On this episode, we talk about marketing basics that everyone can afford. Simple things that sometimes may get overlooked that can make a difference. We also answer a couple questions from a caller on freelance finances and taxes.

Looking at our stats, we really want to thank all our listeners. We encourage you to please call the show with your questions or let us know some freelance tips that you think others would benefit from. We want to hear your lovely voice! Call the show hotline and leave a message, plug your website or business and be a part of Freelance America.

Links:

Miami Dish - A great site devoted to local food in the Miami area

Finally done with taxes. Ouch. We did our taxes last minute just because we procrastinate extremely well and were a bit afraid. Luckily, it all worked out rather well. In this episode we chat about a few things that you should be doing before and after taxes. Next week we will have our tax guru on the show to give you the professional tips on keeping ahead of the tax curve. This episode we were just glad to be done with them...

We also feature Kelly James Enger with her "Tips for Effective Freelancing". She has a new book out called "Ready, Aim, Specialize" and we are happy to have her helping out our listeners with good advice for freelance success.


This podcast is a fun and flirty show aimed at couples that are in business together. We will be talking about how to maintain a successful business  and enjoy a loving relationship along with a healthy sex life with your partner. The show will feature our commentary along with listener questions, business tips for couples, interviews with relationship and counseling professionals as well as a good dose of sexy fun.

Welcome to episode 12! After almost a year of being podfaded, we are back by popular demand. Thank you to everyone that has supported the show and emailed us with your comments. We took some time off as we were busy with our own freelance business and also working on other podcasts. But now we are back and committed to bringing you more freelance help from the trenches.

We will be featuring more guests and interviews as well as tips and commentary on the world of freelancing. Our show page has been given an upgrade and we even have a new phone number.

In this episode we talk about going through rough times when clients drop out and finances are tight.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! We are looking for people to call the show and leave a voicemail with suggestions for freelancers or comments on the show as well as questions you would like us to answer. Also, feel free to email us with any questions or comments and we will be sure to return them promptly.

Links:

The Quick and Dirty Tips podcasts - Very helpful podcasts we love.

Please help us keep this show running strong by donating with the button on the right. Whether it's a buck or even ten bucks, it all goes to helping us bring you a better show.

Thanks again for listening. Tell a friend!

We're back!
Well it's official - Laurie and I are married. We had a great time down in Mexico and are back to work. It's been a slightly stressful last couple of months, but things are getting back to normal and we are happy to present episode 11 of Freelance America.

Preparing for vacation - before and after...
In this episode we discuss a few things we ran into regarding preparing ourselves and our business for a vacation and what we learned upon getting back. Planning, saving money, scheduling and what we did to recover from the bevy of friends and family we had both on vacation and the reception after.

Sorry it took so long to get another episode out to you, but we are very thankful for the support and feedback we've received from our listeners!

Links:

Kelly James-Enger's site

Big Ink Writing Services (our business site!)

Answers for Freelancers Podcast

It's been awhile...
OK, so we admit, it's been kind of crazy the last few weeks. Weather, wedding plans, work, taxed and various other things always seemed to get in the way of completing our next podcast - but here it is! We really are making some changes to keep bringing you interesting and helpful information to help all you freelancers out there. It won't be such a long wait next time.

Visited by the KGB...
Graphic artist Ken Guthrie stops by the studio and shares some insight on his work, play and freelancing career. He is an incredible artist, craftsman and graphic designer who has been freelancing for over six years. Hanging out with him is always fun. You really never know what to expect...

We have merchandise!!
Help support the show by buying a T-shirt or mug! Find cool items at our new online store with merch from Freelance America and Worlds of Wayne podcasts.

BUY OUR MERCHANDISE HERE!

Thanks to Askaboutwriting.net for putting us in their link and writing a nice little bio on us! This is a great site for writers of all sorts.

The other side...
This episode we have our friend Leslie in the studio. She works for an online commerce company in the creative department and hires freelancers like us. In fact, she does hire us! Leslie gives us insight on how those that hire freelancers think.

Bidding online
We read a bit from Writer's Digest about online freelance bidding sites. Good, bad, you decide.

Invoices and payment
We agree both are good.

Networking groups
Sometimes being a freelancer can get lonely. Networking groups can provide a welcome social release and help freelancers break out of a rut, get inspired and help others do the same.

Hitting a wall
What to do? You suck. Everything sucks. Why even try? Now that's a wall. How can you tell you are hitting a wall besides the bloody spot on your forehead? We discuss the wall and how getting through it sucks just as much as hitting it.

All this and more on Episode 9.

Phones vs. Email!
In this episode we discuss the differences in communication methods and when to use which. When do you use email to communicate with a client or potential client? When do you pick up the phone?

Email etiquette
What are some things to avoid when communicating via email? We discuss dos and don'ts associated with business email.

Phoners
Sometimes you just have to pick up the phone to get a question answered, but when is it too much? How should you present yourself when talking to clients over the phone? Can you call the cel number on a card or if given to you?

Links:
Big Ink Writing Services
Email dos and don'ts
Email etiquette on about.com

More bang for your buck!
In this episode we talk about making more with what you have, rather than finding more work. For writers, it may be re-selling stories, for photographers it could be selling stock prints.

Kelly James Enger giver her quick freelance tips.

Links:

Kelly's site

MarcoRossetti Photography

Big Ink Writing Services

The Bickering Sisters Show
(a fun little video I made with my daughters Maggie and Kendall)

Happy New Year!
The last episode of 2006 and the first of 2007. We talk about taking a look back at your year and setting goals for the coming months. What works, what didn't.
Hope you all had a good 2006 and will have a great 2007. Thanks for listening and all the support. Please feel free to contact us with show topics and comments.

Laurie and Wayne

We're back!
Yes we know, it's been a little while since the last episode. Holiday issues made this episode a little late. Hope everyone is having a good December so far. We will do our best to keep bringing a new episode each week.

His name is Robert Paulsen...
Actually his name is Tim Paulsen and he is a well known speaker and author that helps businesses big and small get the cash that is owed. We interview Tim and get some great tips on how to get paid in this freelance gig.

Reading is fun.
Laurie's book pick this week is the "Pricing and Ethical Guidelines" handbook. Made for graphic designers, but applicable to all freelancers.

Gifts for clients - sucking up in a good way...
We talk a little bit about getting holiday gifts for those special clients that keep food on your table. A great way to say thanks for a year of good business.

Woot!
Funny name, great site. Just go there and read the descriptions every day and they will make you smile. Not to mention, you might find a good deal on the perfect digital camera...

Links:
Tim Paulsen on the web
Woot!
Big Ink Writing Services