6 Figure Creative

In the latest installment of our Back to Basics series, we're diving headfirst into an often overlooked yet vital subject: carving out your unique niche as a freelancer. Today's exploration centers on what I term "The Copycat Freelancer" dilemma. Don't get me wrong... I’m not here to criticize. Instead, I want to guide you past this hurdle that's probably been holding you back for years. Imagine I asked you, 'Why should a client choose you over your competitor?' What would your response be? Most freelancers are stumped by that question, and if you're being honest with yourself, you probably aren’t doing anything unique that sets you apart. The result? You end up competing on price alone, setting your rates based on what competitors are charging. Ultimately, it's a race to the bottom that builds zero client loyalty and makes your freelancing journey tougher than it needs to be. In the episode, I delve deeper into the issue of differentiation and give you some help with carving out a unique place in your industry. Of course, this topic is nuanced, and there's a lot more to unpack. In this episode you’ll discover: Why a UVP is important to your business The paperclip vs. the Prada bag Having an outcome-focused business How I got an unfair advantage (and you can, too) Setting yourself up as a specialized business Examples of well-differentiated businesses For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/259

Today we're continuing with our "Back to Basics" journey by focusing on something that's often overlooked by freelancers - promotion. Promotion is super important to keep the clients coming in, but a lot of freelancers think they just need to be good at what they do. They admire those who seem to have endless work, thinking it all comes from word-of-mouth alone. But, in the early days of freelancing, just relying on referrals can be risky, leading to the scary "feast or famine" cycle. This situation can force freelancers to scramble, taking any job they can just to pay the bills. These "bill-paying" clients might not always be a good match, and we might not even want to work with them, but bills gotta be paid, right? I've been there, and I can tell you it's a quick way to burn out and start resenting your clients. In our chat today, we're going to help you avoid getting stuck with just bill-paying clients by sharing six ways to promote your freelance work effectively. If you're having trouble finding enough clients, it's probably because people just don't know you're there. That's where knowing how to effectively promote yourself comes in. By trying out one or two of the methods we're going to talk about today, you can bring stability to your work. More clients mean less stress, which lets you cherry-pick the projects you really love. In this episode you’ll discover: How to avoid "bill paying work" Six promotion methods for freelancers How client value affects your business' needs Why referral programs work The benefits of paid promotion Why owned assets are so vital to your business Why Clients By Design is for you For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/258

This week we're tackling a challenge we all face as creatives: how should we price our work? Getting this right is a huge deal, but damn it can be tricky! Pricing your services isn't just about picking a random number. A lot of us tend to set our rates by looking at what others charge or by trusting our gut. If that sounds like you, no shame, but this is the #1 way you end up undervaluing your work and undercharging. Part of this is about self-confidence, part of it's the fear of losing a gig. If you're thinking, "That's totally me, always underpricing", it's all good. We've all been there. The key is to recognize this pattern and aim to break it. You've got to develop a solid strategy for setting rates that truly reflect your worth. So, are you ready to take a deep dive into the sometimes-intimidating world of pricing? Let's kick the undercharging habit in the A$$ and figure out a better way to price your services. In this episode, we'll walk through five different ways you can price your services. We'll dive into each method, discuss the pros and cons, and give you the tools you need to decide which one works best for you. In this episode you’ll discover: The minimum income goal for any freelancer The consequences you face as a low-earning creative Overworking yourself with low rates How to price your services Using value-based pricing for your business Protecting yourself with flat rate pricing How to keep clients consistently coming back The gutsy payment method that big agencies can use For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/257

