A Creative’s Guide to Confidently Managing Business and Staying Inspired

Guest blogger: Shauna Friedman.

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Creative professionals doing freelance creative work often feel pulled between balancing creativity and commerce and keeping their work honest and alive. The art comes naturally, but business management challenges, pricing conversations, admin decisions, and money questions, can drain momentum and blur boundaries. That tension can make artistic entrepreneurship feel like a constant tradeoff: protect the creative spark or treat the work like a real business. With a few steady fundamentals in place, creative work can stay expressive while the business side stays calm and sustainable.

Set Up Your Creative Business Basics in an Afternoon

This quick setup helps you price your work, protect your time with simple paperwork, and keep money organized without turning your studio into an office. For most people, a lightweight system reduces stress, makes income more predictable, and keeps the creative part of the job more enjoyable.

1. Choose a simple pricing baseline
Start with one default structure: an hourly rate, a fixed project fee, or a day rate, then write down what it includes (rounds of revisions, file types, timeline). Add one “scope change” rule, such as extra revisions or new deliverables become a new quote, so you are not negotiating from scratch every time.

2. Put your agreement and invoice on templates
Pick a one page contract template and an invoice template you can reuse, then customize only the project name, price, deadlines, and payment terms. Your contract should cover scope, timeline, approval steps, payment schedule, and what happens if the project pauses, so expectations stay clear and conversations stay calmer.

3. Build a repeatable workflow from inquiry to delivery
Create a checklist for your usual stages: intake, brief, concept, drafts, revisions, final files, wrap up, and handoff. A creative workflow helps move work from idea to final asset with fewer delays and more consistency, which protects both your schedule and your headspace.

4. Standardize your project kickoff and file habits
Use a single kickoff form or creative brief that captures objectives, audience, deliverables, timelines, budget, and brand guidelines. Pair it with consistent file names and folder structure so you can find anything fast, collaborate smoothly, and avoid rework.

5. Track money weekly with a lightweight tax ready system
Open a separate business bank account if you can, then choose one place to log income and expenses (spreadsheet or basic accounting app). Schedule a 15 minute weekly check in to categorize purchases, save receipts, and set aside a percentage for taxes so you are not surprised later.

Decide If an LLC Fits: Separate Finances and Look More Pro

Once your pricing, contracts, and tracking basics are in place, the next upgrade is choosing a business structure that supports cleaner money management and steadier growth. Forming an LLC can help you separate personal and business finances, which makes it easier to run payments and expenses through a dedicated business setup and keeps your creative income clearer at tax time.

It can also make you look more professional to clients, especially when you’re signing contracts, sending invoices, and building a long-term business presence beyond one-off projects. The tradeoff is that an LLC comes with ongoing compliance requirements, and keeping those details current matters if you want the structure to actually protect and support you. If you’d rather spend your time creating than wrestling with paperwork, a reputable formation service like ZenBusiness can simplify the conversion process, help you stay compliant, and save time.

Weekly Habits That Protect Your Spark and Sales

These practices turn marketing and boundaries into something you do automatically, not something you dread. Over time, they help you stay visible, get paid predictably, and protect the hours where your best creative work happens.

Weekly Creative Time Lock

● What it is: Schedule your creative time on your calendar like a non-movable meeting.

● How often: Weekly

● Why it helps: Consistent protected time reduces burnout and raises your output quality.

Two-Touch Visibility Sprint

● What it is: Publish one post and send one personal follow-up to a warm contact.

● How often: Weekly

● Why it helps: Small, steady outreach builds trust without forcing a sales persona.

Deposit-First Project Kickoff

● What it is: Require a deposit before starting any work, even for “quick” requests.

● How often: Per project

● Why it helps: Upfront cash protects your schedule and filters out flaky clients.

Scope Checkpoint Note

● What it is: Mid-project, list deliverables, out-of-scope asks, and the next decision needed.

● How often: Per milestone

● Why it helps: Clear scope prevents endless revisions and awkward money conversations.

Friday Money Snapshot

● What it is: Log income, expenses, and unpaid invoices in one simple tracker.

● How often: Weekly

● Why it helps: You spot issues early and make calmer pricing decisions.

Business Basics Creatives Ask About Most

Q: What legal basics do I need before taking paying clients?
A: Start with a simple written agreement that spells out scope, timeline, price, payment schedule, and usage rights. Add a late-fee line and a clear revision limit to prevent awkward surprises. Keep it plain language and send it before you begin work.

