13:02:14 From Leslie Blaize : Hello, Susan 13:02:15 From Greg Reid : Hi Susan! 13:02:25 From Michael : Hi Susan! 13:02:39 From ilhan : Hello! 13:02:44 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Hi 13:02:59 From patriciavisount : Good morning! 13:03:07 From ilhan : Theme for 2020: Use my calendar to get more done! 13:03:47 From patriciavisount : Adventure 13:03:53 From Greg Reid : Focus 13:04:06 From Leslie Blaize : Persistence 13:04:21 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Theme: Skyrocket 13:04:35 From patriciavisount : Adventure: In both business and personal life 13:04:35 From ilhan : Intentionality 13:04:41 From Michael : I like Patricia's, but I'll go with Money 13:06:55 From patriciavisount : Just before this call, a client paid a larger invoice 13:07:29 From ilhan : W - Began warm email prospecting and LinkedIn 3-2-1 prospecting. 13:07:52 From patriciavisount : Absolutely! 13:07:55 From Michael : W: Launched my very first website! 13:08:21 From patriciavisount : Congrats, @Michael! That’s a huge win 13:08:30 From Eva Hatzenbihler : W: I earned 6 clients in the past 10 days. Some are not starting until Jan 1. But 4 are all going to be recurring work and ongoing as long as we work well together. 13:08:35 From Greg Reid : W - Took a full-time content writer gig with a digital marketing agency. Remote, so I stay in Portland! 13:08:42 From Leslie Blaize : Got a new web client and a Madrid, Spain firm wants me to write a monthly blog. We're working on the contract now. 13:08:47 From patriciavisount : I asked in the FB group, but can someone share the link to the 321 LinkedIn? 13:09:05 From Leslie Blaize : @Eva, amazing! 13:09:26 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Thanks and it’s all spinning for sure. 13:09:27 From sandra : finished a case study course 13:09:54 From Greg Reid : Yes, on staff 13:10:03 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Leslie and @Susan, thank you. 13:10:21 From ilhan : LinkedIn 3-2-1 Formula (link): https://library.smarterfreelancing.com/market-plan/321formula/ 13:10:30 From patriciavisount : Thank you @Ilhan! 13:10:31 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Congrats everyone! I love the activity and how everyone is taking action. 13:11:11 From sandra : yes. worth it. Casey Hubbard 13:12:24 From patriciavisount : Got it! I’m working on my positioning in my game plan. Excited about FINALLY getting my draft website content out for feedback 13:13:33 From patriciavisount : HUGE for me… I’ve been procrastinating for almost a year 13:16:13 From Eva Hatzenbihler : I: Local networking, I use my positioning statement and give one tip when I do my intro and inevitably I get one person to come up to me after the meetings. 13:17:24 From patriciavisount : A useful tip, I like that! 13:17:40 From Greg Reid : I - I’m tailoring lessons from this course to build my authority as a B2B content writer w/o the pressure of pulling business in the door. 13:17:41 From Eva Hatzenbihler : I don’t fall into the introvert category but yes, it’s live networking and I just find people like me, which is good. 13:18:12 From Greg Reid : Absolutely! 13:18:25 From Michael : I: Finished warm email prospecting course. But feel like I need to know something about pricing, so now reviewing that material. 13:18:33 From patriciavisount : I’m part of a weekly Monday lunch - BNI-like - for small business owners. It’s wonderful for networking and meeting people 13:18:39 From Leslie Blaize : I've received two great projects through our local networking group. One referral obtained through this group just led to the new web client gig. 13:22:17 From Ryan : Q-Any tips for overcoming "the resistance" when completing a project? Typically, when I get revision feedback after spending hours on a big project? Maybe it's the holidays, maybe I'm just tried, but its been tough to focus the last few weeks 13:22:36 From Greg Reid : Q - Tips for how to compile a list of conferences / trade shows that gather people/businesses that tend to hire freelance writers. 13:22:57 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Q: Looking for different ideas to stay organized! I filled out my capacity planner with my estimated work load and I printed it because I find I need to have things in front of my face and not hidden in a program on my computer. I just started using it. Does anyone recommend a planner or daily calendar —paper version—my phone calendar holds business and family meetings and appointments so it is a mess for keeping track of clients and projects. I am also not great at updating a CRM surprisingly. 13:23:10 From ilhan : Q - I want to start creating my own content to share on LinkedIn. I’d like it to show my expertise as a consultant and strategist as well as my skills as a writer. Where do you recommend I find good content topic ideas for business writing? Any topic suggestions? 