Author: James Cross

Mastering The Art Of Self-Promotion | The Lead Generation Series

Post author By James Cross
Post date October 24, 2023
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Raise your hand if you suck at self-promotion…

🙋🏻‍♂️ 🙋🏼 🙋🏿‍♂️ 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️ (←that's probably you.)

Sadly, self-promotion is where most freelancers hit a wall.

It's one thing to create an amazing service or irresistible lead magnet, but it's entirely another to promote it effectively.

If your calendar isn't booked solid with projects from ideal clients, then you likely suck at self-promotion. (just being real with you 🤷🏻‍♂️)

For those naysayers who think, “self-promotion!? You shouldn't have to self-promote if you're good at what you do!”, I urge you to kill that thought with the fire of a thousand suns.

That's a self-imposed limitation. If promotion is a “normal thing” across every other industry, why should freelancers be the exception?

At its core, lead generation isn't about making lead magnets or revamping your freelance services. It's about mastering the art of self-promotion.

So, whether you're a seasoned freelancer or a newbie, we're about to dive into the nitty-gritty of self-promotion. We need to make sure your service (or lead magnets) doesn't go to waste.

By the end of it, you'll be armed with the tools to make your freelance business self-sustaining.

In this episode you’ll discover:

Why your lead magnets aren't working
The six types of traffic
The “core four” types of marketing Brian uses
Using earned media to grow relationships
Why only 3% of your audience is ready to purchase from you right now
How hackers make money with stolen ad accounts
Demand creation vs. demand harvesting
Harnessing referrals and word-of-mouth marketing
Using a referral circle to help fellow freelancers
How to get a plan for your lead generation efforts

Podcast

The 4 Types of Lead Magnets That Actually Work | The Lead Generation Series

Post author By James Cross
Post date October 17, 2023
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Let’s dive into a crucial piece of the freelancer's marketing toolkit: The Lead Magnet.

Imagine your lead magnet as an introductory handshake in the online world. It's your first impression, and we all know how vital that is.

Your lead magnet isn’t merely a “hello“… it’s an “I understand your problems and I know how to help.”

Every lead is a person looking for a solution, and your lead magnet is the first step in proving that YOU are that solution.

What we’re crafting isn’t just a freebie or a basic tool. Your lead magnet is proof that you don’t just talk the talk but you walk the walk. It demonstrates up front that you bring real value to the table.

And no, a lead magnet isn’t just another PDF or ebook – it can be, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be a tool, a resource, or a guide. It might even be a paid service or workshop.

The shape of a lead magnet is flexible, but its purpose is rigid: to provide immense, undeniable value.

This isn’t about merely generating leads or adding names to an email list. It’s about connecting with a person, and proving that you have the solution they’ve been hunting for.

Ready to create something amazing? Let’s dive into this…

In this episode you’ll discover:

The power of paid lead magnets
Solving problems for your leads
People who have more time than money, vs more money than time
Using your services to bring in new clients
Why taking a loss in the short term can be a benefit in the long term
Using information as a lead magnet
The questions to ask when offering a free consultation
The four main ways to fully solve the problem your leads are facing

Podcast

The Secret to Consistent Clients | The Lead Generation Series

Post author By James Cross
Post date October 10, 2023
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Listen, I've heard it a hundred times, and I bet you have, too…

“If you're good enough, you can just wait for clients to come to you.” They say.

“Word of mouth is all you need.” They say.

But here's the deal: sitting on your hands and hoping for that magical email notification of a new client isn't a strategy—it's a death trap.

Let me paint a picture…

You're a talented freelancer. You've had some good months, even great ones.

But then there's that one sobering month. The inquiries dry up, the referrals dwindle, and your inbox is eerily silent. Panic sets in.

That, my friend, is the terrifying “word-of-mouth death trap”.

There's a common myth in the freelance world. Some folks will have you believe that the only way to thrive is through word of mouth.

But here’s the truth bomb: Anyone saying “word-of-mouth is best” is unqualified to give you that advice. They are just coasting along nicely with it, having never tasted the desperation of the dry season.

Many still end up taking on gigs they aren’t passionate about, just to keep the lights on.

And sure, referrals are fabulous. If you're great at what you do, you'll 100% get them.

But if you're banking solely on word of mouth to keep your calendar booked with clients, then you're setting yourself up for a rocky ride.

So, what's the antidote to this feast or famine nightmare? Two words: Lead Generation.

Here's the breakdown: Leads become inquiries. Inquiries become clients. And when you have a consistent influx of leads every month, you've got a buffer against those terrifying dry spells.

Suddenly, your business isn't about hoping for clients—it's about choosing them.

In the coming series, we'll dive deep into the nuts and bolts of lead generation, tailored specifically for freelancers. Because here's the truth: understanding and mastering lead generation is like handing yourself the keys to consistency.

Ready to escape the word-of-mouth death trap? Click here to start the Lead Generation Series.