Q: What should I track each week so taxes do not become a nightmare?
A: Track money in, business expenses, mileage, and any software or equipment you use for work. Save receipts digitally and note what each purchase was for. A simple way to stay organized is using an artist income & expense tracker so you are not hunting numbers later.

Q: How do I market when selling makes me feel gross or fake?
A: Reframe marketing as documentation and service: show what you are making, who it helps, and how to hire you. Use a repeatable script for outreach like “Saw this and thought of you, want the details?” Keep it small and consistent so it feels human.

Q: When should I worry about tax forms like Schedule C?
A: If you are earning self-employment income, you will likely meet Schedule C during tax time. The practical step now is to separate business and personal spending and label your income and expenses. That makes filing far less stressful.

Q: How can I protect my work quickly without hiring a lawyer right away?
A: Put your name, year, and website on invoices, proposals, and exported files, and keep dated drafts. In your contract, state what rights the client is buying and what stays yours until final payment clears. For bigger projects, consider registering key works and using watermarked previews.

Turn Creative Momentum Into a Simple, Scalable Business System

Creative work thrives on freedom, but a business needs enough structure that invoices, taxes, and marketing don’t drain the spark. The steady approach is simple: build a lightweight system with foundational tools for creatives, keep reviewing business workflows, and adapt routines over time as real projects reveal what matters. When that becomes normal, business growth strategies stop feeling like “extra work” and start supporting deeper focus while scaling creative careers. Keep the art messy and the business simple. Choose three tools and set a monthly check-in to review cash flow, deadlines, and what’s slowing you down. That rhythm builds stability and resilience, so the work can grow without burning you out.

Rebooting a Stalled Freelancing Career: How to Reset Your Trajectory When Everything Feels Stuck

Special thanks once again to contributor Shauna Friedman.

Freelancing careers don’t typically collapse all at once—they stall in slow motion. A few wobbly months turn into a plateau, the plateau turns into doubt, and doubt turns into a quiet panic whispering, “Maybe I peaked.” The good news: a stalled career is not a failed one. It’s a system asking for a reboot.

Quick Summary

If your freelancing momentum has flatlined, the fastest path back to traction often begins with three moves: (1) sharpen your positioning, (2) rebuild proof of value through small, winnable projects, and (3) reintroduce structure to how you find and earn work.

FAQs

“How do I know if my niche is the real issue?”
If nobody knows what you actually do or who it’s for, you’ll naturally attract mismatched or low-quality clients.

“Is it normal to lose confidence after a dry season?”
Extremely. Confidence is a trailing indicator—it returns once your systems create predictable momentum.

“Should I pivot or double down?”
Before pivoting, test micro-adjustments in your audience, offer packaging, or messaging. Full pivots are rarely necessary.

“Will upgrading skills actually help?”
Yes—but only if the new skills map directly to what businesses are already paying for.

Reigniting Momentum Through Skill Expansion

One of the most overlooked ways freelancers restore momentum is by leveling up through structured learning—especially when they want more control over the types of roles, clients, or revenue ceilings they can access. Broadening your skillset with a formal degree can open doors to better-paying work and sharpen your decision-making. Many freelancers discover that studying business and management gives them the leadership, operational, and project management capabilities needed to run a stronger solo practice. Online degree programs also allow you to learn while continuing to work, making education feasible without pausing your career.

The Freelancers’ “Get Unstuck” Checklist

Resetting your trajectory works best when you break it into clear, doable steps.

1. Define a solvable problem you want to be known for (niche ≠ tiny; niche = clear).

2. Rewrite your offer around outcomes, not deliverables.

3. Refresh your portfolio with 2–3 “signal pieces.”

4. Rebuild your pipeline with one outbound and one inbound channel.

5. Set weekly non-negotiables (e.g., 5 reach-outs, 1 case study, 1 authority post).

6. Create a 90-day experiment cycle—refine what works, delete what doesn’t.

7. Track micro-wins, because confidence compounds faster than revenue.

8. Get external accountability so you don't slip into old patterns.

9. Use client language in your positioning, not your own.

10. Protect your time by eliminating low-margin work and low-quality leads.

When You Need Outside Perspective

Sometimes the real bottleneck isn’t effort—it’s lack of clarity. When your career feels suspended in the air, an outside perspective can be catalytic. This is where working with Freelance Mikey can be powerful. As a coach focused specifically on freelancers who feel stuck, the guidance is designed to help you break through creative fog, sharpen your direction, rebuild confidence, and regain career momentum. Many freelancers underestimate how transformative it can be to talk to someone who has already navigated the arc from slowdown to renewed growth.

Fast Actions That Produce Visible Improvement

● Publish a single, well-written “How I solve X” breakdown.

