Discover6 Figure Creative
6 Figure Creative

6 Figure Creative

Author: Brian Hood

Subscribed: 791Played: 29,126
Share

Description

6 Figure Creative is a podcast that helps freelance creatives earn more money by doing what they love. If you’re trying to avoid the never-ending grind of a 9–5, or just want to earn more money doing what you do best (creating), 6 Figure Creative is your new favorite show! Join host Brian Hood and his guests as they explore topics such as mental health, finances, sales, marketing, time management, the digital nomad lifestyle, and more.

335 Episodes
Reverse
How much is one client worth to you? Not just per project—but over the next 12 months? What about the next 12 YEARS? Most freelancers leave a ton of money on the table because they don’t know how to boost client value. In this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast, I'm breaking down seven ways to make each client worth more—without overhauling your whole business. And here’s the best part... Just ONE of these tactics could be worth $10,000-$25,000+ to you over the next 12 months. Imagine if you implemented all seven. Whether it’s adding more services, nailing a sales process, or simply raising your rates, there’s a goldmine of potential in your current clients. In this episode you’ll discover: How to give yourself a $25,000 per year raise The essential terms for client value Re-selling your service to past clients Revamping your offering to close more sales Expanding your offering to benefit your clients Finding the right clients for your service Offering broader services for a narrower client base When to charge an onboarding fee Why you need to use a great sales process How to make more money when you don't have enough leads For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/335
Level with me for a second... Are you actually moving forward in your business, or just dabbling? My freelancers fall into the trap of trying to do everything. The result? Ten half-built bridges leading absolutely nowhere. It can be tempting to jump on every new, fun, shiny object you hear about. Ohhh that CRM looks awesome That direct offer funnel strategy Brian talked about was 🤌🏻 It's time I start productizing my services so I'm not reinventing the wheel with every project I should probably start taking social media seriously Oh... what's this "Boost Post" button do on IG?? (i.e. the "donate your money to Zuck" button) In our latest podcast episode, I’m breaking down the dangers of dabbling and how this approach is costing you time, energy, and income. It's time to stop chasing shiny objects and start building a plan you actually stick to. It’s nearing the end of the year and you’ve got two months left to finish the year strong. Let’s make it count. In this episode you’ll discover: Why podcasts can be a distraction for freelancers Creating a plan and following it until it's done Why you shouldn't work for free out of pity The theory of constraints The four main constraints on your business Options you're facing right now How we can help you For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/334
Are you stuck on the world's worst rollercoaster? You know, the one that goes from feast to famine every few months? If your freelance business is 100% relying on referrals and word of mouth, you might have unknowingly fallen into what I call the "Word of Mouth Death Trap"—where your income swings wildly, and you’ve got zero control. In this week's episode of 6 Figure Creative, I break down why this happens and, more importantly, how you can escape it. The solution? It’s all about controlling your inputs to create predictable outputs... Sounds boring, but the results are not. Learn the six strategies to take control of your client acquisition and build a business that doesn’t leave your financial future up to chance. In this episode you’ll discover: Avoiding the feast or famine income flow that leads to lifestyle creep Putting your business in your control rather than using "hope marketing" Using processes to gain more clients Finding marketing methods that work at scale What to track to understand your email marketing and sales numbers Using follow-up routines to stay top of mind with clients Nurturing leads long-term to warm them up for a sale How to get help for your business For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/333
If you’re not tracking these seven key metrics in your business, you’re leaving money on the table. Seriously—most freelancers don’t bother, and it’s why they never hit the income goals they SAY they want. I just dropped a new episode breaking down the 7 metrics you need to track. If you focus on these, you’ll make more money AND do it consistently—plain and simple. It's not hard to do, but you DO need to know which 7 numbers actually matter. In this episode you’ll discover: Understanding lagging vs. leading indicators What kind of leads to seek Key benchmarks for your business Eliminating low-paying aspects of your work Getting recurring revenue rather than new clients Why raising your rates is ok, even if you lose clients How to progress in your business with a personalized roadmap For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/332
