Freelance: Can I REALLY Make It?: Recent Episodes

Ahmed Roberson

OUR Podcast...is about self-employment, working from home, freelancing....in art, photography, videography, cooking, baking, home remedies, clothing design, singing, song writing, music producing, etc.....and the successes, as well as struggles that come with it. We will talk lessons....never failures....strategies and tips on how to succeed in an ever changing automated tech world. Can I Really Make It.....the answer is YES! And I hope you come along for the ride to learn how. 10-20 minute Episodes Premiere every week, on Tuesday's at Noon! Please help me continue to bring you useful career-shaping podcasts with a donation! ANY amount is greatly appreciated, more than words can explain!: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ahmcreative

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Asking freelancers that use this as our only source of income hurts us so bad. The same amount of time is required to do the job, but now you want it at a lower rate. That is both a loss of time and income for us, and it can be debilitating and discouraging, because now we have sellers remorse. We're sad that we had to do this job for you for a lower rate than normal, and we are the only one's who will suffer.

Please do not do it. One time, maybe...but every time...you will lose me as a service provider.

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Never give up on your dreams! If what usually works stops working, take what you know and reinvent it... make it better... make it different so those who love and support what you do will continue to do so, with the same enthusiasm they had from day 1!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Have you ever heard the saying "It's Business, Nothing Personal".

If so, and if you believe that, you have been LIED TO!!

It's ALWAYS Personal!

Why...because it's YOUR business, and YOUR business is always personal....yours and personal are one in the same.

How can your business not be personal to you?

So, when people say that, they're just using that as an excuse to cover up something that will likely hurt or even destroy your business.

Even if you do follow that belief, when some business action damages your business, aren't YOU hurt by it?

If so, then it's Personal!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Me being good at what I do is why you came to me, or hired me after I reached out to you.

Don't penalize me for giving you what you wanted, if I exceeded your expectations, or beat your deadline.

My end product is not always based on time, but instead is based on my abilities, which again, is what you hired me for.

The time it takes me, and what I charge is not always directly correlated.

If anything, I should be rewarded for finishing your project before the deadline.  That gives you so much of your time back....your life back!

Me being fast is a win for the both of us.  It's not a negative.

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Contracts protect your intellectual property...your creations, and it protects you from people stealing your work, and making it theirs.

Whatever profits they make off your work, without your permission is theft, and that money belongs to YOU!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

The Good Fast Cheap Triangle....clients want, but cannot have all 3....only 2.

If they want something Good, and Fast, it will NOT be Cheap!

If they want something Fast, and Cheap, it will NOT be Good (or as good as it can be).

If they want something Good, and Cheap, it will NOT be Fast.  Fast comes with an extra "rush service" charge, and you cannot get that for cheap, with along with the good work, at the same price point.

Pick 2, or pay extra for all 3!

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I HATE when a client wants to talk on the phone....because they ALWAYS want to negotiate for a better..."Low-Ball" deal.  SUCKS!  It's never because they want to pay your rate...they want to compare your rate to someone else's work that isn't as good as yours.  You would think 1+1 ='s 2....my rate is higher because my work is BETTER...that is NOT a deal for ME...only for you!

I work to make money, not lose money....period!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

A.I NEEDS us!  It absolutely does!

Why?

Because it cannot create without us teaching it how to create!  We show A.I what to do, and it follows suit....it goes off what we show it. 

Yes, it can build from that, but it does not have that human element...that human touch, and that's how we stay relevant.  

Instead of fearing A.I and viewing it as a career ender, consider using it as another tool, just like all the available tools in Photoshop.  

Work WITH A.I,...don't fight it!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Managing client expectations are KEY to your success as a freelancer.

You have to know exactly what a client is seeking, in order for you to deliver successfully, avoiding repeat revisions.

Often times, we will have clients that are unfamiliar with the terminology we use in our given professions, and when they cannot express that to us clearly, it can lead to you working for hours in the wrong direction, costing you money and possibly a return client.

Managing their expectations also means educating them on the process of getting them to their goals, without days and back and forth changes to said project(s).