● Redo your homepage headline to describe a clear outcome.

● Send one reconnection message daily to past clients.

● Raise prices by 15–20% for new leads (momentum often follows boldness).

● Ship a small productized offer to reset inertia.

Conclusion

A stalled freelancing career is a signal, not a verdict. With the right structure, clearer positioning, and a willingness to refresh your skills, your trajectory can climb again. Small wins rebuild confidence, and confidence accelerates opportunity. Start with manageable shifts, add structure, and put yourself back in motion—momentum returns faster than you think.

Financial Security Pillars for Digital Nomads

A special message from guest blogger Shauna Friedman

Life as a digital nomad sounds exhilarating — freedom, flexibility, and endless horizons. But beneath the sunsets and Wi-Fi hunts, financial stability can make or break the journey. If your income fluctuates with clients, currencies, and contracts, building financial security isn’t optional — it’s survival. 

Key Takeaways

● Diversify your income streams to prevent instability.

● Automate savings and emergency funds through global-friendly banks.

● Insure your lifestyle, not just your laptop.

● Track spending in multiple currencies to avoid invisible losses.

● Invest with flexibility — think ETFs, not real estate.do

Financial Security Pillars for Digital Nomads

Category

Strategy

Tools / Examples

Income Stability

Maintain at least 2 income streams

Upwork, Fiverr

Banking & Transfers

Use borderless accounts

Wise, Revolut

Emergency Savings

Keep 6 months of living costs

Monzo

Insurance

Global health + travel insurance

SafetyWing

Investments

Index funds, ETFs, crypto (cautiously)Vanguard

Expense Tracking

Multi-currency budgeting tools

YNAB

Problem → Solution → Result

Problem: Many nomads live contract to contract, never stabilizing income.
Solution: Build multiple income tiers — a core freelance skill, a side passive income (e.g., online course), and small investments.
Result: Even if one stream falters, you remain solvent and independent. 

Checklist: Your Financial Security Map

✅ Open at least one borderless account (e.g., Wise, Revolut)
✅ Build a 6-month emergency buffer in your base currency
✅ Track income by client, country, and currency
✅ Pay yourself a monthly salary from your freelance income
✅ Secure nomad health + travel insurance
✅ Set up auto-investments in index funds or ETFs
✅ Use cloud accounting software to categorize expenses
✅ Review exchange rates monthly
✅ File taxes properly in your home country (don’t skip it!) 

Streamline Your Finances While You Roam

Managing work, invoices, and taxes while crossing time zones can be overwhelming. One way to simplify this chaos is by using an all-in-one business management platform. A solution likeZenBusiness helps digital nomads automate invoicing, track income, and manage expenses seamlessly — no matter where they are. Having these systems in place means less time juggling spreadsheets and more time earning (or surfing).

Bonus: Product Spotlight — Tools to Make Money Work Harder

Ever wish your money could manage itself? Platforms likePocketSmith offer financial forecasting so you can see where your cash will go months ahead. Combine this with Notion Finance Templates to visualize goals and build accountability.

 FAQ

Q: What’s the best country to base myself for taxes?
A: Depends on your citizenship — but popular options include Portugal, Estonia, and Thailand for their nomad-friendly tax policies.

Q: How much should I save before going fully nomadic?
A: At least $10,000–$15,000 USD to cover setup, emergencies, and relocation gaps.

Q: Should I invest while traveling?
A: Yes, but stick to low-maintenance global ETFs accessible online. Keep your funds portable and your risk low.

Quick Bulleted Wisdom

● Think long-term location independence, not just remote work.

● Keep banking relationships in at least two countries.

● Use cloud storage for all invoices and contracts.

● Always have a Plan B city with good Wi-Fi and low costs.

Financial freedom isn’t about escaping structure — it’s about building your own. The most successful digital nomads treat their lifestyle like a business: stable cash flow, lean systems, and safety nets. When your money works while you wander, you’re not just traveling — you’re thriving.

The Myth of the Hustle: Why Overwork, Sleep Deprivation, and Underpayment Will Get You Nowhere

By CM Smith

We’ve all heard it, seen it, and felt it: the siren call of hustle culture. The meme-worthy quotes. The Instagram stories with endless to-do lists and 3 AM grind sessions. “Hustle until your haters ask if you’re hiring,” they say. “Sleep when you’re dead.” It’s as if wearing exhaustion like a badge of honor somehow transforms us into overnight success stories.

But here’s the truth that no one likes to talk about: Hustle culture is a myth, and it’s slowly killing your creativity, your health, and your bank account.

