#008: Essential skills to learn as a freelancer

Available on Substack, Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Notes

(0:21) Sales & Marketing: Learn the various types of marketing like content, video, and email marketing. Resources include Google Analytics, Ahrefs blog, and “Building a StoryBrand” book.

(1:25) Business Operations: Focus on financial management, project management, and client management. Useful resources are the blogs of Bench, Wave Apps, QuickBooks, and books like “Systemology” and “Traction.”

(2:51) Design & Creative: Develop skills in website design, video production, and user experience (UX/UI). Learn from platforms like Canva and the book “Storytelling With You.”

(3:17) Writing: Improve your content creation and storytelling abilities. Key resources include Copyhackers, Copyblogger, and the “Write with AI” newsletter.

(3:40) Tech & Automation: Enhance your proficiency with AI, SaaS, and automation tools. Use Free Code Camp for tech skills and Zapier articles for automation tips.

(4:14) Learning Strategy: Use ChatGPT and the 80-20 rule to create a personalized learning plan. Explore free resources on platforms like HubSpot and Coursera.

(5:49) Volunteering: Apply your skills by volunteering with organizations like 48in48.org, Catchafire, and Taproot to build your portfolio and experience.

Mentioned

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Transcript

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B7MikWg-bqk

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Essential Skills to Stand Out and Stay Ahead

Today, I’m going over the essential skills you need to stand out and stay ahead. You’ll learn which skills to focus on, videos to watch, books and blogs to read, and even some free courses to take. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to apply these new skills. Whether you’re freelancing or getting ready to jump back into the workforce after a layoff, you can use these skills to grow your personal and professional brand.

Sales and Marketing

Learning these skills will help you attract and keep clients and customers. There are different types of marketing, such as content, video, social media, and email marketing. You’ll also want to learn about branding, marketing strategy and planning, content strategy and planning, market research, and understanding customer needs, pain points, and problems. Additionally, mastering data and analytics and SEO is crucial.

Resources:

Sales Skills

In sales, you should focus on nurturing, lead generation, client management, negotiation, and sales funnels.

Resources:

Business Operations

This involves keeping your business running smoothly, from managing finances to handling client relationships.

Financial Management:

Project Management:

Client Management:

People Management:

Networking:

Design and Creative Skills

Developing design and creative skills helps you communicate your message effectively through your website or videos.

Skills: Website, graphic and logo design, typography, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI), video production, and presentation.

Resources:

Writing Skills

Improving your writing skills enhances your ability to connect with your audience.

Skills: Content creation, copywriting and copy editing, storytelling, scriptwriting, and proofreading

Resources:

Tech and Automation Skills

Being tech-savvy is essential, whether it’s AI, automation, or data. These skills help make your work easier and smarter by improving your systems and processes.

Skills: AI, SaaS, software tools, automation, security, data and analytics, web or app development

Resources:

Learning Strategy: Using the 80-20 Rule with ChatGPT

You don’t have to learn everything. Focus on the fundamentals and specialize in the areas related to your goals by applying the 80-20 rule. Use ChatGPT to create a structured learning plan tailored to your skills, experience, goals, learning style, and availability.

ChatGPT prompt:

Using the 80/20 rule, create a structured (#-day, #-week) learning plan about (topic), focusing on (subtopics). Suggest free resources like YouTube videos, websites, courses, or blog posts to learn about this topic.

current skill level:
main goal:
learning style:
availability:

Applying Your Skills: Volunteering

One of the best ways to apply and implement what you’ve learned is by volunteering. If you have skills in project management, UX/UI, digital marketing, or website design, consider volunteering for organizations like 48in48.org, Catchafire, or Taproot. This can help you build your resume, portfolio, and services.

Conclusion

With these essential skills and resources, you’re well on your way to standing out and staying ahead in your career. Whether you’re diving into freelancing or gearing up to re-enter the workforce, mastering these areas will help you grow both personally and professionally.

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About

Hi, I’m Marjy! Digital Creator and Content Manager for creatives and online service providers. If you’re enjoying this post, here are other ways you can connect with me: