In this episode of Freelancer's Mic, we dive into the art of leading a one-person business with expert Steven Puri. With over 20 years of experience in high-stakes environments at DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox, Steven shares invaluable insights on how solo entrepreneurs can adopt pro-level strategies to enhance their visibility and attract high-value clients.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of having a clear system in place to showcase value before engaging potential clients, moving from a state of chaotic busyness to effective leadership.
For those looking to enhance their visibility strategy, we have the 360-degree podcast visibility roadmap that you can download for free.
Tune in for actionable tips and expert advice on achieving predictable visibility and landing high-value clients. More here
How to build a waitlist without cold DMs, endless follow-ups, or burnout.
How To Package Your Knowledge Into a High Ticket Offer
How to become a recurring revenue freelancer
Hire me as your Podcast Visibility Strategist
Connect with Me:
Website: writersspirecourses.com
Instagram: @writersspire
LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are
Facebook: @coachludiah
Tiktok: @ludiahtheva
How to create a portfolio without experience (even if you've never had a client before)
In this episode, I discuss how to create a virtual assistant (VA) portfolio even if you have no prior experience. Many aspiring VAs believe that clients won't hire them without a portfolio, but I'm here to show you that it's entirely possible to build one from scratch.
Key Steps to Create a VA Portfolio Without Experience
Choose Your Niche: Identify the specific skills you want to showcase, such as social media management, email management, or data entry. This helps in creating a focused and professional-looking portfolio.
Create Sample Work: You don't need real clients to create samples. For instance, redesign a spreadsheet, write a sample email, or create a social media calendar. The goal is to demonstrate your skills as if you were hired for a project.
Use Free Tools: Make your portfolio look professional using tools like Canva, Google Docs, or Notion. These platforms offer templates and easy-to-use features to help you create a clean and impressive portfolio.
Write a Powerful Bio: Start your portfolio with a short, compelling bio that tells potential clients who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you.
Add Testimonials: Even without client work, you can gather testimonials by helping friends or family with small tasks in exchange for feedback. You can also leverage personal experiences to add credibility.
Share Your Portfolio: Once your portfolio is ready, make sure to share it widely. Upload it to Google Drive, LinkedIn, your website, and freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. The more visibility, the better.
Final thoughts
Creating a VA portfolio without experience is entirely feasible and can attract clients. However, this is just the first step. Next, you'll need to focus on landing clients, pricing your services, and setting up systems to grow your business.
Stay tuned for my upcoming playlist that will cover these topics in detail. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and drop any questions in the comments, I reply to every single one. See you in the next episode!
Hire me as your Podcast Visibility Strategist
Connect with Me:
Website: writersspirecourses.com
Instagram: @writersspire
LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are
Facebook: @coachludiah
Tiktok: @ludiahtheva
3 Personal Branding Mistakes That Keep Freelancers Broke
In this episode of The Freelancer's Mic, we discuss personal branding for freelancers with our special guest, Shabbir Jasden, a LinkedIn branding expert and authority architect for top executives.
Shabbir shares his journey from a passionate young writer to a sought-after LinkedIn expert, emphasizing the importance of positioning and authentic value in personal branding.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Importance of Positioning
Shabbir highlights that one of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of personal branding is clear positioning. Freelancers must define what they offer, identify their target market, and explain why clients should choose them over others. This clarity helps transform a LinkedIn profile from a digital resume into a true authority platform.
2. Authentic Value Over Generic Tips
Shabbir stresses the importance of providing authentic value through personal experiences and stories rather than generic tips that are easily found through a Google search. He explains that human connections are built through relatable stories, which can significantly enhance engagement and trust.
3. Leveraging Comments and Direct Messages
For freelancers struggling with low engagement, Shabbir recommends focusing on commenting more than posting.
Engaging with potential clients' content and peers' posts can increase visibility and build relationships. Additionally, personalized direct messages (DMs) can be a powerful tool for client acquisition, provided they are genuine and helpful rather than salesy.
4. Profile Optimization
Shabbir offers a free profile audit, where he meticulously reviews LinkedIn profiles to ensure they are optimized for attracting clients. Key elements include a compelling banner, a clear value statement, a well-crafted About section using the PASS framework (Problem, Agitate, Solution), and an actionable featured section.