We’ve been sold this idea that grinding 24/7, skipping meals, sacrificing sleep, and working for peanuts will somehow get us to the top. That somehow, in all of that exhaustion and burnout, lies the path to success. But here’s the thing: It’s not working for most people. In fact, it’s getting them absolutely nowhere.

The Myth: “Hustle Harder, Do More, Achieve Everything”

The foundation of hustle culture is simple: work as hard as you possibly can, all day, every day. And while it’s true that hard work is often necessary to build something meaningful, hustle culture takes this to an extreme. It’s about pushing yourself to the limit, often with little regard for what that limit actually does to your body or mind.

It’s about believing that the amount of hours you work directly correlates to your success—that if you’re not grinding, you’re failing. The louder your hustle, the better you are. If you’re not pulling all-nighters or answering emails while on vacation, then maybe you’re just not working hard enough.

But here’s the kicker: this mindset is not only unsustainable, it’s also a distraction from real, long-term success.

The Reality: Burnout is the Endgame, Not the Goal

Let’s break it down. Working yourself into the ground can certainly produce short-term results. Sure, you might hit a deadline or make some progress on a project if you’re burning the midnight oil. But the cost is high.

First off, sleep deprivation isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s damaging. Chronic lack of sleep reduces cognitive function, impairs memory, and can even affect your ability to think creatively. You might feel like you’re being productive at 3 AM, but your brain is running on fumes, and the ideas you’re coming up with are probably subpar. You might be working more, but you’re not necessarily working better.

And then there’s the issue of underpayment. Many hustle culture enthusiasts work for “the grind” in exchange for little to no pay, assuming that their hard work will eventually pay off in the form of “exposure” or “experience.” But exposure doesn’t pay rent, and experience doesn’t fill your gas tank. Too often, this leads to a vicious cycle: you work more hours for less money, thinking that eventually, you’ll break through. But in reality, all you’re doing is perpetuating a system that doesn’t value your time or expertise.

So while you’re clocking in 80-hour weeks, someone else is reaping the rewards without ever losing sleep over it.

The Real Key to Success: Balance, Rest, and Strategic Focus

The truth is, success doesn’t come from working yourself to the bone. It comes from working smart, not working non-stop. It comes from knowing when to hustle and when to rest.

Here’s why:

1. Rest = Better Creativity: You need downtime to recharge. Taking breaks, getting a full night’s sleep, and engaging in activities outside of work all contribute to your ability to think critically and creatively. If you’re exhausted all the time, your brain is literally incapable of producing fresh, innovative ideas.

2. Boundaries = More Money: When you’re constantly underpaid, it’s not a sign of your dedication—it’s a sign of you being undervalued. Setting boundaries, raising your rates, and learning to say “no” to low-ball offers is essential to being treated like a professional. Success isn’t about working for cheap; it’s about valuing your time enough to ask for what you’re worth.

3. Sustainability = Long-Term Success: Hustle culture teaches you to burn yourself out now and hope the rewards come later. But burnout is a one-way ticket to mediocrity. Sustainable success is built on habits and systems that prioritize rest, wellness, and efficient work—so you can keep going day after day, month after month, year after year.

4. Mindset Shift = Real Fulfillment: The hustle culture myth ties your worth to your output, but fulfillment comes from a deeper, more aligned sense of purpose. When you operate from a place of balance, rest, and self-respect, you’re more likely to create work that actually aligns with your goals—and that’s what will lead to success.

Conclusion: The Hustle Myth Is Holding You Back

If you want to build a lasting career, create meaningful work, and live a fulfilling life, you have to stop worshipping at the altar of hustle culture. Instead, start working smarter, taking breaks when needed, and setting boundaries that protect your time and energy.

The truth is simple: You don’t have to kill yourself to succeed. Overwork, sleep deprivation, relentless obsession are not badges of honor. They’re the roadblocks that prevent you from achieving what you actually want.

Hustle is not the key to success. Strategy, rest, and balance are. When you embrace these, you’ll find that true success isn’t about how hard you work—it’s about working in a way that keeps you alive, creative, and thriving.

Navigating the Transition: How to Turn Your Freelance Work Into a Small Business

Your particular form elation does not in any way have to be as whimsical as this gentleman’s seen here.

Image via Freepik

By Shauna Friedman

Transitioning from a freelancer to a small business owner is an exciting yet challenging journey. While you've honed your skills as a freelancer, you should consider several crucial steps to make this transformation smooth and successful. This FreelanceMikey article explores the key points that will help you leap from freelancing to running your small business.