13:24:39 From Michael : Q: Perhaps I've missed this in the coursework or haven't gotten to it yet, but how do I research a market I've never worked in? Healthcare marketing, in my case. Such as the type of content, the typical rates, etc. 13:26:46 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Ryan—I have found a statement that I have been using lately, mantra if you will, but telling myself “ I Get to do This!” It has worked to amp up my spirit. Maybe a personal mantra will work for you. I’m also a big believer in prayer. So whatever works for you. 13:27:29 From Joanne Masterson : i would love to trade projects for review! I could use the feedback and am a good feedback-giver 13:27:45 From patriciavisount : @Eva. Following your question… I was a bit overwhelmed with the productivity system that Ed shared but it does make sense after a while 13:27:51 From Ryan : Good advice. And thanks for the tip @Eva 13:27:52 From Joanne Masterson : Q I need help committing time to do my own business. I always put client work first. 13:27:53 From Leslie Blaize : Q: I offered a fee proposal that included three levels that included blogs and related case studies. My client said she was interested in one case study. She guessed at a fee and was surprised when I offered a fee just for this one project that was higher than expected. I told my contact I want to work with her and would negotiate the fee. I think the firm wants to try me out, which is fine. What else should I do? 13:29:08 From patriciavisount : @Joanne, what’s your target audience? 13:32:08 From Joanne Masterson : I write for consultants, psychologists and business coaches, and researchers to put their value front and center, leverage SEO and email to build a great reputation and full calendar 13:32:20 From Leslie Blaize : @Eva, I was at a meeting and someone said they use DivvyHQ for production scheduling 13:32:33 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Susan- I will look for the resources post. I think that’s why I trend toward paper. 13:33:07 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Leslie-thanks 13:33:27 From Joanne Masterson : TO answer your question @patriciaviscount, I help coaches and health professionals put their value front and center, leverage SEO and email to build a great reputation and full calendar 13:34:11 From Joanne Masterson : @ihan have you tried ubersuggest? 13:35:07 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Ilhan- Buzzsumo has a list of trending topics for each industry if you search 13:35:42 From ilhan : People are suggesting some good tools here — Ubersuggest, BuzzSumo — I will take a look, thanks! Keep them coming! 13:38:11 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Michael- Ed did a podcast with Jennifer Gregory episode #156. She has a great breakdown of client/market research 13:41:08 From patriciavisount : AWAI has a pricing document 13:41:35 From Joanne Masterson : @eva to stay organized re: client work I do a content calendar in January. There are monthly health observances in each month. So those themes become the topic of the month for newsletters, social media posts, LinkedIn posts, etc. I put the “deliverables” by month on the “Calendar” which is really a Word doc. Then I print it and have it on my desk. I do “newsletters” week 1, “social media scheduling” week 2, etc. 13:41:40 From Michael : Awesome, thanks so much @Susan. And also thanks to @Eva and @Patricia 13:41:46 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @patricia-I do plan theme days and have a normal planning day on Mondays. I do like it, I just haven’t perfected it yet. LOL! 13:41:49 From Joanne Masterson : Joanne here! I am TERRIBLE at doing my own work. 13:42:22 From Joanne Masterson : Q I need a habit of doing my own biz. 13:42:57 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Joanne, that’s interesting. I’ll have to consider something along those lines. That would bring forward my main projects and steps. 13:44:42 From patriciavisount : @Eva. I hear you - but it takes practice to create a habit 13:45:12 From Joanne Masterson : OK I will look in FB in the accountability thread (Sorry but not a fan of FB) 13:48:21 From Leslie Blaize : @Susan, Ok, I'll revisit and suggest we do one case study and one blog. 13:48:28 From ilhan : I did a “trial project” with a client. I got a good rate for a 600 word blog post but it’s been stretching out for over a month without proper feedback on my outline. Too bad, but I know now not to expect them to be on top of their things in the future. 13:48:31 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Leslie—Yes, the test project Susan is suggesting might be best for them. 13:48:38 From sandra : Sharing: Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life by Nir Eyal (haven't bought the book yet but got the free workbook on his site) 13:49:51 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Ilhan—some trial projects tell the tale. You now know to find someone to replace them. 13:51:26 From Joanne Masterson : Q: Has anyone gotten results by guest blogging? 