How I Built It

 I’ve known Matt Adams for the better part of a decade - we’ve worked on some interesting projects together, which we’ll reminisce about as we dive into how he’s built an agency out of what started as a freelance career. We talk a lot about something that’s hard for a lot of freelancers to talk about: cashflow. Feast, Famine, and Client Relationships have been themes of this season and they all relate to the same thing: managing your money properly so you can survive as a business. Let’s hear how Matt does it.  Show NotesMatt Adams | LinkedIn | TwitterHourly Rate CalculatorAIGAProfit FirstWhen by Daniel PinkPandaDocGet your FREE Podcast WorkbookSponsored by: Ahrefs | Yith | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

 Nathan Ingram is a fantastic freelancer, educator, and coach. I met him doing iThemes Webinars and he always manages to ask the right questions and tee up the right talking points. I’m excited to talk to him today about how to manage client relationships. Last week we heard from Erin Flynn about her process for working less and mentioned the importance for finding the right clients. Nathan is going to dive deeper into that. We’ll talk about his book on this very topic, and then we’ll talk about a new project he recently launched to help freelancers. Show NotesNathan IngramMonster Contracts (get 20% off with code HIBI)Dealing with Problem Clients | WordCamp TalkWordCamp MiamiTrademark and Copyright with Rian KinneySponsored by: Yith | TextExpander | FreshBooks ★ Support this podcast ★

 Erin Flynn is one of my favorite people to talk to. We are in a Master Mind group together and her insight and approach is always appreciated. Today, we’re talking about how she’s managed to build a business around literally working 2-4 hours a day. Recently she tweeted that she worked 1/4 the “normal job” hours and still hit her income goal. We’re going to talk about how she does it, and how you can do it too. Then we’ll chat a little bit about a big change we’re both getting ready for this summer.Show NotesErin Flynn | InstagramErin Flynn and Teaching OnlineJackie D'Ellia and What We Learned PodcastingFighting the Famine with Jason ResnickUsing Systems to Run a More Efficient Business with Shannon ShafferHourly Rate CalculatorBook: Start With WhySponsored by: Yith | TextExpander | FreshBooks ★ Support this podcast ★

Last week, you heard from Angel Marie about the importance of building your list, and how you can use ConvertKit to do it. Today, I decided to pull back the curtain and tell you exactly how I use ConvertKit. Show NotesGet ConvertKitBuilding Your Mailing List with Angel MarieHow to Set Up a Landing Page with ConvertKitPointing a Custom Domain to a ConvertKit Landing PageSponsored by: Yith | TextExpander | FreshBooks ★ Support this podcast ★

 I’m so excited to be talking to Angel Marie,  the Creator Educator over at ConvertKit this week. And we’re talking about one of my favorite topics: building your list. I’ve become a huge proponent of this over the last couple of years, and the contributing factors have been this podcast, my move into products, and the educator I got from people at ConvertKit like Angel. This is such a rich episode I’m excited for you to hear it.Show NotesAngel MarieConvertKitConvertKit on Facebook | InstagramHow to Set up a Free Landing Page with ConvertKitGet More Clients Using Content with Jessica LawlorSome Housekeeping: Angel mentions a link specifically for me later when talking about how you can get a free ConvertKit account. That’s an affiliate link and I may get a kickback for you using that. Don’t worry though - it won’t cost you anything else. And as a matter of fact, the second housekeeping item is this: Since we recorded this episode, ConvertKit has updated the offer that comes with this link - on top of the bene

 Ben Collins’ story is an interesting one! He went from forensic accountant to creating and selling online courses about Google Sheets - talk about niching down! But we talk about more than that. We also talk about location independence, and what it’s like moving from an office to working from home, with a family. Lots of great stuff in this episode, so let’s dig in. Show NotesBen Collins | TwitterTeachableHave a Daily Schedule when Working from HomeSponsored by: TextExpander | FreshBooks ★ Support this podcast ★

Shannon Shaffer is the founder of Purple Finch Studios, a small agency she runs in Pennsylvania, and today we’re talking about the systems and automation she put in place to make her and her team more efficient. But more than just her team benefits - her clients get a much more delightful and clear on-boarding process, communication doesn’t falter, and her projects get off to a great start. The systems she’s put in place can help us all get projects off to a great start, then keep them on track. Shannon ShafferTwitter | LinkedInGet More Clients Using Content with Jessica LawlorLiquid WebDubsadoZapierClickupMilanoteLoomGustoSponsored by: TextExpander | FreshBooks ★ Support this podcast ★

