Out of Office Podcast
Fiona Thomas
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The podcast for people who want to go freelance or are already doing it. Hosted by freelance writer and author of 'Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss' - Fiona Thomas.
Whether you're starting a side hustle or looking for a career change, tune in to learn how to make self-employment work for you.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Nov 17, 2021
Pricing and chronic illness with Ruth Poundwhite
Now anyone who has read Out of Office will know that I’ve written about how to raise your prices, I have successfully raised my prices repeatedly throughout the years but this year it’s felt much harder and I was trying to unpick why that might be and I realised that being diagnosed with a chronic illness has had a major impact on my confidence as a business owner.
Today I'm talking to Ruth Poundwhite about the work she does with clients around pricing and chronic illness as well as her own personal experience.
Learn more about Ruth Poundwhite
Follow Fiona Thomas on Instagram
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Nov 10, 2021
Patriarchy stress disorder with Dr Valerie Rein
All of the hard work, success, and achievement aren’t actually satisfying...You know you’re here for more.
You might have tried therapy, coaching, self-help books, retreats, and personal development programs... You’ve made progress. But you’re still not where you want
to be.
You’ve got tons of insight… but the way you FEEL doesn’t change at the core.
Leaving you wondering: What’s wrong with me? And the Answer is — Nothing.
You’re brilliant. If you could have figured it out — you would have figured it out long ago. The problem is misdiagnosed.
It’s not you, It’s Patriarchy Stress Disorder ( PSD ).
Learn more about Dr Valerie Rein
Patriarchy Stress Disorder: The Invisible Inner Barrier to Women's Happiness and Fulfillment - Buy now
Follow Dr Valerie on Instagram
Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss - Buy now
Follow Fiona Thomas on Instagram
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Oct 13, 2021
Follow your passions with Alison Powell from Write Club
Alison Powell is a freelance writer and creativity coach. She facilitates workshops and courses as part of Write Club, which I've taken part in recently and found invaluable as I write the first draft of my novel.
In this episode we talk about:
* Why building a club for writers is important to Alison
* Why she pivoted from working for IBM to teaching English to facilitate workshops
* Alison's secret mission 🤫
Learn more about Write Club
Sign up for my writing workshop: Stop Procrastinating, Start Writing
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Oct 5, 2021
Therapy is magic with Jo Love
EDIT: Jo's book will now be published on Nov 4th 2021
Let me introduce you to Jo Love. She is a Trainee Psychotherapist, award-winning Mental Health Advocate, Artist and Author of Therapy is… Magic.
In this episode we cover:
* Jo’s squiggly career journey from lawyer to business owner to trainee psychotherapist
* Why self-employment isn’t always the key to a healthy relationship with work
* What therapy really is (and isn’t)
* Things to consider when you think about getting therapy
Follow Jo on Instagram
Fiona’s books
Get free journal prompts here:
https://fionalikestoblog.com/resources/
About Therapy is Magic:
In this part memoir, part mental health resource and how-to guide, Jo Love throws opens the door of her therapist’s office and shines a light on what exactly goes on in the therapy room.
With the help of experts, including her very own therapist, Jo opens a rare window into the real world of therapy, unpicking the magical powers that enabled her to re-find her own voice, restored her resilience through the cloudiest days and ultimately saved her from her own mind.
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Sep 15, 2021
Mental health at work with Lorna Scully from Digital Discussions Unflitered
In this episode we cover
* How I discovered I wanted to be a writer
* My journey through employment and how it all, abruptly came to a halt
* Facing challenges with confidence and overcoming external expectations set on us by society
* How social media has helped me create a community and build real human connections
* The impact of talking openly about mental health
Find out more about Lorna here
Fiona's links are here.
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Sep 8, 2021
Make money blogging with Jenna Farmer AKA The Bloglancer
This week Jenna from The Bloglancer is sharing 5 steps to make money from your blog. This episode is perfect for anyone who has a blog as a hobby and is wondering how to monetise. Jenna shares her mindset tips, a simple way to make money as an affiliate and how to optimise your blog to work with brands.
