6 Figure Creative

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

Ever feel like you're stuck on a rollercoaster of feast or famine with freelance work? You land a big project, then... crickets. We've spoken to over 800 freelancers 1 on 1 this past year, and nearly EVERY one of those freelancers was in the same boat... lack of consistency, and lack of any real plan. In this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast, I'm hitting you with some tough love to break that cycle and give you the real "secret" to consistent clients and income. (Hint: It's not a magic trick.) The secret to earning consistent income and landing premium clients isn’t what you think. It won’t be found in sporadic social media posts or half-baked marketing efforts. It’s about changing who you are. This episode is for YOU if: You're tired of the inconsistent income struggle. You're ready to take your freelancing seriously and build a real business. You're open to ditching the "dream client" fantasy and attracting clients who are a perfect fit. Ready to finally ditch the feast or famine cycle? For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/315

Ever feel like finding the perfect niche is like walking a tightrope? One wrong step, and you're either too broad and get lost in the crowd, or too narrow and miss out on opportunities. In our latest episode, we unravel this tricky dilemma. Whether you're worried about losing clients by niching down or spreading yourself too thin, we've devoted an entire episode to helping you find that perfect sweet spot! 🎧 Listen Now to learn: How to avoid being too broad or too niche. Real strategies to keep your services appealing and effective. The secret sauce to being known for what you do best without pigeonholing yourself. Don’t miss this episode if you want to become sought-after while still offering enough to attract and retain clients. In this episode you’ll discover: When you should niche down Why outcomes are more important than services Avoiding common mistakes when niching down Pitching your services effectively Using the agency model vs. the collective model Why services shouldn't be the focus Helping clients achieve their vision For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/314

I recently came across one of the coolest freelance businesses I've ever seen, and I wanted to bring this to the 6 Figure Creative audience. I'm not going to spoil anything, but this freelancer is earning over $1 Million per year without a staff, without contractors, and he's able to accomplish this just by taking inspiration from a totally different industry than his own. If you're feeling stagnant, stuck, uninspired, or you're simply not earning what you think you should be in your own business, this episode is absolutely for you. In this episode you’ll discover: Why you shouldn't rely on a single point of failure Taking influence from other businesses outside of your industry Creating income stability with a better business model How to stay away from becoming an "inbred business" How successful entrepreneurs deal with roadblocks Sharing knowledge with your "competition" For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/313

Ever felt trapped in the feast-or-famine cycle as a freelancer? I've been there, and it's brutal. But what if I told you there's a way out? I just got back from Alex Hormozi’s amazing workshop in Vegas. Spending two days at Acquisition.com HQ with Alex, Leila, and their leadership team was nothing short of eye-opening. Surrounded by business owners of all types, from an 18-year-old with a $250K landscaping business to people bringing in $10M+, I soaked in anything and everything that's working in business today. My big takeaway? Hormozi and his team harped on one core principle – finding and fixing the root cause of business bottlenecks. And for 95% of freelancers, this boils down to one thing... lead generation. In our latest podcast episode, I break down Hormozi's method that helped scale businesses to millions. Don't let the feast-or-famine cycle continue for the rest of your life. Learn how to generate a steady stream of leads so you get to take control of your income. In this episode you’ll discover: What I learned from the Hormozi's retreat Why it's important to find and eliminate bottlenecks in your business The things holding your business back Using paid ads for your business Testing ads the way the Hormozi's do Why this is all worth the effort For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/312

I'm super excited to share this with you today because this is the stuff that really moves the needle in your business. This is how you can charge more without losing clients or getting rejected. This is how you make your clients SO happy that they refer all their friends to you. This is how you become more attractive to your "dream clients". And this framework comes from a business owner earning over $100,000,000 per year... so you know this stuff works. Today's episode breaks down the 4 BEST ways to become more valuable, and if you get this right, you'll completely transform how you show up to clients. 99% of the freelancers I know neglect all 4 of these areas to their own detriment. As a result, they're losing gigs to their competitors, they get constant pushback on pricing, and they're not generating nearly enough referrals to keep their calendars full. In this episode you’ll discover: Focusing on the end goal, not the short term The value exchange The importance of social proof and perceived likelihood of achievement How to close bigger deals How time delay affects pricing and client acquisition The expert wins: why experts get the job 9 times out of 10 Why adding friction is a recipe for losing clients For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/311

Ever had a $20k month followed by a $1,200 month? Freelancing can be a wild ride. Even with solid client acquisition, those feast-or-famine cycles can stress anyone out. In our latest podcast episode, we're diving into something called dynamic budgeting. This is the secret to turning chaos into consistency. This is what creates a financial buffer in your business. This is what gives you the breathing room to say no to bad projects and yes to those projects you love. Listen now to learn: How to create a realistic budget as a freelancer The best tools for tracking expenses without the headache. Strategies to build an "oh sh*t" fund No more financial roller coasters. Let’s make freelancing sustainable and stress-free. For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/310

