99 Problems (but a boss ain't one)

Do you ever feel like you haven't found your purpose? You aren't alone. Most of us haven't had that lightning bolt moment, so we take a closer look into the idea of searching for a purpose and ask whether it's something that's found or created. 

A couple of episodes ago we talked about what characteristics are helpful as a freelancer, and resilience came up. So we wanted to take a bit of a deeper dive into what resilience means for freelancers, and share our tips on how to cope with the harder parts of self employment (spoiler alert: Katy's involves a video of milk bottles).

We’re a third of the way through our 99 problems, so we thought this might be a good time to get all reflective. So we’re going to fire up the Delorian and take ourselves back to our first days of freelancing. Knowing what we know now, what would we do with that time?

Are freelancers born or made? In this episode we chat about whether freelancing is suitable for everyone, and the common characteristics that you often find amongst people who are self-employed or small business owners. 

Coming out as a freelancer and explaining your new job to friends and family can be a challenge. In this episode, we share some tips for helping to get people on board with your freelance life. Plus we chat about some of the common reactions when you tell people you're self-employed (and how to deal with them). 

We're back after a short break whilst Katy moved to Anglesey, and so we thought it would be fitting to talk about how to juggle freelance life during big life events like moving house or getting married. We also talk about how to handle unexpected interruptions to your freelance work and managing client expectations during these periods. 

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...

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.