This is your key to success...

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

No matter what the situation, do NOT let someone undervalue your worth...your time, your work!

Whatever you do, no matter if it takes you minutes or hours, you took time...often YEARS to learn how to do that, and there is nothing more valuable!

Time cannot be replaced...once it's gone, it's gone, and in this world, our time is worth money, so charge accordingly.

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

It's almost like the stages of Grief....Denial, acceptance, anger, etc, right....but we're not grieving, we may just be stressing....for NOW!!

BUT, that always passes, and if you can simply Acknowledge and Embrace your current situation, you can then work on ways to get out of it!

Let's create your WAS day!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

2023 is starting off pretty tight for many of us, but so have the previous years, and yet, WE ARE STILL HERE!

No matter what you are dealing with right now, STAY IN THE FIGHT, because your call could be coming NEXT!!

But if you leave, you'll never receive it.

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Looking to support local small businesses....then you've come to the right place!  Here is the list!  All good people who need your support!

Let's help make their 2023 GREAT!!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

No matter what your skillset is, no matter your level of natural talent, we ALL HAVE TO put in the Hours!!

You have to stay consistent in your practice in order to become a master!  Nobody, not even the greats like Steph Curry or Kobe Bryant just wake up great...they put in the HOURS!!  When there are or aren't cameras around, they are putting in the work and they are GREATS!!  

You cannot be Great, unless you put in the work just the same!

STAY ready, so you don't hafta GET ready!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Don't make the mistake of setting your sight's too low.  Shoot for the moon.  If you miss, at least you'll be amongst the stars.

NEVER limit yourself.  If you have a minimum goal, cool.  If you shoot to exceed your minimum and you miss, at least you'll reach said minimum.

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Just because your work doesn't fit within a client's budget shouldn't mean you have to charge less.  Your client will just have to find another artist.

And I'm not talking about within a few dollar...I'm talking about $100's or more.

They simply can't afford you at the moment.

Your time and talent is worth what you charge...don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Have you ever noticed when you finally get to that Ah-ha moment...that moment of clarity...that moment of peace when it comes to your business dealings?

Nothing makes you nervous anymore, because you've reached that point of confidence where you can negotiate a $100,000 contract, as stress free as you would a $10 contract?

If so, let me know.  I'd love to hear about it.

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

It hurts you more than it helps you....PLEASE BELIEVE ME!

It hurts us all...it hurts the industry as a whole!

By working for free, to establish yourself...to build a name, is a terrible way to get yourself out there.

What that does is, let other businesses that wish to advertise on your platform know that you are willing to work for free...or for clothes, etc.  But free clothes don't pay your bills.

And once the word gets around that you are willing to work for free, it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to start charging for your services later.

Please stop...you are destroying what we all have worked so hard to build.

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

The World LOVES and NEEDS media, but sometimes people think it's free, or that it magically appears!

No, we have to put in HOURS to make it so....but because we've put in the hours and make it look easy, some tend to think we're just playing around on the computer, and shouldn't be paid.

I think NOT, and I'm sure you'll agree after you hear my stories.

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

I don't know about y'all, but I HATE the Process!  I am TIRED of the Process.

The Process can sometimes steal your joy.

I am in the Process of trying to find a way to Retire....NOW...and it's Rough!!

But, we tolerate the process to reach our goal....so, what do I do to keep from burning out while dealing with the process.

Click the play button, and give it a listen.

I appreciate you all!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

When we start a business, all we see is success.  But that's the EASY part.  I mean, you wouldn't be going into business to fail...but what happens when issues come that could cause your business to fail....how do you handle it?

Today, I'm gonna tell you what I do.

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

It is Absolutely Mind Boggling that Racism EVER existed....and STILL exists in 2022!!

C'mon mannn, for REAL!?

Racism in the workplace...career ending, yet STUPID racist people are still around, and I just don't get it.

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

EVERYBODY goes through an Ugly Stage!

Weather it be with hair style changes, clothing changes, or even changes from a teen to a young adult.

