Are you one of the many mamas who’s building your freelancing business while still holding down a 9-5?
It’s not easy, is it? I remember all too well how I felt when I was in that spot. And you better believe I made my fair share of mistakes while balancing two careers and a family.
Us moms have a lot to manage — taking care of ourselves, our family, and building our freelancing businesses so we can live a totally awesome, guilt-free life.
Many Free Mamas start their businesses while still working their traditional 9-5 job. This adds another layer of responsibility to the mix, but it’s nothing we can’t handle when done carefully and mindfully.
In this week’s episode of Free Mama TV, I break down four super important things to do when you’re both a freelancer AND a full-time employee.
Are you ready to change the way you use and view LinkedIn?
On this week’s Free Mama Radio I am talking with Donna Serdula, a LinkedIn expert, who has helped thousands of people improve their LinkedIn profiles.
In today’s episode of Free Mama Radio, Donna and I discuss how she got her start, what it really means to use LinkedIn in 2021, and what three main things you need to know in order to have a successful profile, along with much more!
Plus, stick around until the end of the episode, because Donna shares a freebie that could give you the LinkedIn profile revamp you need!
In Today’s Episode We Discuss:
All about the ins ad outs of LinkedIn
Choosing the perfect profile to make you look like the professional you are
The 3 main things you need to optimize your LinkedIn profile
Donna pioneered the concept of LinkedIn profile optimization, realizing early on that the LinkedIn profile was so much more than just an online resume. The LinkedIn profile is a fantastic branding opportunity. She spent the first 10 years of her career in sales, operations, and training.
Donna joined LinkedIn’s social network in 2005, where she promptly copied and pasted her resume and wondered what all the fuss was about. A job change in 2006 led her back to LinkedIn as Donna looked for tools to help her build a sales territory. It was during this time she had her LinkedIn epiphany and forged her LinkedIn 4 point methodology. By integrating LinkedIn into her sales process, she found tremendous success. In 2009, she walked away from her successful sales career and founded Vision Board Media and LinkedIn-Makeover.com.
Her mission: To help people realize their Internet identity and shape one that makes an impact and leads to opportunity. As the foremost expert in LinkedIn profile optimization, she’s proven that a strong LinkedIn profile is the key to performing well on LinkedIn. Since 2009, Donna and her team of over 40 writers have helped thousands of executives, entrepreneurs, sales stars, business leaders, and professionals from around the world create professionally branded LinkedIn profiles.
She is not just a business owner but also the author of the book “LinkedIn Profile Optimization For Dummies,” published by Wiley. Donna is also an in-demand speaker throughout the US. She has been featured on Forbes, Business Insider, Time’s Money Section, Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch, LA Times, NBC, SiriusXM Radio’s The Focus Group, and many other news outlets. Donna has presented keynotes and workshops for NBCUniversal, Columbia University, Wharton Business School, Intuit, Texas State Bar Association, GSK, and hundreds more.
Be sure to check out the links below, because no matter where you are in your journey, we have something for you. From free training and free YouTube videos to our Facebook group or even the Free Mama Squad, we have so much to help you get the support you need!
Have you checked out my FREE training?! Would you like the freedom to work from home and spend more time with your family? In this training, you will learn how I became a highly paid virtual administrative consultant in just a few hours a day…. and how you can too! CLICK HERE for instant access.
** This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you use one of the links to purchase. This helps keep the podcast going and I only share products I have used, tested and love.”
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today, so you don’t miss any future episodes! I already have so many amazing guests and topics lined up, I would hate for you to miss a single one! Click here to subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Could I ask a big favor? If you love listening to this podcast, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts. I read each and every review. Plus, you get to pay it forward because it will allow other mamas like you to find the podcast! Wondering how to leave a review? Click here to review, then select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. So easy and so appreciated!
Do you desperately want to be free of your 9-5 and work on your own terms, with people and projects you’re passionate about, and need a push in the right direction to get started?
Do you want to continue working from home, but have way more flexibility so you can show up for your family and yourself the way you want to?
Do you want to uplevel your existing freelance business and have more earning potential, without having to work twice as hard?
Do you want to learn skills to help you get out of your own way so you can finally do what you need to do in order to have the life you want?