Ever feel like you're drowning in things you can't control? I get it. It's frustrating when life throws curveballs like that potentially AMAZING lead ghosting you... Or that toxic client failing to pay you what they owe. But here's the reality: You have way more power than you think. This week’s podcast is all about "Controlling the Controllables". It’s simple—stop wasting energy on what you can't change, and laser-focus on what you can. Funny enough this is something I learned from my 3-year-old niece, and now it's your turn to apply this to your life. In this episode you’ll discover: How great parenting relates to you and your business How to adjust your attitude and actions when.... Why you need more leads Toxic attitudes to avoid Setting aside time to work on your business Taking ownership of everything in your business How to set up your notifications to focus on productivity Setting goals for your business and personal life For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/331
Tired of chasing clients like it’s a never-ending treadmill? Here’s the truth: Only ~3% of your potential clients are ready to hire you right now. The other 97%? They’re not even thinking about you. Think about it like car shopping. You're either part of the ~3% who are in the market for a new car and noticing cars EVERYWHERE, or you're part of the 97% where cars aren't even remotely on your mind. In today's episode, we dive into a no-BS strategy to target that golden 3%—the clients who want what you offer NOW. No cold outreach, no content grind, no relying on inconsistent word-of-mouth. Just a simple, repeatable way to land clients ready to pay today. Let’s turn that 3% into a full calendar of paying clients. In this episode you’ll discover: Why various types of marketing don't work anymore How to get the 3% of leads that are ready to buy right now How to turn on the "lead" faucet that you control Reducing risk to increase sales How to determine if your leads are a good fit Using a sales process to increase your close rate How to escape a red ocean market For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/330
NOTE: Sorry about the audio quality here. The mic cable had a short in it 😭 If you're working non-stop but still struggling to make ends meet, you're probably making one of these five major pricing mistakes. I just dropped an episode that breaks down 5 pricing traps freelancers fall into—and how to fix them before they burn you out. Here's the hard truth: you could be the great at what you do, great at keeping yourself booked solid, BUT still broke because of any ONE of these mistakes. Fix your pricing, and you'll be amazed how much more enjoyable your life gets (and your savings account will thank you). In this episode you’ll discover: How to match clients to your skillset Getting stuck with hourly rates and bespoke services Delivering the same service to clients on a repeatable basis Separating your pricing from your time Using "up to" language to protect yourself How and when to raise your rates For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/329
Imagine getting your business ripped apart by a guy who runs a $250M empire. That’s exactly what happened to me when I spent an entire day locked in a room with Alex Hormozi and 9 other entrepreneurs. Alex didn’t hold back—he showed us exactly why we were stuck, why we were plateauing, and how to fix it. The biggest takeaways? I break them all down in this 38 min episode If you’re constantly juggling 10 different projects and can’t seem to break through your income ceiling, this episode is for you. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/328
Raise your hand if you suck at self-promotion... 🙋🏻‍♂️ 🙋🏼 🙋🏿‍♂️ 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️ (←that's probably you.) Sadly, self-promotion is where most freelancers hit a wall. It's one thing to create an amazing service or irresistible lead magnet, but it's entirely another to promote it effectively. If your calendar isn't booked solid with projects from ideal clients, then you likely suck at self-promotion. (just being real with you 🤷🏻‍♂️) For those naysayers who think, "self-promotion!? You shouldn't have to self-promote if you're good at what you do!", I urge you to kill that thought with the fire of a thousand suns. That's a self-imposed limitation. If promotion is a "normal thing" across every other industry, why should freelancers be the exception? At its core, lead generation isn't about making lead magnets or revamping your freelance services. It's about mastering the art of self-promotion. So, whether you're a seasoned freelancer or a newbie, we're about to dive into the nitty-gritty of self-promotion. We need to make sure your service (or lead magnets) doesn't go to waste. By the end of it, you'll be armed with the tools to make your freelance business self-sustaining. In this episode you’ll discover: Why your lead magnets aren't working The six types of traffic The "core four" types of marketing Brian uses Using earned media to grow relationships Why only 3% of your audience is ready to purchase from you right now How hackers make money with stolen ad accounts Demand creation vs. demand harvesting Harnessing referrals and word-of-mouth marketing Using a referral circle to help fellow freelancers How to get a plan for your lead generation efforts For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/327
