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On Friday, the U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Labor announced two new refundable tax credits that offer relief to employees, small and midsize businesses, and the self-employed under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, signed by President Trump on March 18, 2020. How will these credits help freelancers who can’t work due to their own illness or because they have to care for a family member who is ill or a child whose school is closed because of the coronavirus? In a nutshell, the IRS will take your taxable profit (based on your 2020 income), prorate it for 10 days (the equivalent of two 40-hour sick pay periods), and make that amount exempt from both income tax and self-employment tax. This ensures that self-employed individuals will get the same benefits as those who are employed. Here are the specifics of these tax credits as they apply to the freelance community: Self-employed individuals who experience a coronavirus emergency are able to claim this tax credit against their 2020 federal income tax bill, including the self-employment tax portion of it. If the credits exceed your tax bill, you will receive a payment for the excess amount. The credit will be applied to your 2020 tax return (the return you will file in 2021). If you need the funds right away, you can apply the credit to this year’s first quarter estimated tax bill (now due on July 15, 2020) so you don’t have to wait to have the cash in your pocket. The income tax credit is calculated this way: a) 100% of a self-employed person’s sick-leave equivalent amount, plus b) 67% of the sick-leave equivalent amount for taking care of a sick family member or taking care of your child following the closing of the child’s school. The sick-leave equivalent amount equals the lesser of: a) Your average daily self-employment income, or b) $511 per day for up to 10 days (up to $5,110 in total) to care for yourself due to the coronavirus or $200 per day for up to 10 days (up to $2,000 in total) to care for a sick family member or your child following the closing of the child’s school due to the coronavirus. Freelancers can also claim a coronavirus emergency family leave credit for up to 50 days, if necessary. This is calculated by the number of qualified family leave days multiplied by the lesser of a) $200 or b) your average daily self-employment income. The maximum family leave credit available is $10,000 (50 days x $200 per day). A few other important points: · These credits are only available from April 2, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2020. · To claim the credits, you must provide documentation that is to be detailed soon by the IRS. · Information regarding the process for receive an advance payment of the credit is expected to be available next week, as well as information about claiming the credit on your taxes. There are likely to be additional details about these credits in the days to come so watch for updates. For more information about these credits and other coronavirus relief, visit the IRS website. Jonathan Medows is a New York City-based CPA who specializes in taxes and business issues for freelancers and self-employed individuals across the country. He offers a free consultation to members of Freelancer’s Union* and a monthly email newsletter covering tax, accounting and business issues to freelancers on his website, http://www.cpaforfreelancers.com — which also features a blog, how-to articles, and a comprehensive freelance tax guide. *Jonathan is happy to provide an initial consultation to freelancers. To qualify for a free consultation you must be a member of the Freelancers Union and mention this article upon contacting him. This offer covers a general conversation about tax responsibilities of a freelancer and potential deductions. These meetings do not include review of self-prepared documents, review of self-prepared tax returns, or the review of the work of other preparers. The free meeting does not include the preparation or review of quantitative calculations of any sort. He is happy to provide such services but would need to charge an hourly rate for his time. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/03/23/how-freelancers-can-claim-paid-sick-leave-coronavirus/
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The world has changed. I’ve joked about the impending “zombie apocalypse” for years now. And while zombies are fake and don’t exist (except they 100% do), what we’re all currently experiencing with the COVID-19 outbreak is very much real and very much scary. The entire world is hostage to the unknown. At least with zombies you can see them (and run really fast in the other direction or throw an ax at their face). With this virus, however, we’re just stuck with this invisible inevitability of a dumpster fire that’s going to affect our lives in every shape, form, and fashion for weeks, months, if not years to come. The health/fitness industry, like many industries, has been decimated in a matter of days. People have lost their jobs, income, and (sadly) much, much more. I am not going to sit here and say I’ve figured it all out. My business has taken a hit too in the past week, and there’s no clear path as to when things will return to normal. Nevertheless, I wanted to share some insights and ideas I’ve used and implemented in recent days which I hope will help others stay afloat as well. Maintaining a Sense of Calm and Comfort Amidst the Chaos1. Be a LeaderI understand this may sound cheesy and a smidge “eye rolley.” I mean, the real leaders out there are the doctors, nurses, care givers, researchers, scientists, and yes, dare I say, some politicians out there who are trying their damndest to circumvent the storm. Telling someone not to round their back on their deadlift does a leader make. But that’s not really what I am getting at here. I think one of the things that scares people the most given current events is that our daily routine(s) have been disrupted:
