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You're devouring self-help books, attending webinars, and maybe even meditating your way to enlightenment. But what if I told you that your quest for self-improvement might actually be holding you back? Intrigued? Keep reading.

Look, let's cut the crap. Your ideas? They're dying. Every moment you spend not acting on them, they're gasping for air. And guess what? You're the one holding the pillow over their faces.

Because sometimes, hearing about someone else's highs and lows can be motivating.We can learn from others by finding bits of our own stories in theirs.As I share my wins from the past week, I hope it sparks a little fire in you.

Imagine you're sitting at your home office. The clock strikes midnight. Your eyes are heavy from staring at your laptop, and the aroma of your third cup of coffee is failing to stimulate your senses. But, there's one more email to send, one more design to perfect, one more client to appease. The line between work and life has blurred into oblivion. Sound familiar?

So, you think that charging less will get you more clients? Nah, you're just sabotaging your own business. Stick around, because I'm about to show you how doubling or tripling your rates can actually get you better clients and more free time.

From my humble beginnings as a freelance UX designer to growing my own agency, I've spent over 15 years navigating the creative industry. But I once faced the same challenges many creatives do - the feast and famine of going from fully booked to the desert of the unknown. But it did change once I productized my Design Sprint service. But why did it take so long?

Blink, and you'll miss it - the year's slipping away, and so might your goals. As the final quarter looms, it's time to step back and ask yourself: Where are those yearly goals? How close or how far are you? This newsletter is your personal wake-up call, a friendly nudge to put those goals back on track.

Losing a big client might feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you.But what if we told you that it could also be a springboard to greater success?

Ever wondered how some creative freelancers manage to maintain a steady income while others struggle with the dreaded feast-or-famine cycle?The secret lies in implementing the right strategies and diversifying your income sources.Let's explore some proven techniques that can help you achieve a more stable financial future.

In a world where freelancers boldly leap before they look, I bring you the ultimate guide to blissfully unrealistic planning. It's the kind of optimism that laughs in the face of probability. Welcome to "The Optimist's Guide to Unrealistic Planning" – where your ambitions are sky-high, and your plans are, well, let's just say "aspirational."

In the words of the master entrepreneur, Guy Kawasaki:Testimonials aren’t just a persuasive tool; they are THE persuasive tool.

Ever wonder what Edison, Einstein, and elite freelancers have in common? A dash of daring and a sprinkle of science. Here's why your willingness to experiment could be the secret sauce in your freelance recipe.

Tomorrow, I’m heading to Move Mobile First Agency in Zwolle to try out the Apple Vision Pro for the first time—fingers crossed! Excitement? Check. Nerves? Double-check. I’m caught between dreams of tech glory and visions of a very pricey doorstop.

You might think that having a routine is the last thing you need as a creative. After all, isn't creativity all about spontaneity and freedom? Well, you may be surprised to learn that routine and discipline can unlock your creative potential and supercharge your freelance business.

As a freelancer, your brand is your identity, your promise to clients, and sometimes the only thing that separates you from the competition.

Discover the science behind turning your service into a high-demand product. Say goodbye to hourly limits!Productizing opens the door to higher earnings, streamlined workflows, and the ability to scale your business like never before.

Winning six-figure projects with ease is within reach.The secret lies in the art of tailored solutions. You'll deliver better results for clients, increase your profits, and outshine the competition.

Writing is a crucial skill for freelancers. It's how you communicate value to clients, share expertise, and grow your business. Good writing can help you stand out, explain what makes you different, and show why clients should choose you.

Nigeria's digital landscape is growing, but it's not without its challenges. Limited access to resources, education, and global markets are real hurdles. But where there's a challenge, there's also opportunity.

After talking to digital agencies, here’s what I’ve found out about how they manage design work—some interesting stuff! Agencies make cool digital things, but balancing design and development can be tricky.

Fasten your seatbelts—I'm about to reveal the secret of SOP creation! 🚀 SOPs, or Standard Operating Procedures, are the roadmaps that guide your business to streamlined processes and superior results—your ticket to unrivaled success. 🎟️Picture this: you, dominating the competitive landscape, leaving rivals in the dust.

Want to make your product development process more effective? Great! I’ll show you how to adopt user-centered design principles and techniques. Why settle for creating mediocre products that nobody wants?

Master the art of trimming your offerings; you’ll unlock a treasure trove of benefits. Enhanced focus, increased profits, and loyal clients. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs fall prey to the "more is better" trap. Unable to see the true power of simplifying their offerings.

Have you ever stood at life's crossroads, feeling the weight of a decision pressing down on you?

When you're a freelancer, having a single income stream, be it your regular job or that one big client, is like walking a tightrope without a safety net. Sure, the walk might be steady now, but what happens if that rope snaps? This scenario isn’t just hypothetical; it's been happening for decades. Diversifying your income is not just smart; it’s necessary.

This isn't just another newsletter in your inbox. This is a wake-up call. A direct challenge to the one person who can truly pivot your freelance career: YOU.

Your success hinges on client relationships. Relying on outdated methods can leave you behind in the competitive market.Fresh client strategies are not just beneficial; they are essential.

Is the endless cycle of chasing clients, delivering projects, and grappling with unpredictable income wearing you thin? The solution to this tiresome treadmill is productizing your services. Imagine neatly packing your talent into a market-ready box, all set for delivery. But beware! The road to effective productization is pockmarked with pitfalls...

UI/UX designers are dime a dozen. Everyone's selling Design Systems, User Research, App Design, and more. If you're one of them, it's hard to stand out. Want to change that? Here's how to become the one in your field.

Crafting the perfect pitch for your productized service is essential if you want to win over your ideal clients and grow your freelance business. But how do you create a pitch that’s both compelling and irresistible?

Imagine having a job where you tell jokes to your cats - that's Lianna Patch for you! She's the brain behind Punchline Copy, and she's pretty awesome. Instead of charging by the hour, Lianna offers her writing services in special packages.

Now, we all have a little crush on tools like Zapier or Make. They turn our workdays into magic. Minus the pointy hats and wands. But here's the catch: Not everyone should jump on the automation bandwagon.

Staring down at an empty canvas. Keys on the keyboard remaining untouched. The spark, the drive, the ignition you once felt...it's dwindling. It feels like you're caught in quicksand, your creative vigor gasping for air. Recognize this?

First impressions are super important, right? Especially now in 2024. And your website's the first thing many people see. So, let's think about this: Is your website really doing its best job?

I've got a story to tell you - it's about Alex, a fellow creative freelancer who was trying to navigate the unpredictable seas of the freelance world.

Remember those days when you’d slave away on client prep? Countless interviews, tedious documentation, and endless emails just to kick things off. If you've ever wondered, “Isn’t there a better way?” then today’s your lucky day.

After finishing a corporate interim freelance gig, I've pivoted to a subscription model called BTNG Unlimited. Here are some of the exciting projects I'm currently working on.

You, as a freelancer, have the unique power to shape your destiny. But why is it that despite understanding the importance of goals, many of us still find ourselves falling short?

Small talk is often shrugged off as meaningless chatter. But what if I told you it's the hidden gateway to big opportunities?

Five years ago, I hit rock bottom – burnout. The commute, the unpredictable work, the hourly rates? It all felt broken. Something had to change.

Ever felt like you're on a never-ending treadmill, trading hours for euros, and just not getting ahead? You're not alone.

Freelancing. It's not just a gig; it's a rollercoaster of income highs and lows. Here, we're digging into that.

Setting the right rates and pricing as a freelancer can feel like walking a tightrope. Price too low, and you’ll struggle to make ends meet. Price too high, and you risk losing clients.

Picture this: You’re spending an equivalent of 1.000 hours chasing leads, crafting perfect proposals, and negotiating terms only to lose the deal. Sound familiar? Don’t fret – it’s a common scenario in the freelance world, but it’s not a fate you’re tied to.

Failure is a scary word for any creative entrepreneur. But did you know that some of the most successful people have faced their fair share of failures before finding success?

Do you know how to decide which UX research methods to use for your product design? It's a crucial question that every product designer should ask himself. Choosing the right UX research methods leads to better product design.

Freelancer. What will you do differently in 2024? Will this be another year of inconsistency – the all-too-familiar feast and famine? It's time to evolve your freelancing.

If your value proposition is as clear as mud, how do you expect anyone to see what you're offering? This isn't about buzzwords; it's about benefits. Nail down what you do and why it's awesome. Remember, if they don't get it, you don't get them.

When you hear about successful freelancers, the name "DesignJoy" often comes up, doesn’t it? And for solid reasons. With many months raking in revenue upwards of $50.000, it’s hard not to take notice. But as with many success stories, there's another side to this coin.

In a world where content is king, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. That's where Castmagic, an innovative AI tool, comes into play. Especially for copywriters and content creators looking to expand their offerings.

If you're staying busy but directionless, this one is for you. Today, I'll talk about how I aim my pixels towards solving goals instead of busy-work.

You know, finding your niche is crucial in the world of freelancing, especially in UX design. That's why I'm zeroing in on e-commerce—a field always brimming with opportunities for ongoing projects and measurable results. By diving into this ever-evolving sector, you can deliver consistent value and build long-term client relationships.

Let's be frank, in the bustling world of freelancing, being talented isn't enough. And you know what? Neither is being unique.

There's no denying it: we all dream of being the go-to expert, the one clients seek out without hesitation. But the road to authority isn't just about wishful thinking; it's a strategic process that requires dedication and smart moves.

Many designers create breathtaking work but hit a wall when it's time to sell. The issue? A gap in business knowledge. You've seen others try quick fixes: They add business buzzwords to their pitches or promise the moon without understanding the client's core needs. These methods fall short. Let me tell you why.

Discover your freelancing superpower and become the hero your clients need with our unique strategies and heroic habits. Stand out and succeed today!

Picture this: You create something cool once – like an eBook, an online course, or even your own app. Then, you put it online and guess what? You can sell it again and again. It's like writing a song and getting paid every time someone listens.

Attention all business leaders: A plan is not a strategy. But why should you care? Because if you want to win in the cutthroat world of business, you need a winning strategy.

Today, I'm sharing valuable insights from interviewing 25 successful creative freelancers. I delved into their strategies, fears, and obstacles, uncovering the differences between two types of freelancers. Let's dive in, explore the pros and cons of each type, and reveal the secret to scaling your freelance business with a productized service.