As tools for podcasting have evolved, the question of, “Can I start a podcast” has changed to, “should I start a podcast?” And importantly, will it help you grow your business? We’re going to talk about all of that and more in today’s episode. We’ll go over why podcasting is getting easier, some of the basics, and why YOU should start one. At the end of the episode, I’m going to tell you about a new online course I have coming out that will give you everything you need to launch your own show. Let’s get to it!Show NotesPodcast Liftoff CourseGrowing your Business through Podcasting with Matt MedeirosEdison Research's Podcasting StatsYour First Podcast SetupPodcaster's Gift / Gear GuideStart with WhySponsored by: TextExpander | FreshBooks ★ Support this podcast ★

 Today I’m talking to my good friend Matt Medeiros. We both share a passion for podcasting and content creation in general. On top of talking about getting involved in local businesses, and legacy, we dig deep on putting content out into the world. First you learned about content strategy from Jessica Lawlor. Now you'll learn more about one of the big important mediums for creating content in 2020: podcasting. Show NotesMatt Medeiros | TwitterSouthcoast.fmPagelyMissing WPWeekly podcast, YoastGate, and 2020 plans! - The Matt ReportStart with WhySponsored by: FreshBooks | Creator Courses ★ Support this podcast ★

If you've been freelancing or running a small business for any amount of time, you've learned a few things you probably wish you knew from the start. In this episode, I've asked a few of my freelancing friends (as well as Twitter), "What's one thing you wish you knew when you started freelancing?" There's lots of great advice, so let's get to it! Show NotesThe original Twitter ThreadJean Perpillant | TwitterSal Ferrarello | TwitterTopher DeRosia | TwitterBirgit Pauli-Haack | TwitterJonathan Bossenger | TwitterGetting Back to Blogging with Colin DevroeCheck out the memberships over at Creator CoursesSponsored by: SaneBox | FreshBooks | Creator Courses ★ Support this podcast ★

 Jessica Lawlor is a content manager and strategist. Your content plan is integral to your small business, as I’ve learned over the past couple of year. I’m being a lot more intentional this year, and in this episode, Jessica talks about how you can too. We chat about content calendars, answering important questions regarding your goals, and how to create content even if you’re strapped for time.Show NotesJessica Lawlor | TwitterThe Write LifeAirtableClick UpNathan Ellering and CoScheduleRepurposing Content with Jaclyn SchiffRepurpose.ioConvertKitOptinMonsterHow to get More Comfortable Recording a PodcastBecome a Creator Courses MemberSponsored by: SaneBox | FreshBooks ★ Support this podcast ★

This year, 2020, the show is going to focus heavily on Freelancers and small business owners. And to kick things off, I’m talking to long time freelancer and educator Jason Resnick. He’s the founder of the Feast community and Live in the Feast podcast, and today he’s going to tell you how to set yourself up to prevent the dreaded famine that often comes with freelance work. We’ll talk about niching down, vetting clients, and so much more.Show NotesJason Resnick | TwitterLive in the FeastWooCommerceDiversifying Your Income as a FreelancerThe Imagineering WorkoutCurtis McHaleBecome a Creator Courses MemberSponsored by: SaneBox | FreshBooks ★ Support this podcast ★

Lots of people like to make resolutions around the new year. Fresh calendar, fresh start. I've gotten away from doing that and instead talking about a yearly theme - an idea I got from the Cortex podcast. In this episode, we'll talk about my yearly theme, how it affects the show, and how you can pick one.Show NotesThe Theme SystemCortex PodcastMy 2019 Yearly ThemePat Flynn’s AMP’d Up PodcastingMacSparky’s OmniFocus Field GuidePodcast Liftoff ★ Support this podcast ★

I’m ending this season of How I Built It by geeking out about audio stuff with my guest, Ryan White. He’s the US Product Specialist for Rode Microphones - a company that makes great gear, and who has an increasingly bigger presence in the podcasting space. We talk gear, room acoustics, and more. AND you can hear their newest product, the Rodecaster Pro, in action (if there’s anything to hear, that is). All of that and more, after a word from our sponsors. Show NotesRyan WhiteRodeRodecaster ProRode PodmicOther Rode Mics: NTK, NT1-A, NT-USBGetting Good Room AcousticsAurulex Sound Panels | DeskMax$20 vs. $12,000 micTesting out the Rode Podmic Sponsored by: Cloudways | Ahoy! | Pantheon ★ Support this podcast ★