Let’s dive into a crucial piece of the freelancer's marketing toolkit: The Lead Magnet. Imagine your lead magnet as an introductory handshake in the online world. It's your first impression, and we all know how vital that is. Your lead magnet isn’t merely a "hello"... it’s an "I understand your problems and I know how to help." Every lead is a person looking for a solution, and your lead magnet is the first step in proving that YOU are that solution. What we’re crafting isn’t just a freebie or a basic tool. Your lead magnet is proof that you don’t just talk the talk but you walk the walk. It demonstrates up front that you bring real value to the table. And no, a lead magnet isn’t just another PDF or ebook – it can be, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be a tool, a resource, or a guide. It might even be a paid service or workshop. The shape of a lead magnet is flexible, but its purpose is rigid: to provide immense, undeniable value. This isn’t about merely generating leads or adding names to an email list. It’s about connecting with a person, and proving that you have the solution they’ve been hunting for. Ready to create something amazing? Let’s dive into this... In this episode you’ll discover: The power of paid lead magnets Solving problems for your leads People who have more time than money, vs more money than time Using your services to bring in new clients Why taking a loss in the short term can be a benefit in the long term Using information as a lead magnet The questions to ask when offering a free consultation The four main ways to fully solve the problem your leads are facing For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/326
Listen, I've heard it a hundred times, and I bet you have, too... "If you're good enough, you can just wait for clients to come to you." They say. "Word of mouth is all you need." They say. But here's the deal: sitting on your hands and hoping for that magical email notification of a new client isn't a strategy—it's a death trap. Let me paint a picture... You're a talented freelancer. You've had some good months, even great ones. But then there's that one sobering month. The inquiries dry up, the referrals dwindle, and your inbox is eerily silent. Panic sets in. That, my friend, is the terrifying "word-of-mouth death trap". There's a common myth in the freelance world. Some folks will have you believe that the only way to thrive is through word of mouth. But here’s the truth bomb: Anyone saying "word-of-mouth is best" is unqualified to give you that advice. They are just coasting along nicely with it, having never tasted the desperation of the dry season. Many still end up taking on gigs they aren’t passionate about, just to keep the lights on. And sure, referrals are fabulous. If you're great at what you do, you'll 100% get them. But if you're banking solely on word of mouth to keep your calendar booked with clients, then you're setting yourself up for a rocky ride. So, what's the antidote to this feast or famine nightmare? Two words: Lead Generation. Here's the breakdown: Leads become inquiries. Inquiries become clients. And when you have a consistent influx of leads every month, you've got a buffer against those terrifying dry spells. Suddenly, your business isn't about hoping for clients—it's about choosing them. In the coming series, we'll dive deep into the nuts and bolts of lead generation, tailored specifically for freelancers. Because here's the truth: understanding and mastering lead generation is like handing yourself the keys to consistency. Ready to escape the word-of-mouth death trap? Click here to start the Lead Generation Series. In this episode you’ll discover: Why Brian has had a horrible week thanks to Meta Different methods of lead generation, and how your business type changes your lead acquisition The importance of a solid lead magnet Keys to a valuable lead magnet What to do if you're struggling Understanding what your clients need Using the Three-Tier-Outcome Map Diagnosing problems to add value to leads For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/325
If you've been stuck at 4 or 5 figures per year as a freelancer, there's likely one ingredient that is holding you back from growth. Without this ingredient, it is 100% impossible to get clients, grow your income, and get past the 6 figure mark (if that's your goal). In this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast, my buddy Mark Eckert and I map out the path you can take to overcoming all of the hurdles between you and this incredibly important missing ingredient. In this episode you’ll discover: How to move from four/five figures to six figures+ Why you aren't full time yet How to revamp your entire public-facing identity as a freelancer The difference between advertising vs. content marketing and why this matters for freelancers Why you should be producing more than consuming How sticking to a schedule or routine can tie all of this together For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/324