Our ongoing series, Back to Basics, is all about diving deep into the foundation of freelancing. Today's focus is on the services (i.e. products) we offer as freelancers. This is the biggest difference between successful and struggling freelancers. All too often, we choose our services based on what WE want, while putting little to no thought into what our clients want. It's like trying to sell a product with a flaw. Think of any garbage Amazon purchase you've made, where the only review you'd give is a warning to others. That's certainly not the reputation we want for our services, right? In this episode, we break it down into three distinct levels of service that you can offer. While there are many facets to this, sticking to the basics keeps us grounded, and honestly, it's a lot less overwhelming. As an entrepreneur, I know how easy it is to leap into the complexity of advanced strategies. However, for this episode, we're keeping it straightforward and accessible. My hope is that this episode provides a moment of clarity - an "Aha!" if you will. A moment that sparks fresh perspective, prompting you to say, "Hot damn, I hadn't thought about it that way. I've been doing this wrong." After all, a single shift in perspective can be the game-changer that propels your freelance journey forward. In this episode you’ll discover: The three tiers of freelancing Selling flawed services or products The basic Fiverr freelancer Providing an outcome rather than a service Why this episode is a lesson to our editor The damage ChatGPT is doing to butt-in-seat jobs For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/256

We're navigating a series right now that we've lovingly titled "Back to the Basics." I'm particularly excited about today's episode where we peel back the layers on a topic that's often shrouded in mystique, over-complication, or sometimes, just plain neglect: Marketing. You might ask, what exactly is marketing? Well, let's simplify it. As I've mentioned in previous episodes, the core of marketing is about presenting the right message, to the right person, at the right time. Yes, it really can be as straightforward as that. When you unpack and understand each element of this mantra, you're well on your way to attracting more clients and growing your income from your creative prowess. Now, I know what you're thinking. Many of you creatives might be wondering, "Marketing? Isn't that for big businesses??" Well, yes, and no. Let's put it this way: To truly thrive in your freelance career, you need to embrace both the creative and the entrepreneurial spirit. Also, you may be apprehensive about the idea of marketing, worried that it's a slippery slope toward becoming one of those overly pushy salespeople. I get it. But here's the good news - marketing doesn't have to be an "icky" process. Quite the opposite, in fact... It can be a natural, authentic way of expressing the value you bring to your clients, without compromising your integrity or your creative soul. So, for all of you freelancers who are passionate about your craft and want to learn how to generate a healthy income without feeling like you're selling out, this episode is designed for you. We're going to break down the basics of marketing, helping you understand its core principles and showing you how it can be a positive, empowering part of your business. Join us on this journey back to the basics, and let's redefine marketing together. No jargon, no fluff, just the essentials. In this episode you’ll discover: The definition of marketing Marketing vs advertising Advertising vs. marketing The four Ps For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/255

We all know that the freelancing world is thrilling, fulfilling, and at times, let's be real, a bit terrifying. One of the most daunting parts of freelancing (and one that I've grappled with myself) is cash flow management. In today's episode, we're diving deep into this crucial topic. The one thing I want you to take away from this episode is how to skillfully manage your cash flow so you never have to see your bank balance hit zero. I'm sure you've heard this saying before: "Businesses don't fail, they simply run out of money". This isn't just some platitude, it's backed up by data. A study cited by Business Insider tells us that 82% of small businesses (freelancers included) fail because of cash flow issues. That's right - they ran out of money. That's why today's episode is so crucial. As someone who's seen my income swing wildly from one month to the next (like when I made $20,000 in January 2015, then just $1,200 in February 2015), I've learned first-hand the stress of getting this wrong. You might be thinking, "But Brian, I'm just a freelancer. I don't have a big business with tons of employees and overheads. Do I really need to worry about cash flow?" The answer is a resounding YES. It doesn't matter if you're a solo freelancer or a big business, managing your cash flow is vital to keeping your business afloat and making sure you're not living paycheck to paycheck. In this episode you’ll discover: The detrimental effect of fluctuating income on a small business Why freelancers need to invoice quickly and accurately Building up a strong cash position to avoid cash flow issues How to avoid your business shutting down Collecting payments for unpaid invoices Why waiting for payments is killing your business Being responsible with credit For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/254

Here's how most freelancers manage their money... Step 1: They check their bank account Step 2: They wonder where all their money went. If that sounds like you, then I want to help you avoid running your business like that. I've taken the time to simplify the budgeting process for you, focusing on creating an easy, actionable system that you can actually use. This episode is short, sweet, and perfect for those who are looking to get a handle on where all your damn money is going. My goal is to help you be more intentional with your money and avoid that dreaded feeling of having your hard-earned cash just disappear. In this episode, I'll teach you how to automate your budgeting process so that you never spend what you don't have. This podcast is specifically tailored for business owners and freelancers, but I believe anyone can benefit from the process I share in this episode. So, whether you're new to the show or a returning listener, I hope you'll join me on this journey back to the basics of budgeting. In this episode you’ll discover: How to budget and plan for your money The pitfalls of not creating a budget Splitting your funds into multiple accounts to ensure your liquidity The limits of your operating expense account Using the Profit First system for your business For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/253

We're continuing our "Back to Basics" series, and in this episode, we're diving into the not-so-exciting world of business banking for freelancers. But before you think about skipping this one, let me tell you why it's a must-listen. As someone who's gone through more than 10 different banks over my freelancing journey, I've learned a thing or two about what it takes to find the right bank for your freelance business. Why is this so important? Well, if you're unhappy with your current bank or just starting your freelance journey, this episode will save you from the frustration and headaches of dealing with subpar banks that just don't meet your needs. Plus, it might even save you from making the same mistakes as "dumb Brian" (that's me!). So, if you're ready to learn how to choose the right bank for your freelance business and avoid those dreaded deal-breakers, give this episode a listen. I promise to keep it short, sweet, and to the point – even for those of you who think you couldn't care less about banking. You might just be surprised by how much this knowledge can impact your journey toward a happier, healthier, and more profitable freelance business. In this episode you’ll discover: Why to avoid big banks and local banks What to look for in a business bank account Fees to avoid on your next bank account The importance of creating a separate business account Set up your bank account today! For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/252

If you've ever wondered whether you should operate as a sole proprietor or form an LLC, this episode is just for you! We'll dive into my own personal journey, why I avoided LLCs for so long, and ultimately, how you can make the best decision for your freelance business. Now, I want to point out that this discussion is specifically for US-based freelancers. I wish I could cover every business entity in every country, but my knowledge is limited to what's available in the US. So, if you're based elsewhere, I apologize, and I hope you still find value in the conversation. In this episode, we'll explore the key differences between a sole proprietor and an LLC, and how they can sometimes look and feel the same. I'll also share some recent insights I've gained to help you make a more informed decision for your business. I truly believe that this episode will provide you with a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of both sole proprietorships and LLCs, ultimately helping you choose the best path for your freelance business. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's dive into this (not so) exciting topic together! In this episode you’ll discover: Which business structures to consider for your business The advantages of running an LLC How to set up your LLC For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/251

I wanted to share something with you that's been on my mind lately... as a self-taught entrepreneur, I skipped SO many of the basics when it comes to running a healthy business. This dawned on me when I found myself looking up answers to things most people should know when they first start their businesses. This made me realize that the vast majority of freelancers probably have similar blind spots in their own businesses, so I've decided to do something to celebrate our 250th episode... We're taking a step back from our normal "advanced" topics to revisit the fundamental basics of freelancing, and I'm inviting you to join me on this journey. No matter your experience level or income, we all have something to learn and improve. In this episode (and the upcoming series), I'll be sharing my own experiences as a self-taught freelancer who's made multiple millions but still needs to figure out some of the basic things I've skipped. My goal is for us, the 6 Figure Creative Community, to come together and create healthier, happier businesses. And I believe that starts by focusing on the fundamentals. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/250

