Episode 6: Audit your freelance business!
Hi everyone,
I hope you’re coping ok so far this winter. I’ve personally taken up knitting in the last month or so, and have been making gifts for friends. (Also great because having two occupied hands prevents me from doomscrolling!)
This episode, Jenni and I did something a little different: Instead of interviewing someone else, we decided to interview each other about our businesses. This is the first time we’ve really peeled back the curtains and talked about how much we make, what percentage of our income is tied to the services we offer, and what isn’t working well for us.
Not to mention: It’s the end of the year, which means it’s a good time to reflect on your freelance businesses from FY2020 in general. What worked? What didn’t? What kinds of things do you want to take forward next year?
Listen to this episode wherever you subscribe! (And if you don’t subscribe to the podcast, please do -- it helps more people find us.)
The big take-away from this episode is this: Values change over time. I was admittedly mopey about being deskbound this entire year but I managed to capitalize on my efficiency. What else was I going to do? As a result, I managed to double my income and earn six figures. Jenni’s baby was born about a year ago, and that really changed her priorities -- not just in life, but also in her own freelance business.
Adapting to the different seasons of freelancing is a necessity, and it’s also a skill that can be developed. We think constant small shifts should be normalized over the idea that every year is another year to grow your career. Sometimes you need slower times, and sometimes you need to earn more money, or you’ll want to seek out more ambitious projects. Knowing which direction to choose makes all the difference, and I hope you can give yourselves time to breathe and reflect in the coming.
This week, if you’re a Patreon, we’ve included a worksheet on how to assess your business from FY2020, and how to plan for the year ahead. It’s never too late to join us as a Co-op member.
Happy December, y’all. We’re almost through with 2020!
Wudan