Follow Jenna on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennafarmeruksocial
Sign up for Jenna’s free blogging newsletter:
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5ec3f91b13c6b500267d8493
Blogging course sign-up:
https://jenna-s-school-f673.thinkific.com/courses/thebloglancer
Fiona’s links: https://fionalikestoblog.com/click-me/
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Aug 25, 2021
Self-promotion tips for when you're feeling low
Oh lordy it's been a bad spell for me and my mental health. But a girl gotta eat. And pay the mortgage. So we continue to self-promote. Here are my tips on how to make it work when you don't feel good about self-promotion.
For mental health support call 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258
Learn more about Inspire Write Repeat here.
Buy Out of Office
Follow me on Instagram
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Aug 18, 2021
Strategies for dealing with imposter syndrome
Do you ever feel like you're an imposter waiting to be found out? Like all your successes are just good timing? That you've got no right to be thinking about running a business?
Today I'm sharing how I cope with imposter syndrome and push on without letting it get in the way.
Learn more about Inspire Write Repeat here
Follow me on Instagram
Buy Out of Office
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Aug 11, 2021
Are these corporate habits ruining your freelance life?
Corporate hangovers are more common than you think. Here are 5 habits that might be ruining your freelance life.
Sign up to the Inspire Write Repeat waitlist here.
All the other links you need are here.
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Aug 4, 2021
Burnout and boundaries with Jo Hooper
I want to introduce you to Jo Hooper, my freelance pal and mental health mentor. She's an absolute rock and voice of reason when it comes to building a business that supports your wellbeing, and in this conversation, we cover a lot of ground. From my dwindling mental health and corporate hangovers, to why we need to set boundaries to create sustainable careers. Kick back and enjoy our chat and prepare for more mental health check-ins with Jo in the coming months.
Learn more about Jo Hooper.
All my links are here.
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Jul 28, 2021
How to make the leap with Jess Berry from The Coworking Club
In this week’s episode, I’m talking to Jess from the Coworking Club about how to make the leap into freelancing. We discuss:
* Why side hustles are on the rise post-pandemic
* Blogging - is it dead in the water?
* How to manage your mental health when you go solo
* Where to find your first clients
Fiona's links are here
Learn more about The Coworking Club
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Jul 21, 2021
Pitching to publications (Part 2)
Do you dream of seeing your name in print? But not got a clue where to start? The good news is that I've been there and spent years pitching successfully to publications, with my work printed in Grazia, Huffington Post, Happiful and Metro to name a few.
Also, I offer 1-1 mentoring calls as well, where I can run over pitches with you, answer your specific questions in detail and have a good old chinwag about the freelance writer life.
Anyway, here goes - here are your FAQs answered on how to pitch to publications.
Blog post on pitching
All my other links
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Jul 14, 2021
Pitching to publications (Part 1)
Do you dream of seeing your name in print? But not got a clue where to start? The good news is that I've been there and spent years pitching successfully to publications, with my work printed in Grazia, Huffington Post, Happiful and Metro to name a few.
Also, I offer 1-1 mentoring calls as well, where I can run over pitches with you, answer your specific questions in detail and have a good old chinwag about the freelance writer life.
Anyway, here goes - here are your FAQs answered on how to pitch to publications.
Blog post on pitching
All my other links
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Jul 7, 2021
My 3 biggest business fears
I'm all for offering practical advice on the podcast, but sometimes it's just as important to share the reality of running a freelance writing business.
And I have been feeling a lot of fear and anxiety recently, but I haven't let it get on top of me.
Here are my 3 biggest business fears and what I'm doing about them.
All the links you need are here.
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Jun 30, 2021
How to make time for your passion project
Too often, our dreams are put on hold because life gets in the way. We end up binge-watching The Office all weekend or looking after those around us, never make time for our own passion projects.
