Trafcom News Podcast 81: Thriving as an independent

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

Comments

[Sue Horner]

Donna, thanks for including my link! Like you, I often get requests for a chat over coffee to share my "wisdom." I'll be sure to point them to your podcast as well!
Sue

[Donna Papacosta]

Sue, thanks for your "wisdom" and for commenting here. In the future we'll have to do a podcast together about the associations we've belonged to and volunteered with over the years!

[Judy Snyder]

Hi Donna,
This podcast is very informative for those starting out as well as those who have been around for awhile; good reminders on networking in particular.

I listened with interest to the "project manager" comments revolving around being one source for your clients to have the whole project completed. As someone's business expands, it's important to have a reliable supplier network in place that you can draw on. Part of that reliability is based on mutual respect and prompt payment. I don't know how many times I've been thanked for paying subcontractors on time (within 30 days), as apparently this is not the norm. They count on me and I can count on them in return --- fundamental to running a successful business!

And one final note: when you take this route, sometimes you'll need icewater in your veins. It's not easy and there are obstacles, especially in a declining economy. If you keep working at it in all the ways discussed in the podcast, it's very likely things will fall into place.

[Connie Crosby]

What a great episode, Donna! Thank you for putting these thoughts on going independent together. I have been passing around a link to the episode, and others have said they find it helpful.

Well done.
Connie

[Donna Papacosta]

Thanks, Judy. Very good points about payments and icewater!

Connie, thanks for commenting and passing around the link.