This week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative podcast is part 2 of my in-depth discussion with Mike Cervantes. Mike is a highly successful freelance mastering engineer who has collaborated with renowned artists such as Dolly Parton, Avril Lavigne, and Snoop Dogg. His impressive achievements include over 23 Billboard #1s and at least two gold records. In this episode, Mike shares his secrets on how he's built out systems to manage and fulfill thousands of projects per year. He also discusses the future of his business (including Dolby Atmos & AI) and what he thinks it takes to become a one-person 7 figure freelancer. This episode is jam-packed with valuable insights and practical advice from one of the most successful creatives in the industry. Whether you're an audio engineer, a graphic designer, a videographer, or any other type of creative freelancer, you'll find something to take away from this episode. In this episode you’ll discover: Dealing with growing pains in your business Why a second set of gear is only worthwhile if you're running in-the-box Setting yourself up for a long career while having a home life The future of mastering and AI Atmos vs. stereo audio Competing in a market where tens of thousands of songs are added to Spotify daily For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/249

Ever felt like you're a tiny fish who's struggling to stand out in a vast ocean? Like you're drowning in the "sea of sameness" in an overcompetitive industry? If that's you, here's the good news: There's hope... You can still succeed... even when you're starting out as a "copycat" in a highly competitive market. This week's episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a name for themselves in the audio industry (or any competitive industry, for that matter) Meet Mike, a multi-six-figure freelance mastering engineer who's swum with the big fish, working with A-list clients like Dolly Parton, Avril Lavigne, and Snoop Dogg. With over 23 Billboard #1s and at least two gold records under his belt, Mike's here to help you navigate the choppy waters of freelancing success. In this must-listen episode, Mike shares his insights on: How he got traction early in his career despite the competition The importance of choosing a business name vs. going under his personal name His evolving approach to client acquisition from his early days until now The art of juggling thousands of projects per year without losing sight of quality and passion Whether you're an audio professional, or just someone interested in the behind-the-scenes of the music industry, this conversation with Mike Cervantes is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/248

Do you ever feel like your freelance business could be so much more, but you're missing a few key ingredients? Imagine a world where your perfect clients are eager to work with you, your rates keep climbing, projects run like a well-oiled machine, and clients keep coming back for more. We've got just the right insights for you in our latest podcast episode! In this episode, we'll explore the essential elements needed to create a thriving, successful freelance business. Just like a photographer needs a camera, lens, and the perfect lighting, your business calls for specific components to flourish and grow. We'll dive into the three core building blocks that will help you craft a complete, well-rounded freelance business: An exceptional "product": Sharpen your creative skills, set yourself apart from the sea of sameness, perfect your onboarding process, and streamline the fulfillment, revision, and delivery stages. A proven business model: Uncover the pros and cons of four appetizing business models - hourly billing, project-based, retainer/subscription, and commission-based - and choose the one that best suits your niche and goals. A process for attracting clients: Learn the art of lead generation, lead nurturing, sales, and referral processes that will keep your pipeline full and draw the clients you've always wanted. As a passion-driven freelancer, you might find it challenging to think of your work as a "well-oiled machine." But embracing this mindset will unlock more income, fewer headaches, and consistent growth for your creative business. Don't miss the chance to tap into your full creative potential and turn your creative skills into a thriving, fulfilling business. In this episode you’ll discover: How your business is like a car The three machines to improve your business Tailoring the experience of every client for the ultimate luxury Using systems and processes for consistency Offering a productized service vs. a bespoke service Subscription vs. single-sale businesses Creating your lead generation process Staying top of mind with lead nurture How to qualify your leads For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/247

Ever stumbled upon someone who's basically a human ATM, overflowing with cash, and still living the dream without a care in the world? No? Well, neither have I, but let's talk about them for a sec. These super successful, carefree people seem almost mythical, don't they? It feels like people are either working 24/7, kissing their social lives goodbye, or they're partying non-stop, leaving their businesses to collect cobwebs. And then there's the majority whose lives are just a hot mess in general. But what about those exceptional folks who've got everything under control? Well, they follow this little thing called The 80/20 Rule. You've probably heard of The 80/20 Rule before, but maybe you haven't given it much thought (like those New Year's resolutions or that gym membership card you never used). If you're wondering what The 80/20 Rule is or you just need a reminder on how to use this magical life hack, this episode is for you. In this episode you’ll discover: What is the 80/20 principle, anyway? How the 80/20 principle affects your business Maximizing your profits by reducing your workload Enriching your personal life using the 80/20 principle How to review your business through the 80/20 lens What not to do when you have a “f*¢k it” moment Dealing with shiny object syndrome using the 80/20 principle Prioritizing the pillars of your life For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/246