Get Covered

As you make the transition from freelancing to running a small business, it's imperative to consider the importance of insurance coverage. Protecting your investment means safeguarding your business against unexpected challenges.

This includes obtaining liability insurance to shield yourself from potential legal issues, securing health insurance to ensure your well-being, and covering your equipment to safeguard your valuable tools. Being adequately protected provides peace of mind and ensures your hard-earned work and assets are secure, even in uncertain times.

Learn New Skills

Pursuing an MBA degree is essential when evolving into a small business owner. While your freelancing skills are the foundation of your business, it's equally crucial to understand the intricacies of business strategy, management, leadership, self-awareness, and self-assessment.

Consider enrolling in an online MBA program or specialized courses to better understand these critical aspects. Investing in your education will empower you to make informed decisions, navigate challenges, and set your business on the path to long-term success. You might also benefit from meeting with a consultant who can guide you from freelancer to entrepreneur!

Make a Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is the cornerstone of your small business's success. This plan serves as a roadmap, clearly defining your objectives, strategies, and goals. It outlines your business's vision, mission, and core values while detailing your target market, competition analysis, and financial projections.

A well-thought-out business plan guides your day-to-day actions and is a powerful tool to attract potential investors or partners. It demonstrates your commitment to your business's success and provides a clear direction for growth.

Plan Your Marketing Initiatives

Your marketing plan is pivotal in effectively reaching your desired audience. Transitioning from freelancing to a small business means branding and promoting your services or products more comprehensively. To achieve this, tailor your marketing efforts to align with your brand identity and objectives.

This personalized approach allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level, creating a stronger brand presence. Identify your unique selling propositions (USPs), select the most suitable marketing channels, and craft compelling messages that resonate with your target market. A well-executed marketing plan is essential for attracting and retaining customers and driving business growth.

Prioritize Your Network

Networking is a powerful tool that can significantly impact the growth of your small business. Building relationships with peers, clients, and industry professionals opens doors to numerous opportunities, collaborations, and referrals. As you transition to a small business owner, invest time in attending industry events, joining online communities, and engaging in meaningful conversations.

Establishing a strong professional network increases your visibility and provides valuable insights, support, and potential partnerships. Networking is a continuous process that can lead to a steady stream of clients and business growth.

Stay Legally Compliant

Before fully operating your small business, it's crucial to research and obtain the necessary permits and licenses. Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is essential to avoid legal complications that can hinder your business's progress. This step ensures that your business operates smoothly within the boundaries of the law and reduces the risk of fines or legal disputes.

Depending on your industry and location, the required permits and licenses may vary, so it's essential to research and adhere to all applicable regulations thoroughly. Legal compliance provides a solid foundation for your small business and fosters trust with clients and partners.

Wrapping Up

Transitioning from freelancing to a small business is a significant step in your career journey. By following these key points, you can protect your investment, enhance your skills, and set your business on the path to success.

Crafting a solid business plan, developing a marketing strategy, networking, and ensuring legal compliance are all essential components of this exciting transition. Embrace these steps, and you'll be well-prepared to thrive as a small business owner, enjoying the benefits of independence and growth in your entrepreneurial journey.

Hi, everyone!

Hi All,

Checking back in after a long hiatus from the website blog to give you an update on the goings-on at freelancemikey.com and beyond.

Life has been moving a little more adventurously lately, as I’ve moved into a new home since my last post. With that said, I’ve still been working on several personal projects including a film that I should be finished writing within a few months. I’ve also ventured out into new sources of income and expanded my financial future through them. I will continue to work in consulting, marketing, copywriting, and music production and I hope that you’ll join me in my journey.

In the coming months, I’ll be writing interviews in blog form with various artists of all genres and walks of life, and having some fun, and maybe even making some new friends along the way.

Keep rollin’,

Mikey 

October 2022!

Hey all,

I just wanted to drop by and say thank you to everyone who has been supporting me through my transition to Fiverr.com on a regular basis.

As many of you know, i’ve been spending the past couple of years focusing on music editing and mashups as well as some editing for screenwriting—and of course, spending time with friends and family and enjoying my life.

As of now, I haven’t really decided what to do with this blog, but I do want to keep things current. I think there are some exciting things on the horizon both professionally and personally. Stay tuned.

Thank you again to everybody who has contributed to the business and thereby made my life really enjoyable!

Book a session with me at Fiverr.com/mikeywrites0010.

Seeking Artists and Creative Business Professionals for Interviews

Hey there, all! Some exciting news!