In this episode, I'm sharing how I have managed to make time for my passion projects over the years. From my first foray into blogging when I was still working in hospitality, to more recently, when I've been laser-focused on writing my first novel.
All the links you need are here.
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Jun 23, 2021
Using IG reels to sell your services
Instagram reels are here to stay, but how can you use them to promote and ultimately sell more of your freelance services? I too was reluctant in the beginning, SO not up for learning dance routines and pointing at floating text. But once I found out how to use reels in my own way, to fit with my own personal brand... it all became much easier AND effective.
All the links you need are here
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Jun 16, 2021
Is it ever OK to work for free?
There's an ongoing joke in the freelancing community that you can't pay your rent/feed your kids with 'exposure'. We all deserve to be paid fairly for our work... but is it ever OK to work for free?
All the links you need are here
Video on how to set your rates
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Jun 8, 2021
How to manage your schedule when you have depression
Freelancing can offer so many positives. But what about when you have depression? How can you factor that into your schedule and make sure you still get work done, keep clients happy and grow your business?
In this episode I share some practical tips that you can implement in your freelance life to manage sadness when it comes.
All links mentioned can be found here.
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Jun 2, 2021
How to overcome self-doubt in business
Do you struggle with confidence? Do you remember all the negative feedback and blatantly ignore the positive? Are you plagued with self-doubt whenever you dare to introduce yourself as a freelancer?
I've been there! This episode takes you through a few practical ways that you can begin to nurture your confidence and banish self-doubt.
From collecting evidence to focusing on your achievements, there are so many ways you can become a more confident freelancer.
Find all the links you need here
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May 26, 2021
How to host an online event
OK this a proper deep dive! I've been hosting regular online events for a year now and have learned so much. In this episode, I talk you through the technical steps to setting up your online event as well as other important things to consider such as promotion, pricing, writing your sales page, picking the right topic and so much more!
Buy my book Out of Office - https://uk.bookshop.org/books/out-of-office-ditch-the-9-5-and-be-your-own-boss/9781789561241
Buy tickets to How To Make Money As a Freelance Writer
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May 19, 2021
Are you financially ready to go freelance?
Ahh the money worries are real! In this episode, I'm sharing some tips that will give you the confidence to make the leap without fearing the financial hardships that come with it.
Buy my book Out of Office - https://uk.bookshop.org/books/out-of-office-ditch-the-9-5-and-be-your-own-boss/9781789561241
Buy tickets to How To Make Money As a Freelance Writer
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May 12, 2021
How I used Instagram to sell out my writing program in 36 hours
Here is the second part of a series that takes you behind the scenes of the marketing strategy that I used to promote my writing program and sell it out in 36 hours!
In this episode, I get into the details of how I created the content, how I spread it evenly over grid posts, reels, stories, and lives. I also explain how I keep track of all my content with a visual aid and what tools I use to schedule the content itself.
Buy my book Out of Office - https://uk.bookshop.org/books/out-of-office-ditch-the-9-5-and-be-your-own-boss/9781789561241
My upcoming event is all about how to make money as a freelance writer. Learn more here
Follow me on Instagram
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May 5, 2021
Sharing the launch strategy for my sold-out writing program
Ola! Welcome to this highly requested two-part podcast all about how I sold out my most recent program launch in less than 36 hours!
In this part, I'll talk through my overall strategy, timescales, who I learned all my tricks from, how I figured out what platforms to use and how I brainstormed general content ideas.
Alice Benham - https://www.alicebenham.co.uk/
Chloe Slade - https://vibeandflow.com/
Maddie Bourne - https://www.madeleinemae.co.uk/
Michelle Gately - https://theunfinishedbookshelf.com/
Jo Hooper - https://madandsadclub.co.uk/
Buy my book Out of Office - https://uk.bookshop.org/books/out-of-office-ditch-the-9-5-and-be-your-own-boss/9781789561241
My upcoming event is all about how to make money as a freelance writer. Learn more here
Watch my live with Lorna Scully about email marketing
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Apr 28, 2021
Growing your online platform
Today I'm sharing tried and tested ways to grow your platform online to boost your freelance business. Grab a notebook and get ready to create content that attracts more clients!
