Celebrating 294 EPISODES In 294 Words Being freelance doesn’t mean you’re alone; there’s a huge community of freelancers waiting with a cuppa, a cookie, and a pair of ears to help you grow.  Everyone’s journey is different, and after listening to 294 episodes - you can literally make it up as you go along. Sort of. You need some sort of plan. Even if it’s on a napkin. A way to get from A to C and not get lost at B. But even if B gets a bit wobbly, don’t panic, ask for help and keep going. Indulge your passions. Just because you started in one field, doesn’t mean you can’t move into anoth ..read more

This post is by BFF (Being Freelance Friend) Louisa Ellins. Find her at Line 29 Editorial I was late to the world of podcasts, but in one year I binged every single episode of the Being Freelance podcast. In its 8th year, that’s currently more than 280 episodes. And in listening, I noticed something. Every guest is a successful freelancer, but all of them have achieved this in their own way. No two stories are the same, and there is no such thing as a right or wrong way to do things. Let me show you what I mean… Becoming freelance Alongside employment “I still have a full-time job… that c ..read more

It’s back for 2021! My guide to gifts for the freelancer in your life. (Even if that’s you.) GIFTS BY FREELANCERS The great thing is, loads of the following gift ideas for freelancers are actually made by freelancers. When you shop with freelancers, you effectively give a gift twice! Because they’ll get a festive flurry of £, $ or € in their direction. Keep an eye out for the Being Freelance ‘Made By A Freelancer’ gift tag and take a look! The Being Freelance Gift Guide 2021 Books Tech Stationery Prints & Art Home & Food Clothes & Accessories     Back to Menu   S ..read more

“All those little changes, if we're all doing them, can have a really big impact…” BFF* Melissa Hobson is a comms consultant working with sustainability & conservation organisations. She freelances in a ‘green’ way - it inspired me to invite her to join us live from COP26 to explore with the Being Freelance Community exactly how we can run our freelance businesses in a way that is great for us and the planet. You can watch the replay in Facebook Group. But below is some of what we covered. What will you do? Steve ??? 4th Nov 2021 *BFF = Being Freelance Friend Not joined us yet? Come and ..read more

Winners of IPSE Freelancer of the Year Wards 2017   Awards. Ever thought about entering? “I’m too busy!” ”Oh, I wouldn’t win anyway” ”I’m not experienced enough” ”What’s the point?!” Well, over the years of hosting the Being Freelance podcast I've spoken to many freelancers who can totally see the point.   1. Increasing your confidence For exhibitions designer Rebecca Shipham (whose brand name ‘Ships & Pigs’ deserves a prize in itself), becoming the first ever IPSE Freelancer of the Year gave her a real boost. “I’ve certainly seen my work increase in quality since winning becaus ..read more

2021 - there’s never been a better time to take a look at your freelance business banking. The UK in particular is spoilt for choice when it comes to accounts that work the same we do: efficiently, online, often from our phones, leaving one hand free for a cuppa. When I first got a business bank account, I had to do it in a high street branch, taking in all manner of paperwork, sitting down with a banker who loved to disappear and photo copy things. No more! In some instances you can open a bank account from your phone whilst making a coffee. For years I was paying banking fees monthly, plus ..read more

   It’s not easy to rock your first days as a freelancer. Searching out your first clients can feel like staring across a barren desert, with only a few spiky cacti (or your cat) for company. The good news is that with a bit of hard work you can quickly turn that frazzled desert into a thriving oasis. How? By following these awesome tips, which I’ve gathered from real freelancers across more than 150 episodes of the Being Freelance podcast. (Prefer to WATCH? Click the video above for a snappy roundup of the tips, but if you prefer to go deep - read on!) Want even more advice on how ..read more

I’m writing this at the end of July 2020. Finally back in my cowork space. Though it’s now covered in perspex screens and sanitiser. What a weird few months it’s been. Being freelance isn’t always easy. But those who make a success of it are resilient and adaptable. Big thanks to all of the guests who managed to show up for me during lockdown still brimming with positivity despite all that was going on. Below is a summary of what freelancing is like for them right now. Hope you get a chance to listen to them all! Steve ?? ———  The Being Freelance Podcast Season 11 - A recap of every e ..read more

Contributor: Víctor Giménez is a freelance copywriter and transcreator based in Spain. What a fancy word for creative translation that is. He helps businesses who want to reach a Spanish audience get rid of language barriers. He says he prefers writing in Spanish and Catalan, but we’re not so sure that's true. Find him on LinkedIn. I started listening to the Being Freelance podcast in September 2019. I’m quite positive Robbie King’s episode was my very first. As of today, two days after Eman Ismail’s episode was released, I can say I’ve officially listened to every episode of Being Freelance ..read more

Photo by Ben Duchac on Unsplash Contributor: BFF Sophie Livingston I often say that I have a stronger sense of community now that I’m working from home, alone, than I ever did working in teams or shared spaces. And I owe thanks for that to Being Freelance founder Steve and others like him; the community leaders who bring freelancers together. (Thanks Steve!). One of the lessons you learn early on as a freelancer is that you can’t do it alone. It’s all about people. In tough times especially we see how much of a difference a strong sense of community can make. If you’re feeling ..read more