 If you are an artist or creative business professional who would like to be profiled on the FreelanceMikey Blog, please contact me here or at my preferred email at mike.lapenna@gmall.com.

I’m also taking some time to aggregate some content on here to create a more expansive experience. I’m excited about where things can go in the next few months.

I’ll be revamping and re-populating some of the comments  sections soon as well. Stay tuned!

Yours,

Michael LaPenna

Create With Us!

Business is expanding more quickly than I could’ve imagined, and for the better. The blog posts may continue to be a bit more curated or sporadic in the near term. Of course, if you would like to blog with us, more specifically, with me Mikey, Fill out your information at the “Work with us!” section at the contact page here and I’ll get back to you usually within 48 hours. 

Keep creating,
Michael LaPenna

Set Off on the Path of Freelance Success

by Courtney Rosenfeld, gigspark.biz

Though once considered the fringe of employment, 16.5 million people work in the gig economy in the United States, a figure that’s set to grow as more and more companies outsource projects and professionals discover the freedom and flexibility of being their own boss, setting their own hours and often working from home. 

This could be a golden opportunity for you, whether you’re tired of trudging to the office every day or looking for an extra source of income in retirement. Opportunity abounds in a number of specialties, from writing to designing to pet care to housecleaning. However, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the responsibility of running your own show and finding enough contracts to pay the bills, so here are some tips to keep things on track.

Set Goals

You need goals to stay motivated, move forward and be successful, says an entrepreneur writing for the Balance Small Business, who provides a list of resources that help you set realistic targets for your enterprise, whether they’re financial or related to finding new clients. Remember to divide them up into long-term and short-term goals so you have something to aim for every day when you start work. There’s no point in just saying, “I want to be a millionaire.” If that’s the dream, you have to make a plan for it.

Create a Cozy Home Office

You’ll be spending a lot of time in your office, so make sure you’re well equipped in a space that’s dedicated to work and nothing else. It will serve you well if you have a spare room you can devote to your enterprise, but setting aside a quiet corner in the basement or attic would also suffice. A natural source of light does wonders to keep up your spirits, especially when the sun is shining, while an ergonomic chair provides the comfort you need for long hours at the computer. If your home is lacking space, you could convert part of your garage into an office. If you don’t have a garage on your property, consider building a prefab steel garage and using it as office space. Steel structures are inexpensive and easy to maintain.  

Stay Organized

According to a startup expert with Forbes, successful entrepreneurs all “batch” their tasks. This refers to grouping everything you need to do into categories, then doing one of those all at once. For example, set aside one morning for writing emails and the afternoon for developing a business plan, but keeping in mind priorities that need to get done that day, of course. This technique helps you avoid floundering in a jumble of random activities.

Manage Your Finances 

One of the cardinal rules of running your own business is separating your business from your personal life, and the easiest way is by setting up separate bank accounts. Once that’s done, create a budget for expenses based on an average of what you make from month to month, as that varies. Remember that you are one of those expenses, so pay yourself on a regular basis by transferring money to your personal account. Be sure you have enough to keep up with loan payments, and use a home cost calculator to determine how much you can spend on property if you’re on the market.

Keep Marketing

The nature of freelance work means bouncing from contract to contract or project to project, so you can never cease promoting your services, or your revenue streams may dry up. With little cash to spend on advertising, choose a few inexpensive means of getting the word out, and batch them into your schedule. Social media channels are on your side, so make daily or weekly posts that include a link to your blog or website, and don’t be timid in asking for referrals from past and current customers.

Watch Your Health

When striking out on your own with a new business, you need to be at your best mentally and physically, so this is not the time to neglect your diet and fitness routine no matter how much you want to tap away at your laptop. Turn it off, put on your sneakers and head out for a jog, cycle or power walk. When it’s time to eat, load up on vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains while keeping sugar and fat intake at a minimum.

Starting up your own business may be a bit nerve-wracking at first, but once the revenue starts flowing in, you’ll begin to appreciate the freedom of being your own boss. It’s truly liberating, so enjoy it.

Image via Pexels.

Courtney Rosenfield started her career in the gig economy after several years of enviously watching others do the same thing. She started Gigspark to be a resource and a first step for people who are looking to join the gig economy, either to supplement their income or as a way to fulfill their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.

Four of the Most Important Freelance Jobs to Hire Out for Your Small Business

by Courtney Rosenfeld, gigspark.biz

There are many advantages to hiring out freelance work for your business. If you run a small business, for instance, you may have realized that you don’t need a full-time staff. Or, perhaps you would like a full-time staff but can’t afford it. Either way, hiring freelancers can free up time and money for you to spend on growing your business in a way that would be much more difficult than if you were paying a full-time staff. 