Final Advice
Shabbir encourages freelancers not to quit, even when the algorithm doesn't seem to favor them. Persistence, asking for help, and focusing on what drives conversions are crucial for long-term success on LinkedIn.
For those looking to land their first clients, I have created a free resource titled "How to Land Your First Three Clients as a Virtual Assistant," which you can download from the show notes.
Thank you for tuning in to this insightful episode of The Freelancer's Mic.
Don't forget to subscribe, share, and check out Shabbir's LinkedIn profile for more valuable information and his free profile audit offer.
Keep pushing forward and stay connected with the community!
Our Guest: Shabbir Jasden, a LinkedIn branding expert, we exploredhow to reposition your freelance brand to attract high-paying clients.
Check out Shabbir's free profile audit to help you optimize your LinkedIn presence.
Hire me as your Podcast Visibility Strategist
Connect with Me:
Website: writersspirecourses.com
Instagram: @writersspire
LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are
Facebook: @coachludiah
Tiktok: @ludiahtheva
The Freelance Client Onboarding Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here is what we cover in this episode:
Listen to find out about the five-step client onboarding framework designed to protect your income and sanity as a freelancer.
Learn how a structured onboarding process can build trust, set clear expectations, and prevent scope creep before it begins.
I also share my own experiences with client onboarding mishaps and practical strategies to ensure smooth interactions from the very first inquiry to the final project delivery.
Discover the crucial elements of a professional proposal, the importance of a welcome kit, and how to foster meaningful connections through kickoff calls. This episode is a must-listen for freelancers looking to elevate their client relationships and streamline their processes.
Connect with Me:
Website: writersspirecourses.com
Instagram: @writersspire
LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are
Facebook: @coachludiah
Tiktok: @ludiahtheva
Why I Send Contracts Even for Small Jobs (And It's Not What You Think)
In this episode, we get into the often-overlooked necessity of contracts, even for small freelance projects. Discover how a simple one-page freelance agreement can protect you from costly misunderstandings and ensure a smooth collaboration with clients.
You’ll learn:
Why contracts are crucial for clarity and communication, not just legal protection
How sending a contract can filter out difficult clients and establish professionalism
The key elements to include in your contract to prevent scope creep and ensure fair compensation
How to frame your contract as a standard part of your onboarding process
If there is one thing you should take from this episode, it is the hidden benefits of using contracts. You'll also have access to a free template you can customize for your own projects. Don't let miscommunication cost you money. Tune in to learn how to protect your time and expertise!
Don't forget to grab your free contract template for small jobs, just enter your email to receive it directly!
Listen to this episode on why freelancers ask for a deposit, and you should too
Connect with Me:
Website: writersspirecourses.com
Instagram: @writersspire
LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are
Facebook: @coachludiah
Tiktok: @ludiahtheva
What is your number one fear about sending contracts for freelancers?
Why Freelancers Ask for a Deposit (And Why It's Good for YOU)
In this episode of The Freelancer’s Mic, we tackle the often tricky conversation around deposits and why they are essential for both freelancers and clients alike. If you’ve ever struggled with how to request a deposit without coming off as desperate or untrusting, this episode is for you.
You’ll learn:
The psychological advantages of requiring a deposit for both freelancers and clients
How a deposit acts as a professional filter, ensuring you work with serious clients
Why financial commitment from clients leads to better project outcomes
The exact script to use when asking for a deposit without awkwardness
How to handle pushback from clients who are unfamiliar with this standard practice
Whether you’re a freelancer looking to protect your time and energy or a client wanting to understand the value of this practice, this episode provides insights that will change your perspective.
It's not just about trust; it's about establishing a professional partnership that benefits everyone involved.
Don't forget to share this episode with a freelancer or client who needs to hear it!
Connect with Me:
Website: writersspirecourses.com
Instagram: @writersspire
LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are
Facebook: @coachludiah
Tiktok: @ludiahtheva
Thinking about offering podcast services as a virtual assistant, but worried you’ve never edited before? This episode breaks down exactly how you can get started, even without fancy tech skills.
You’ll learn:
The podcast tasks clients actually pay VAs for
Why editing isn’t the only way to add value
How to position yourself as a podcast VA (even if you’re brand new)
Simple steps to land your first podcast client
Whether you’re a beginner VA or looking to add podcast management to your services, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward.
