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BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT1. Coaching Competency – Dublin, IrelandThis is happening Sunday, September 8, 2019 (NEXT WEEKEND). Register HERE So what happens when a room full of Irish(w0)men find out I’m not much of a drinker?…;o) Whether you get paid to tell people to lift heavy things or you just like to lift heavy things yourself, in this 1-day workshop you’ll get the opportunity to listen to me talk about my how I approach assessment and gain a better understanding of how I “match” the exercises I prescribe to better fit the needs, ability level, and more importantly, the anatomy of each individual I work work. In short, this workshop looks at the “umbrella theme” of my coaching philosophy. For more information – including itinerary and how to register – go HERE. 2. Strategic Strength Workshop – London, EnglandThis is happening the weekend of September 14-15th, 2019. Register HERE Luke Worthington and I have presented this workshop twice. Once in London last year and again this past June in Boston. We’re bringing it back to London this Fall, my most favorite place in the world. This two-day workshop is designed to arm fitness professionals with all the tools they’ll need to hone their assessment skills and to make their clients/athletes a bunch of bonafide, resilient, strength training Terminators. Combined Luke and I have ~40 years of coaching experience (or one Dan John) and bring different perspectives and skill-sets to the table; Luke peels back the onion on PRI (Postural Restoration Institute) concepts and assessment, while I go into detail breaking down movement and how to better “match” the exercises we prescribe to our clients. For more information – including itinerary and how to register – you can go HERE. SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS
STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORKThe Ketogenic Diet: Does it Live Up to the Hype? – Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon & Dr. Helen KolliasWHEW – this was a thorough article; it may be wise to grab a few Kale shakes and hard boiled eggs cause you’re gonna be here for a while. Krista and Helen leave no stone un-turned and cover everything from what is “ketosis,” whether or not it provides any inherent advantages over other calorically controlled diets, as well as whether or not it’s a good fit for athletes. So the next time someone waxes poetic on how superior the ketogenic diet is, punch them in the kidney, and then have them read this. Back Squat vs. Front Squat – Mike RobertsonMike’s the RZA of strength & conditioning coaches. I don’t even know what that means, but what I do know is I always learn something from him whenever I read or listen to him (and I presume he makes sick beats). This is no different. 5 Awesome Exercises for the Hips – Meghan CallawayThat feels better. 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/2019/08/stuff-to-read-while-youre-pretending-to-work-8-30-19/
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With more and more professionals turning to freelancing, it can often feel like you’re getting into a confusing new reality. It sometimes feels as though there’s a vast horizon of potential work on offer, yet also an impossible mountain to climb when it comes to getting your foot in the door. Having consistent freelance work that pays well is often touted as something to struggle and strive for – a hard-won prize for only the most determined freelancer. Yet even top level marketing agencies offer work that’s both attainable and engaging to get into, if you know where to look and how best to tailor your approach. Why in-house agency work worksAs a freelancer, whatever your niche or specialism, you’ve likely had to spend at least half of your aggregated professional time pitching your talent to companies – and at worst, having to prove years of experience and knowledge from scratch. Marketing and advertising agencies already have the work pitched and prepped to go – they just need it completed. And just as many of your own freelance projects might have sometimes been a mad scramble to the finish line, even the biggest of agencies sometimes brush up against steep deadlines or surges of work they need talent like yours to complete to their high standards. Unlike brands you might work with directly, agencies are typically far less hit or miss with paying on time, too. While exceptions exist, agencies work with freelancers often enough to know how much they appreciate timely payment, delivered free of hassle. Getting agencies to notice your skillsBigger agencies often receive numerous approaches and emails from freelancers daily, all hungry for the kind of consistent and well paid work these companies can provide. As you can appreciate, standing out from the crowd is key here. As always, you can let your portfolio do a lot of the talking, tweaking it the same way you might tweak a resume. Adjust what it shows to ensure it always works as a highlight reel of your greatest achievements. How do you recognize what those big achievements are? Try to take the perspective of the agency you’re trying to befriend. Don’t just focus on how long you worked with a client, or even how big a deal that company was in its respective industry (although big brands definitely help plump up your portfolio). Instead, consider the story behind certain moments of success. Did you develop the UX for a client who’s since gone from strength to strength in their industry? Did you write the copy that’s at the heart of a resurgent local business’s marketing campaign? Did you code the backend of a web page that’s since won business in abundance for a financial firm? It’s about selling your storyConsider the benefits of the work you’ve accomplished so far. Communicate to the agency how this same set of skills can be put to their advantage, and – where possible – tie that to campaigns or