The Freelance to Freedom Weekend is a live, interactive 2-day workshop filled with community, support, motivation, and plenty of real-life, actionable next steps you can take to propel your business forward.
AFFORDABILITY
We thought we would be out of this pandemic by now, but we’re not yet. We wanted to make this event as affordable as possible so that the price of a ticket wouldn’t keep you from attending.
Team Mama has been listening closely to what you want. You don’t want fluff or things that you can’t put into practice right away. You want to learn from experts who have already crossed the bridge you’re trying to cross AND connect with other mamas who are also ready to freelance their way to freedom.
If you were waiting for an opportunity, this is it.
If you were waiting for something to spark motivation in you so you can take that first step, this is it.
If you were waiting for things to go back to normal, this is your chance to reinvent what that looks like for yourself and your family — on your terms.
By now, I think we can all agree that working from home is amazing and gives us opportunities that a 9-5 can’t.
But, as wonderful as it is…it can get lonely sometimes.
If you’ve ever felt lonely working from home, you’ve gotta watch this week’s episode of Free Mama TV, where I show you what to do to overcome it!
I’ll even spill one of them right now: surrounding ourselves with a community of people who lift us up, hold us accountable, and just GET IT, is a critical part of the puzzle.
Check out the full episode to get more actionable tips and insight on beating loneliness!
Do you look forward to 3 day weekends? I know when I was working full-time at a 9-5, I lived for days of work that I didn’t have to request.
What if I told you that there was a way to be working on your own, make a sustainable income, and give yourself a 3-day weekend whenever you wanted? And, what if I told you that you already had the skills needed to get started.
In today’s episode of Free Mama Radio, I’m walking you through the difference between hard skills and soft skills, which one matters most when launching your freelancing business, and why your professional background has already set you up for success.
Plus, stick around until the end of the episode, because I dropped a major announcement about our next Free Mama event.
In Today’s Episode We Discuss:
What Labor Day means to mothers in the workforce
Difficulties of working for a big company when the unexpected happens
The difference between soft skills and hard skills
It’s tough to feel undervalued- and Labor Day reminds me of the time when I was in a workforce that doesn’t celebrate or honor women (especially mothers!) at all. Of course I appreciate American workers and all they do to make the world go round but what this holiday also truly makes me appreciate is this community, where we have found value in ourselves and our skills.
It’s also tough to get started working on your own; especially when the unexpected happens. A free mama recently told me about recent legislation in China that has affected those who teach for companies like VIPKid, preventing ESL educators from continuing teaching their main source of clients.
But this is not the only way to work on your own- you can market both your soft skills and your hard skills to start freelancing which won’t have you relying on large companies for income.
What are soft skills and hard skills? Soft skills are what makes you, you. It is how you communicate and how you listen. A little difficult to describe- but incredibly important! Hard skills are your technical skills- the definable ones. Your computer skills, your writing skills, etc. Be proud of your skills and make sure you use them to promote yourself in starting to find freelance clients.
Be sure to check out the links below, because no matter where you are in your journey, we have something for you. From free training and free YouTube videos to our Facebook group or even the Free Mama Squad, we have so much to help you get the support you need!
Have you checked out my FREE training?! Would you like the freedom to work from home and spend more time with your family? In this training, you will learn how I became a highly paid virtual administrative consultant in just a few hours a day…. and how you can too! CLICK HERE for instant access.
** This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you use one of the links to purchase. This helps keep the podcast going and I only share products I have used, tested and love.”
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today, so you don’t miss any future episodes! I already have so many amazing guests and topics lined up, I would hate for you to miss a single one! Click here to subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Could I ask a big favor? If you love listening to this podcast, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts. I read each and every review. Plus, you get to pay it forward because it will allow other mamas like you to find the podcast! Wondering how to leave a review? Click here to review, then select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. So easy and so appreciated!
Are you ready to hear the story of how an honorary Free Mama who went from trial attorney to internet entrepreneur all because of her lifelong desire to become a mother?
In this episode, I am talking to Kailey Jacomet, and she is walking us through her start up days, what it was like to prepare for her recent maternity leave, and what she wishes she would have done differently.
