Author: James Cross

Hey, you… The one out there juggling a thousand tasks, feeling overwhelmed by how much needs to be done, all while trying to meet client expectations — let's chat.

 

You've probably heard a topic as mundane sounding as “time management” and just tuned out. That's fair because this topic is usually boring as hell.

 

“Time management” can feel like something invented by spreadsheet nerds who want to crush your creativity. There's some truth to that.

 

The problem is is, what seems boring is usually the medicine you need.

 

This is my attempt at discussing time management in a way that won't crush your soul.

 

So let's start with the basics. How did you get to this place of overwhelm in the first place?

 

Two things:

 

Creatives, like you and me, we're in a unique dilemma. On one hand, our emotions drive our art. We can channel passion, sadness, or elation into something magical. But here’s the downside: sometimes, our emotions run us instead of the other way around.

 

Think about that task you've been putting off just because you “don't feel like it.” Yep, I’ve been there. Procrastinating on this very podcast, to be exact.

 

But here's the thing: by letting our fleeting feelings decide our to-do list, we end up sidelining those high-priority tasks.

 

While being led by emotions is one pitfall, the other, equally treacherous one is becoming a puppet to others' whims.

 

Picture this: You're deep into a project, and ping — an email arrives. A client needs revisions, and suddenly you're derailed. Sound familiar?

 

Freelancers, admit it. We suck at this. I do too.

 

There's this urge to leap at every client request. While it might give them instant gratification, it leaves our personal and professional needs in the dust.

 

This frantic jumping between tasks, known as context switching, doesn’t just break our rhythm; it exhausts us. And trying to refocus afterward? A time-wasting task.

 

Now that we've painted a pretty bleak picture, let’s flip the script. The secret? A strategy I've been leaning on for years: Plan tomorrow today.

 

It’s not just about jotting down tasks. It's about proactively designing a day that balances what you want and what others need from you.

 

In this week's episode of 6 Figure Creative, I give you the full framework I've been using for years to set up my day for success.

 

This works in any industry for any service.

 

In this episode you’ll discover:

Have you ever taken a pause and really thought about the significance of being willing to “suck” at something?

 

We creatives often find ourselves cocooned in this small world of what we're already good at.

 

We spend our time in areas that come naturally to us. The zone where our creative juices flow and your hands complete the task with ease.

 

It's our safe space, and damn, doesn't it feel good to be there?

 

But… here's the twist – this very zone, this “comfort bubble” is also our biggest limitation.

 

The moment a challenge pops up or a task gets too tricky, we recoil. We can't bear the thought that we're not good at something.

 

We've all been there, right? The first signs of a struggle or roadblock and our instincts go, “Abort! Abort!”

 

It’s as if the territory outside of our comfort zone is a minefield we should avoid at all costs.

 

And that's the crux of this week's podcast episode…

 

 

Those words have been on my mind for the past 5 years because of a past podcast guest.

 

 

By giving ourselves the freedom to be imperfect, to suck at something, we open up a world of possibilities.

 

In this episode you’ll discover:

We often look up to the biggest names in our field and think, “Wow, I want to be just like them”, but we rarely consider the consequences.

 

While it can be great to take inspiration from others, it can also backfire…

 

Why?

 

Because the top 1% in our field are really, really good at some things (like taking the perfect photo or creating a memorable logo), but that doesn't mean they're experts at EVERYTHING.

 

In this episode, we dig into what I call “inbred businesses.“

 

This is when everyone looks to the top 1% in their industry for how everything “should” be done… leading to a bland, tasteless copy of a copy of a copy of a copy.

 

We're all creatives, so we (of all people) cannot simply accept the excuse, “Well, that's just how it's done in my industry”.

 

You need your own special sauce, which (much like the restaurant industry) is best found outside of your industry's bubble.

 

In this episode you’ll discover:

Last week we did a deep dive into the world of automation and talked about how it can help take care of boring, tedious, and repetitive tasks.

 

Well, this week, we're taking it a step further and discussing how to automate some of the client acquisition and marketing tasks in your freelance business.

 

In this episode, we'll explore the three core areas of marketing: lead generation, lead nurture, and sales, and discuss the numerous opportunities within these areas where you can implement automation.

 

From the moment someone first finds you to the moment they hand over their hard-earned dollars and become a client, automation can play a crucial role in streamlining the process.

 

I know that marketing can sometimes feel overwhelming, but by automating certain aspects of your marketing, you can…

…all without breaking a sweat!

 

I truly believe that this episode will provide you with practical ideas and actionable steps to start automating your marketing and make your freelance business more efficient. So grab a cup of coffee, put on your headphones, and let's dive in!

 

In this episode you’ll discover:

You know those tedious, terrible tasks you keep putting off? Yeah, we all have those. 🙄

 

Imagine if they could get done without you lifting a finger.

 

Sounds magical, right?

 

Well, in our latest episode, I dive deep into the magic world of automation. 🪄

 

No, it's not as scary as it sounds. In fact, many of us are doing it without even realizing it!

Sometimes, simply knowing what's possible is the key, so I can't wait for you to listen and see what ideas you have!