Compound all the above with all the gyms closing and there’s only so much a person can tolerate… We have to be a voice of reason and comfort for our clients.Their fitness is not going to deteriorate. I’ve reminded several of my clients that both aerobic endurance and maximal strength “stick around” for a fair bit of time. Much of the research states that the residual training effect – retention of changes induced by systematic workloads beyond a certain time period after cessation of training – for both aerobic endurance and maximal strength hovers in the 30+/- 5 day range. Meaning, given a drop off in exercise duration/intensity/frequency you can (and most likely will) maintain the those physiological and motor abilities for 25-35 days. Put another way: Unless someone succumbs to a MAJOR case of the “eff its” and decides to do nothing but binge watch Netflix and bathe is Cheetos dust those two qualities won’t nose dive like the NASDAQ. The body only needs subtle reminders to maintain those qualities. (Speed/Power, on the other hand, dissipates quickly…to the tune of 5 +/- 3 days). So, just doing that – and reminding clients that all their hard work won’t just disappear – will go a long way in dampening their anxiety. HOWEVER: It’s imperative as their coach to encourage them to be proactive. 2. The Part Where You Encourage Them to Be ProactiveOne of the first things I did was to email my clients to give them my plan and to offer direction/options. I’m in a bit of a lucky situation is that I train people in a semi-private fashion out of a small studio space. Unlike larger commercial gyms I haven’t had to shut down (yet), but I have taken precautions to practice social distancing:
Still, and respectively, 40-50% of my clientele have opted to stay away from the gym altogether. So the second email I sent was a link to PerformBetter.com who are offering FREE shipping on all online orders. OG status right there. I encouraged my clients to pick up, at the very least, some (mine and super) bands in addition to some kettlebells, and told them that between those two things – in addition to basic bodyweight movements – they’d have hundreds of exercises to choose from and to keep them occupied. To that end, I plan on filming and sending my clients 2-3 “at home” workouts per week that utilize minimal equipment. Here’s an example I shared on social media the other day: If there’s ever a time to lead by example it’s now. 3. The Part Where You Encourage Them to Be Proactive (Part II)I don’t think we’ll see any shortage of coaches uploading at home workouts on social media in the coming weeks/months (thank goodness). I am flabbergasted at the inventiveness and creativity of my colleagues. Too, a few other resources I’ve been directing people towards are:
And, honestly, I think going out of your way to check in with your clients via email/texts is an apropos way of doing business. I’m challenging my clients to send me accountability emails after completing the workouts I send them. One of my clients sent me this message yesterday:
He even sent me a screen shot of his workout stats: I want more of this. What better way to create even more rapport (and loyalty) with your clients? 4. Distance Coaching – It’s a Thing…;o)I’d do this a disservice if I didn’t defer to Jon Goodman:
5. A Brief Rant on Selling Products During This TimeFor starters have some feel and use common sense. While it’s a very small percentage, I’ve seen some health/fitness professionals suggesting certain diets or supplement stacks (not coincidentally ones they have a vested, financial interest in) will slow down, stave off, or altogether silence the Coronavirus. In short: Fuck these fuckers in their fucking faces. They’re the worst. Secondly, I’ve seen a rash of Tweets and IG posts from some fitness professionals reprimanding other fitness professionals for having the audacity of selling their products during this time. Of note, from what I’ve seen, the vast number of those selling products are adopting this tone:
I think this is a completely fair and ethical approach. Tossing myself to the pitchforks I’ve not only lost income from clients pressing the pause button on their in-person training, but have also had all my workshops in the coming months cancelled as well. I’m going to be okay, but still… …that’s revenue I won’t be getting back. Is the expectation that I (and others in a similar predicament) am supposed to just offer free services and 100% off codes on all products for the foreseeable future? Am I supposed to renege on the endless hours (and $$) I’ve spent producing these resources? Huh, am I? Would you? Not judging if you say yes (you do you), but it seems a bit narrow-minded and absurd (and reeks a bit of jealousy) if you ask me. All of this to say: Assuming you’re not the former example of blatant profiteering…if you’re someone who has products to sell amongst a horde of fitness professionals yearning to kill some time and learn…I say sell away. Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/03/maintaining-a-sense-of-calm-and-comfort-how-fitness-professionals-can-serve-their-clients-amidst-the-chaos/