We all go through it, especially in freelancing, but what if you KEEP GOING to get through that Ugly Stage...guess what....there's nothing left but Beauty as Far as the Eye Can See...

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

What puts you in a creative mindset?  

What environment is right to make you wanna get down to serious business?

Do you like it loud, tv on, music on, people around you?

Mine may be like, or unlike yours...but I'd love to talk about it at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

You ever come across someone who finds out you work from home, and think's you sit back chillin' all day, so they ask you to run errands or do favors for them....as if your time isn't tight?

I recently have, and I TRY not to get too upset, cuz most 9-5ers I come across have NO IDEA what we have to do in order to "make it".

But, maybe after you explain to them, as I do, they'll understand and respect your position.

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Working on Consignment...should you, or should you not?

I RARELY do....but, what about YOU?

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Passion!

Do you ever feel like you're losing your passion for your craft?

If so, what do you do to keep, or get it back?

In this episode, I talk about how I almost lost my passion for photography, and how I did lose my passion for car stereo 20+ years ago, and how I got it back TODAY!

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Competition is not always a bad thing.  Competition keeps you sharp...makes you step your game up to either maintain your position, best yourself or those who want to best you.

Don't run from it.
Don't let it destroy you.
Embrace it, and let it make you the best version of yourself!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Yesterday's Prices are Not Today's Prices......

That is such a crazy line to me.

Why?

Because there are soooo many people CONSTANTLY gunning for Your Position.

Sticking to Your prices MIGHT work against you when someone equally talented, but cheaper comes along.

There's no loyalty in business.  Especially when it's not YOUR business.

When you provide a service for someone, whether it be a 9-5, or Freelance, WE ARE ALL REPLACEABLE!

But, you can make yourself harder to replace, by being flexible.  Smart, but flexible....and I share how I do it in this episode.

Thanks for Listening!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

How do you deal with Criticism?

Can you handle it....or do you shy away from it?

There are ways that I deal with it...listen in to hear how.

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Dressing for Success.

How do you do it...do you ALWAYS wear a business suit, or slacks etc when going for a gig interview, or do you dress according to where you're going to be working?

Know what I mean?  No?  Then please, give this episode a listen ;-)

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Maaaaaan, y'all already KNOW how I feel about clients thinking because I make this look easy, I can do it for a quick $5 bux!

Who does that!?

Who spends YEARS perfecting a craft, just to do it for a couple of bucks....what a Nightmare!

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

What is your Creative Process?  

Do you like to dive right into work, or do you need to be isolated to get your mind right?

Can you focus in chaos, or do you need peace and quiet?

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Last week, I talked about a nightmare potential client, but today, today was great....I worked with an Awesome Return client that I have been working with for years, and it feels so great, especially when coming off a bad experience prior.

I often talk about retiring IMMEDIATELY, but she is one person that I would gladly continue working with even when I am "done".

My retirement will be soft, meaning, I would only work with select people...even more selective than I already am now.  I would only, likely be working with people I have a long established successful history with....and again, she'd definitely be on the top of that list.

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

I had a meeting with a potential client, and unfortunately, just like my past experiences, it didn't go well, just like I thought, but I went in with an open mind.

I can't expect future in-person meetings to go like the one's before, but this is what happened....

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If you wish to advertise your business on my podcast, please contact me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

Have you ever worked REALLY hard at building something that is perfect to you?  If so, why would you want to change that!?

Change creates growth, but if you've worked hard to achieve something, I see NO REASON to change that, and I tell you why, in this episode.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoy the show.

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If you're looking to advertise your business on this podcast, please email me at:
ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss.

There aren't many things I do not like about freelancing, but this one thing.....ughhhh man...I am NOT a fan of, and I will tell you why!

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Working REALLY hard, but not getting the results is very discouraging, but YOU MUSN'T QUIT!!

I know it's cliche, and you hear it all the time, but you wouldn't hear it all the time from successful people, if it weren't true.

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If you'd like to advertise your business on my podcast, please email me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com

Customer Service is LIFE!

Without customer service, you have no business, and your business is your life....so it is a critical part of your success and survival!

Let's talk about why.

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This is the successful strategy that I have used, and I believe it can work for you just the same.

And if you're interested in advertising your business on this podcast, please contact me at: ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss your ad, and rates.

I appreciate your continued support.

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Through my error, I accidentally deleted this week's episode right after recording it, and could not recover the file, so I invite you to listen to one of my more popular episodes until next week.

My apologies, but I do appreciate your continued support.

And if you'd like to advertise with me, please email me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com to discuss.

Thank you!

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In Freelancing, it is extremely difficult for some to find a routine in this, because a lot of our work happens when it happens.

I THINK I found a way...at least for me, which can help you too.  

I hope you'll enjoy!

And if you're interested in advertising your business(es) on my podcast, please email me at ahmed@arobersonphoto,com so we can discuss,

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  • There was a slight interruption in recording...my apologies for the sound briefly dropping out...but it was too deep into the episode to start over *

And speaking of Starting Over....that is what this episode is about....a little.

It's about Not Quitting...because if you DO quit, you WILL have to start over....can't just come back to where you left off...doesn't work that way...for me at least, but let's talk about it...

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Adam Rosen is an entrepreneur that loves to support business owners and share his 
rollercoaster startup journey to help those on a similar path.

As a founder of a tech startup, Adam spent 5 years leading a college 
recruiting startup that was acquired in 2019 by a leading college marketing firm. 

On the side, he is a paid speaker and has coached hundreds 
of startup and small business owners.

His primary focus is on helping startups get more sales appointments, 
hassle-free, through his lead generation business, Email Outreach Company.

Adam also enjoys sharing stories from his journey and learning from others 
on their own unique path, through his podcast, 
“The Rise: with Skrizz & Adam”.

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** I have New, LOWER rates for advertising on my podcast. 

Please email me at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com for info and rates.

Dealing with angry clients is NEVER fun, but it happens in our world....even in the conventional 9-5 world.

How you deal with them can be critical to the success of your business, and your brand....your name.

There is no one right way to deal with angry clients, but this is how I do it.  Hopefully, it can work for you!

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Maintaining your health and weight in always important, but it could get away from you if you spend hours at a time sitting at your desk.

I posted photos of my weight loss last week on facebook and instagram, and in this episode, I talk about how I'm doing it.  You're gonna be SURPRISED at what's working for me....it's a good listen.

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Yes, I get Interviewed by my friend www.careerspresso.com about my path towards, and journey in Photography.

I think it's a good listen, and the best part is, it's is Archived in the Library of Congress FOREVER!!

Thank you Story Corps, Annenberg Space for Photography (no longer there) and the Library of Congress.

I am a part of history!

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Yes, your Social Media Profile is yours...

Yes, you can say pretty much anything you want on it...

But can your potential employers check it, and use it to hire or not hire you....YES, they Absolutely can....

So please, PLEASE be mindful of the things you post or say online, cuz it could come back to haunt you.

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Episode 50 y'all...we made it!!  

Thank you for your continued support.

In this episode, I talk about why you MUST stay confident in your rate, and confident in your work, enough to stick to your rate...and the pitfalls of bidding lower than your rate!

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I had the pleasure of sitting with Inner Legends Athletics' CEO Terrell Tinson to talk about his ups and downs we experience as self-starting self-employed businessmen, as well as his future plans for growing his company!

I hope you enjoy and gain from this listen.

You can find Terrell at:
https://www.instagram.com/innerlegendathletics/

and https://www.innerlegendathletics.com/

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Mannnn, whoever said "if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life" was LYING!!!  LOL!

I work WAAAAAAAY harder than I ever did at ANY of my 9-5's, now that I work for myself.

9-5 money was there whether you worked a full 8hrs or not.

Working for myself...the money is there ONLY if I'm there, and that's still no guarantee.

So, let's talk about it and clear things up a bit.