My book Out of Office is out now
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Apr 21, 2021
Using your blog to get more clients
Blogging is what started my freelance career so I felt it only made sense to share my thoughts on how it can help you in your business journey. You can use your blog as a place to talk about subjects that you’re scared to post about on social media as well as a tool to demonstrate your abilities as a freelancer.
If you want to make time for blogging, you might enjoy my new writing program Inspire, Write, Repeat.
My book Out of Office is available now.
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Apr 14, 2021
Falling in love with freelancing again
I've had periods in my life as a freelancer where I've felt a bit stuck and I've questioned if I was really on the right path. Last year, when I lost my biggest client, I was forced to reevaluate what I wanted out of my business and it changed my entire approach.
Let me tell you the 5 things that helped me fall back in love with my business again.
In this episode, I mention Jo Hooper of Mad and Sad Club and also ON IT which is hosted by Alice Benham.
My new writing program goes on sale at the end of April, you can find out more here.
My book Out of Office is on sale now
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Apr 7, 2021
Strategies for coping with stress, depression and anxiety
Pandemic life has well and truly impacted my mental health so I wanted to do another mental health episode to share with you what I've been doing to manage the symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety recently.
If you need urgent support call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 24 anytime or for less urgent support email jo@samaritains.org and they will respond within 24 hours
My book Out of Office
Follow me on Instagram
What to expect from my new writing program Inspire Write Repeat:
Inspiring welcome session – a 90-minute guided writing workshop to figure out how you feel about writing and what you want to achieve from the program
10 x weekly virtual writing sessions – Every Wednesday night 19:00 – 21:00 GMT where you can show up and write about whatever you want
Additional writing prompts and exercises – perfect for when inspiration runs dry or if your goal is simply to build a regular writing habit
Live Q&A session – held halfway through the program, giving you…
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Mar 31, 2021
4 monthly habits to boost your business
These are my tried and tested systems for ending the month on a high and feeling prepared for the one ahead.
Out of Office is available now!
My book
My website
Follow me on Instagram
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Mar 24, 2021
Managing loneliness when working from home
Freelancers are more at risk of social isolation than regular workers, but in 2021 it's a widespread issue for so many people. I've found some simple steps that can help ease the loneliness.
Out of Office is available now!
My book
My website
Follow me on Instagram
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Mar 17, 2021
Free tools that make freelancing easier
I know how hard it can be to get going in the early days of freelancing, when every penny counts. That's why I've put together a list of free resources that you can access to make your life easier.
Out of Office is available now!
My book
My website
Follow me on Instagram
Access my freebies on Membervault
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Mar 10, 2021
The long term impact of toxic work culture
Bit of a personal one today, I wanted to open up about my work history and the impact it's had on my mental health.
Out of Office is available now!
My book
My website
Follow me on Instagram
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Mar 1, 2021
US publication day and getting free PR for your business
It's US publication day! To celebrate I thought I'd share my skills on how to get free PR for your freelance business. It's way simpler than you might think!
Out of Office is available now!
My book
My website
Follow me on Instagram
Find Your Voice course
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Feb 17, 2021
How to plan a non-fiction book
Do you dream about writing a business book one day? Maybe you think your life would make a good memoir? Today I'm taking you through my tried and tested method for planning out a non-fiction book from idea to outline so that you can start writing the thing!
Out of Office is available now!
My book
My website
Follow me on Instagram
Find Your Voice course
Read more about different book structures here: https://www.dudleycourtpress.com/structure-nonfiction-book/
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Feb 10, 2021
How to add personality to your website
Are you embarrassed to send potential clients to your website? Does your web presence feel disconnected from you, the real person behind the brand? I got you, with some easy to implement practical tips on how to add personality to your website and get those dream clients.
Out of Office is available now!