Are you ready to make your freelance life more efficient, enjoyable, and, let's face it, less chaotic? Our latest podcast episode is the perfect companion for your creative journey! Discover the secrets to organizing your freelance business for more consistency and room to grow. Say goodbye to flying by the seat of your pants and welcome the magic of creating your very own "recipes" using the TOTS Playbook Method. In this episode, we explore: Starting small: Pinpoint the tasks that zap your energy and learn to map out your client journey from start to finish. Crafting your recipe: Master the TOTS Playbook Method (Training Video, Outline, Timing, and Specifics) and capture your creative process with our favorite tools. Fine-tuning your masterpiece: Gather feedback, make tweaks, and keep polishing your process for outstanding results. Growing your creative world: Embrace the benefits of systems and processes to take on more projects without losing your sanity. Don't miss this opportunity to level up your freelance adventure and tap into your full creative potential. Experience the difference that a little organization can make for your creative work and well-being. 🎧 Are you ready to unleash your creative superpowers? Click here to listen now! In this episode you’ll discover: Why creatives are prone to inconsistent results Creating playbooks to give your clients great final products every time What's top of mind for you to outsource? Breaking down TOTS The creative mindset vs the entrepreneurial mindset Creating replicable results for your clients For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/245

What if breaking the rules and embracing your uniqueness could revolutionize an entire industry? 🤯 Meet Paco de Leon, a trailblazer who defied conventional wisdom and turned the world of finance on its head by being unapologetically herself. As the author of Finance for the People and founder of The Hell Yeah Group, Paco has leveraged her personal brand to create an irresistible appeal that sets her miles apart from the competition. Her unconventional approach has landed her features on TED, New York Times, Forbes, Business Insider, NPR, Vice, Bloomberg, Good Morning America, and countless others. How did Paco achieve such success in an industry as notoriously bland as finance? She wholeheartedly embraced her uniqueness and used the 80/20 principle to make everything she touches turn to gold. Feeling like you're putting in endless hours of work but not gaining any traction? Let Paco de Leon be your guide! Join our conversation to make this year a resounding "Hell Yeah!" year 🚀 In this episode, you'll uncover: How Paco's unique approach distinguishes her from "regular" bookkeepers 📚 The secret to maintaining a low client number while maximizing revenue 💰 How to repel the wrong clients through strategic branding 🚫 Running a thriving business without constant self-promotion 🌱 The art of practicing energy efficiency in your brain 🧠 Utilizing processes and procedures to scale your company 📈 Learning business skills from playing in a band 🎸 Overcoming fears and obstacles in your entrepreneurial journey 👊 Crafting a career-focused marketing plan for long-term success 🎯 For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/244

The Freelancer's Guide to Escaping the Hourly Grind and Scaling to $10k Months with Package Pricing From Hourly to $10K: The Package Pricing Strategy That Will Revolutionize Your Freelance Business You’ve probably heard my rants on hourly vs. project-based pricing before… Yet you're still charging by the hour or day. I've heard all the excuses at this point" “Well yeah Brian, project pricing works for some people, but not me.” “What if I spend too much time and I lose money?” “What if my client wants all this extra random stuff done after we start the project?” “I do WAY too many things to bundle them into one project price!” Well, Brandi Mowles, from the Serve Scale Soar Podcast, is here to show you that you can simplify your packages, without a bunch of added work... and the best part is that you can do it more profitably than hourly projects. Brandi debunks the common myths, mistakes, and reservations freelancers have on switching from hourly to package pricing, and helps them hit the $10k per month mark without a team. If you’re ready to get out of the day-to-day hourly grind, and truly soar in your business, listen in on my conversation with Brandi Mowles! In this episode you’ll discover: How to make your marriage last (hint: pick the right person) Why package pricing is advantageous if you set it up properly Avoiding the pitfalls of package pricing What "package hacking" does for your business How to set your pricing for packages Using "up to" language in your pricing What's the most important to you? Why package pricing should not be based on your time Raising your prices on existing clients For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/243