In this episode you’ll discover:

Why Brian has had a horrible week thanks to Meta
Different methods of lead generation, and how your business type changes your lead acquisition
The importance of a solid lead magnet
Keys to a valuable lead magnet
What to do if you're struggling
Understanding what your clients need
Using the Three-Tier-Outcome Map
Diagnosing problems to add value to leads

Podcast

Shifting Your Clients From One-Time Projects To Monthly Recurring Subscriptions | With Annemie Tonken

Post author By James Cross
Post date October 3, 2023
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How much is an average client worth to you? Whatever that number is, imagine how much more they'd be worth to you and your freelance business if they were paying you that amount every single year.

Now imagine how successful you'd be if every single client you've ever had was paying you the amount every year for the rest of your career.

That's the reality for those who run recurring subscription businesses, however, most freelancers only offer one-and-done packages.

Whether you call it a retainer, subscription, or simply a “monthly fee”, most who follow this podcast would love the idea of acquiring a client one time and having them keep paying you every single month.

But… What if your service just “doesn't make sense” as a recurring subscription?

If that's you, I'd challenge you to listen to this episode of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast. No matter what service you offer, there's likely some way to shift your clients to a recurring income model.

Our guest this week, Annemie Tonken, has managed to build her family photography business to 6 figures per year from 6 hours of work per week.

If you want to learn how she's managed this, and how she's launched a highly successful recurring-subscription photography service in an industry where very few others are doing the same, listen to episode 223 of the 6 Figure Creative Podcast ASAP.

In this episode you’ll discover:

Transitioning your freelance business to a recurring revenue model
Becoming a more efficient business-manager
Solving your clients' ultimate needs so you can earn more on each project
The hidden benefits of a recurring revenue model
Average client value and the impact this stat has on your business
How to keep your subscribers happy, active, and paying
The key factors of adding value to your client's lives (for maximum profit)
How she earns a 6-figure income from 6 hours of work per week

Podcast

Time Management For Freelancers | Back To Basics

Post author By James Cross
Post date September 26, 2023
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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:

1. The Emotional Tug-of-War

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.

2. The Ping of Doom

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.

Mastering Your Day with a Simple Hack

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:

Why freelancers struggle with time management
How to control our own time, rather than letting others dictate our schedule
People making requests aren't trying to hurt you
Blocking out your daily schedule
Big brain vs. small brain
Batching your tasks or sticking to a routine
The benefits of using Do Not Disturb on your devices

Tags back to basics

Podcast

Dare To Suck | Why You Make More Money When You’re Bad At Things

Post author By James Cross
Post date September 19, 2023
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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…

“Dare To Suck”.

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

We often forget that every G.O.A.T., every expert we admire, first sucked before they succeeded.

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:

Why perseverance is important in business
Everyone sucked when they first started learning
How age affects fear of judgment
The problem with an instant-gratification world
Relating your experience to levels in a video game
The four levels of incompetence
Why people give up before they get good
Learning the skills you need to learn, while you still suck

Podcast

Why Freelancers Are Vulnerable To “The Inbred Business Trap” (And What That Means For You)

Post author By James Cross
Post date September 12, 2023
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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:

Why the top businesses in your industry aren't the businesses to learn from
The advantage of looking to other industries to learn and grow
The biggest cop-out you could make: “That's not how we do things in my industry”
What a website exists for
The difference between what you want and what you need
Using the “template of the internet” for your website

Podcast

The Freelancer’s Guide To Automating Your Business | Part 2

Post author By James Cross
Post date September 5, 2023
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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…

Stay top of mind,
Build trust and credibility
Turn leads into actual paying clients…

…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:

The three main steps of marketing
Automating each step of your marketing funnel
Linking your website to your CRM
Using automation to nurture your marketing leads
Defining a lead for your business
Automating your social media accounts
How to automate your sales process
The disadvantage of having someone set up automations for you
How to reject leads automatically

Podcast

The Freelancer’s Guide To Automating Your Business | Part 1

Post author By James Cross
Post date August 29, 2023
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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!

Ever wondered what automation actually is? I've broken it down into three simple steps: a trigger, an action, and a result. 🔄
Curious about how automation can help you make more money? I chat about how it aids in attracting more clients and maximizing their value. 💰
And if you're thinking, “Brian, where do I even begin with all this?”, don't fret! My goal for this episode is to open your eyes to the possibilities. Not to overwhelm you with too many details. We're keeping it big picture, friend! 🖼️

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:

Using automation in your business to eliminate tasks you don't want to do
Understanding what's possible when using automation
Setting yourself up for automation success
The tools you can use to automate your business
Using fulfillment automation to provide better service to your clients

Podcast

The 3 Best Ways To Graduate From “Simple Freelancer” To A “True Entrepreneur” With Multiple Income Streams

Post author By James Cross
Post date August 22, 2023
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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:

The six levels of freelancing
What it takes to master the “agency model”
How to build your “offer ladder”
Creating tools for your industry
And more…

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