successful
freelancing
YOUR COURSE GUIDE
C O U R S E T A U G H T B Y M A G G I E S T A R A
Welcome
Hey there,
Thank you for choosing this course and me as your instructor - I'm so happy you're
here!
In this course guide you will find the resources we discuss within our lessons as well
as a few more that I thought you might find helpful.
I'm really excited for you to dive straight in and
if you have any questions about the materials
you learn within this course please don't
hesitate to reach out.
Thank you again so much for being here
and happy learning!
- Maggie Stara
Olympic Luging & You
Watch 60 Second Docs on Instagram
for inspiration of people building
unique businesses and doing unique
things with their lives.
Check out this YouTube playlist from
Nas Daily full of incredible people doing
incredible things.
For a bit of fun: check out this article on Create a Powerful Online Presence
people who are professional mourners. Tips for taking a great profile photo:
Face the camera
Develop Atomic Habits Make sure there are no distracting
Check out Atomic Habits by James background objects or other people in
Clear here - Tiny Changes, Remarkable your photo.
Results. Have a slight smile
Freedom App - block distractions while Looks nice when cropped into a circle
working. Photo in focus and in colour
Working alone doesn't have to be Exercise:
lonely. Join supportive communities of Write down ideas about the following:
likeminded freelancers! Nomadlist is Why someone should hire you to
just one of many resources that become a part of their team
connect remote workers globally. How you will help them grow or
You can also head to MeetUp, manage their business
select your country or city and What you will actually be able to do
search for 'freelance' or 'freelancer'
for them
to find local freelance groups.
HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCE BUSINESS COURSE TAUGHT BY MAGGIE STARA
LinkedIn 101
How to create an amazing LinkedIn
banner (Step-by-step tutorial)
This is my go-to YouTube channel for
all things LinkedIn marketing
Success Through Socials
Use this link to find out which social
media platforms are right for you and
your freelance business.
Tips from this lesson:
Optimise your presence for search.
For example your name on
Instagram is searchable so make
sure it's a powerful keyword like:
"Toronto Wedding Photographer"
not "Photography Goddess" Exercise:
Be human, tell stories, solve problems. Write down notes on:
Always think about what your Who is your ideal client based on
ideal client would want to see or the services you will provide?
read. And where will they most likely be
Build meaningful relationships found online?
Add value in freelance and
business communities whenever
possible Freelancing Platform Tips
Experiment with video when you can Tips from lesson:
Freelancing platforms are search
engines so make sure you're listing your
skills and the tools which you're
confident in using, on your profile.
Have a powerful opening statement
and specific job title.
Build your reputation on the platform by
taking on smaller project-based roles
to build your reviews.
Be careful of what you say through the
messaging system on the platforms.
Work within your hourly rate.
Click here to read a step-by-step guide on
how to sign up as a freelancer on Upwork.
HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCE BUSINESS COURSE TAUGHT BY MAGGIE STARA
Your Business Set Up
Namechk - tool for checking which
usernames are available on different
networks
Upwork Resources:
Pros and cons of different business
entities
Tax deductions for U.S. freelancers
A Freelancer’s Toolkit: 18 Tools Everyone
Should Use
Example from this lesson:
Check out @kitstercronk for more amazing
illustrations like the one below that Kit has
used to attract dream clients into her
business through social media.
Other Freelancing Platforms
Cloud Peeps
People per Hour
Freelancer
Guru
Working Nomads
Remote OK
FlexJobs
Outsourcely
iFreelance
Jobspresso Exercise:
We Work Remotely Set up a professional presence on
Freelance Writing Gigs 1-2 social media platforms where
you can begin building your
Assistant Match
presence and connecting with your
Clickworker ideal clients.
Work at home jobs Put in place a plan of attack for
Mashable creating content for your chosen
platforms.
[Link]
HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCE BUSINESS COURSE TAUGHT BY MAGGIE STARA
Pitching With Impact Tips from this lesson about pitching in
general:
Tips from this lesson about applying for a
Give people context. Tell them why
job through a freelance job post:
you're contacting them, create a
personal connection and try to add
Remember to always read each
value before asking for something in
freelance job post FULLY before
return.
applying. You never know when a client
Always include just ONE call to action
might have hidden something sneaky
for the next steps you want the client
in the job post description they're using
to take.
to test if you're paying attention!
Start simple, then follow up. And if
Ask useful questions in your
you're following up via email, try the
application that would make the client
following subject line to spark curiosity:
intrigued to continue the conversation
"Have you given up on this [THEIR
with you.
NAME]?"
Always think about "what's in it for
Create a process for pitching and
them?" because your application or
following up. You can use a tool like
proposal should be all about the value
Asana here to help with this.
you can bring to the client.
HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCE BUSINESS COURSE TAUGHT BY MAGGIE STARA
Watch Me Pitch a Client Nail the Discovery Call
Calendly - a free tool that you can hook up Check out Kate's account for tips on how to
to your own calendar for clients to book in a handle remote job interviews and
time for your call together discovery calls.
Zoom - the best tool for video calls Tips from this lesson:
Before the call
Loom - a software for recording yourself Do some personal connection
and your screen at the same time, and research on the client
receive emails once they have viewed it. Jot down questions to ask once
you're on the call
The recipe for an excellent pitch video: During the call
Introduce yourself and give them context Control your environment
as to why you're here. Minimal noise, strong wifi
Find a personal connection with the Control your body language
client Look at them and the camera,
Compliment their business before not yourself while on the call
offering any constructive feedback, and Control visual cues
end on another compliment to leave You can write notes but make
them feeling good. sure they know you're writing
Mention their competitors whenever and aren't just distracted
possible - this activates their Fake it till you make it
competitive nature and makes them If they mention a tool you
want to beat their competition. haven't used before - use your
Give them clear steps for how to get in care factor to tell them you'll go
touch with you to take the conversation above and beyond to upskill
further. yourself on this before you begin
working with them!
Here's an example of how an incredible Ending the call
marketer submitted a similar video for a Let them know what they can
full-time role at her dream job and it expect from you and when
worked! Follow up with them in a timely
manner even if it's just to say it's not
a good fit for you
HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCE BUSINESS COURSE TAUGHT BY MAGGIE STARA
Proposals & Contracts Onboard Your Client
Some things to include in your proposal + Tips from this lesson:
contract: Schedule a kickoff meeting asap
Project information This is where you can exchange
Client’s name and address passwords, talk about expectations,
Your name and address and iron out any initial working
The date of the agreement relationship details.
Problems to overcome Get to know their communication style
Objectives and goals Do they want weekly emails? Would
Deliverables they prefer to jump on a Zoom call
Timeline instead? Or maybe they'd like to set
Payment terms up on Slack for more casual
Confidentiality terms conversation? Find out during the
Termination of working relationship onboarding process.
terms (notice period) Set boundaries
Next steps and signatures Educate them (and yourself) on
cybersecurity.
Fiverr Workspace was previously called LastPass is by far my favourite tool
[Link]. So if you're looking up tutorials on for protecting all of my passwords.
YouTube on how to get the most out of it - Make sure you're backing up your
make sure to check both names. [Link]'s work into Google Drive or Dropbox in
YouTube tutorial library here is still very case anything happens to your
relevant to how the tool works now. physical equipment.
Increase customer lifetime value
Alternative tools you could use for your 13 Client Gifts to Wow Your Clients
proposals, contracts and invoices: (and Get Repeat Business)
Affordable client gift guide
QuickBooks Document your processes
FreshBooks
ZipBooks (invoicing only) Exercise:
Write down ways in which you can
Invoice & Get Paid streamline your onboarding process.
Fiverr workspace Google Chrome This could be through video
extension for time tracking. walkthroughs, email templates etc.
How to invoice through PayPal for free.
HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCE BUSINESS COURSE TAUGHT BY MAGGIE STARA
Set & Raise Your Rates Diversify Your Income
Resource on how to set your rates as a Creative Market - marketplace for
freelancer here. templates and other business assets.
How to charge what you're worth. Tutorial on how to start an Etsy store
Head to 'Should I work for free?' to find out with digital products.
if this is a good idea for your situation. Pat Flynn - Creator of Smart Passive
Income and a master of all things in
the affiliate marketing world.