Plus, she’s going to share with us the one thing she believes is non-negotiable for every single freelancer!
In Today’s Episode We Discuss:
Top tips for planning for maternity leave and time off as a business owner
Kailey’s journey to building her business as an attorney
The number one thing you will need when working with a client
Kailey is a business attorney and mom of two. In her law practice, Brand Law Boutique, she helps entrepreneurs protect their brands with trademark registration, and provides attorney-drafted contract templates for service providers in her shop, Contractista.
Kailey left her position as a trial attorney when her daughter was born to create a law firm that allowed her to be present and flexible for her family. Now she helps other lawyers do the same.
Be sure to check out the links below, because no matter where you are in your journey, we have something for you. From free training and free YouTube videos to our Facebook group or even the Free Mama Squad, we have so much to help you get the support you need!
Have you checked out my FREE training?! Would you like the freedom to work from home and spend more time with your family? In this training, you will learn how I became a highly paid virtual administrative consultant in just a few hours a day…. and how you can too! CLICK HERE for instant access.
Resources Mentioned:
ContractistaDiscount code FreeMama20 for 20% off all templates!
** This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you use one of the links to purchase. This helps keep the podcast going and I only share products I have used, tested and love.”
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today, so you don’t miss any future episodes! I already have so many amazing guests and topics lined up, I would hate for you to miss a single one! Click here to subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Could I ask a big favor? If you love listening to this podcast, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts. I read each and every review. Plus, you get to pay it forward because it will allow other mamas like you to find the podcast! Wondering how to leave a review? Click here to review, then select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. So easy and so appreciated!
How strong is your business? Could it really withstand another outbreak, economic downturn or lockdown?
If you’ve worried about the stability of freelancing during uncertain times, t’s a valid thought. Not everyone knows how to build and keep your business going when the world seems to fall apart.
When you learn these 5 steps to pandemic-proofing your business in today’s episode of Free Mama Radio, you’ll sleep easy knowing you have what it takes to bring in the cash during unpredictable times.
In Today’s Episode We Discuss:
Why you should have a diverse revenue stream
The benefit of not being emotionally attached to your offer
The importance of taking care of yourself first
Before, I jump all into Pandemic proofing our businesses, I have a big reminder! The Free Mama Scholarship is open until this Friday, August 28th! This is an amazing opportunity it’s a 3-month internship with hands-on experience and incredible perks! Don’t miss out on this, “Get your applications in!”
Okay, I was a little fired up about this question when I read it today. I was ready to just dive in and share but I really thought about the 5 really important tools you should be doing to pandemic proof, recession-proof, and life event proof your business. Here we go:
1. Diversify your Revenue Streams:
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, you have to create different streams of income, don’t only have one high-paying client. If you do this, you are similar to a 9 to 5 job relying on that one client. If you lose the client, you go into feast or famine mode. Your business will not make it this way.
2. Incorporate Recurring Revenue:
Have recurring monthly retainers which creates a predictable cash flow. Also, have project-based offers, like one-and-done projects. This helps if you lose a recurring retainer and are looking for another, I call these cash injections. If you’re always doing project-based offers, get some recurring retainer clients for the predictability of regular income. Diversity!
3. Stop Being So Attached to the Things We Do.
I know you love what you do, but be able to pivot where the opportunities are, where businesses are making money. Someone is always on top in any type of adversity, look at Zoom and E-commerce during this last year. Find how your service will support those businesses, pivot your service to be their solution.
4. Take Care of Yourself.
Let me say this again, Take Care of Yourself!! Start thinking now about how you will take care of yourself, do it before you need it. Listen burnout, fatigue, and fear are very real and debilitating factors in our lives, and business but if we take care of ourselves now emotionally, physically, and mentally we are more equip to handle challenges.
5. Anticipate for Plan B.
Last but not least, be prepared for the unknown adversities. Be aware that things can happen and will. Know how you plan to handle it, discuss it with your family. Allowing ourselves to feel prepared and not feel so lost or off guard eases that sense of scarcity. It allows us to avoid some of those spiraling feelings.