Don't forget to download the Podcast Services Starter Checklist for VAs Download Now
Connect with Me:
Website: writersspirecourses.com
Instagram: @writersspire
LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are
Facebook: @coachludiah
Tiktok: @ludiahtheva
Editing your own podcast? Stop.
In this episode of The Freelancer’s Mic, I break down why most coaches, consultants, and speakers don’t edit their own shows, and why you shouldn’t either.
You’ll hear:
✅ A real story of a coach who burned out trying to do it all
✅ Common signs it’s time to outsource your podcast editing
✅ What actually happens when you keep scrubbing audio at midnight
✅ The tasks a podcast VA/editor can take off your plate
✅ How to test the waters with outsourcing, without a huge commitment
If you’ve been losing hours to editing instead of focusing on your clients and audience, this episode will show you a better way forward.
💡 Ready to free up your time and grow your show?
Connect with Me:
Website: writersspire.com
Instagram: @writersspire
LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are
Facebook: @coachludiah
Tiktok: @ludiahtheva
Why I send contracts even for small jobs (And it's not what you think)
Ever wonder why your freelance pitches get opened but never answered? You're not alone. In this episode, we unpack the real reasons clients go silent and how to fix it.
Whether you're a virtual assistant, writer, designer, or coach, you'll learn:
✅ Why your emails are getting ignored
✅ Common freelance outreach mistakes (and how to avoid them)
✅ What top freelancers do differently to get clients
✅ How to pitch like a business owner, not an employee
✅ Small changes that lead to more responses and better clients
If you’ve been sending cold pitches, job proposals, or DMs and getting crickets, this one is for you.
💡 Want to pitch better and get hired faster?
Check out The Get Hired VA System, the step-by-step system to help you get visible, pitch with confidence, and land your next client (without guessing what to say).
🎧 Listen now and start hearing more “yes!”
Got value from the episode? Share it with a freelancing friend or leave a quick review!
The $20K Cold Pitch Vault - Steal these proven, high-converting email templates that have generated $20,000+ in freelance deals for my business.
Connect with Me:
Website: writersspirecourses.com
Instagram: @writersspire
LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are
Facebook: @coachludiah
Tiktok: @ludiahtheva
In this episode of The Freelancer’s Mic, we talk about the 3 Things Most Freelancers Forget When Pitching Clients And How It’s Costing Them Money.
From focusing too much on personal stories to neglecting to demonstrate an understanding of the client's business, these common pitfalls can lead to being ghosted or underpaid.
We provide actionable insights on how to shift your pitching strategy to showcase your value and connect authentically with clients.
Discover how to:
By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the tools to refine your pitching approach and increase your chances of landing those coveted gigs.
Tune in and learn how to pitch smart, not hard!
Favorite quote:
You need to lead your pitch with what you do for them, not who you are.
Resources: Grab the Get Hired VA System here - My proven method to help virtual assistants pitch with confidence, land better clients, and stop undercharging.
The $20K Cold Pitch Vault - Steal these proven, high-converting email templates that have generated $20,000+ in freelance deals for my business.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to pitching mistakes freelancers make
(01:30) Mistake #1: Talking too much about yourself
(05:15) How to lead with what you can do for the client
(09:00) Mistake #2: Not showing you understand their business
(12:45) How to personalize your pitch effectively
(15:30) Mistake #3: No proof equals no trust
(19:00) Ways to showcase your skills and build credibility
(22:30) Wrap-up and final thoughts on pitching strategies
Connect with Ludiah:
Website: writersspirecourses.com
Instagram: @writersspire
LinkedIn: Ludiah Mong'are
Facebook: @coachludiah
Tiktok: @ludiahtheva
In this insightful episode,of the Freelancer's Mic, we sit down with entrepreneur and author Kelvin Abrams to discuss the critical mindset shifts freelancers need to thrive.
We discuss the reasons why thinking like an employee can stifle your freelance business and discover practical strategies for adopting a boss mentality. From embracing discomfort to creating opportunities, Kelvin shares his journey and valuable lessons learned over 17 years of entrepreneurship.
Tune in for an empowering conversation that will inspire you to take charge of your freelance career!
