THE BOOK FOR FREELANCERS AND CREATIVES WHO WANT TO GROW
Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Kobo E-reader, Apple Books and Gumroad (PDF).
If you’re a freelancer, employee or side-hustler who’s been thinking about starting a creative agency, now is the time.
Whether you want to be a freelancer (agency of 1) or start a bigger agency, this is a great time to launch. There are more opportunities than ever for start-ups.
I’ll show you how to land bigger clients, increase your income, and control your destiny.
I’ve done it three times—solo freelance then built two agencies. The first one was acquired by an IT company, and I retired successfully from the last one.
I’ve learned a lot about the business of running creative businesses.
It’s all here in my new book, filled with insights, tips, and detailed examples to help you build your own business.
There’s never been a better time than now!
First Business Tip:
Make sure you know the difference between clients and one-off projects. It could be the difference between success and failure.
BUILD THE CREATIVE BUSINESS YOU’LL LOVE
Everything in this book is based on real-world experience, real success.
It’s business advice to get you started right.
If you’re a freelancer, I’ll show you how to start growing your business.
If creative services is your side-hustle, I’ll show you what it takes to go full time.
If you’re an agency employee, I’ll show you how to use your job as business training for starting your own creative agency.
For your agency, I’ll help you attract professional clients and avoid time-sucking amateurs.
I’ll give you critical insights into keeping everyone happy: your clients, your staff, your contractors and the taxman.
Start right.
Avoid expensive mistakes.
Love your job, love your business.
HERE’S WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE BOOK
I Love the Approach
“Purchased your book earlier today, two chapters in and I have no regrets. Excited to read the rest over the weekend. I love the approach and honesty…” Pascaline K, on Twitter
A Business Bible
“This book is so chock full I have to read it slowly. I got it for my birthday and I really enjoy it. I read it piece by piece and then integrate the different lessons.” Julie Ann, 5 Stars, Amazon
Recommended to Other Creative Friends
“Just finished reading your book. Loved the sections on estimates, billable hours, and timesheets. Recommended to some other creative friends who are running their own biz. Thank you for writing the book :)” Kasun Pathirage, on Twitter
Extremely Clear and Helpful
“The book was extremely clear and helpful – I've already put a lot of your advice into action and have started thinking about the future of the business. Thanks so much again for writing the book.” Bethan Vincent, Consultant
Difference Between Projects and Clients
“I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your book. That bit about the difference between projects and clients is exactly where we are in our business right now. I used it to discuss the topic with our founder. So, thank you for that.” Mike M, Twitter DM
The #1 reason creative businesses have problems with clients?
Poorly written estimates.
I’ll show you how to create estimates that build confidence, limit scope, and make sure you get paid.
23 CHAPTERS
This is information you can use right away. Longer chapters include Working With Clients, Talking to Clients About Money, and Your Estimates Can Make or Break You.
Even the shorter chapters such as Decision Making and Legal & Insurance are packed with vital business intel.
Over 300 pages to help you build a successful creative agency.
Introduction
Starting Your Own Creative Agency
Take Advantage of School
Amateur Creator Vs. Professional
Getting A Job—You’re in The Business
Start Your Freelance Business
Preparing to Launch Your Company
Business Structures—Which One is Right for You?
Writing a Business Plan
Your Money Attitude
Starting Up
Running Your Agency
Decision Making
Defining Your Services
Working With Clients
Managing Your Agency’s Growth
Talking to Clients About Money
Your Estimates Can Make or Break You
Billing & Payment Terms
Adding People
Managing Employees and Benefits
Take Timesheets Seriously
Growing Your Agency
Legal & Insurance
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
I will teach you many things you won’t learn anywhere else. For example:
I’ll show you how I grew my work-from-home freelance business to six figures, then found a partner to launch my first agency.
I’ll explain why most freelancers and small agencies don’t qualify for projects from large clients. It’s because they’re locked out. Can you get in? Sure, and I’ll show you how.
I’ll surprise you with research that shows what clients value most from creatives. It’s not low price or even talent. So, what is it then? The answer is in the chapter, Start Your Freelance Business.
I’ll take you through business plans. Maybe you should write one, maybe not. (Spoiler: I think you should write a short one.)
I’ll tell you how to handle clients who are a complete pain, in case you get some. (I bet you will.)
I’ll show you how to write estimates that create confidence, win projects and prevent scope creep.
I’ll teach you how to talk about money with clients. It’s a superpower!
I’ll take you step-by-step through different ways to calculate billing rates. What to do, what to avoid, how to stay profitable.
The book is packed with information you can use today.
There are hidden client categories that offer substantial budgets and interesting work. Yet most creators know nothing about them. I’ll identify some of them for you.
Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Kobo E-reader, Apple Books and Gumroad (PDF).
If you’re thinking of going freelance or starting an agency that works with substantial clients, then I want you to read this book.
You’ll have a huge advantage over others who are fumbling their way through.
There’s no reason that you shouldn’t be outrageously successful. I was, without a business background or prestigious university degree.
There are plenty of good clients out there for everyone. Make sure you get your share.