Episode 13 - The Christmas Conundrum

You know that feeling when you're on fire and everything just seems to be working right? Chances are you're playing to your strengths. In this episode we look at why focusing on your strengths is better than thinking about your weaknesses, how to spot what your strengths are, and how you can use them more. 

As a freelancer you're often juggling lots of different roles, which can be a challenge. In this episode, we talk about the three main areas of focus in a business and the different hats you have to wear to keep all those plates spinning. 

If it's good enough for James Bond, it's good enough for us. Or is it? In this episode we chat about the pros and cons of mixing business with pleasure. Should you be friends with clients? Should you work with your friends? 

With everyone living their best #authentic Instaperfect lives, it's easier than ever to fall into the comparison trap. In this episode, we look at why we tend to compare ourselves and how to deal with it. 

As freelancers, are we especially susceptible to digital distractions during our working days? In this episode we discuss how notifications and multi-tasking can affect productivity, and look at techniques for managing our devices whilst still staying connected. Don't worry we aren't going to tell you to renounce your smartphone!

If you're a freelancer you probably don't have a CSR budget, so how do you give back? In this episode, we talk about the benefits of volunteering if you run your own business, some tips for finding the right way to give back, and what to do if your voluntary role stops working for you. 

Forget your Fortune 500 top CEOs, as we talk about our daily schedules as freelancers. Do you have a daily routine? Do you need one? And what have wolves and bears got to do with it?

Sshh. Ssshh. Now we've successfully got Bjork in your heads, let's talk about what to do during those times when you don't have as much work coming in. We'll look at how to make the most of it and what you can do to get that cash flowing in again. 

Celebrate good times, come on! No seriously, come on. When we're freelance we don't always get the pat on the back or the employee of the week award, so how can we celebrate our achievements when we're flying solo?

Because you're worth it. How much of your time do you spend on your personal development? Does it feel like an indulgence or luxury? We talk about why you should grow yourself as well as your business.

Who do you call in sick to if you're a freelancer? In this episode we look at how to keep the freelance show on the road if you're feeling under the weather. Should you keep going or give yourself a day off?

The struggle is real. Or is it? Misery loves company but you don't have to attend every pity party you're invited to. In this episode we look at how best to balance the good times with the bad when sharing with others. 

Do you ever find it hard to say no? We do. In this episode we talk about why we struggle with this little word, and look at how to say no without damaging a client or professional relationship. 

Oh blimey. Did you submit yours at the last minute? This week, we discuss how to avoid panicking at the eleventh hour when it comes to your taxes. Does DIY mean Do It Yourself or Don't Involve Yourself? We look at two different approaches to dealing with your freelance finances. 

If you're already freelance - or even if you're just thinking of taking the plunge - chances are you've had well meaning friends, family and strangers offer up their opinion. So how do you deal with this advice avalanche? We chat about some of the 'helpful' tips we've received and how to cut through the noise to find the advice that actually can help. 

In our first episode of 2019 it seems fitting that we're talking about looking ahead to the coming year, as well as celebrating successes. We also chat about the difference between working "in" the business (the day to day work which generally does need doing) and working "on" the business (planning, strategy and checking in to make sure your business is working for you), which often gets waylaid by everything else! 

Christmas: time to crack(er) on or time to slow ho ho down? (I'm so so sorry for the puns). Being self-employed allows to you shun the 9-5 existence but sometimes it seems like the rest of the world didn't get the memo. How do you handle being a freelancer in an employed person's world at Christmas?

When you're freelance it can be very easy to go in with expectations that are too high or unrealistic, so then you put pressure on yourself and beat yourself up. In this episode, we look at how to be a better boss to yourself when you're self employed.

In this episode we look at ways to network effectively, how to avoid standing in the corner like a lemon, and why networking is like fishing for old boots.

Is creativity something that you are born with or can you learn to be creative? In this episode we look at why all freelancers need creativity and share 10+ practical methods for being being more creative.

In this episode we talk about whether there's such a thing as a "bad" client, how some people always seem to end up with nightmare clients, and why hiding in your email inbox isn't the answer.

What is motivation? In this episode we look at why it can be hard to find if you're a freelancer, the counter-intuitive way to get it back, and the proper way to pronounce Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

In this episode we chat about why you are doing customers a disservice when you undersell yourself, how to protect your value and why it's probably all your parents' fault (just joking, Dad).

Is there such a thing as failure? In this episode we look at why we're so afraid to fail, why we should celebrate "failure" and why nobody cares about your Barry Manilow t-shirt.

Being freelance can be lonely, so how do you overcome that isolation? In this episode, we look at why we need a human connection and what actions can help if you're feeling a bit isolated.

As freelancers we're obviously all sitting around watching Netflix in our pyjamas most of the time instead of doing work 😉 So what can we do about it? As always, we delve into both practical and mindset tips to help solve this common freelance problem.

In this episode we look at why it can be so scary to ask for money, and how to work out what to charge for your client services or products. We also include some tips on getting into the right mindset so you're charging the correct value.

Finding clients is obviously quite important for most freelance businesses, but it can be tricky if you're just starting out (or even if you're an experienced freelancer). We look at why it's hard and what you can do about it!

Ever felt like a fraud? We have. In this episode we explore Imposter Syndrome, the impact it has and how to overcome it.

The very first instalment of 99 Problems (but a boss ain't one). We introduce ourselves, explain why we created the podcast and let you know what to expect in upcoming episodes.