Yes, it still costs money. But it can cost less money than paying a staff over time, and the growth and reduced stress you experience will likely make it more than worthwhile. Determine what kind of projects you need done, set your budget, ask around for referrals, and review job boards. Once you have a candidate in mind, send them a test project. If they return a completed project to you on time that meets your standards, you may have a keeper. If not, keep looking until you find a freelancer in that specialty who provides the product you’re envisioning. 

Finding the best freelancer you can at a price point you can work with will help you focus on the tasks you need to, and it will ultimately help your business flourish. While there are many different types of freelance work, these four are some of the most essential ones to consider. 

Virtual Assistants 

Any successful business owner will tell you that delegating tasks is vital to effectively running a company. When you delegate tasks that don’t come naturally to you and that will waste your time, you can spend time on things that grow your business. There are many tasks that can be taken care of by a virtual assistant, and looking on the right job board can direct you to qualified, reliable candidates. Essentially, a virtual assistant can do anything from administrative support and scheduling to customer service and data entry. 

Web Designers

It’s no secret that an awesome website is necessary for any small business. There are many platforms available today that allow someone with minimal design knowledge to build a website; however, these websites are often easily spotted, and the limited features of these platforms can make it difficult for your site to stand out among the crowd. Bringing in a web designer can give you a unique, high-quality site with responsive design technology. Also, a professionally designed site will be more reliable, run more efficiently, and increase your company’s search engine optimization (SEO). 

Content Writers

Providing audiences with written content has become increasingly important for small businesses of all kinds. Having a blog on your website that discusses industry-related subject matter and offers expert advice highlights your company’s credibility. Qualified content writers can write about topics your audience cares about in a readable way. Furthermore, they can clearly translate ideas that you don’t know how to put into words, and they can provide an unbiased view of your products and services.

Social Media Managers

Finally, hiring a social media manager can prove invaluable to your business. Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer affordable (and sometimes free) marketing tools, and bringing in a professional who knows how to utilize and manage those tools can free you up to work on the things you’re best at. A social media manager can lay out a strategic plan for your social presence, consistently post meaningful content, promote your brand and products/services, expand your customer reach, and ultimately boost your sales. 

As a small business owner, virtual assistance, web design, content writing, and social media management are all jobs you should consider hiring out to freelancers. Remember to find the best candidate you can within your budget, and test them out before committing to multiple projects. Hiring qualified freelancers can free up your time to focus on the projects you do best so that your company can grow and thrive as much as possible. 

Photo Credit: Burst

Courtney Rosenfield started her career in the gig economy after several years of enviously watching others do the same thing. She started Gigspark to be a resource and a first step for people who are looking to join the gig economy, either to supplement their income or as a way to fulfill their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.

Coming This Fall to FreelanceMikey.com!

I’m back with a quick update about this blog. Hello, ladies, gentlemen, and non-binary patrons and readers!

Life is getting busy as I get ready to ebmark on several new endeavors, and with all this, I’m going to be transforming this blog into an information and interview portal into the hearts and minds of creative professionals from every walk of life from America to Indonesia and any and all points in between. (I’d go into space if I could). My goal is to take you on as many fun journeys into the worlds of creative business art and the art of creative business In ways that are at once focused and fun, comprehensive yet conversational.

Interviews and features will include any of the following:

• Entrepreneurs

• Educators

• Business leaders

• Visual artists

• Musicians

• Actors

• Comedians

• Novelists

• Screenwriters

• Playwrights

• Graphic designers

• Home stagers

• Multimedia artists

• Psychologists

• Sociologists

• Biographers/historians

Join me this fall as we take a journey into all this and more!

Don’t Call It a Comeback: The FreelanceMikey Blog Gears Up for That ‘New New’

A formal occasion (not my wedding)

Hello, ladies, gentlemen, and nonbinary digital natives! After a long hiatus, I’m back to update you on all the goings-on of late with FreelanceMikey Creative Consultation and what has been the cause of this long but much-needed sabbatical. The FreelanceMikey blog has been dormant lately due to shifting dynamics in the business and in my own life of late. I’ve been focusing on my editing, music mixing, and keeping up my physical health working with a physical therapist (due to my cerebral palsy).

In this vein, I want to take time to appreciate your visit to the website and the FreelanceMikey brand and blog, and I absolutely thank you for your patience. (I’m also planning my wedding these days, so my life rolls on hard—both in and out of my wheelchair ♿️).