13:52:19 From patriciavisount : @Susan. I’d love that 13:52:51 From Joanne Masterson : Q: Has anyone hosted a webinar for client attraction? 13:53:23 From patriciavisount : Connecting in “real life” with podcasts is preferable. A lot more opportunity to show your personality and style 13:54:53 From patriciavisount : Hmmmm. Making the leap from one career to another ;-) 13:56:59 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Joanne— I have written for a couple industry publications that I have used as credibility builders but I can’t say for sure if they have helped bring anyone to me. 13:57:00 From Leslie Blaize : I like Atomic Habits and the author's Thursday newsletter. 13:57:37 From Joanne Masterson : @Everyone thank you for this so much. I have to go on a 2PM call so I will check the transcript~ 13:57:55 From ilhan : Q - I was all-in on building this writing business but now I’m considering getting a full-time job and continuing to build it on the side. I think the regularity of income and reduced pressure would help. Any advice on doing both if I go this route? 13:59:19 From Eva Hatzenbihler : I think there are a couple of people on the call who are working their way out of full time. Any advice? 14:00:07 From patriciavisount : @Ilhan I’m doing that now. It’s exhausting and tough to focus on one or the other, without one suffering. Personal life and relationships are also tough too 14:00:52 From patriciavisount : Must drop for another call! Thanks so much. Happy holidays to everyone… 14:01:09 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Merry Christmas Patricia 14:05:10 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Ilhan- I have not had to work two jobs at the same time but my husband and I are both self-employed. I know it helped us to really take a good look at our absolute bottom of income. What we needed to bring in to cover all of our expenses and necessities and not necessarily savings or anything else. This number can then be translated into what you need to charge and how many clients to at least cover your expenses. You can then take a good look at if you have to get a job or if it would better to spend the time getting the number of clients. I know it may sound easier said than done. But it helps me know, when I have doubts of growing my business and the time it takes, compared to giving up my freedom and flexibility, almost every time, working with someone for less is often more attractive. Disregard if not helpful. :) 14:08:17 From ilhan : Very helpful comments, thank you! Maybe the right thing is not to jump into a full-time job again but find to ways to make it work as an independent contractor (and maybe hit things a little harder to do so). I appreciate your point of view. 14:08:23 From Leslie Blaize : Thanks, @Eva. 14:09:05 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Welcome, sorry if TMI but we all have doubts from time to time. 14:09:52 From Leslie Blaize : V: I'm going to try out E's quadrant with Today, Tomorrow, Me and Business. Also, I'm going to go back with my prospect with the trial idea. 14:10:21 From Eva Hatzenbihler : V:try to find a CRM that works for me 14:10:25 From Michael : V: The feedback on market research & pricing was huge, thanks so much! 14:12:10 From Greg Reid : Great stuff, per usual 14:13:00 From ilhan : A - To continue with warm email prospecting and 3-2-1 LinkedIn, on a daily basis. Sticking to a schedule. 14:13:50 From Eva Hatzenbihler : A: loaded question! Strive to really get organized. I have a few things daily already just need something that helps and doesn’t feel like an interruption. 14:13:57 From Leslie Blaize : A: Finalize contracts and enjoy tine with family so I'm ready to start 2020 with gusto! 14:13:58 From Eva Hatzenbihler : LOVE anchor clients 14:14:15 From Michael : A: Get going on warm email prospecting. After this week, on holiday break with family until Jan 7, so might have to wait until 2020. 14:14:27 From Greg Reid : A — Redecorating the lighting in my home office so for video calls I stop looking like a terrorist reciting demands. 14:14:50 From Greg Reid : Reworking that is 14:14:51 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Greg: FOTFL 14:15:59 From Greg Reid : That’s AWESOME! 14:16:02 From ilhan : Neville Medhora has a great post on this topic (setting up your office for video calls): https://kopywritingkourse.com/home-office-video-calls/ 14:16:56 From ilhan : Can you green screen with Skype? 14:17:25 From ilhan : Oh, it works with Zoom too - great! 14:17:49 From sandra : Thank you! 14:17:51 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Thanks everyone. Great feedback. 14:18:00 From sandra : Have a Merry Christmas everyone 14:18:01 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Merry Christmas! 14:18:06 From Michael : Happy holidays to all! 14:18:08 From Leslie Blaize : Happy Holidays, all! 14:18:19 From Greg Reid : Thanks, Susan! 14:18:20 From ilhan : Thank you!