If you've ever felt like your freelance life has been a neverending feast-or-famine roller coaster, chances are you're missing one (or more) pieces of a full client acquisition machine. You've likely "dabbled" with bits and pieces here and there, but you've never fully built each of the individual parts and refined them to the point where everything is working as a well-oiled machine bringing you high-quality clients every single month. In this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast, I break down each of the major parts of your Client Acquisition Machine, as well as what specific numbers you should be aiming for as a benchmark. If you've ever wanted more stability and predictability in your business, and you want a clear roadmap for how to make 2025 your best year ever, this episode is for you. In this episode you’ll discover: How to solve a consistency issue in your business Why dabbling is slowly destroying your income stream The foundation of your Client Acquisition Machine Creating a transformational outcome for your clients Building your Marketing Mothership Your responsibility to sell to those who need your service The parallels between software and freelancing Nurturing your leads for a long-term relationship Fine-tuning your Client Acquisition Machine For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/323
Here are a few of the biggest lies when it comes to marketing your freelance business. "If I'm good enough, people will find me and hire me" "The only marketing I need is word-of-mouth" "If I market myself, I'll come across as desperate" "This sort of stuff doesn't work for freelancers" If any of that sounds like you, my guess would be you likely have very little predictability in your income. You might go from having more gigs than you can handle, followed by extreme famine periods where your calendar dries up (along with your bank account). If you want steady, predictable income for your business every single month, there are 4 key things you need in place. If you're even missing one of these four pieces, you're making your path to predictability extremely difficult (or impossible). In this episode you’ll discover: Marketing plans for freelancers When email lists are vital, vs. when they're optional "Proposing" via text message The "3% rule" and the "80/19/1 rule" How your niche affects your marketing needs Swiping or dating: lead generation and lead nurture How to create a business you rarely *(if ever) have to market  For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/322
Ever felt like your industry is just too saturated to stand out? Like you're just a tiny drop in a massive ocean? You're not alone. Nearly every freelancer has a moment (or ten) where they doubt themselves and their ability to stand out in a crowded "red ocean". That's why I was so excited to talk to James Martin from Made By James. James is a designer who's had immense success in the crowded niche of logo design. He's found a way to not just stand out, but thrive in an incredibly competitive niche. James is averaging around 1,000 inquiries from potential clients every single year, and this has allowed him to cherry-pick the best gigs and reject the "bill paying work" that many freelancers are forced to say yes to. Whether you're a designer or not, this episode will contain a lot of fantastic advice from someone who's built an incredible, long-lasting career as a freelancer. In this episode you’ll discover: How James Martin has thrived for nearly 2 decades as a creative Why niching down too early is worse than not niching at all How to stand out in a saturated market Passion vs. systems and habit Why it's dangerous to rely on social media Giving your clients the most value they can afford Why it's time to raise your prices right now Relationships in business The difference between survival and thriving For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/321
"I need more clients". That's the #1 problem our community has in every single poll we run. The issue with getting clients is that no matter how good you are at what you do, you will never be able to get enough clients if no one knows you exist. That's why we wanted to dedicate an entire episode to discussing our favorite 3 methods for building awareness and growing your business. Creatives have to learn this stuff if they ever want to get out of the "feast or famine" lifestyle. In this episode you’ll discover: How to make an offer so good people feel stupid saying no How to harness three of the six different lead sources The thousand true fans model How you can advertise for free Why an email list is crucial to more and more freelancers The importance of cleaning your mailing list For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/320