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Things are changing rapidly for the freelance community, and this includes tax payment deadlines. While the IRS is working on comprehensive tax relief to address the enormous impact of the novel coronavirus, here are the immediate changes all freelancers need to be aware of: 1. The IRS has extended the payment deadline for federal taxes until July 15th without penalty or interest. Tax returns are still due by April 15 but as usual an extension can still be filed. The extension is merely for payment. 2. The filing deadlines for individual states may change are dependent on each state's own actions. Be sure to check your state’s status to avoid late filing penalties. This situation is rapidly evolving, so watch for additional updates. However, as of now, you should proceed with getting your taxes ready to be filed by April 15. This is true regardless of whether you will have a liability or refund. If you do have a liability it is best to know how much you owe as soon as possible so you can be strategic in your handling of the new payment deadline of July 15. If you are owed a refund, filing now will expedite getting the money back in your pocket. Jonathan Medows is a New York City based CPA who specializes in taxes and business issues for freelancers and self-employed individuals across the country. He offers a free consultation to members of Freelancer’s Union* and a monthly email newsletter covering tax, accounting and business issues to freelancers on his website, http://www.cpaforfreelancers.com— which also features a new blog, how-to articles, and a comprehensive freelance tax guide. *Jonathan is happy to provide an initial consultation to freelancers. To qualify for a free consultation you must be a member of the Freelancers Union and mention this article upon contacting him. Please note that this offer is not available March 1 through April 18 and covers a general conversation about tax responsibilities of a freelancer and potential deductions. These meetings do not include review of self-prepared documents, review of self-prepared tax returns, or the review of the work of other preparers. The free meeting does not include the preparation or review of quantitative calculations of any sort. He is happy to provide such services but would need to charge an hourly rate for his time. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/03/19/the-tax-payment-due-date-has-changed/
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Today, I sent a letter to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, and New York State and City elected officials to outline the stakes for freelancers in this unprecedented moment in our history. In the conversations around government economic support at the federal, state, and local levels across the United States, freelancers are being ignored. But we know that independent workers are under the greatest threat right now; at the best of times, freelancers operate without traditional employee protections like health benefits and unemployment insurance. They do so because they believe their independence is worth the risk, but no person should be asked to weather a global event such as the COVID-19 pandemic alone. Any and all financial safety nets that are implemented in this moment of economic crisis must include freelancers. Briefly, my letter lays out a four-point plan to support independent workers:
More than one-third of the American workforce works independently — more than 50 million people — and they contribute an estimated $1 billion to the country's GDP. Our numbers are growing, and government must recognize freelancers as members of this country's thriving small business community. To read the full text of my letter, click here. While it is addressed to New York lawmakers, its content is applicable in every city across the country, and we are in contact with a number of local officials in other states. To get involved in the fight for freelancers' rights, contact your local representative and share these demands. Here is a sample script for you to use: Dear [name], The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the health and livelihood of hundreds of thousands of Americans, and freelancers face a disproportionate risk of financial hardship. Yet, we have not heard a clear plan from lawmakers on a relief plan for this vital workforce. Unlike traditional employees, freelancers are excluded from receiving paid leave and unemployment insurance, and shoulder the cost of their own health and disability insurance. Without a concerted effort to extend relief to these workers, the economic impact of COVID-19 on independent workers will be nothing less than devastating. As a member of the Freelancers Union, I demand that you implement measures to include independent workers in all paid sick leave, family leave, and emergency unemployment packages that are passed to relieve economic hardship during this crisis.