current projects you know they’re involved in, or niche experience that you know sets you apart from the market. New to freelancing? Not a problem. Communicate your openness to learn and gain valuable experience by aligning with the needs of the business, and even demonstrate some of your own passion projects to highlight your skills. Don’t feel let down by an initial ‘no’, either – get back in touch a few months down the line. Much like you, agencies run in peaks and troughs of business, and some times of a given year simply won’t need external help versus others. It’s nothing personal. That thorny money talkEven the most seasoned freelancers often feel as though their fees and service costs are calculated almost on the fly, and it can feel impossible to know whether the price you set is one your prospective client is going to crinkle their nose at. It’s daunting to know that other people likely want to be having the negotiations you’re having in the moment, and that can elicit panic. And of course, you can feel tempted to rock-bottom your rates to win the day — a practice rarely worth doing if you want respect and reasonable revenue. Many agencies will have set rates and some leeway to negotiate – remember that your talent is essentially a budgetary consideration in that agency’s current campaign or project, and they have their own criteria to fill. Agencies who understand what makes freelancers tick and the value they add, of course, will have set rates that are on the generous side. Those who seem to offer far below the mark, and seem to vaguely hint that your talent could be replaced by any number of other people, are rarely worth too much of your time. Sure, they’re right in saying there are dozens of freelancers they can turn to – but that agency is far from the only game in town themselves, and fabricating a scarcity mentality to get you along for the ride won’t do them any favors, nor you. You’re as free to consider other options as they are. It’s good practice to establish early on the expected timeframe of payments to arrive – weekly, biweekly, monthly and so forth. The best agencies pay well and fast, but some prefer the NET 30 approach of rolling out payments after 30 days have elapsed – something to consider as you plan ahead. Being a team player, albeit not a team memberThere’s much talk in recent times of how the lines between on-site self employed individual and traditional employee are becoming ever more blurred. In the UK, for instance, this confusing gray area is being tackled ever more stringently with IR35 taxation rules, but the same fogginess seems to be the norm wherever you look Within that gray area, some agencies and other clients will treat you as an employee in all but name, but avoid making it official simply to avoid contributing to your taxes, pension and so forth. In purely pragmatic terms, this may be because it simply makes no sense for them to take on a formal new employee for, say, a three-month project or a brief flurry of intense activity. However, it’s also important that you ensure you know your own rights and boundaries. For example, although many agencies are happy for you to work on their premises, you aren’t beholden to do so as a freelancer. That said, there’s no reason to be a diva either. By all means offer your own insights on things you’ve learned over your career to not only enhance your client’s experience of working with you, but also increase your value in their eyes – alongside the potential of repeat business in the future. Knowing your limitsExpected hours or availability for work are not unreasonable to ask of you, and likewise, if you work on-site you’re expected to treat the facilities and amenities well. However, keep in mind that that boundary between you and the rest of the team will be there, subconsciously, when you are on the agency’s premises – and in the worst cases this can leave you feeling isolated and shut out. A good agency will communicate to its employees who you are and why you are on-site, as well as what is and isn’t being asked of you – and in best case scenarios, they might extend a few perks or staff gatherings your way too. At worst, you might feel as though you’re working in an information silo among teams who have all established their own cliques, with no interest in getting to know you. That said, at least you have the home office option, if this becomes an issue – but it’s better to address these concerns in open communication. Come project’s end, evaluate your experiencesAgency work often comes thick and fast, and then all at once a project will end as rapidly as it seemed to barrel ahead just a short time ago. Agencies move fast, and it can leave you with little time or room in your mind to evaluate whether you found the experience of working with them worthwhile. Honestly discuss what future, if any, exists between you and the agency, but remember that the future isn’t certain. Again, the best agencies will have kept you in the loop about their game plan going forward, and whether it has a place for you as campaigns unfold. This helps you plan your own forward strategy in kind, and of course, having established good workplace friendships and team bonds, will make your likelihood of being invited to contribute in the future that much more likely. Keep an open mind, but also remember your worth, and you’ll find that the most professional marketing agencies around are engaging and courteous to work with. Don’t feel intimidated in making an approach towards them, and likewise, use these opportunities to keep building your network and portfolio — as well as that all important financial success and security. This might just be some of the most rewarding work in your freelance career. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2019/08/29/the-freelancers-guide-to-in-house-agency-work/
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There’s no shortage of topics to debate in today’s world.