Check out this YouTube playlist for
his best tips on how to make
money online.
Pat's podcast is linked here.
Exercise:
Write down a few ways in which
you might be able to bring in a
bit of extra passive income into
your business in the future.
Project Resources:
Finance Fundamentals Strikingly - free website builder
Tips from this lesson: Medium - to feature your writing
Know your numbers and track everything. Unsplash - for free images
Know exactly how much money
you're earning vs. spending. Keep Additional Resources:
track of all business expenses for tax World Time Buddy - to check what
time. Either in a tool like Quickbooks or timezone you and your client are
in your own DIY method. meeting in.
What's a 'nice to have' vs a 'need to have' Hemingway Editor - tool for writing
Buy second hand whenever possible to simply and clearly.
save money. Grammarly - free Google Chrome
Have separate bank accounts for extension that will help you check
personal vs. business expenses. grammar (perfect for writing
Set a bit of money aside for a 'fun fund' proposals).
Reward yourself for all of your hard Dubsado - an all-in-one tool to send
work whenever possible and contracts and invoices, handle project
celebrate just how far you've come! management, create questionnaires
and other forms, manage
Additional tips: bookkeeping, track your time, send
How to manage your money as a and receive emails. It's a paid tool but
freelancer. once you're happy to incur more
Details on carrying over losses of past tax expenses in your business it's well
years to offset future income. worth it!
Exercise: Fun (and relatable) Instagram meme
accounts to follow:
Set up a system for tracking your
@mytherapistsays
income and expenses. And create a @smallbizmemes
process for storing all receipts. @agencyprobs
@designershumour
HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCE BUSINESS COURSE TAUGHT BY MAGGIE STARA
Podcasts you'll love:
Freelance to Founder Being Freelance
Packed with advice and tips on Learn from guests who can help you
developing a freelance career. Convert avoid common mistakes when you start
your small venture into a full-fledged your own freelance business by sharing
business, with this podcast. their own journey of trial and error.
CHECK IT OUT HERE CHECK IT OUT HERE
Smart Passive Income The Hectic Podcast
Covers topics like: affiliate marketing, Features conversations with some of
digital products, social media marketing the best independent creators in their
tips, search engine optimisation, and industries and what motivates,
many more. challenges, and changes them.
CHECK IT OUT HERE CHECK IT OUT HERE
learn more
HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCE BUSINESS COURSE TAUGHT BY MAGGIE STARA
Books you'll love
Never Split The Difference The Element
Chris Voss is a former international This is my favourite book of all time. It's all about
hostage negotiator for the FBI. In this how every one of us can find our element,
book he talks about the principles of connecting with our true talents and fulfilling our
high-stakes negotiation as they apply creative potential. Amazing things happen when
to everyday life. Whether you're looking talent and passion collides and in this book
to negotiate a higher rate on a client you'll read about incredible stories of just how
project or trying to win someone over powerful finding your element can be. Ken
with your pitch - this book will give you Robinson also has a Ted Talk with 73M views on
the tools. the topics within this book so you can check that
out here before deciding to read the book.
CHECK IT OUT HERE
CHECK IT OUT HERE
Show Your Work Big Magic
In a nutshell, this book is about why If you've read (or seen) Eat Pray Love - then you
generosity trumps genius. It’s about know Elizabeth Gilbert. And this book is all about
getting discovered by sharing your her humble beginnings as a struggling writer. It's
process before your work is perfect. It's real, raw and incredibly relatable for all creatives
about attracting people into your out there. This book will leave you feeling
business in a way that feels authentic motivated about the pursuit of your freelance
and human. It's filled with illustrations career, while being realistic about the hard work
and is a super fun and easy read! that goes into the pursuit of our dreams.
CHECK IT OUT HERE CHECK IT OUT HERE
Thanks!
Thanks again for being here and
wanting to learn from me.
I appreciate each and every one of
you and if you would like to continue
to be virtual friends, check out some
ways to connect with me below:
Maggie Stara
@livingtoroam
- Maggie