via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/03/18/government-covid-19-aid-for-freelancers/
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I hope everyone out there is okay. Strange times we’re in, and I can appreciate the chaotic and unknown nature of what’s happening in the world is flipping everyone’s day-t0-day musings upside down. Me and my family are trying our best to make lemonade out of lemons, trying to stay calm, and maintaining as much normalcy as possible. Let’s just say that with Julian’s daycare closed until mid-April there’s a lot more roughhousing, lightsaber battles, and pantless dinners in the Gentilcore household. I am in the throes of catching up and updating many of my clients’ at home workouts. To be honest: I’m impressed with how I’ve been able to conjure my inner McGyver:
I want to thank TG.com regular contributor, Shane McLean, for submitting today’s guest post for me. The Comparison GameHave you ever heard of this game? If not, this is how it usually goes. You’re flicking through a magazine, social media or channel surfing and you come across a man or women (or both) who seem to have it all. They’re good looking and the total package. And they’re wearing nice clothes (or hardly any at all), nice things and are surrounded by money and opulence. And to rub salt further into the wounds, they’re doing it all at some far-off exotic location. And because you don’t have any of that, you’re a little jealous. Or you’ve started your gym journey with all guns blazing. You’re eating right, nailing your workouts and your scale numbers are looking better. Then someone who looks amazing walks past you at the gym. You look at them and you look at yourself in the mirror and you think ‘I want to look more like that because I look like shit.” Starting to recognize this game now? Recently my son nailed five bodyweight chin ups for the first time. And rather than enjoy the moment and recognize his awesome effort, he downplayed his achievement by comparing himself to a classmate who can do more. He didn’t give himself a pat on the back because he played the comparison game. It’s Only Natural to PlayIt’s human nature to compare ourselves to others. A man sizes up another man to see if he is bigger or better looking than him. A woman looks at other women to compare how they’re aging; or if they have better (or worse) body parts or shoes or clothes. But I’m only going by the limited experience I have with the fairer sex. However, I’m no expert with the comparison game in the outside world but when it comes to the health and fitness universe, it’s more in my wheelhouse. Because me and (some of) my clients have played this game. But it’s not all bad. The GoodMotivation to train when everything is going your way, you’re feeling good and you have the time and energy to get after it, is easy. However, how many days are like that? There are days when you need a little kickstart and comparing yourself to someone else’s progress and realizing (if you fall short) if they can look great, you can too. Although you can’t rely on external motivation to always get the job done, the occasional burst helps keep you going when you’re NOT feeling on top of the world. The BadIt’s hard to argue against ‘comparison is the thief of joy.’ When you’re making progress with your training and diet, but your results don’t measure up to the person you see in the magazine, on TV or the sexy gym rat, you may feel like a failure, even when it’s not the case. Robbing yourself of wins and not enjoying the moment and all the progress you’ve made because you’re playing the comparison game is easy to slip into. However, it’s a deep dangerous hole to fall into and it will suck all the joy out of your current progress. Because if that’s all you do, then it gets ugly. The UglyIf you’re constantly comparing your progress in the gym to those around you or your social media feeds and not the person in the mirror then you’re losing sight on how much you’ve achieved. Because when you’re comparing progress to someone who is more experienced, to a person you don’t know or who maybe was born with better genetics, you’re almost always going to end up on the losing end. Even when you’re killing it. What to Do InsteadWhen I’ve caught myself or my clients playing the comparison game here’s a few tips I use to turn this around:
Wrapping UpAlthough this game is okay to use for the occasional motivational boost it’s not a great long-term strategy. But when you find yourself constantly playing this, then finding ways to stop this thought train in your head is essential. Because you should always find joy in your progress. About the AuthorShane “Balance Guy” McLean, is an A.C.E Certified Personal Trainer working deep in the heart of Louisiana with the gators. Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/03/the-comparison-game/
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If you’re a freelancer who has been active in the virtual currency market over the past few years, there’s a new question on your 2019 personal tax return that you should pay special attention to: “At any time during 2019, did you receive, sell, send, exchange or otherwise acquire any financial interest in any virtual currency?” You’ll find this query on Schedule 1, “Additional Income and Adjustments to Income,” which accompanies the 2019 version of Form 1040. You are required to check the box to affirm if you have actively used virtual currency during the tax year. The reason the IRS wants to know about crypto is pretty simple: Virtual currency transactions are coming under a higher level of scrutiny to make sure they are taxed appropriately. In addition, the IRS has released updated guidance related to hard forks and air drops of virtual currency, as well as updated cryptocurrency FAQs. If you are trading in virtual currency or are thinking about doing so, you need to understand these basic virtual currency tax rules: · Cryptocurrency is not treated like cash. It is treated like stocks, bonds, and other investment properties. You need to report your holdings, gains and losses on Form 8949 and 1040 Schedule