I don’t have a horse in the race on any of the above, except:
Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing your team – or side of the fence – with any topic I always say the real right answer is… …it depends. It’s rare for something to be so clear-cut and definitive; there’s always a degree of nuance and extenuating factors to consider. Seriously, Pluto’s a planet. Dangers of the Discount TrainerI’m going to just come right out and say it: I’m not a fan of trainers offering discounts for their services. Now, I say this with a grain of salt because I completely understand (and respect) that it’s a delicate matter and that there’s a number of factors to consider. For example, I think it makes a lot of sense for larger, commercial gyms to offer discounts. In Boston, like any major city, there are several notable, big chain commercial gyms vying for people’s attention (and wallets):
In addition there’s dozens of mid-level commercial gyms (not chains, but pretty big) peppered throughout the city, not to mention a CrossFit box in every major neighborhood. That’s a lot of competition and it makes sense that many of them would offer a free consultation or discounted introductory rates on training to entice more people to join. Moreover, and as Cressey Sports Performance business director, Pete Dupuis, has noted in the past: Roughly 30% of people who are offered free consultations actually end up taking advantage of them.
As a small business – and more to the point, as a gym that only offers personal and semi-private training (no open gym or classes) – I don’t have the luxury of hundreds (if not thousands) of people paying a membership fee just to walk through the doors. Why would I offer my services and time at a free or discounted rate when I have bills to pay? I can hear the cacophony of pitchforks now.
To that Point1. Try walking into a hair salon, attorney’s office, or, I don’t know, Gringotts Bank and ask someone for 30-60 minutes of their time in order to sample the goods and to see if “you’re a good fit.” HAHAHAHAHAHA – no, seriously, do it. 2. This is my livelihood, not a garage sale. Sorry not sorry. To that end, I don’t want to sit here, come across as some crotchedy old bastard (GET OFF MY LAWN!), and rag on the notion that you should never discount your rates as a trainer. I mean, only Sith’s deal in absolutes, right? Some Pros or When to Offer Discounts1. You’re NewIf you’re a new trainer or coach in the industry, need experience and more eyes on you – particularly in a crowded commercial gym scenario where there’s a few dozen trainers vying for the same thing – then it makes sense to offer some discounted training to build your client roster. It’s not beneath you to do so. I did it. When I was a commercial gym trainer I’d often offer free 15-30 minute “Deep Dives” for on my own time for members:
Hey, it was 2005. As a result I got more eyes on me and would often have members reach out to begin training. For the more mathematical minded in the crowd, you can also think of it this way courtesy of Finnish coach, Joni Jaakola of Optimal Performance:
2. One-Time Special OffersMy friends over at Mark Fisher Fitness in NYC are huge proponents of offering special one-time only offers of 20-25% off packages when people attend a special class or charity event. I like this idea. If you’re already making the time to be at a certain place at a certain time, go for it. Offer free shit – training, tickle fights, whatever. People attend a class, you get their names, you offer the offer, and then you follow-up with a PHONE CALL (or text) – people just delete email – for a few weeks to remind them of when the offer expires. 3. It’s AugustIn the fitness industry, August (in the Northern hemisphere anyway) is…the…worst. It’s a dead-zone. Gym floors often resemble the barren, desolate wastelands of Mordor. BTW: I’m fucking killing it with the pop culture references in this post today. Except in this case it’s because people are on vacation in Martha’s Vineyard (and not so much because of the whole Sauron thing). So, I get it. Sometimes you have to discount your rates to attract people’s attention and to get bodies on the gym floor. Totally legit reason. However, my buddy and I were headed to get some pizza after a killer squat session last week when we walked past this sign located at the main entrance of a gym chain here in Boston: Now, admittedly, I have zero insights into this business’s numbers or the inner workings of their operation, maybe they’re crushing it, but to me this is what’s wrong with offering discounts… …especially ones this, shall we say, aggressive. My Take (the Cons)Again, offering discounts is not wrong or altogether a waste of time. There IS a time and place and a way to implement them that can and will behoove your business as well as the (potential) client. That said, it’s important to remain aware of the concept of anchoring. If you’re a fan of behavioral economics – such as myself – and read a lot of books on the topic as it relates to decision making and marketing this should be a familiar term. Via Wikipedia:
Photo Credit: https://www.terrynwilliams.wordpress.com In the case of the above offer ($15 for 70 minutes of training), the more the discount gets away from your full price, the more problems and reticence you’re going to have – from the consumer – when you reveal said full price. [embedded content] 1. Creates Price Sensitivity & Unsustainable ExpectationsThis is the double-edged sword of anchoring. “Anchor” your price too far removed from your actual rates and you run the risk of creating a bevy of price sensitive clients who are going to jump ship to the next trainer or gym who offers an even better discount. Canadian nutritionist, Steph Hnatiuk, agrees:
2. Creates Discounted EffortPigging back on the above, in my experience I have found that discounted prices sometimes (not always) creates a culture of discounted effort. Humans are very loss adverse. This refers to people’s tendency to prefer avoiding losses to acquiring equivalent gains: it is better to not lose $5 than it is to find $5. If a client pays my normal rate they have invested in themselves. There’s a degree of “buy in” from the individual to the tune of if they don’t show up – and I enforce my cancelation policy – there’s an inherent loss there. And people hate loss. Even more than the Patriots…;o) Investment = people (usually) go out of their way to put forth some effort. They show up. $15 sessions = “meh, charge me, I won’t be in today.” 3. Creates AwkwardnessThe less mental gymnastics I have to do as a business owner, the better.
I prefer to keep things simple: – I use Google Calendar to book my sessions. – I use Excel to write my programs. – I have an assistant who tracks all client sessions (and to let me know who needs what when). – I almost always wear pants. Too, when it comes to training packages, I also prefer simplicity and go out of my way to not offer a bunch of different options because I don’t want to have to deal with that dumpster fire. If I charge Client A “x” (a discount) and then Client B who is charged “y” (no discount) finds out about it, and is like “dafuq, Tony?”, it makes for some awkwardness I’d rather avoid. Me touching my wife’s butt in public = awkwardness I can handle. Me not shaving my head for two weeks = awkwardness I can still handle. Me explaining why two clients are charged two different rates = no thank you. 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/2019/08/dangers-of-the-discount-trainer/
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As of next year, the District of Columbia will begin administering Paid Family Leave, which will offer freelancers up to eight weeks of paid leave benefits. The law, which was enacted in February 2017, will go into effect on July 1, 2020. Paid Family Leave enables sole proprietors, independent contractors, and members of partnerships to take paid time off to bond with a new child or care for an ill family member. But to claim benefits next year, applicants must not miss the September 28 deadline to opt in, and comply with the following:
Freelancers who miss the deadline must wait until November and December of 2020, and face a one-year waiting period. But enrollment can be completed through the Department of Employment Services portal. Freelancers Union is hosting a special SPARK event on September 4 where you can learn about Paid Family benefits and how to enroll. RSVP today or visit DC Family Leave to learn more. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2019/08/28/dc-freelancers-dont-miss-enrollment-for-2020-paid-family-leave-benefits/
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There are a lot of things that a college student has to deal with; a heavy study workload, papers and projects, managing their health, finances and relationships — and that's not even counting extracurricular activities. When you add working as a freelancer, achieving work-life balance gets tricky. Here's what you should consider. What does balance look like?If you manage to learn to balance work, studies, and life in college, then you will definitely be able to manage any job plus family responsibilities that come after. It means you will have learned: 1) Finance managementImagine working hard and pulling all-nighters just to complete a job and still going to college classes the next day. Every freelance working student who goes through that at least once (ouch) will take their hard-earned money seriously. 2) Work experienceWhether you work online or offline, there are a lot of dynamics that you can only understand with experience. For example, how to deal with customer dissatisfaction and complaints. Theoretical knowledge can only take a student so far and this is why many companies prefer to recruit candidates with work experience. 3) Networking smartsA freelance working student who can find a work-life balance will also be able to build a professional support group more easily. When you work, you make contacts that and clientele contacts that can benefit you in life after college. 4) Time management skillsThere are 24 hours in a day but very few people know how to maximize them. A freelance working student will be able to combine schoolwork and assignments, and keep both lecturers and clients happy. 5) Soft skillsA student managing college and work is bound to gather and learn communication skills, marketing skills, management skills and decision-making skills. All of these will come in handy in a professional setting later — and can entry-level employees years to gain. But does a college-work-life balance exist?This is the question many freelance working students ask, because they find that either their academic, work, or social lives suffer. But the answer is yes! Despite the different challenges, you can find a flexible freelance side hustle. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2019/08/28/is-college-life-freelance-balance-possible/