Writing all of the different elements for your website is one of the most painful things... especially if you're trying to create a website that turns strangers into clients. Unless you are a copywriter, typing out a persuasive sentence feels like: “Selling out” “Overstating your achievements” or “Being another sleazy salesperson” When these thoughts pop into our heads, it’s important to realize “persuasive” does not mean “sleazy.” Converting the strangers on your website into paying clients is a massive step towards getting out of the feast-or-famine lifestyle, and you can do it without compromising any of your values. Whether your website conversions are floundering, your about page is blank, or you just can’t get that client to respond with a testimonial, Delia Monk has answers for us! As an expert in conversion-focused copy, she helps us turn all of our boring, vanilla website copy into personality-driven, radiant, and most importantly, high-converting websites. Listen to my conversation with Delia to take the next step toward building your new 24/7 lead-generating machine! In this episode you’ll discover: Why copywriting is incredibly important for your website's conversion rate Common copywriting mistakes on freelance websites Making yourself shine to stand out from your competition Turning testimonials into copy for your website Discovering why clients come to you Reasons to avoid stuffy, corporate copywriting How to resuscitate your about page Using stories to sell your services Staying current on copywriting trends For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/242

You are AMAZING at what you do as a creative. You create stunning designs, produce incredible music, or breathe life into visual media like photos or videos. Paid ads aren’t for you, right? The truth is, paid ads can work for anyone, including freelancers.  This has been proven time and time again, in industry after industry… Paid ads are one of the quickest ways to multiply your income and bring in more clients. The beauty of paid ads is that you have complete control over them. It’s not like referrals, where you’re sitting around waiting for someone else to send you clients. It’s not like cold outreach, where you feel like you’re spamming people. It’s not like social media, where you’re relying on the algorithm gods to put your content in front of people. By using paid ads, you can take matters into your own hands and steer your business in the direction you want. If you’ve tried paid ads before and they “didn’t work,” don’t give up just yet.  In this episode, I debunk 6 paid ads myths that are holding you back from using this powerful lead-generation tool. In this episode you’ll discover: The pros of paid ads Why survivorship bias is bad for business How paid ads can boost your business with real leads Why it's your fault if a client hires someone else and has a bad experience "Paid ads don't work for me" - nah, you just didn't try The perks of Client Financed Acquisition Building a long-term snowball using paid ads Looking to other industries to learn how to use paid ads for your business For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/241

I know the internet hasn't shut up about AI over the past couple of months, and you're probably thinking “dammit Brian, not another person talking about AI." But, hear me out... Right now, AI isn't something to be afraid of, but actually, a tool that can be used by freelancers in a bunch of ways... Having trouble figuring out how to fire a client politely after too many red flags? AI can help you. Are you struggling to come up with ideas for what to post on social media? Again, AI can help you. Trying to write an effective, non-cringe "about me" section for your website? AI can help you with that, too! Of course, you could always do this stuff on your own, but why make things harder for yourself? It’s a hell of a lot easier to let AI do all the heavy lifting and simply go back to tweak some words here and there. Instead of jumping on the pity party bandwagon of: “ChatGPT is going to take our jobs!” Or brushing it off as: “This is just another crypto phase…” The truth is, AI is here to help you, not to replace you (at least, not yet🤖). Ready to take advantage of the opportunity that AI tools like ChatGPT can offer your business? Join me as I walk you through 9 ways to make ChatGPT and other AI tools work FOR you as a freelancer, not against you. In this episode you’ll discover: Why AI isn't the end of the world for most freelancers How to use ChatGPT to respond to emails Using AI to help choose your business name Coaching AI to give the output you want The power of AI in SEO Creating social media content using AI Crafting excellent ad copy by using Chat GPT For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/240