Tag Archives: freelancer

[A year in review] My top resources for success, happiness, and making progress

0 comments Business development, Creativity

It’s hard to talk about this time of year without resorting to platitudes or clichés, but this time of year lends itself SO well to reflection, setting intentions, and declaring new goals that I couldn’t not share a few thoughts with you at this time. Not unlike every other year I’ve been on this planet, 2017 delivered some hard-won lessons on life, love, parenting, and generally being a decent human being looking to add, rather than take value from this…

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How to change your relationship to time (and get more done with less!)

0 comments Business development, Productivity

Ever since I had kids, I’ve found myself saying one of the following way too much: Hurry up I don’t have time I’m too busy Let’s go!!!! Sounds fun, right? Always feeling like you’re running against a clock isn’t fun. Projecting that onto little people feels even worse. And being the personal development junkie that I am, I started reading up on time to see if I couldn’t get to the bottom of how it works, and more importantly, how…

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4 ways to create opportunities that generate new business

2 comments Business development

One of the biggest myths that exists in the creative industry is: If the work is good enough it will speak for itself As nice as sounds, that line of thinking has stopped many a profitable creative career or business in its tracks. Of course, I get the appeal of being “discovered”, but the reality is, if you want to work with great clients, make great money, and create a positive impact (you do, right?), you need to intentionally create…

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What successful creatives know and do differently

0 comments Business development

Over the course of a 20-year career working with creative professionals and business owners, I’ve learned there are two things you gorgeous people absolutely need to feel fulfilled and successful: Doing work that has meaning, with clients who share your values and pay what you’re worth Building a business or career that supports the life you want for yourself and your family Does that sound about right? I’ve yet to meet a creative who doesn’t want these things, but I’ve…

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Is your vague message and presentation costing you clients?

0 comments Business development

In my days as an agent for art directors, copywriters, graphic designers and illustrators, I would get a lead on a new project and get to work calling in portfolios (I know, old school!) from all great independent creative talent I worked with. Some portfolios came in great shape, ready to go and a win the job, while others didn’t do justice to the creative mind and hand behind it. I’d been in the offices of creative directors who were…

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3 powerful reasons to write your brand story

0 comments Branding

The other day I watched a Baby Tylenol commercial that moved me to tears (I know, I’m a pretty easy target!). You see, the ad’s hero was a baby with an ear infection and while his mum tried everything to comfort her little one, the only thing that finally brought everyone some relief was Baby Tylenol. Now who do you think has a baby who recently had an ear infection? That’s right, me! Those clever ad people know that if…

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How to use the power of intention to get the results you want

1 comment Business development, Creativity

When I was an agent for independent creatives, my job was to find great projects, write and negotiate proposals, and facilitate the project from beginning to end ensuring the creative and client felt heard, supported and delighted with the outcome. Simple right? I won’t claim every project was a raging success, but I will say my 15+ year career was characterized by WAY more, happy, repeat clients, than unsatisfied one-offs. While there were lots of factors at play – from…

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6 ways to break the feast or famine cycle + fill your pipeline with ideal prospects

0 comments Business development, Marketing

Whether you’ve been working for yourself for years, or are just transitioning into freelancing or starting your own business, one of the biggest challenges creative entrepreneurs tell me they face is dealing fluctuations in work and income.  One month you’re flush, the next you’re anxiously wondering where the next project is coming from.  And so the cycle continues. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to manage work and income flow, allowing you to channel your focus and…

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5 ways to identify your purpose and unique talent

0 comments Business development

How many of you ‘get’ the concept of finding your passion and building a business around it, but are struggling to make it happen? I get it.  Being told to find your passion is like being told to cheer up when you’re feeling depressed. Not only is it not helpful, it’s counter-productive because it just makes you feel even more disconnected from your inner gifts.   Wherever you are on the spectrum of finding purpose and meaning through your creative…

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5 ways to build a brand without being an extrovert, tastemaker, or influencer

0 comments Business development

Have you ever scrolled through your Instagram (or whatever) feed, marveling at everyone else’s apparent ability to share their perfectly curated thoughts and opinions on a daily basis? It’s easy to believe the world is full of cool, connected extroverts, for whom building a personal brand is as easy as falling of a log, right? So what’s an introvert, who’s JUST as committed to building their brand, to do? Start by knowing you’re in good company.  Some of the most…

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