My book
My about page
Follow me on Instagram
Find Your Voice course
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Feb 3, 2021
How to turn passion into profit
Are you craving a career change? On the lookout for a more fulfilling freelance life? This week I'm sharing my tips on how to tap into your passions and turn them into something profitable.
Out of Office is available now!
My book
My website
Follow me on Instagram
Find Your Voice course
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Jan 21, 2021
Writing Q&A
This week I'm answering your questions about writing. We get into fears, vulnerability, editors and whether eBooks are worth the hassle.
Out of Office is available now!
My book
Follow me on Instagram
Find Your Voice course
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Jan 7, 2021
How I went part-time in my business
This week I'm talking about how you can take advantage of the flexibility of freelancing and go part-time in your business.
Out of Office is available now!
My book
Follow me on Instagram
Creative Confidence for Writers Workshop on 16th Jan
Find Your Voice course
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Oct 1, 2020
Publication day and pivoting from hospitality to freelance writing
Out of Office is available now!
My book https://amzn.to/3aefjNR
Get your ticket to the virtual launch
Check out my sponsor www.getdinghy.com
My website www.fionalikestoblog.com
Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fionalikestoblog/
Music by https://danosongs.com/
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Aug 30, 2020
Finding purpose and motivation
I am just back to work after 3 weeks in Scotland. It was only supposed to be 2 weeks but we managed to extend it a bit longer, which obviously is a great perk of being your own boss!
But coming back to work after time off can leave you feeling a bit lost, it can give you loads of energy but it can also leave you feeling a bit demotivated because you’ve got used to that slower pace of life.
With that in mind, I’m dedicating this episode to talking about why honing in on your purpose as a freelancer can be really helpful and I’ll also be giving you some motivation hacks that you can use to supercharge your day and get you fired up about working again.
Out of Office is out October 1st.
My book https://amzn.to/3aefjNR
Check out my sponsor www.getdinghy.com
My website www.fionalikestoblog.com
Find out more about Anna: https://www.annadunleavy.com/
Listen to the Fearless Hustle Collective: https://www.annadunleavy.com/podcast
Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fi…
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Jul 24, 2020
Are routines really that good for you?
As a freelancer, you’ve got to find a routine that works for you. And that's not necessarily going to happen overnight or out of thin air. In my experience you’ve got to be really aware of how your habits affect your behaviour, you've got to try new routines and ways of working to see what actually suits you.
Out of Office is available now and in print on October 1st.
My book https://amzn.to/3aefjNR
Check out my sponsor www.getdinghy.com
My website www.fionalikestoblog.com
Follow Kat https://www.instagram.com/katbluejay/
Article mentioned: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/why-breaking-your-routine-is-vital-for-your-brain-function/
Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fionalikestoblog/
Music by https://danosongs.com/
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Jun 19, 2020
Digital Debrief: Online resources for self-development
One of the things I’ve always loved about working in general is learning and self-development. Even when I worked in the hospitality industry, I was always first to volunteer for first aid courses and management training. I just love the opportunity to learn more about a subject and add more skills to my repertoire. The great thing about freelancing is that you no longer need to get your training and development plan signed off by your boss, because you are the boss. Yes, you’ll need to invest your own time and money but it all goes towards making you more knowledgeable and qualified within your industry. This year I’ve invested more money than ever in training and development and I’ve definitely seen a direct impact on my income and my ability to juggle my work life balance.
SHOW NOTES
Out of Office is available on eBook NOW and in print October 1st.
My book https://amzn.to/3aefjNR
Check out my sponsor www.getdinghy.com
My website www.fionalikestoblog.com
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Jun 18, 2020
Digital Debrief: Which digital platform is right for you?
Today I’m breaking down the pros and cons of a few digital platforms including Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and email marketing. I’ll even give you my thoughts on the world of podcasting. As a freelancer you don’t necessarily need to be on every platform at once, so here’s an overview to help you choose the best one for you.
SHOW NOTES
Out of Office is available on eBook NOW and in print October 1st.
