Here’s what you missed if you didn’t join us live for the freelancing special of the Informi Talking Small Business lunchtime webinar, where Sophie Cross and Will Blower interviewed Being Freelance founder Steve Folland.
Introducing Steve Folland
Steve is an award-winning podcast host, freelance podcast editor, video creator and community legend. His podcast, Being Freelance, is ten years old this year and has clocked up 333 episodes, in which Steve interviews different freelancers from all around the world. Steve also runs the Being Freelance community and co-hosts the Doing It For the Kids podcast.
Webinar overview
In this episode of the Informi Talking Small Business webinar, hosts Sophie Cross and Will Blower talk with award-winning Steve Folland about the journey of freelancing, the balance between work and family life, the importance of networking, and the value of reflecting on your achievements.
Steve shares his advice on building and being part of a community, finding freelance clients and opportunities, and creating content that resonates with audiences. They also cover the significance of growing relationships in business and the evolving nature of freelancing.
In the last part of the webinar, the three chat about the dynamics of working with other small businesses, the importance of creative control through content creation, and the need for adaptability in tools and software. They explore time management strategies for freelancers, effective content promotion, innovative marketing strategies, the importance of repetition in marketing and finding one’s voice while overcoming self-doubt.
19 key takeaways from Steve Folland
- Balancing family life with freelancing can be challenging but rewarding, and in some ways, it can help you get more organised, as you know you have limited pockets of time to work.
- Freelancing can be a great option for parents to be able to work from home and have flexibility with their working hours.
- Networking is essential for building relationships and finding clients. Find local business groups to connect with and communities with like-minded people.
- Working with small businesses allows for quicker decision-making.
- Those new to freelancing shouldn’t think of themselves as having no experience and should leverage their existing skills and qualifications.
- Running your own freelance business allows for creative freedom when you are working on your own projects and marketing.
- Engaging with and listening to the communities you’re part of can lead to innovative marketing ideas.
- Creating personal content serves as a portfolio and keeps creativity alive.
- Promoting content requires a structured approach and creativity.
- Make sure you repurpose content across multiple platforms.
- Engagement on social media may not reflect the true value of content. Your content might not be the type that attracts lots of likes, but it’s important to keep the channels you’re using looking good and up to date.
- Building a reputation takes time and consistent effort.
- Overcoming self-doubt is a common challenge for content creators.
- Finding your voice is essential for authentic communication.
- Your friends are not your target market; focus on your audience.
- Entering awards can provide validation and also encourages reflection on achievements.
- Building a reputation takes time and consistent effort.
- Adapting to new software can enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Don’t just keep using the same software because that’s what you’ve always used. Check out and talk to peers about other options.
- Time blocking can help manage multiple client and personal projects effectively.
Watch the whole webinar back…
Connect with us…
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn
Connect with Sophie on LinkedIn
Don’t miss the next Talking Small Business webinar…
On Thursday 3 April, 1-2pm, LinkedIn guru Gus Bhandal will be joining Sophie and Will to chat about…
- Why there’s so much opportunity to be gained from using LinkedIn
- Go from lurker to leader – how to stop the scroll and get involved
- How to use storytelling to become an engaging content creator
- What the FAST Approach is in social selling
- How to build consistency
- How to find your tribe and ideal clients
Gus Bhandal is a LinkedIn trainer for business owners and corporate teams and has a LinkedIn-focused membership for freelancers, sole traders, and small business owners called The Squeeze.
Learn from Gus’ expertise in LinkedIn, marketing and business as he generously shares his knowledge with you so you can grow your personal brand or business on LinkedIn.