So…. to the original question “Can our VA businesses and freelance businesses survive another pandemic?” Absolutely! We are in a growing market and we have the tools to pivot where are businesses need to. Remember you’re the solution don’t forget that! We are resilient and capable Free Mama’s, these tools will keep our businesses sustainable and growing!
Be sure to check out the links below, because no matter where you are in your journey, we have something for you. From free training and free YouTube videos to our Facebook group or even the Free Mama Squad, we have so much to help you get the support you need!
Have you checked out my FREE training?! Would you like the freedom to work from home and spend more time with your family? In this training, you will learn how I became a highly paid virtual administrative consultant in just a few hours a day…. and how you can too! CLICK HERE for instant access.
** This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you use one of the links to purchase. This helps keep the podcast going and I only share products I have used, tested and love.”
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today, so you don’t miss any future episodes! I already have so many amazing guests and topics lined up, I would hate for you to miss a single one! Click here to subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Could I ask a big favor? If you love listening to this podcast, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts. I read each and every review. Plus, you get to pay it forward because it will allow other mamas like you to find the podcast! Wondering how to leave a review? Click here to review, then select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. So easy and so appreciated!
Do you feel as though you have the weight of the world on your shoulders right now? The pandemic has left everyone feeling exhausted, defeated, maybe even hopeless as times.
If you’re sitting with a heavy heart and feeling yourself pull back from friends and family, you’re not the only one.
While the natural inclination for many of us is to begin to withdraw and retreat when we feel like we just don’t stack up as a mom, business owner or human, it’s actually one of the worst things you can do for yourself.
There is absolutely no shame in those big feelings, Mama. In this intense episode of Free Mama Radio, we are talking about working through these feelings and what to do to actually support yourself and your business when you’d rather curl up alone.
In Today’s Episode We Discuss:
Why you may feel like backing off right now and why you shouldn’t
Having the courage to lean into your community when you need it most
The opportunity you could be missing out on when you choose to isolate
This week on our Free Mama Squad Gratitude and Attitude call, we had a brave mama share about her struggles. It lead into how we don’t feel good enough or weak. How we naturally feel struggles mean we don’t have it together, or we aren’t doing the thing right!
We see people on social media doing the thing, being successful, and we feel like we’re not! Honestly, that image isn’t always true, social media isn’t transparent! People seem like their on top of the world but they are having some of the same struggles, we just don’t see it!
When we feel alone and struggling, we don’t feel like we’re enough, we’re ashamed, and sometimes want to give up. Listen, you are not alone in feeling this way, it is hard. Being able to share this struggle takes true bravery!
I want you to really hear my message today! If you’re struggling, reach out to me through email, DM, or however you can. I want to help! We will get through this together with the right tools, support, and guidance. This community is all about Supportand that is what I want to do, support you!
I want to encourage ALL of you, to be brave and show up! Keep going through this tough time, ask for help, it’s not only helping you but others too. It’s an opportunity to be transparent and a leader to others that are in this same space.
Be sure to check out the links below, because no matter where you are in your journey, we have something for you. From free training and free YouTube videos to our Facebook group or even the Free Mama Squad, we have so much to help you get the support you need!
Have you checked out my FREE training?! Would you like the freedom to work from home and spend more time with your family? In this training, you will learn how I became a highly paid virtual administrative consultant in just a few hours a day…. and how you can too! CLICK HERE for instant access.
** This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you use one of the links to purchase. This helps keep the podcast going and I only share products I have used, tested and love.”
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today, so you don’t miss any future episodes! I already have so many amazing guests and topics lined up, I would hate for you to miss a single one! Click here to subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Could I ask a big favor? If you love listening to this podcast, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts. I read each and every review. Plus, you get to pay it forward because it will allow other mamas like you to find the podcast! Wondering how to leave a review? Click here to review, then select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. So easy and so appreciated!
You finally nail down a niche! You decide exactly who you want to serve, what services you’ll provide and now you’re out there in the interwebs trying to connect with these people with this exact problem, and… well, it’s not happening.
If you’re newer to virtual work, you may feel like it’s a big, fat sign that you’re not cut out for the freelancer life and you should pack up your laptop for good. Before you go quitting on yourself, I have good news for you.