Linkedin for freelancers https://thefreelancehustle.com/must-haves-linkedin-profile-freelancers/
My book https://amzn.to/3aefjNR
Check out my sponsor www.getdinghy.com
My website www.fionalikestoblog.com
Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fionalikestoblog/
Music by https://danosongs.com/
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Jun 17, 2020
Digital Debrief: Breaking down my online income streams
In this episode, I’m going to be breaking down my online income streams and giving you a rough idea of how much money I make from each. I’ve actually just done my tax return so I’m going to look at my accounts for the last tax year and talk you through how I’ve made money on the internet as a freelancer. Bear in mind that some months are much busier than others, and I don’t necessarily get income from all of these areas at once.
SHOW NOTES
Out of Office is available on eBook June NOW and in print October 1st.
My book https://amzn.to/3aefjNR
Check out my sponsor www.getdinghy.com
How to pitch a mental health article to editors
My website www.fionalikestoblog.com
Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fionalikestoblog/
Music by https://danosongs.com/
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Jun 16, 2020
Digital Debrief: Building your freelance brand
In this episode, I’m going to be sharing my thoughts on how to build your brand online as a freelancer. So what is branding? Personally, I used to think it was just all about graphic design, you know, having a snazzy logo and some pretty colours and fonts on your website. But it’s so much more than that, which quite frankly means it takes a lot of work and it’s something that is constantly evolving as your business grows.
As author Seth Godin neatly puts it: ‘A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.’
SHOW NOTES
Out of Office is available on eBook June 17th and in print October 1st.
My book https://amzn.to/3aefjNR
Check out my sponsor www.getdinghy.com
My website www.fionalikestoblog.com
Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fionalikestoblog/
Music by https://danosongs.com/
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Jun 15, 2020
Digital Debrief: Using Instagram to get freelance clients
In this episode, I wanted to talk about Instagram and how you can use it to get clients. I used to just wait for clients to find me, or I would lurk in those Facebook groups for writers and wait for job opportunities to crop up and comment underneath with like 500 other people who were desperate for work. But in the last two years I’ve got the majority of my clients from Instagram. But more importantly, all the people that find me through Instagram are my DREAM clients. The kind of people who I admire myself and am proud to be affiliated with. So how do I do it? I’ve got 3 tried and tested tips to help you get clients using Instagram.
Out of Office is available on eBook June 17th and in print October 1st.
My book https://amzn.to/3aefjNR
Check out my sponsor www.getdinghy.com
My website www.fionalikestoblog.com
Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fionalikestoblog/
Music by https://danosongs.com/
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May 19, 2020
How to deal with a confidence crisis
This week I'm talking about confidence. Why it's so hard to find as a freelancer but why it's something that can be learned over time.
With the help of confidence expert Kirsty Hulse and business coach Julia Day, I've got lots of juicy advice on how to overcome your anxiety, nerves, and feelings of inadequacy to build a thriving business.
Out of Office is available on eBook June 17th and in print October 1st.
Kirsty Hulse https://www.instagram.com/kirstyhulse/
Julia Day https://www.instagram.com/independentgirlscollective/
My book https://amzn.to/3aefjNR
Check out my sponsor www.getdinghy.com
My website www.fionalikestoblog.com
Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fionalikestoblog/
Music by https://danosongs.com/
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Apr 29, 2020
Should you be side hustling?
My book
Learn more about Dinghy
Follow Mikhila on Instagram
Visit my website
Follow me on Instagram
Music by Dano Songs
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Apr 29, 2020
Finding direction when you hate your job
My book
Learn more about Dinghy
Follow The Positive Planner
Rust Out - Happiful.com
Visit my website
Follow me on Instagram
Music by Dano Songs
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Apr 16, 2020
When sh** hits the fan
My book
Learn more about Dinghy
Visit my website
Follow me on Instagram
Music by Dano Songs
Government support advice from Underpinned: https://underpinned.co/magazine/2020/03/updated-covid-19-resource-freelancers-underpinned/
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