Chapters:
(00:00) Why your business fails when you act like an employee. Why your freelance business stays stuck when you think like boss
(01:02) You knew you wanted to be an entrepreneur when you were young
(01:44) Get Uncomfortable or Change Course is a book written by Kelvin
(03:57) Let's talk about the employee mindset. What does it look like
(04:58) How does the employee mindset block someone from growing
(09:46) You talk about the importance of creating opportunities instead of waiting for them
(13:04) You've been in business 17 years and let me tell you, there have been hard years
(14:32) Kelvin Abrams: If you want to be an entrepreneur, go for it
(19:20) Going forward, I'm going to make sure that I record on episodes
Failure is a gift. Failure is not to be afraid of. Failure is a gift. You learn from failure.
Connect with Kelvin:
Kelvin Abrams
https://kelvinabrams.com
Get Uncomfortable or Change Course
https://kelvinabrams.com
Have you ever thought, “Why would anyone care about my story?”
In this episode of The Freelancer’s Mic, I talk to Harold Phifer, veteran, Amazon bestselling author, and the man behind My Bully, My Aunt & Her Final Gift.
Harold didn’t plan to write a book. But after hitting emotional rock bottom, he chose to tell the truth. That story didn’t just bring healing, it built a platform, opened business doors, and helped him serve others in a meaningful way.
If you’re a freelancer or solopreneur wondering how to show up online without faking it, this episode is for you.
What We Talk About:
What pushed Harold to write his memoir
How personal stories can open business opportunities
Encouragement for freelancers who feel “too ordinary”
The behind-the-scenes of turning a book into a brand
First steps to start sharing your story today
💬 Favorite Quote:
"Your story doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be honest."
No more re-listening to the same episode three times.
With my Podcast Quick Fix, I’ll clean up your audio, remove the awkward stuff, add your intro, and get it sounding sharp so you can focus on showing up and growing your brand.
🎧 Try one episode for just $47.
Send me a message to book your test drive.
Connect with Harold:
Facebook: HaroldPhifer2024
Twitter: @hephifer
Instagram: HaroldPhifer2024
Linkedin: Harold Phifer
Tik Tok: @hephifer6
Website: https://riseandread.com/
Youtube: Harold Phifer
Harold’s Book: My Bully, My Aunt & Her Final Gift
Learn more about my podcast editing
🛠️ Need Help Editing Your Podcast?
We always talk about content. We always talk about marketing.
But podcast hosting?
No one does.
In this episode of The Freelancer’s Mic, I sit down with Vince Quinn, Co-Founder and Creative Director at SBX Productions and host of It’s Not Just Talking, to unpack the one podcast skill most people overlook hosting.
Vince brings his radio background, his years of experience, and his signature humor to help us understand how hosting well builds trust, boosts listener retention, and turns your show into a true business asset.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
✅ The surprising reason why most podcasters skip over hosting—and why that’s a big mistake
✅ What Vince learned from hosting across 225 radio stations that new podcasters often miss
✅ The real reason hosting is more than just “having a good mic”
✅ 3 simple ways to sound like a confident, natural host , even if you feel awkward now
✅ How great hosting keeps your listeners around (and makes you referable)
If you’ve been focused on your gear, your guests, or your growth but ignoring your hosting presence this episode will change how you show up behind the mic.
Tune in now and learn how to host like your brand depends on it because it does.
___________________________________________________
📌If you want to sound like the pro you know you are?
Try the Podcast Quick Fix for just $47.
I’ll edit one of your episodes, clean audio, trim filler words, balance levels, and add intro/outro.
🎧 You’ll get a polished episode that sounds like you, but better.
It’s like a test drive for your podcast, no strings, just results.
Connect with Vince:
Instagram: @sbxprod
In this episode of The Freelancer's Mic, we sit down with Miriam Ndiritu, founder of Sahara VA, a podcast outreach company dedicated to helping B2B experts get featured on podcasts.
Miriam shares her inspiring freelance journey, from her beginnings in transcription and writing to discovering her passion for podcast outreach.
Join us as we talk about podcasting and explore how freelancers can leverage this medium to attract clients. Also, Miriam explains the concept of podcast outreach and why it’s a valuable marketing tool for busy professionals.