Ready for some tough love? This week's episode of the Six Figure Creative Podcast is a wake-up call for freelancers stuck in "survival mode". Here's the big question... are you letting your emotions run your business? If the answer is yes, it’s time to change that. In this episode, I break down: The 12 things you can't ignore to build a thriving freelance business. The brutal truth about why most freelancers fail. A powerful mindset shift to turn your business struggles into triumphs. Stop letting feast-or-famine cycles dictate your life. It's time to build a sustainable, fulfilling freelance business that doesn't crumble at the first sign of trouble. 🎧 Listen to Episode 309 Now In this episode you’ll discover: Why emotions are ruining our businesses How running a business adds tasks to your plate The 12 roles and responsibilities of any business owner Why Brian almost passed out during his first gym session Your choices if you can't go back to a day job Getting a personal trainer for your business For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/309

For two grueling years in my early 20s, I poured my heart into a day job at Gamestop, never missing a day and always showing up on time. Despite the love from regulars and kudos from my boss, my financial reward after all that hustle? A laughable jump from $5.15/hr to $5.50/hr. That's right, a whole $0.35/hr raise after two years. Sound painfully familiar? Unfortunately, many of us have been undervalued at some point, struggling to secure that well-deserved raise. But here's the flip side... when you're self-employed, you call the shots on your "salary". No more waiting years for a significant raise - freelancers can see substantial income increases in a matter of weeks or months if you play your cards right. Ready to find out how? Check out this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast for a super-tactical and engaging session where we explore four actionable steps to give yourself a raise this year. In this episode you’ll discover: How to "get a raise" as a freelancer The limits on our businesses as freelancers Overcoming the constraints on your business Keeping your clients happy - and tracking repeat clients Eliminating a constraint to give yourself a pay bump Why whales are a risk to your business Improving your skills, beliefs, and character traits Finding the answers to your roadblocks For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/308

For freelancers, subscription pricing is like finding the holy grail. It changes the feast & famine nature of project-based work into a steady, reliable income stream. Last week, we kicked off this conversation, exploring how freelancers could shift from one-time gigs to recurring revenue models. The topic struck a chord, leading to an influx of interest and discussions. This week we’re going deeper into why this approach is also notoriously challenging for freelancers, and what you can do to have the best shot of making it work. Without knowing what you're doing, you might try to move to recurring packages only to find yourself overworked and underpaid. On top of that, clients are often hesitant to commit to recurring packages, fearing long-term commitments when they're used to paying for specific, one-off tasks. While the transition might be difficult, the payoff is absolutely worth it. Check out this week's podcast where I dive into 7 Pricing Strategies For Recurring Subscription Freelance Clients. In this episode you’ll discover: Why subscription packages are the holy grail for freelancers The advantages of value-based pricing Understanding that value isn't always financial Monthly pricing options to protect yourself Creating bundles for your pricing When (and how) to charge an onboarding fee Price increases over time Should you have a contract or not? How to offer incentives for clients to sign up for a subscription Safeguarding yourself from becoming overworked For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/307

The life of a freelancer sounds amazing on the surface.... The freedom of being your own boss and setting your own hours. The flexibility of working when you want. For some, even traveling the world as a digital nomad is a possibility. While that can all be true, the dark side is that there can also be a lot of unpredictability. What if you could change that? Imagine knowing how much you're going to earn each month and having a clear picture of who you're working for in the coming months. This isn’t just a nice thought... It's a reality for freelancers offering recurring services - think subscriptions, retainers, or monthly packages. When you do this, you move from always hunting for the next client to having "automatic clients." This idea comes from turning one-time gigs into ongoing relationships where clients pay regularly for continued services. Typically, freelancing is a one-and-done deal. You get a project, you do the work, you get paid, and that’s the end of the story. You start each month at zero—no guaranteed money, no clients waiting. It's like hitting the reset button every 30 days, which can make budgeting a nightmare and stability a pipe dream. But does it have to be this way? Not really. This constant chase for new gigs is a trap many fall into by only taking on one-off projects. There’s a better strategy that can help smooth out the highs and lows: setting up a recurring revenue model. If you’re tired of the freelance rollercoaster, check out this week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative podcast where I dive into recurring revenue for freelancers. In this episode you’ll discover: Creating a stable income stream by using recurring offers Identifying industries that work well with recurring (or reoccurring) models Helping your clients with a recurring service Selling unlimited packages on a subscription basis Making recurring packages valuable to your clients For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/306