from independents and would-be independents
01:45 Skills in your work (writing, designing, etc.) do not equal skills as a business person
02:19 Network and build relationships
03:42 Know what value you add, and be able to communicate that value (unique selling proposition)
04:38 Carve a niche and make it part of your brand
04:55 Diversify your client base; tip from Sue Horner of Get it Write
05:55 Create a team so that you can take on projects bigger than you
06:55 Delegate or contract out what you don’t do well or don’t want to do
07:47 Get organized; tip from Sue Masterson of Master & Associates, Consultants, Inc.
08:30 Keep your name in front of people
08:48 Ask for help when you need it; find a mentor; tip from Craig Fairley of Imagine Creative; his mentor is Wendy Marlow of The Art of Marketing
10:05 Don’t neglect the business details: invoicing, taxes and other evils
10:38 Get a line of credit from your bank or credit union before you need it
11:01 Invest in the right trappings (high-speed Internet, business cards, etc.)
12:35 Use social media (blogging, podcasting, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)
13:35 Givers gain
14:18 Always be learning
14:56 Invitation to my Webinar: Friday, February 20, 2009, 2 p.m. Eastern, Using new media to make the most of your event; email me at Donna AT Trafcom DOT com for login instructions
16:00 Promo for Podcamp Toronto from Peter O’Connell
17:00 Where to send comments: email to Donna AT Trafcom DOT com, call the comment line at 212-624-0209 or post a message to the Trafcom News Podcast blog
Look for the Trafcom News Podcast on Blubrry.com
Theme music is "Beneath Your Surface" by the Elisabeth Lohninger Quartet from the Podsafe Music Network