New projects, new locations, new interviews, and new horizons are in motion for all of the creative campaigns that my friends, colleagues, and I aim to bring to the fore in 2019.

Currently, there are a few projects very key projects underway including general project consulting and specialized projects. Formats and pricing and listed in the home menu. Go to our services page for more.

Most absolutely, I want you to know that going forward as always, I definitely want to further my mission in helping you be yourself fully in whatever medium you choose to explore.

May you move boldly and follow your bliss,

Michael LaPenna

Updates, updates!

Hey All,

Just a quick update from yours truly from the FreelanceMikey headquarters in beautiful suburban New York. I’ve had to take some time to handle my health in the past two weeks, but now it’s time to get back on the horse! I’m currently in the process of booking interview segments for the blog here on the FreelanceMikey website.

If you're a creative person who kind of views life from a 45° angle (as George Carlin used to say) or just looking to showcase your work in a way that is accessible, talkative, intuitive, and fun, contact me here or on Twitter and Instagram @FreelanceMikey! i’d love to talk shop with you about  your contributing influences, meandering pathways, and your highest moments of creative clarity in life, art, business, personal growth, and more. I look forward to chatting with you soon!
 

Updated 5/23/18: New Blog Interview Series Coming! Conversations About Creating with Michael LaPenna

(We are slightly delayed due to the tornado-like weather that hit the New York area last week. Thanks for being awesome and patient).

Do you like art at 45 degree angles? Do you like people who paint spaceships and sing jazz? Do you like yoga AND psychology? So often, creativity is thought of as a static thing like painting, theatre, music, writing, and the like—but what about what's between those nooks and crannies, between the cracks, the twilight between all these?

I'm interested in the inspiration behind creative work and the lives inspired by that spark.

New things are coming your way and evolving starting with a new blog interview series called Conversations About Creating. Conversations About Creating will explore everything from creative yoga for for healing mental trauma, to neo jazz funk music artists to make you love life just that much more! Join me, Michael LaPenna, for free-wheeling, art-loving, music-jamming, sculpture-making, groundbreaking conversations With creative people from a wide range of fields and feels In the world of art, science, craft, writing, music—and a whole lot of good feelings! It’ll be good times with some good minds, and I can’t wait!

Don't miss Conversations About Creating coming in the coming weeks to FreelanceMikey.com!

How to be happy (in business and in life)

How to be happy has always plagued us, but the search for how to be happy ultimately comes down to a being and not a searching. How to be happy in business or in everyday life is a discision you and I must make. The only way to be happy is to be being it as much as possible. Be the thing that makes you happy by doing the thing that makes you happy! The following excerpt is from a several-decades-old lecture from the late Alan Watts. It's called "Why you're not Happy."

A New 'Plogcast' to Fuel Your Creative Fire!

This audio  is totally unedited, The ambient sound you hear the mic picking up is my mischievous ceiling fan whooshing....

The Fueling Your Creative Fire 'Plogcast' Wants YOU!

"FreelanceMikey" Michael LaPenna

Mikey here!

Do you have a compelling story about your business or creative passion that's uniquely interesting that you want to share?

Do you have a job or a hobby or side hustle that's uniquely suited to who  you are that you've mastered and want to share with the world?

Are you fueled by your passions and your desire to create something great?

Do you believe limits are only things to be overcome or to be used as tools to make us better at what we do?

Well, my fire-fueled friend, I'm exceedingly excited to announce something I've been thinking about for a long time now: FreelanceMikey Creative Consulting is happy to announce the Fueling Your Creative Fire Plogcast here on the FreelanceMikey blog! Each episode will delve into the deep of what it means to be creative and what it means to be a creative in a world filled with inspirations from any and all walks of life and influences. I'll be getting extremely real with you and my guests to find what makes them light up with that create fire that fuels their every passion and proclivity in business, art, design, performance, tech—and all points in between!

If you would like to be on the show, contact me by any of the methods listed here on the site and bring your best creative story along with your most profound, personal insights to share on the show!

After all, you only get one life to be awesome, so you might as well share your passion with the world!

Mikey out!

FreelanceMikey.com Now Accepting Guest Bloggers!

Let's vibe and blog about the business, about the art, about the creative business!

Here at FreelanceMikey, my colleagues and I all believe that much can be learned from others. Whether you're a traditional business owner with extensive knowledge, or an interesting conceptual artist, writer, actor, musician, scientist,  or chief cook and bottle washer in a unique job that few people have heard of even existing, we want to hear from you on how you make the world a little brighter with what you do!

Contact us here in the comments and by any of the means listed in the contact information.


Onward and upward,
Mikey