 

In this episode you’ll discover:

Feeling like you've hit a ceiling in your freelancing career? Ready to take the leap into True Entrepreneurship but unsure where to begin? You're not alone, and I've got the perfect resource for you!

 

I recently recorded a podcast episode all about what it means to graduate from freelancing.

 

This episode is tailored for creative freelancers like you who might feel stagnant or limited in their current roles and are seeking new challenges, broader impact, and diversified income streams.

 

In this episode you’ll discover:

If you're ready to explore the idea of transitioning from freelancer to entrepreneur, this episode is a must-listen.

In today's episode, I'm dedicating the entire discussion to the creative versus the entrepreneur. We'll explore the pros and cons of each side, helping you navigate the battle within and find that sweet spot in the middle—the balance that leads to a happier, healthier, and more prosperous freelance career.

 

First, let's really understand your creative side. As freelancers, most of us start as creatives at heart. We stumble upon a skill or a passion that sparks our imagination, ignites our creativity, and propels us to share our art with the world. It's what drives us to be here in the first place.

 

But to become a successful creative freelancer, it takes more than just passion and raw talent. It takes a truly entrepreneurial approach. This is where the magic happens, where we turn our creativity into a viable business.

 

Remember, both the creative and the entrepreneur are essential elements of your freelance business. Embrace the good parts of both and avoid the dark sides of both.

 

By finding that sweet spot in the middle, you'll find the ideal balance for running a happier, healthier, and more profitable freelance business.

 

So, if you're a creative freelancer who wants to earn more from your creative skills (without selling your soul), this episode is an absolute must-listen.

 

In this episode you’ll discover:

I get how it feels when your website doesn't bring those sought-after leads. It's frustrating to spend so much time and care building a beautiful site, only to be greeted with crickets.

 

The thing is, your website is likely more like a confusing labyrinth for potential clients… All those options, paths, and choices can be overwhelming.

 

It's like a choose-your-own-adventure novel, where you're never quite sure if you're heading for the jackpot or a dead end.

 

So what happens when your clients can't navigate this maze? When they're faced with too many options, they don't stick around.

 

They abandon your site before even reaching out. It's a lose-lose situation, and it's costing you leads and clients.

 

Fortunately, there's a better way…

 

Did you know you could guide your clients purposefully through their journey instead of leaving them stranded?

 

The key is understanding the six critical stages of the client journey. And once you master that, you can use carefully crafted funnels to guide your clients through each stage.

 

Curious about these funnels? You'll be excited to learn they are two of the best-performing funnels for freelancers – the Lead Gen Funnel and the Opportunity Funnel. They're no magic tricks but clear, straightforward strategies to turn more leads into clients.

 

This week's episode of the 6 Figure Creative podcast talks all about the 6 Steps of the Client Journey and the two best funnels for freelancers. Learn about this, and you'll be on your way to creating a great experience for your clients.

 

In this episode you’ll discover:

Here's a concept that will make you more money – everything in business is based on inputs and outputs.

 

Yes, this sounds soulless, and yes this seems to take away the creativity, but stick with me.

 

It's all about understanding how your freelance business operates, just like any other machine out there.

 

Picture this: When you work a regular job, you know your input is your time, and the output is your hard-earned cash, right? It's simple.

 

Similarly, with a car, you put in gasoline, and you get mileage or horsepower as the output. Easy peasy.

 

But here's the thing: Many freelancers forget about this essential concept of inputs and outputs, and it's holding them back.

 

You see, the more input you put in, the greater the output…

Makes sense so far, right?

 

But here's the kicker: It's not just about two-dimensional thinking…

 

 

Better job = more $$ for the same hours.

 

Better car = more miles for the same amount of gas.

 

Your freelance business is the machine in question here. Just how well-oiled is it?

 

Here's where things get interesting – the better your freelance business machine, the higher your income and the less you'll need to work on things you don't want to do. Leverage is the name of the game.

 

But let's be real. Some of you might be working for less than you could earn at McDonald's.

 

Nothing's worse than pouring your heart and soul into your work and feeling under-compensated.

 

So on this episode, we're breaking your freelance machine down into five major pieces, then talking about the inputs and outputs of every individual part.

 

Bring your toolbox, and let's start tinkering.

 

In this episode you’ll discover:

Have you ever had an amazing potential client reach out to you? They seem really interested and they look perfect for you… But then, poof! They just vanish.

 

Time goes by, the job doesn't happen, and you're left scratching your head, wondering, “wtf did I do wrong?” This can be really frustrating, but guess what? We can fix it!

 

If this sounds like something that's happened to you, here's how you fix it: Be impossible to ignore.

 

The truth is, if this part is hard for you, you're likely only getting 50% of the clients you could be getting, which means you're flushing money down the drain.

 

How do I know? Well, when I looked at my own business, I found out that half of my earnings in a year came from clients I had to check back with five times or more.

 

In this week's podcast episode, I'll give you five effective strategies on how to stay top-of-mind and be impossible to ignore.

 

Ready to dive in?

 

In this episode you’ll discover: