The one thing that is the charm and challenge of working for ourselves
What aspects of managing your own business make you feel most powerful? Could they also be the very things limiting your growth?
I've been thinking a lot about what we love and what holds us back as freelancers. We jump into freelancing for freedom and independence, right? The chance to call the shots, work on our terms, and not have to squeeze ourselves into a box that just doesn't fit. It feels great, like we're finally in control.
But then, there's the other side. When you're flying solo, everything's on you – finding clients, marketing, keeping the books, staying sharp with the latest trends. It's a lot. You grow heaps, sure, but there are days when it's just overwhelming. Ever feel that?
What if the very self-reliance we prize is our stumbling block? Like we're so set on doing it all alone that we can't see when we need a hand. Freelancing is full of ups and downs, and sometimes we try to handle the uncertainty by controlling everything. But what if, sometimes, letting go a bit and delegating could help?
The Value of Time
Money's always tight, I get that. But think about it. If you charge 500 a day, does it make sense to spend hours on tasks that don't really push your business forward? Stuff like admin, social media, or endless Googling? Those hours could be better spent on things that really show your value and might even elevate your rates.
Codie Sanchez once said: Think of your tasks as 10€, 100€, or 1,000€ tasks. Not everything's worth the same effort, right?
Taking the Load Off Your Shoulders, Together
Then there's the tricky part: finding the right help. It's tough. We might find it hard to ask for help, in the first place. Or sometimes it takes longer to find someone than to just do it yourself. And with everyone saying they've got just what you need, it's hard to know who to trust. So what can you do?
That's one of the reasons behind the IMMA Collective membership. Why struggle alone when we can pool resources and support one another? Together, we can achieve more, find clients, learn automation, and enjoy peer support.
If this hits home for you, I'm setting up an intimate get-together. We'll share stories, challenges, and discuss outsourcing needs. It’s 90% personal connection and interactive discussion, 10% learning about IMMA, its story, its 'why', and how you can shape this Collective.
Interested? Then learn more and let's share the load.
P.S. Spots are limited, so look and book soon!
The shortcut
A Moment to Reflect: Valuing Your Time as a Freelancer or Solopreneur
Let's pause for a second, shall we? Picture your typical workday – what tasks really leave an imprint? Are you focusing on actions that ripple out, making real waves in your business?
Which of your daily tasks truly have an impact and drive you forward?
Are the tasks on your plate €10 chores, €100 milestones, or €1,000 game-changers?
Money comes and goes; it's part of the business ebb and flow. But time, once spent, is gone for good. So, what matters more to you than money? What are those priceless moments or passions you wish you had more time for?
Let me know, or if you're feeling courageous, share it in the comments.
Interesting opportunities for you
Ever feel like you're losing hours just combing through job boards, where finding a good freelance gig is like searching for a needle in a haystack? Well, I've got some good news – I've done the heavy lifting for you! Out of the overwhelming sea of job listings, only about 2% are freelance gems. Here they are:
Strategy & Design
🇺🇸 Principal Designer/Strategist - The Kaiser Permanente Health Innovation
Product Designer - Oak National Academy
UX/UI Designer - Paradym
Designers - TDL Creative
Comms & Engagement
Social media manager - Watershed
Content Writer & Strategist - Peapod Marketing & PR Consulting
Data, Research & Admin Coordinator - Driscoll Consultancy
International Youth Advisor - Making Cents International
Fundraising Specialist - Swiss Capacity Building Facility (SCBF)
Sustainability experts
Freelancer Sustainability - AlphaPet Ventures GmbH
🇩🇪 Freelance nachhaltige Entwicklung - AbenteuerWelt
Sustainability Manager - Wunderflats
Climate Mitigation Specialist - UNOPS
Climate Adaptation Specialist - UNOPS
Other
Online Course Instructor - Artificial Intelligence - Data Camp
CEO (Freelance) -Lightyear Foundation
Technical Program Manager - Wikimedia Foundation
Good Organisational Practice Guidance Consultancy - Amnesty International
☕️ If you found this valuable and want to say thanks, buy me a coffee ☕️
♥️ If you found an exciting opportunity and want to share it with the community, click here.
What’s happening behind the scene?
We're calling for local hosts for our in-person gatherings in major cities. Keen to connect with other impact-driven pros and become a reference point in the community? Take a look.
Formalising IMMA amidst Italian red tape is no small feat, especially for a non-traditional business. Got a contact who's successfully formalized a regenerative community business? I'm all ears.
Experimentation is a constant teacher; sometimes what seems like a sure thing falls flat. Just like our last newsletter issue. 🙈
Talk soon, I’ll be in your inbox with more insights and opportunities next week.
Lilli