D. · When you trade cryptocurrency to cryptocurrency (calculating its fair market worth in U.S. dollars) or to a fiat currency like the dollar, it is a taxable event. It is also a taxable event when you use cryptocurrency to purchase goods and services. You may also end up owing sales tax. · Buying cryptocurrency with U.S. dollars is not a taxable event, because you are not realizing gains when you do so. If you trade one type of virtual currency to the same kind in a wallet-to-wallet trade, you may not obligated to pay tax, but you do have to account for it, depending on the exchange you are using. Make sure to check the tax rules of the specific exchange and the IRS accordingly. · Gift tax rules apply if you give cryptocurrency as a gift that is larger than the annual exclusion amount ($15,000 for 2019). The recipient inherits the cost basis and will owe tax when they sell or trade it. · If you are mining and using virtual currency as a business, the general rule is that you must account for the dollar value of the coin at the time you received it and again when you trade it or use it. If you make a payment in cryptocurrency, you must report it as well. If you receive a payment in cryptocurrency for your business, it is a taxable event. The rules for businesses are complex, so consider seeking the advice of a tax professional to help you. · You must keep track of your gains and losses each year and deduct this from your cost basis. This makes it vital to keep track of the value of any trades you make in U.S. dollars at the time of the trade. Keep in mind that the IRS is also retroactively looking into virtual currency transactions to identify taxpayers who may have failed to report income from them in the past. If you are part of this group, you’ll need to act now, amending any outstanding tax returns and paying the tax you owe as soon as possible to avoid fines, penalties, or legal action by the IRS. If you have questions about how to report your cryptocurrency on your 2019 tax return or on your previous years’ returns, now is the time to contact a tax professional to help you. This is one area that the IRS is clearly focused on both this tax year and for the foreseeable future. Jonathan Medows is a New York City-based CPA who specializes in taxes and business issues for freelancers and self-employed individuals across the country. He offers a free consultation to members of Freelancer’s Union* and a monthly email newsletter covering tax, accounting and business issues to freelancers on his website, http://www.cpaforfreelancers.com — which also features a new blog, how-to articles, and a comprehensive freelance tax guide. *Jonathan is happy to provide an initial consultation to freelancers. To qualify for a free consultation you must be a member of the Freelancers Union and mention this article upon contacting him. Please note that this offer is not available March 1 through April 18 and covers a general conversation about tax responsibilities of a freelancer and potential deductions. These meetings do not include review of self-prepared documents, review of self-prepared tax returns, or the review of the work of other preparers. The free meeting does not include the preparation or review of quantitative calculations of any sort. He is happy to provide such services but would need to charge an hourly rate for his time. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/03/17/how-to-file-your-taxes-if-you-own-cryptocurrency/
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In a perfect world, freelancers would be able to attract leads and sell their products or services like flies swarming to a cake. But in reality, it’s simply not that easy. In order to claim your chunk of attention out there, you have to go out of your way, particularly with your branding. Now, there are many ways to build a solid brand. But today, we’re looking closely at podcasting. Podcasting can be a great option if you like to talk and stand out from the rest of the freelancers who simply make blogs. If you play your cards right, having your own podcast can help you generate tons of leads and be successful as a freelancer. So, let’s get started. How Can a Podcast Get Me More Clients?Podcasting is super popular — at least 100 million Americans listen to a podcast every single month. And that number is only growing. If you don’t have a podcast, you’re missing out on a huge ocean of opportunity. Podcasting can be used in so many ways to generate leads as a freelancer, including:
But leads won’t come overnight; podcasting takes time. It might take a month or even years, but through podcasting, you can build a strong connection with your audience. When you’re the advice-giver, your target audience will listen more and you’ll build trust with them. Podcasting, in a nutshell, is an excellent long-term content marketing tool that can be integrated into your overall brand voice as a freelancer. Really, starting a podcast can be one of the best ways to generate leads as a freelancer. Read on for a step-by-step guide on exactly how to start a podcast and generate leads from it. Step #1: Find Your NicheBefore you even consider starting up a podcast, you’ve gotta sit down and do some thinking. What is your niche going to be? When I say “niche,” I mean you should be as specific as possible. You can’t just start a podcast for ‘Digital nomads’ or ‘basketball players.’ Find a very specific niche that, when your target listener hears it, they say, “Wow, that sounds just like me!” The more specific your niche, the more likely it is to get you clients. It’s as simple as that. Some examples of niches include:
And the list goes on. It’s important to find your niche first, because your niche determines what content you will create — similar to how businesses are determined by the business plan they have. Without a niche, you’ll be hitting everything but your target. Want to learn how to find your own niche? Do your market research and learn how to niche down your podcast. Step #2: Get the Right Equipment and HostNow that you’ve got a niche, let’s get to the equipment and host for your podcast. Because without the right tools… you’re gonna have a hard time. If this is your first podcast, you don’t need any fancy equipment; you can use your smartphone to record. If you’re super serious, you can invest your hard-earned dough on top-dollar equipment. For most people, I recommend landing somewhere in between. Podcasting equipment is largely about what you’re willing to spend, but generally includes:
You can throw in equipment like mixers, mic stands, and shock mounts for more variety. Then, there’s the software. There are a host of options, such as iTunes and SoundCloud. I’d recommend doing your own research — check out this piece on the best podcast recording software to find out more. All that’s left to do now is record your first episode. Step #3: Create a Sweet Landing Page (or Website)So you’ve got your first podcast up and running — now what? Normal podcasters can simply stop here and go on with their lives. But we’re not aiming for normal, are we? Our goal is to generate leads — and that we shall do. Put simply, a landing page is a single web page devoted to one of my favorite topics — marketing. On this page, you’ll market the heck outta your podcast to generate some leads. A landing page gives you the chance to promote yourself, rather than being limited to a stock platform like iTunes. Here are some ideas for yours:
Want the best landing page out there? It’s simple to build. Check out Blogging Wizard’s guide to the best tools to build your landing page. Step #4: Leverage Social Media MarketingYou can have the best podcast in the world, but if nobody knows it exists, you’re missing out on a whole lotta potential. And there’s no doubt that social media is king for generating leads. Podcast marketing is, according to Website Promoter, about “creating engaging and interesting content that people want to listen to, while also subtly promoting your brand in the process.” And really, there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy out there that will boost you to the top of the podcasting pyramid. One social marketing strategy that works can be a slow drip for another. The solution? Test, Measure, and Realign:
When you have better social media marketing, you have the luxury of options, which means more exposure and money for you. So, how do you use social marketing strategies? Here are some ways:
You can also use visme’s guide on tools to create sweet infographics to add that visual flair to your social media posts. And if you’re having a hard time you can always consider hiring a brand manager to help market your podcast. Step #5: Build an Email Marketing StrategyEmail lists are the best way to promote your podcast, after direct visits and organic searches. Put simply, a bigger list equals more contacts to sell your products and services. According to Oberlo, for every $1 you spend on email marketing, you can expect an average return of $42. That’s why email marketing is so effective.You’ve gotta build up an email list. The biggest podcasts have huge email lists and have many interested people buying their products and services due to emails alone. How do you build up a big email list? You can do the following:
Need a good, free tool for email marketing? Check out Email Vendor Selection’s list of the best free email marketing software. Step #6: Send Follow-Up EmailsAlright, so you’ve got a decent email list now. What does that number mean to you? It could be 10 subscribers, a hundred, one thousand… or even more.
That’s because their emails simply aren’t interesting enough. Emails that aren’t engaging will not convert into sales. Conversely, if you have awesome on-point follow-up emails, you’ll connect better with your audience, boosting your leads and selling more products or services. If you want to write emails that convert, personalization is key. Write a catchy, personalized headline and be as conversational as possible without coming off as fake. Need more help making epic emails? Check out Uplead’s guide on how to write a follow-up email. Also, social media and email are just two of the many channels you can use to market your podcast. For more information, I recommend LimeCall’s guide to lead gen. Honestly, there’s no better time to start a podcast than now.If you play your cards right, podcasting can greatly enhance your freelancing career. And in the world of endless blog websites out there, having your very own podcast will allow you to have your own unique voice in a sea of same-sameness. So when you have your own unique voice drawing in leads like flies to cake, you’ll be happy you chose to start your very own podcast. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/03/16/the-freelancers-guide-to-starting-a-podcast/
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Which is the more valuable skill to have as a coach or personal trainer:
Okay, taking biceps out of the conversation (because that’s the right answer), I think both – nuts & bolts and soft skills – are equally important skills to have as a fitness professional. It’s silly to suggest one is better or more robust of a skill to possess over the other. However, the soft skills is something I want to hone in on today. Why the Soft Skills of Coaching MatterThe most obvious question out of the gate is:
Nuts & Bolts: Anything under the umbrella of assessment, program design, anatomy, technical understanding of exercise technique, or otherwise being able to execute a well-designed program effectively and without causing harm. Soft Skills: The ability to communicate in a way that makes the athlete/client feel understood, supported, and excited. This can include but is not limited to…exhibiting empathy, having time management skills, understanding the nuances and stages of motivation (intrinsic vs. extrinsic for example), being an attentive/active listener, as well not being afraid to admit that Notting Hill is one of your favorite movies of all time. Come at me, Bro! Why am I even bothering bringing this up or going out of my way to make a distinction? Well, the impetus stems from a Tweet I saw recently from another coach in the industry (who, admittedly, I don’t know well or have any relationship with): I’m paraphrasing:
This is bull to the shit at best, and a woefully narrow-minded train of thought at worst. Talk about lame. If all it took to be a great and effective coach was knowing how to breakdown squat technique or being able to distinguish an acetabulum from an asshole (both of which, mind you, are important) we’d have a bunch of Brett Bartholemews, Nick Winklemans, Erica Sutters, Mark Fishers, and Molly Galbraiths walking around. Effective coaching is a teeter-totter. On one end you have the technical and more hands-on component(s), and on the other you have the you’re-not-working-with-robots-but-human-beings-component(s). The idea isn’t to balance the two of course. A non-moving, stagnant, completely horizontal teeter-totter is never the goal, or that fun. Conversely, we also don’t want a scenario where one end overwhelms or dominates the other. One end of the teeter-totter shouldn’t be cemented to the ground indefinitely. That’s not fun either. Think of it this way: Every individual will vary in terms of the amount of each “end” they need/require on a weekly basis (if not daily) in order to help them be successful. Yes, writing coherent, well-thought out programs matching sets, reps, loads, and exercises to the needs, goals, and ability level of every client is important. As is being able effectively coach those programs so people don’t hurt themselves. But equally as important is understanding you’re not Leonidas leading 300 Spartan soldiers into battle. Clients are intimidated by the weight room, sleep deprived, have sick kids, are stressed out, maybe have marital issues at home, lack motivation, or, I don’t know, have a boss that’s a douche to the douchiest degree and keeps them late all the time. All of the above can affect one’s motivation and willingness to workout. Coaching isn’t just about telling someone to suck it up and deadlift. Every individual will vary in terms of what end of the teeter-totter will need to be prioritized in order to keep the darn thing moving both up AND down. For some it will indeed be the more tactical, hands-on elements of coaching. For others it’ll come down to having a simple, human conversation with them. And this fluctuates all…the…time. A good, effective coach understands the teeter-totter should always be moving. Psych Skills for Fitness ProsIf you’re interested in going a bit further down the rabbit hole on this topic be sure to check out Dr. Lisa Lewis’s latest resource, Psych Skills for Fitness Pros. It’s the only resource out there specifically catered to personal trainers, strength & nutrition coaches, and manual therapists to help them develop better communication and motivational skills. You can study at your own pace at home and can also earn continuing education credits via the NSCA and NASM. It’s currently on sale at $100 off the regular price, but it only lasts through this weekend. So hurry! Check it out —-> HERE Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/03/why-the-soft-skills-of-coaching-matter/
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As the freelancing industry continues to grow and flourish, you need to find a way to stand out from the crowd so that potential clients will notice you and choose to hire you. Marketing your freelance business is an effective way to make this happen, because it gives you the chance to demonstrate your skills and show that you’re an expert in your niche. For example, building your website from scratch showcases your web development expertise. If you're a freelance writer, submitting guest posts on high-authority sites will speak volumes to companies looking for a compelling copywriter. Then, you can consider casting a wider net. If you’re only promoting your service on freelance platforms, you’re limiting your success and growth. By marketing your services outside these websites, you're making yourself available to more potential clients who use other channels to find freelancers to hire. Time management is a challenge for most freelancers. Between meeting your clients’ deadlines, doing your errands, spending time with your family, and sleeping, there seems to be not enough time left for marketing your freelance business. That’s why you need to build a marketing tech stack. A marketing tech stack is a group of apps and tools you can use to handle a variety of tasks so that you can attract potential clients while working on your projects at the same time. These are the 10 essential marketing tech stack tools your business needs to thrive: 1. WebsiteA website is crucial for any freelancer. It gives your potential clients information about your services, rates, payment terms, and even samples of your previous works. A common mistake freelancers make when creating a website is to use a free hosting service. Apart from looking amateurish, these only have a limited number of features. Even your storage space is minimal. Worse, these hosting providers can shut down your website if they believe you’ve violated their terms and conditions. Investing in an affordable paid web hosting service lets you create a professional-looking website that’ll capture the attention of your potential clients, without the risk of being taken down. You can also choose your domain name so you can be sure that your potential clients can easily remember it. 2. Meeting SchedulerScheduling client meetings is tedious and time-consuming. A meeting scheduler app allows you to conveniently book meetings with potential clients without compromising time with your family. You can add it to your website and social media accounts, or email the link directly to your clients. Now, your clients can conveniently schedule a meeting with you based on your availability and theirs, without all the back-and-forth. 