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I’m willing to bet that if you’re reading this if you have two shoulders. I’m also willing to bet that, given the two shoulder scenario, and given this is a blog dedicated towards strength & conditioning, you’re interested in:
30 Days of Shoulders: Days 1-10My latest article (which is a three-part series) just went live T-Nation.com today, and it covers anything & everything as it relates to shoulders. 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/2019/08/30-days-of-shoulders-days-1-10/
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I’ve been freelancing for over a year. Since then, I’ve scaled my freelancing business and more than doubled my income in a short time. How? Well, there are many things that have contributed to my success, but one thing that’s been a major enabler is branding. Most people think branding is just for power players, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, freelancers need branding more than most because a majority of their clients hire them through the internet. After all, no client will hire someone random on the internet, especially top-dollar clients looking for experts. Enter: Freelance website, a powerful strategy to build a solid online brand without prior connects. Whether you’re looking to create a freelance website, or are looking to revamp your existing — this article shares nuggets of wisdom that you can apply to most situations. So let’s get started! Why do I even need a freelance site?Many freelancers don’t bother creating a freelance site (or a good one) because they don’t think it’ll work for them. But a majority of my clients have been either directly (or indirectly) influenced by my website. Here are three key benefits: Benefit #1: You position yourself as an expertA personal webpage is a great way to reinforce your capabilities. It shows your client what you've done (read: portfolio) and what you have to offer (read: services). And because you own the site, from the title to the portfolio and testimonials — you control everything. This is particularly great when you're trying to land clients who are in search of well-rounded experts. Benefit #2. You create trust and credibilityOne of the biggest challenges of being a freelancer is getting leads to trust you. This is where a freelance site comes into play and helps bridge the credibility gap by creating a 'somewhat' tangible presence on the internet — and building credibility helps command higher rates. What's more, a client would prefer to hire a freelancer with a website than a freelance without as this helps the client know that the freelancer they’re hiring actually exists. Benefit #3: Organic Lead MachineIt's no secret that a website is excellent to generate organic leads, especially because of its SEO and brand benefits. In my case, I've optimized my website for my target audience, and continuously get queries from qualified leads. What's more, I've also optimized my website for SEO and thus rank on the first page for the query “Freelance writer for SaaS”-- And guess what? Now, I get queries all the time without having to outreach and hustle to get clients. This is pretty much the dream of every freelancer. Benefit #4: Build a side-hustle (bonus)A freelance website is not just beneficial to land more clients, but can also extend as a profitable side-hustle. In my case, my freelance site also serves an affiliate marketing blog. This works out great as there are many reliable affiliate programs that are looking to partner up with legit freelancers, especially if you already use their tools. Apart from affiliate marketing, there are many other businesses you can start on the side:
How to create a freelance websiteMost freelancers shy away from creating a freelance website because they think it's too complicated. Yes, that was true in the past, but today? You can build a freelance website in a matter of hours. The advent of drag-and-drop website builders has made it possible to build websites without writing a single line of code. So you don’t need to spend countless hours learning, or shell out thousands of dollars on a coder. Follow these three simple steps:
Step 1. Choose a brand-worthy domain name:A domain name is how your audience (read: potential clients) recognizes you on the internet. My Recommendation: NameCheap I use and recommend getting your domain from NameCheap as they have affordable pricing and offer the best customer support. Pro Tip: Don't fuss over choosing a 'perfect' domain name. Your full name should work just fine, or play around with your name (as I did). Step 2. Pick a reliable host:The next step is to pick a reliable website hosting to host your site. Remember, a host keeps your website live 24/7 so it's vital to choose one that has the chops to keep your site live. My Recommendation: SiteGround Get SiteGround Now I use SiteGround and recommend it as they offer economical pricing, great customer support, and more importantly, excellent servers. Fun fact: SiteGround is ranked as the #1 hosting on several FB pools. Step 3. Install an SEO-friendly WordPress themeNow, this step is a little technical, but I assure you this should take no more than one hour, especially if you use WordPress. The main reason you can want to start your freelance site with WordPress is so that you can build the website without writing a single line of code. What’s more, WordPress powers 30% websites on the internet, so you’ll be part of an awesome community and receive support when needed. Additional step: How to get WordPress? Just, go to https://wordpress.org/ and click on the icon "Get WordPress." Hit download and save it on your desktop. Then Upload this file into your hosting server using FTP software like Filezilla. Note: If you get SiteGround, you can avoid this step as it has an automatic installation feature. Once you get WordPress, you need to install an SEO-friendly WordPress theme. Why focus on SEO? Because in the long run, you rather have a website that’s optimized for SEO than one that’s not. My recommendation: GeneratePress GeneratePress is a lightweight and straightforward WP theme that's perfect for clean freelance sites. I personally use it for my website and have nothing but good things to say about it. On another note, you can integrate GeneratePress with builder like Divi. Divi is an excellent visual builder that lets you build stunning custom websites without writing a single line of code. Pro tip: Divi has awesome custom child templates that let you build custom websites in a matter of minutes. Launch your freelance website!A freelance site is a great way to add a whole new perspective to your brand. What's more, it's a great differentiator tool to stand out from the noise. But remember, don't develop shiny object syndrome and keep tweaking the site, especially when you’re at the design phase (I’ve done this). Instead, just do enough to meet the bare essentials of the freelance site and ship as fast as possible. Have fun! via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2019/08/27/how-to-create-a-killer-freelance-website/
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So they told you not to freelance. Anyone else hear something along the lines of “... but how will you make any money?” Or, “Why would you give up the security of a 9 to 5?” Or, “What in the world will you do for health insurance?” Yep. Me too. If your experience of striking out on your own and building your own business was anything like mine (and hey, I’ve done it twice now), then you probably had at least a couple friends or family members doubt you. Maybe they told you to your face that they think you’re crazy, or maybe you just picked up that vibe when they got quiet or tried to mask their reaction. No matter how this doubt was expressed to you, I’m willing to bet that it stung a little. For some, it’s just a friend or two who couldn’t wrap their heads around why we’d want to venture out on our own. For others, it could be a massive guilt trip or feelings of frustration or shame coming from a parent or a partner. At best, this can be confusing, and at worst, this can cause hurt, conflict, and self doubt. Let me start by saying: you’re not alone. And let me follow that with what might be even more reassuring: I’m going to share with you some ways you can lessen the negative impact that this lack of support is having on you. Ready? Let’s dive in. 1. Accept that you can’t change anyone but yourselfAlright, we’re starting out with a big one here, but trust me on this. Think about it -- what is our #1 default reaction when someone else behaves in a way we don’t like? We think, “Man, I really wish they’d change.” Sometimes we even convince ourselves that we’ll be able to make them change. “If only I have this conversation with her…” “If only I can get him to see…” As a life coach, one of the very first things I teach my clients is that you can’t make anyone else change. You can certainly influence others! But you can’t force them to be different — that’s their choice, and their choice alone. This idea probably feels frustrating upon first hearing it. It was for me too! But once you start to accept it, it’s actually incredibly empowering. Why? Because when we expend so much energy trying to change other people, if we can recognize and accept that it is impossible, we save ourselves the mental and emotional exhaustion of trying to do something we can’t. This is such a huge gift we can give to ourselves. So if your approach with the person in your life who hasn’t been supportive of you has been to think, “I bet I can make them change” — take a deep breath and accept that you are only ever in control of your own thoughts and feelings, no one else’s. Let that free you of the pressure you’re feeling. 2. Reframe their lack of support as their own fearsWhen I had people doubting me as I transitioned to freelance life, my first reaction was disappointment. Then a little anger. Then just plain old hurt. It left me confused, wondering, “If you really love me/care about me, why won’t you be supportive of my choice?” It took me a while to figure out the answer to that question, but here it is: if they’re not supporting you, it’s likely because they’re having their own fears come up. You may be feeling nothing but confidence as you start up your own business (the dream, right?! And yes, it’s possible.) You’ve probably either done a good amount of planning, or you trust your own capabilities and know you will make this work. But the person who’s doubting that this choice is right for you is experiencing fears that you may or may not be experiencing. If it’s a parent, consider that they may be a product of their generation, which valued stability and company loyalty. Consider also that their role for a solid chunk of your (and their) life was spent looking out for you and making sure you were set up for success. Freelancing may be a very unfamiliar concept for them, and what comes off as them choosing not to support you may actually just be their own fear that you won’t land on your feet (even if you know you will). If it’s a partner, perhaps what comes off as doubting your abilities is actually a concern about your joint finances, or how much time you’ll have to spend with the kids, or your happiness or stress levels. These are their own fears bubbling up, and you can share your plans to address them with your partner! Not to mention, you’re way more likely to come out with a better result from your conversation if you’re going in with understanding and empathy, instead of resentment and frustration. How does this shift your perception of the other person’s response? 3. Uncover your deeper WHY.One of the most powerful things you can do for your life and your business — in order to maintain motivation, grow quickly, shift from imposter syndrome to genuine confidence — is to start practicing what I call getting to your deeper WHY. When there’s something you want to do (in this case, building your own freelance business), ask yourself, “Why does this matter to me?” Then take your answer, and ask again about that response. “Why does this matter to me?” Then again. And again. And again. Keep asking yourself until you get several layers deep, and you’ll start to notice a shift in how you’re thinking about this thing you’re doing. Maybe it goes from “I’m starting my own business” to “I’m creating a life of freedom for myself so I can achieve happiness, feel fulfilled, and live in alignment with my values.” Once you uncover your deeper WHY, it will fuel you. Especially when others are doubting you — and even more especially in those moments when you’re doubting yourself. Use this deeper WHY as your reminder when things get tough. And better yet, share it with others! Both the ones who are feeling nervous about your choices, and the ones who are your biggest supporters. From now on, when you come up against resistance or doubt, you’ll have the tools to let go of the pressure on yourself to make them change, reframe how the other person may be thinking about it, and stay grounded in why it is that you’re doing this in the first place. What comes up for you in all this? Feel free to share any stories, thoughts, or questions! via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2019/08/26/how-to-explain-your-freelance-career-to-your-family/
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I’ve been running my video production company for five years, and while we have always had a small staff of producers, camera operators, editors and animators, we still regularly use freelancers to support us on shoots or to help us out in the office during especially busy periods. In fact, we have used over 300 different freelancers over the last few years. They have enabled us to take on projects that we would otherwise have had to turn down; they’ve brought a fresh perspective to shoots; and we’ve benefited from their specialist skills on particularly technical projects. We know what makes a great video freelancer, so here are ten habits of the best freelancers we work with. 1) They work on the relationshipAll relationships require hard work and those freelancers who go out of their way to foster strong relationships with us really stand out. They check in regularly to keep on our radar. They keep us updated when they acquire new skills. But (probably most importantly) they always ask for feedback from our producers after projects to ensure that they are delivering a service we value. 2) They make our lives easierOur producers are typically juggling 10-15 projects at any time. That means 10-15 different clients, shoots, edits, and voice-over recording sessions. They are busy so if you can make their lives easier (by responding quickly to requests, reading your call sheets well in advance ,and being generally efficient) then they will keep coming back to you. 3) They help outWe never expect a freelance director to do a runner’s job, but when they help out with things like waiting with the kit on the street while the camera operator fetches the car, we remember – they are nice people to have around on shoots and we want to work with them again. 4) They communicate like prosWhether a crew member on set, or a designer working remotely, communication is key. We need to know that you understand the brief and we need to be able to trust that if there’s a problem, you will let us know. 5) They are friendlyNo one wants to spend a day on set with a moody camera operator or an angry director. We like to work with easy-going (but professional) people – it makes everyone else enjoy the job so much more. 6) They have mannersManners matter in all situations. Don’t smoke on set (even on your breaks). Turn your phone off and put it away. Look enthusiastic. Greet people. Thank the runner when they bring you a coffee. 7) They treat our clients like their ownWe regularly have to introduce freelancers to our clients, and we need to be able to trust that they will be professional and engaging when we do so. Be positive. Be professional. Suggest original ideas. After all, you’re representing our brand and we notice when you do it well. 8) They are punctualThere is no excuse for being late for a shoot (or even a meeting). The best freelancers arrive early (because they know that’s the only way to never risk being late) and they are generally reliable and trustworthy. 9) They commitWe know that freelancing can be tough. You have some weeks when no one books you, and days when three jobs land in your inbox at once. It’s hard to manage your time with so much uncertainty. However, we need to know that when you have accepted a job with us, you’ll do it – you won’t drop us at the last minute if something better comes along. 10) They invoice properlyWe make a point of paying our freelancers promptly. But we can’t pay you until we have received your invoice. Your invoice should be sent on time. It should reflect the rate agreed with our producer. And it should only include expenses that we have approved. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2019/08/23/how-to-be-the-video-freelancer-that-everyone-wants-to-work-with/
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BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT1. Coaching Competency – Dublin, IrelandThis is happening Sunday, September 8, 2019 (Early Bird rate ends THIS WEEKEND) Save $100 Register HERE So what happens when a room full of Irish(w0)men find out I’m not much of a drinker?…;o) Whether you get paid to tell people to lift heavy things or you just like to lift heavy things yourself, in this 1-day workshop you’ll get the opportunity to listen to me talk about my how I approach assessment and gain a better understanding of how I “match” the exercises I prescribe to better fit the needs, ability level, and more importantly, the anatomy of each individual I work work. In short, this workshop looks at the “umbrella theme” of my coaching philosophy. For more information – including itinerary and how to register – go HERE. 3. Strategic Strength Workshop – London, EnglandThis is happening the weekend of September 14-15th, 2019. Register HERE Luke Worthington and I have presented this workshop twice. Once in London last year and again this past June in Boston. We’re bringing it back to London this Fall, my most favorite place in the world. This two-day workshop is designed to arm fitness professionals with all the tools they’ll need to hone their assessment skills and to make their clients/athletes a bunch of bonafide, resilient, strength training Terminators. Combined Luke and I have ~40 years of coaching experience (or one Dan John) and bring different perspectives and skill-sets to the table; Luke peels back the onion on PRI (Postural Restoration Institute) concepts and assessment, while I go into detail breaking down movement and how to better “match” the exercises we prescribe to our clients. For more information – including itinerary and how to register – you can go HERE. SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS
STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORKBeyonce’s Coachella Diet is Now for Sale. Should You Try It? – Stephanie HnatiukI hope this doesn’t send the “Beyhive” after me. As with most “fad diets and books” this is one you should likely avoid. Fair and honest critique from Stephanie in this article. The Heels Elevated Squat – Julie ReadAwesome article (and anatomy lesson) from Julie in this one. PS: I admire Julie’s writing and drawing skills. I can draw stick figures. Why Kids Need to Roughhouse – Brandon HallThis article deserves an infinity number of slow claps. 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/2019/08/stuff-to-read-while-youre-pretending-to-work-8-23-19/ |
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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