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It's exciting to be in business....a new business, and we always hear about LLC's and corporate credit, and such, BUT...if you're not ready for that, don't do it!  

I did it early in my career, and it was a LESSON...and maybe I can give you a little something to think about before learning the same lesson I did.

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Just because we love what we do, does not mean we should be expected to do it for free.  But I have a solution for you...listen closely and take notes ;-)

Happy 2022 y'all.

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This is a NEW business promo read, with two new businesses and a new artist....she sounds GREAT!!

The read is now categorized, to help you stay organized with what you're writing down for future reference.

Please SHARE and SUPPORT these businesses!!  I've known these people for years, and they're all great in their own way!

Thank you all, and I will be back to my regular episodes in 2022.

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This is a repeat of the previous week's small business promos.

You still have time to reach out to them in time for the holidays!

Let's help make their 2021 into 2022 a great one!

Thank you for your continued support.

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In this episode, I talk about a few unique businesses that have something to offer you, just in time for the holidays!!

Please take out your pens and paper, and pause the episode to write down everything you need to contact these great entrepreneurs.

They would greatly appreciate your support!

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Don't let them fool you, or trick you into working for free, because they're a Non-Profit...they have MONEY!

Don't get me wrong, all are not sneaky in trying to get free services, but I've encountered a few that are...and we're gonna talk about it.

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Good for Nuthin...not meaning you're worthless, BUT instead, it is for some clients you face that want Good work, for Nuthin (Amateur prices).

Let's talk about THIS!

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Because of the Holiday week, and my busy work schedule, I decided to Replay one of my best episodes.

There will be new content next week, but I hope you'll enjoy this replay for now.

Thank you for your continued support.

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WHYYY in 2020/21/22 is there STILL racism in this world...in the workplace?

Hasn't it played out yet?

Hasn't it run it's course?

I am OVER IT, and you should be too!

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Words matter....they have meaning, and can impact how one feels.

To me, saying Trial and Error sounds like failure, and it makes me feel down.

But, by replacing Trial and Error with Attempts and Lessons, I feel like I can keep going.

What about you?

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Let The WAIT!!  

Absence makes the heart grow fonder....so does waiting...but don't make em wait too long, or it might bite you in the foot.....

Let's talk about it.

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Some choose not to, but I do discount my prices for SOME of my clients...but even then, some of them can get out of hand with their requests, and this is how I handle it.

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Do your clients have a clue as to how many hours us freelancers put in to create the content you can't live without? 

I doubt some do, but freelancers, we can talk about it....so let's.

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If you haven't already, you likely WILL come across a client or potential client that has blown their budget on another freelancer, who now wants you to work for less than your initial bid...but there's a way to deal with that....let's talk about it.

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Unless you've already discussed it, or planned for it, do NOT work in exchange for products, notoriety, name drops, promises.....it almost never works out for you, but always works out for them.

Protect yourself and your product.

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Are you better than the BIG Brands!?  Are you just as good, or are  you creating for smaller sales....which is perfectly fine.

Let's talk about it....

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Today is World Gratitude Day, and I am grateful for TONS of things, personally and business related, and I am talking about it in today's episode.

I can only hope you have a lot to be grateful for as well.

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In my experiences, social media influencers do nothing but take advantage of those of us who are less famous, by making us work for little or free, in hopes of gaining a following from their followers...but that is not, and has not been the case with me...maybe it can work for you, but from what I've experienced, not so much!

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Do you have YOUR OWN STYLE, or are you copying someone else in hopes of getting attention and eventually fame and fortune?

Let's talk about it...;-)

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As the title says, under promise but over deliver!

Whenever possible, you want your clients to win....and everybody feels like a winner when they get MORE than what they're expecting.

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Do this anymore?

Have what it takes?

Continue trying and failing?

We ALL have hit that point where we want to quit, but if you do, you will be worse off than you think you were, if you try to come back to it.

DON'T GIVE UP!  NEVER QUIT!

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Everybody has those 20/20 woulda coulda shoulda moments in life...in their careers. 

What are some of yours?

We can actually chat about it if you email me directly at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com

I look forward to hearing from you ;-)

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Yes, the Olympics are over, and yes, I am saddened but motivated, and I want to tell you why.

Let's talk about it...

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We all have those urges to quit when things get rough, but believe me, things will much more rougher if you were to quit now, and try to continue where you left off years ago.

No matter how painful, keep going!

Music:
Eternal Springtime by | e s c p | https://escp-music.bandcamp.com
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Emotionally inspired by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, this episode is about Olympian Determination.

This is for those of us who've had moments where we wanted to give up, but when you think about how HARD Olympians train for 4-YEARS or More to get to this one goal, it is inspiring...and I hope this episode will inspire you.

Music:
Breathtaking by Purrple Cat | https://purrplecat.com
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Just because YOU consider yourself to be the "Best"  in your field, doesn't make it so.

I've seen work nowhere near as good as mine, sell for MILLIONS!  And that's not me being arrogant about my work, but sometimes, the "Best" isn't good enough...but let's talk about how to deal with that.

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2021, and there's  STILL racists people walking around, spreading that ish.

This is the simplest way to deal with it....and I share a story of mine in this podcast as well.

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Y'all remember that slogan, right?  But I'm not necessarily talking about it in that context this time....I'm talking about not hating, but instead appreciating THE PROCESS.

Let's talk about it....

Music:
Solipsism by Deoxys Beats | https://soundcloud.com/deoxysbeats1
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When we think of business ventures, we Always think about the Pros, but rarely the Cons, and that can sink a floating ship, really quick.

What I tend to do is think of EVERYTHING that can go wrong FIRST, because the Pros are easy....thinking of the WIN is easy...that's why we're in business....to win...but being prepared for the cons...the losses can keep you alive in the worst of times!

Music by:
Slowly by Tokyo Music Walker | https://soundcloud.com/user-356546060
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Ohhhh the Big Taboo!!

Should we work with our family, or should we not?

Come inside and see what I think....it may give you some insight on what you were considering!

Music By:

Majesty by Lesion X | https://soundcloud.com/lesionxbeats
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If being told NO breaks you, this is not the career move for you.

But for every 9-NO's, that 10th try could be a YES!  You'll never know if you let the 9-NO's make you quit.

Music:
Surface Level by Schematist | http://www.schematistmusic.com
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You read that right!  People...some people actually believe it's EASY working from home, when, in fact, I work waaaaay harder from home than I EVER did working a 9-5.

Let's go inside and talk about it...

Music:
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It all correlates to my "Fake It Til You Make it" intro episode, and my "Customer Service is LIFE" episode.

If you do not have professional integrity, and are putting out substandard products or services, you will soon be ruined, with hardly any chance of redemption.  

Let's go inside and find out why....

Music By:
Majesty by Lesion X | https://soundcloud.com/lesionxbeats
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Being a self starter, entrepreneur is already hard enough as it is, even with a partner, but does having a partner alleviate some of the pain....I think so, but only if you have the right type of partner.

Music:
Fashion Week Milano Music | MILAN by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA
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What's up everybody!

As you may know, I want to turn this podcast into a master-class...in the near future, so for now, I wanted to introduce this idea as a test.

If you have specific questions about a topic I have yet to cover, and you cannot wait, please email me directly at ahmed@arobersonphoto.com, and if I get 10 or more questions, I will do an episode dedicated to your questions.

I will still release my next episode tomorrow at noon, but for now, I wanted to see what you all thought about a Q&A episode.

Please email me and let me know.

See you tomorrow at www.endyour9-5.com

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Something completely new to me, but so important that I wanted to share it with you all.

If you never knew the name, but have suffered from this, this is the episode for you!

This episode, I speak with Career Coach Morganne Gervais at: https://www.careerspresso.com/

She was so great to speak with, and came to my show with so much great information for me, and hopefully you all as well.

Enjoy the show....

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Some of us may or may not have Certifications in our given fields...some of you may have found them to be beneficial...but it had no effect on my career.