3. Project ManagementProject management apps help you schedule, manage, and track your projects so you can make sure that you meet all of your deadlines. When it comes to marketing your freelance business, tools like Asana and Trello can help you keep track of which clients to follow up with and what documents you'll need to send to close the deal. These apps integrate seamlessly with most of the other tools that you're using to do your work, making it easy for you to find what you need. 4. CommunicationsConstant communication is more crucial than ever. Adding a reliable communications app to your marketing tech stack ensures you can easily be reached by your potential clients, even if you don’t live in the same part of the world. 5. Content WritingPublishing blog posts helps establish you as an expert in your niche. It also helps generate leads for your freelance business. Some content creation tools to include in your marketing tech stack are: ● Keyword Research ● Topic Ideas Generator ● Headline Analyzer ● Proofreading and Editing 6. Graphics DesignImages rank as the top type of content used for marketing. They’re also more easily remembered by your potential clients. But not all freelancers can create captivating graphics on their own. Graphics design apps make it easy for you to create quality visual images that you can use on your blog posts or share on your social media accounts. 7. Email MarketingEmail marketing may not be as flashy as other marketing strategies, but it’s still the most effective way to reach out to potential clients — especially if you’re targeting companies. For that, you’ll need an email marketing provider. This is where you can automate various email sequences, like sending follow-ups to your potential clients based on their time zones. That way, you can make sure that your email doesn’t get buried in their inbox. You can even segment your clients based on the services they’ve inquired about, so you can make sure you always send the right proposal. Social media automation tools like Buffer and Hootsuite allow you to schedule posts across your social media accounts in one platform. They also notify you each time someone mentions you or engages with your content. You can quickly start a conversation without getting tempted into checking out your newsfeeds and getting distracted. 9. Cloud StorageAs the name implies, cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive allow you to store all your essential files “in the cloud.” Not only do they give you quick access to the files that you need, but also make it easier for you to share files like estimates and contracts with potential clients. 10. AnalyticsWith all the effort you’ve put into marketing your freelance business, you want to make sure that you’re getting something out of it. Analytics tools show you how well your marketing efforts are doing. They also show which web pages and channels are bringing in the right clients to your website, so you know where you should focus and which ones to get rid of. A marketing tech stack can streamline and grow your freelance business. The tools shared in this blog post are only the bare essentials. Once you have these set up, you can always add more to your stack to get more clients faster. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/03/13/the-ultimate-freelance-marketing-tech-stack/
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This article is reproduced with the permission of our partner, Trupo. Last week, Trupo hosted a Trim-Your-Taxes tutorial with freelance CPA Jonathan Medows, where he shared the most important steps to filing on time and reducing what you owe. If you missed it, don't worry! Here are the four main takeaways (and remember: the deadline to file is April 15!) 1. Report ALL revenue on Schedule C of your return—even if you didn’t receive a 1099 from your clients for what they paid you.When you file your freelance tax return, you'll need to complete an additional form to your 1040, called Schedule C. Schedule C is titled “Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship)” and used to report how much money you made or lost in your business. Here, you should put down all your past year's income (even if it wasn't reported in a 1099) as well as expenses. And speaking of expenses... 2. Claim all allowable business expense deductions.If you work at home, you have the potential to save a good chunk of money by writing off expenses, like: -calculating the size of the space you use exclusively for business (as in, a designated office and not your couch) and claiming $5 for each square foot, to a maximum of $300 -if you live in a larger home, tracking your utilities, mortgage payments, rent, home repairs, and home depreciation (this is where a spreadsheet can really help!) -writing down travel and meal expenses (such as taking a bus to a work site or paying for lunch with a client) Note: These expenses can get you partial deductions on the total amount you owe–you're not getting all the money back. 3. Keep all receipts and records in case you are audited.Because the IRS has to make sure people aren't actually writing off their couches and non-work-related Netflix subscriptions as business expenses, they can audit you. That's why it's important to have "legible, readable" documents. You can use apps like Expensify to digitally store all your paper receipts and file them straight to your accounting software. For documents such as tax returns and credit card statements, you can save the PDFs to the cloud using a secure document management platform such as SmartVault, Dropbox 4. If possible, top up your retirement accounts to reduce taxable income and save for the future.Good news: The IRS increased contribution limits for 2020, which means you can save even more on your return. A traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is a low-cost way to start your Be sure to check the specific details of the terms of the IRA you are considering so you know of any related expenses up front. And if you still feel overwhelmed, hire a CPA (certified personal accountant) who specializes in freelancer taxes! via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/03/12/4-essential-tax-season-tips-for-freelancers/ |
AuthorI have 5+ years experience working as a medical transcriptionist. When I am not working, I enjoy sports like playing basketball or judo. I love making friends and connections. Archives
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