Freelance Fest 2024

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Summary
Freelance Fest gathers freelancers and agency owners to share insights on building successful freelance careers. The event includes workshops on niching down, productizing services, marketing strategies, and building credibility through guest posting. Discussions focus on strategies for finding clients, optimizing LinkedIn profiles with clear calls to action and personal branding, and navigating cold pitching. Speakers provide actionable insights on sustaining a freelance business, highlighting the importance of community, networking, and experimentation to find the right niche and attract clients. Strategies are offered for standing out in a competitive market by building a strong network and adopting a consultative sales approach. The conversation concludes with advice on managing client relationships, pricing strategies, and the importance of persistence in follow-ups.
[13:50] Welcome to Freelance Fest
[16:30] Join TOFU
[19:30] Lashay Lewis Workshop: Niching Down and Productizing
Key Takeaways
• Productizing allows for a consistent service offering across clients.
• A strong point of view helps differentiate you in the market.
• The LOCK formula is essential for productizing services.
• Every step of your process should address customer pain points.
Key Moments
[20:03] The Impact of Productizing on Business
[21:40] Step 1: Narrow Your Job Description
[25:25] Step 2: Craft Your Differentiated Point of View
[29:52] Step 3: The LOCK Formula
[38:09] Step 4: Sell the Process
[43:16] Lizzie Davey Workshop: Introduction to Freelance Pipeline Secrets
Key Takeaways
• Freelancers should use both passive and active marketing strategies.
• Passive marketing increases brand awareness and authority.
• Active marketing focuses on quickly acquiring clients.
• Personalize pitches and applications to stand out.
Key Moments
[44:05] Overview: Two Core Marketing Strategies
[45:00] Active Marketing Strategies
[50:56] Applying to Job Boards
[54:42] Passive Marketing
[59:14] Combining Marketing Strategies
[1:02:25] Tyler Hakes Workshop: Breakthrough Bylines
Key Takeaways
• Credibility is essential for landing high-profile clients.
• Strategic guest posting can significantly boost your career.
• Finding the right topic is crucial.
• Guest posts can serve as valuable portfolio pieces.
• The Breakthrough Bylines course offers a step-by-step system for success.
Key Moments
[1:03:24] The Gap Between Low-Paying and High-Paying Clients
[1:04:22] The Importance of Credibility
[1:08:04] Strategic Guest Posting as a Key Strategy
[1:11:29] The Process of Using Guest Posts
[1:15:17] Finding the Right Topic for Guest Posts
[1:17:54] Crafting an Effective Pitch
[1:20:44] Maximizing the Impact of Published Work
[1:22:50] Introduction to Tyler's Course "Breakthrough By Lines"
[1:27:15] Q&A Session with Lizzy & Lashay
[2:46:19] Liam Carnahan Workshop: Cold Pitching
Key Takeaways
• Select a small number of leads to focus on for better results.
• Researching leads thoroughly can lead to more personalized pitches.
• Pitches should be unique and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Offering value in pitches can lead to better responses.
Key Moments
[2:47:01] The Drawbacks of Traditional Cold Pitching
[2:49:37] A Better Approach to Cold Pitching
[2:52:03] Creating a Targeted Lead Spreadsheet
[2:54:33] The Research Phase
[2:57:26] Crafting a Personalized Pitch
[3:00:17] Introduction to an Effective Cold Pitch
[3:02:05] Crafting a Unique and Valuable Pitch
[3:04:49] Templates for Effective Cold Pitches
[3:07:25] Rachel Meltzer Workshop: LinkedIn Optimization
Key Takeaways
• Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is essential for attracting clients.
• Your headline should include relevant keywords for search visibility.
• Experimentation is key in optimizing your LinkedIn profile.
• Regularly updating your profile keeps it relevant and effective.
Key Moments
[3:08:28] Rachel's Approach to Freelancing and LinkedIn
[3:12:03] Steps for LinkedIn Profile Optimization
[3:21:15] Using LinkedIn to Attract Clients
[3:30:44] Brooklin Nash Workshop: Standing Out as a Freelancer
Key Takeaways
• A consultative sales approach helps in understanding client needs.
• Communicating a differentiated offer is key to attracting clients.
• It's important to share value in every client interaction.
• Freelancers should focus on their strengths and preferences.
Key Moments
[3:33:02] Five Key Areas for Standing Out as a Freelancer
[3:36:01] Building a Strong Network and Consultative Sales Approach
[3:48:14] Communicating a Differentiated Offer and Maintaining a Process
[3:55:08] Q&A Session with Rachel, Liam & Brooklin