Not saying they're worthless, but if you are thinking about getting one, please consider my workaround first ;-)

Intro/Outro Music by:Drop Of Ocean by Vlad Gluschenko | https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
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This is near to my heart, and I hope you can find the lesson in this episode, as to why you should NOT WORK FOR CREDIT!  It may hurt you more than it can help you, and I share my real-life experiences and how to counter such offers.

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As the title says, STAY READY!!

I have spent a lot of time prepping you for your launch, or how to deal with slow, lean months, but what about when things are slow, then all of a sudden, that opportunity you've been waiting for, knocks!

Are you ready?  

Have you been staying ready for moments like this.....I have, and I want you to too!

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Is there really a such thing as the "Perfect Time" to do something?  Part of me wants to say yeah, but then there are certain circumstances where you are pushing into doing something sooner than you wanted that may ruin things, or make that push the perfect time.

For me, I say go with your gut....AFTER proper preparation, but ultimately, your gut knows when the time is perfect or not...you just gotta listen to it.

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In part 2, I will continue to discuss the difficulties of the Lack of Income Consistency, and ways I've found to help me navigate my way through them.

If I can do it, I KNOW you can do it.

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There will be times when you are not able to make your daily, 
weekly or even MONTHLY quota, but that does not mean you're failing.

These are the times when we have to stay focused, and stand strong! 

The day you decide to give up, could very well be that day when your ship was coming in, but since you decided to give up, you'll never know.

There are ways to survive the lack of income consistency, and I'm gonna tell you how I do it.

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Part 2 of Episode 7, as part of my new format of releasing new episodes every Tuesday.

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Just because our work may be easy, and is FUN for us, does NOT mean we should not be properly compensated.  I have two tips in this episode to help you counteract those potential clients that may try to take advantage of the fact that we LOVE OUR JOBS!

And just because we aren't miserable at work, does not mean I'm going to do hours of work for you for free.  And I'm going to help you make sure you don't.

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Part 2 of episode 6, as part of my new format of releasing new episodes every Tuesday at noon.

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In this episode, we will discuss how to price according to your talent level, demographic and how not to price yourself out of business. 

Starting low and trying to raise your prices is a definite no-no, but conversely starting high and dropping your prices significantly can hurt you just the same.

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This is a continuation of Episode 5, as part of my new format of producing new episodes every Tuesday.

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In this episode, I will explain how bad customer service will obviously ruin your business, but also how GREAT customer service can save a business, even if your product isn't up to the highest quality standards (yet).

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This is the continuation of Episode 4, as part of my updated format of releasing new episodes every WEEK!

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Episode 4....In today's episode, we will discuss the sacrifices you have to make in order to have a successful business, and how to find balance.

As much as we want to, we can't give ALL of our time to our businesses and neglect  our families, friends, or our own physical and most importantly, mental health.

We will discuss what we all have to, or will deal with while becoming or maintaining our businesses, and what we can do to make everything work as it should.

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In this episode, we will discuss the Do's & Don'ts of Marketing....Email, Social Media, Web Based marketing.  I will share my strategies on how I like to market myself, and get ad retention even in our saturated markets.  My strategies are based on Photography, because that is my field of expertise, but all you have to do with today's lesson is replace photography with your field, and the strategies will work the same.

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In this Episode, I'll share a little about my jobs before becoming a full time photographer, and why I do not like working for other people...directly that is. Because as a freelancer, I work for multiple people....but I'm out of the mundane, routine and robotic 9-5 world.

I hope you will take the time to listen, enjoy, and subscribe as well as invite other creative freelancers to subscribe as I share my proven techniques that have allowed me to be a working self-employed freelancer for years!

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Hello Everybody.  In this Intro Podcast, I will tell you about my personal experiences, and the experiences of others who have tried to Fake It, Til they Made it, and Failed miserably....how they faked and failed themselves out of business, and why you should not attempt the same.

I hope you will find my podcast interesting enough to subscribe, and share with your fellow creatives, and I will do all I can to help you through this rough ride you are preparing to face, or are currently facing.  

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