I was excited to reconnect with my friend Colin Devroe on this episode. We met through the WordPress community in Scranton and I just the co-working space he and his business part Kyle created. In this conversation, we get back to basics, and talk blogging. With the ever changing landscape of the web and social media, how important is it to have your own blog? Let’s find out! Show NotesColin DevroeJujamaBarleyWriting is How I ThinkBad Reasons to Not BlogColin's personal blogging tipsZeldmanSeth GodinMicro.blogRepurposing Your Content with Jaclyn SchiffIndieWebChris Lema and Managed WooCommerce HostingThe Future of BloggingMastodonThe Talk Show | Daring FireballBullet JournalSend your feedback for 2020!Sponsored by: Cloudways | Ahoy! | Pantheon ★ Support this podcast ★

The 2019 holiday season is here! Many of you are business owners, remote workers, and freelancers - so I thought I'd put together a bonus episode based on my 2 popular gift guides. Here are some great gifts for podcasters, and people who work from home! Show NotesEnter the 1 Million Downloads Celebration Giveaway!Great Gifts for People who work from Home (updated 2019)Gift Guide for Podcasters (updated 2019)ATR2100Logitech C920Logitech BRIORode PodMicRode ProcasterFocusrite Scarlett Solo InterfaceAirPods ProAudio-Technica ATH-M50sThe FOCUSED CalendarAeropressHamilton Beach Thermal Coffee MakerBaratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee GrinderRook CoffeeCarlin Brothers CoffeeUNTUCKitStitch FixMack WeldonmeUndiesParks ProjectTOPO MatImprint CumulusPRONFC TagsWeMo Smart PlugsSonos OneWestern Digital My BookBackblazeNomatic BackpackeBags Professional Slim Laptop BackpackTech GridYETI TumblersAnker PowerCore SlimAnker PowerCore+ 26800 PD 45WWall Charging 5-Port HubAnker 30W PIQ 3 ★ Support this podcast ★

This interview is a little different than most. See, Svetlana Kouznetsova is an accessibility consultant who’s also deaf. Our interview was conducted completely using Google Docs. The voice you’ll hear on this episode is Erin,  my wife, who graciously agreed to do Svetlana’s side of the conversation. Svetlana’s story is an interesting one. We talk about how she immigrated to the US from Russia, and what it was like growing up deaf there vs. in the US. We also discuss the importance of accessibility at events; why it’s a must and not just a “nice to have.” Show NotesSvetlana KouznetsovaSvetlana on TwitterCode of Professional Ethics for Captioners and Interpreters - Audio AccessibilityI want to hear from you! Leave your feedback here.Sponsored by: Cloudways | Ahoy! | Pantheon ★ Support this podcast ★

Nathan Beckord is the CEO of Founder Suite, a group of tools to help those seeking venture capital, as well as tools for venture capitalists. We talked all about how he built this after spending a decade helping startups raise their own VC. We also cover how to seek VC funding, and if business plans are even useful anymore. It’s a fun conversation in an area I’m only loosely familiar with - so I learned a lot. I think you will too! Show NotesNathan BeckordFoundersuiteCodequestHow I Raised ItLet me know what you want to hear in 2020!Sponsored by: Cloudways | Ahoy! | Pantheon ★ Support this podcast ★

Jaclyn Schiff made her way onto the show because she’s authentic. She reached out recommending another guest, in a real way. Then, throughout the course of the conversation, we decided she’d also be a good guest for the show! She's a master of making the most of your content. We talk all about repurposing - something I could do a little better - as well as that cold outreach she’s good at. We also talk about productizing services, which is something I’m doing at the moment. So lots of great stuff here! Show NotesJaclyn SchiffPodReacherPodcast MovementAlex McClafferty & Productize.coThe GMail GeniusThe HustleTemi.comProductized StartupsTurning the Tables: Joe Casabona & How I Built ItOvercastPodcasting is the new BloggingSponsored by: Gusto | Ahoy! | Pantheon ★ Support this podcast ★

Tevya Washburn reached out to me over the summer and asked if I might be interested in having him on the show - it turns out his timing was great. See Tevya created a WordPress plugin to help gather and display social proof, and I had just finished read a book that talks about the importance of social proof. So we chat about how he came up with the idea, why he built it, and of-course, how. This is a pretty traditional episode of the show, and I hope you enjoy it! Show NotesTevya WashburnStarfish ReviewsTrust PilotSPI 378: Amazon Book Marketing—Everything You Need to Know with Dave Chesson from KindlepreneurGet your free podcast workbookSponsored by: Gusto | Ahoy! | Pantheon ★ Support this podcast ★