There’s a reason you’re not getting clients if this is your approach and I call it “white blousing it.” Want to hear more about how to flip it and reverse it so you’re getting paid in no time? In this episode, we talk about the best approach to get clients as a newbie.
In Today’s Episode We Discuss:
Stop making finding clients hard
How to find a need and be the solution
Market research strategies to find clients
Growing a reputation that will grow your business
Scrolling through the feed, I saw a lot of you looking for what you want as far as clients and how to get them. Trying to find “the elusive white blouse (client)” because it’s what you want, running from store to store (FB group to FB group) looking for it and not finding it, you’re just feeling frustrated and tired.
mamas, first find what people need. Go to the groups you’re interested in; health coach groups, mindset coaches, the free mama group, observe what people are asking for, having problems with, and be their solution.
Use these groups to see who is having consistent wins, what do they do? Is it a service you can offer and start getting paying clients with? If so do it! Nobody knows what you do or who you are until you have proof. Let me be clear on what proof is, it’s the MONEY! When people see that proof, they start to seek out your services.
It’ll take a very long time to build your business if your chasing from store to store to find the white blouse, Are you following me?! You have to get some paying clients (proof), then you can fine-tune your services and narrow down your niche. This will build your reputation, confidence, and your business.
Be sure to check out the links below, because no matter where you are in your journey, we have something for you. From free training and free YouTube videos to our Facebook group or even the Free Mama Squad, we have so much to help you get the support you need!
Have you checked out my FREE training?! Would you like the freedom to work from home and spend more time with your family? In this training, you will learn how I became a highly paid virtual administrative consultant in just a few hours a day…. and how you can too! CLICK HERE for instant access.
** This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you use one of the links to purchase. This helps keep the podcast going and I only share products I have used, tested and love.”
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today, so you don’t miss any future episodes! I already have so many amazing guests and topics lined up, I would hate for you to miss a single one! Click here to subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Could I ask a big favor? If you love listening to this podcast, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts. I read each and every review. Plus, you get to pay it forward because it will allow other mamas like you to find the podcast! Wondering how to leave a review? Click here to review, then select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. So easy and so appreciated!
We all have our reasons for wanting to have our own business.
Some of the most common I hear are:
▪️ Being home with our kids
▪️ Walking away from the 9-5
▪️ Freedom Financially
▪️ Wardrobe freedom (as in, no more stiff dress pants and painful shoes)
…and many others.
When I first got into freelancing in 2014ish, I was desperate to work from home because I thought it would give me the freedom to be the mom I wanted to be.
At the time, I was definitely NOT living up to my own expectations on how I’d mother my kids (or being the type of wife I wanted to be, either).
My business started out of a deep desire to be more present with my family AND contribute financially. Honestly, I also happen to LOVE working, so I wanted it ALL.
For our family, quitting my job and working from home didn’t look like having the kids at home with me 24/7. Instead, we shifted from full-time childcare to part-time preschool programs. For me, I know I can show up as my best self when I have dedicated time alone to work and practice self-care.
Set expectations
Setting that expectation and boundary from the beginning made all the difference. It allowed me to do my freelance work that I loved, bring in the second income we needed, AND do things I NEVER thought I’d be able to do, like…
🐒 Take the kids to children’s museums, the park, or the zoo in the middle of the week and let the rest of the population of Kansas City and Houston have them on the weekends.
🧺 Do laundry, dishes, and some very, very occasional dusting in pre-blocked times of the day.
🌮 Make dinner without being rushed along by hangry kids or husbands.
These things, these little things, meant everything to me. They were life-changing.
Big disclaimer: it never went perfectly smoothly. It still doesn’t. Life is still life, which means there are struggles sometimes.
When the dream becomes more…
What started as a dream to work from home and be with my family more turned into something much deeper and even more fulfilling. I was doing something FOR ME, which trickled down to my family and allowed us to work toward the life we wanted.
It might not even be about working from home anymore since bajillions of people are doing that now through their companies.
I have to ask — is being a remote employee giving you what you want? Is it fulfilling the reasons you had for wanting to work from home in the first place? Have you revisited those reasons lately?
Mama, in case no one has ever told you, it’s ok to give yourself permission to do something for you. I’m cheering you on no matter what.