Here are the two rules for attracting your dream clients. Rule #1: Be attractive. Rule #2: Don't be unattractive. That's literally it. The hard part comes when you actually look at what is "attractive" to your dream clients. I'd bet you have a long list of alllll the things you want to see in their dream clients/projects, but very few people take the time to look at themselves and ask the most important question... "Am I the type of person that would attract this sort of dream client/project?" In many cases, that answer is, unfortunately, no. You're not anywhere close to being attractive to your dream clients. In other cases, you might be attractive to them, but you're doing little to nothing when it comes to communicating all the attractive things you have to offer them. In this continuation of our Client Acquisition Series, we dive into what it takes to attract your dream clients. In this episode you’ll discover: Why Guitar Center is the worst place to buy gear (unless they sponsor us) How Mark closed a half-million-dollar deal Why different clients need different approaches Setting expectations in advance High ticket vs. low ticket sales How to become attractive to your dream clients How to stay top of mind without being cringy Why red ocean businesses struggle For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/319
Have you ever had one of those awkward situations with a crush where you were TOTALLY into them, but you weren’t sure if they were into you? Yeah... That sucks. Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to help you there since we give business advice instead of dating advice. What we CAN help you with is the client equivalent of that situation. Here’s what I mean... You’re talking to a dream client. You’re way into working with them, but you’re just not sure if they’re into you. There are actually 7 key points to cover with every potential client, and if each point is a “positive”, then they’re giving you their permission to pitch/sell them (i.e. take the relationship to the next level). This framework was shared with us by someone earning multiple millions per year, and it works perfectly in the freelance world. In this episode you’ll discover: How to help your clients better by determining their needs When closing a deal comes down to good timing What to do if a client isn't sure they want to hire you Why being open and honest with clients is the only way to run a healthy business How to discuss your workflow and delivery with clients before closing a deal Why it's vital that clients trust you implicitly For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/318
Client acquisition is a nerdy marketing term that basically boils down to one thing: getting clients. While the idea is simple, our freelance community seems to be deathly allergic to client acquisition. I get it... None of us got into this game because we wanted to become marketers. We do this because we love spending all day every day doing what we love by being creative. Unfortunately, that's not how it works. Unless you simply want this to be your hobby, client acquisition is a skill and a process you have to learn, develop, and grow. The alternative is to keep doing what you're likely doing now... sit around and hope a client finds you. If your current "strategy" is "hope marketing", this episode gives you the big picture view of how you can get complete strangers to hire you instead of waiting around for a miracle. In this episode you’ll discover: Why people will never hire you if they don't know you How to build trust with potential customers When it's time to be yourself How dating and business are closely related Why Mark is was more of a ladies' man than Brian How adding value in the long term sets you up for success Why our "comfort zone" is holding us back Why we need to be ourselves and not be afraid of alienating some people How appealing to everyone is a bad thing for our businesses For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/317
Ever been offered a gig where a company or agency is hiring you on as a contractor (or subcontractor)? To anyone desperate for work it an sound like a dream, but here's the catch – it's actually a trap. In our latest podcast episode, I break down why contracting can seem like a godsend for freelancers desperate for gigs, but it often becomes a nightmare that's impossible to escape. So, what’s the alternative? This week I dive into: The 10% rule every freelancer should follow. The illusion of security in contracting gigs A stable freelancing model with diversified income streams, stackable projects, and flat-rate pricing For anyone who's currently contracting under another company, I hope by the end of this episode, you get away from the "dark side" and learn how much better a stable freelancing model can work for you. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/316
loading
Comments (9)

A C I Muzik

very good information

Aug 13th
Reply (2)

Chelsea Collins

awesome podcast! I'm listening in hopes of helping my fiancee with his home studio!

Jul 6th
Reply

Francesco Martelli

Landed from Episode 1 to 20 in 1 month! Learning so much with your podcast. Listening daily💪

Jun 2nd
Reply

Francesco Martelli

Very valuable🌎

May 8th
Reply

Tommy Gunz

Some of this is good, but some is a little far fetched.

Jan 30th
Reply

Rob R

awesome podcast! please, please, please keep going. My new addiction I didn't know I needed.

Nov 21st
Reply (1)