She shares actionable insights on how to get featured on podcasts, the importance of building relationships, and how to present your expertise authentically.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Key Takeaways:
- No skill goes unused; leverage your past experiences to enhance your current offerings.
- Podcasting builds trust and visibility, making it easier for potential clients to connect with you.
- Start small by reaching out to your network for podcast opportunities.
- Implement effective systems to ensure your freelance business can scale efficiently.
🌟 Favorite Quote from the Episode:
"No skill goes unused."
Ready to Take Action?
After listening to this episode, think about how you can incorporate podcasting into your marketing strategy. Whether it’s starting your own show or pitching to be a guest, take that first step today!
Resources
Learn how to become a podcast manager by enrolling in this course here
If you're ready to start offering podcast services, download The VA's Ultimate Podcast Management Launchpad™
Connect with Miriam:
🌐 Website: saharava.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Search for Miriam Deiritu
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and join us next week for more insights on growing your freelancing business through creative strategies.
In this episode of The Freelancers Mic, we welcome LinkedIn expert Scott Aaron for a deep dive into the transformative power of LinkedIn for freelancers and small business owners.
Scott, an internationally acclaimed online marketer and best-selling author, shares invaluable insights on how to monetize your LinkedIn connections and turn relationships into revenue.
Join us as we explore key strategies for building trust and rapport with potential clients without coming off as pushy.
Learn the importance of genuine outreach, the significance of providing value through your content, and how to effectively identify high-value prospects.
Scott emphasizes that the fortune is in the follow-up and offers practical tips for nurturing your network to foster meaningful connections that can lead to sales.
Before we go further, you can steal these proven, high-converting cold email templates that have generated $20,000+ in freelance deals for my business.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Key steps to convert LinkedIn connections into paying clients.
- How to identify your ideal client persona on LinkedIn.
- The importance of personalization and authenticity in your outreach.
- Effective follow-up strategies to nurture relationships.
- The mindset shift needed to transition from connecting to creating income.
Key Takeaways:
- Build know, like, and trust through valuable content and authentic communication.
- Utilize LinkedIn’s search features to find your ideal clients.
- Engage with your network by commenting on their content to increase visibility.
- Focus on collaboration and creation rather than competition.
📖 Favorite Quote from the Episode:
"Instead of living in a world of competition and comparison, live in a world of creation and collaboration."
Want to Go Deeper?
Scott and his wife are launching the Expert Content Society, a community designed to help freelancers and business owners master LinkedIn content strategies. Sign up for the waitlist at thetimetogrow.com to be notified when doors open!
Your Challenge this Week: Reflect on your current LinkedIn strategy and identify one way to personalize your outreach to potential clients.
📝 Take Action:
- Share this episode with a fellow freelancer who could benefit from Scott's insights.
- Leave a review to let us know how The Freelancers Mic is impacting your freelancing journey!
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and catch us next week for more expert insights on growing your freelancing business.
Connect with Scott:
🌐 Website: scottaaron.net
📸 LinkedIn: Scott Aaron
🎧 Podcast: Networking and Marketing Made Simple
Have a wonderful day!
Episode 28: How to Build a Team That Feels Like Family
Episode Description:
Building a business on your own is one thing. Building a team that works like a family? That’s a whole new level. In this episode, we’re joined by Alan Lazaros, Founder and CEO of Next Level University, a Global Top 100 Self-Improvement Podcast.
Alan has built a team of 17 who not only work together but thrive together, and he’s sharing how he did it.
If you’re a freelancer wondering how to take that first step into hiring, managing, and leading, this episode is packed with actionable advice.
Here’s what we cover:
Mic Check Moment:
Alan shares his “Letting Go Moment”—a key experience that taught him how to release control and trust his team to handle things. He’ll reveal the fear he faced and the mindset shift that made all the difference.
Why You Should Listen:
This isn’t just for people with a big team. If you’re a solopreneur or freelancer dreaming of scaling but scared of what comes next, this episode will give you the clarity, courage, and practical tools to take that leap.
Let’s Get Connected!
Don’t miss out, tune in to this inspiring conversation and start thinking about your next level.
Subscribe, Share, and Review!
Loved this episode? Share it with your freelancer friends and drop us a review. Your support helps us grow and bring you even more value!
🎙️ Listen now and start building your team like a pro!