As you reflect on the past year and look toward the future, what does 2023 hold for you and your business? Even if you’ve had a difficult year or faced challenging economic times, you can face the new year with a positive perspective. In this episode, we share a 7-step formula on how you can plan for success in 2023 using the acronym FREEDOM – the hallmark of why we exist at Freelance University. Join us as we help you plan for a successful year in 2023!

Podcast Outline:

[0:00] Introduction to the topic of reflecting on what you’ve done in 2022 and pivoting to look at the future with a 7-step formula on how you can plan for success in 2023

[1:27] Craig introduces the acronym of FREEDOM to highlight the topic - he explains how this acronym is the hallmark of why Freelance University exists and embodies his goals and hopes for your business endeavors in 2023. 

7-Step Formula to Plan for Success in 2023

[2:35] F: Find or fine-tune your niche - who you’re going to serve and what you’re going to offer. Craig discusses examples of the two types of niche you need to gain clarity on as you approach a new year.

[5:02] R: Refine your vision and goals - your “Big Why,” your vision, and your goals. Craig shares examples of each area you need to refine and how refining them benefits you and your business. 

[8:15] E: Elevate your brand presence - the importance of making a website that will attract your audience. Craig lists examples of tools you can use to shine a good light on your brand, elements you need to include in your website, and training you can access through FreeU.

[10:41] E: Evaluate and optimize your pricing and packaging - how you’re going to price your services and packages in the new year. Craig introduces an important 4-point criteria for pricing your services and deciding whether to increase them. 

[14:14] D: Develop your skills - what skills you could hone, heading into the new year, that would open up opportunities for you. Craig shares examples of skills that became in-demand during the height of the pandemic. 

[16:01] O: Organize your systems and tech - what your systems and tech look like right now. Craig lists the four different types of systems and recommends how to assess them. He also suggests questions to ask yourself when you’re doing a technology audit.

[19:01] M: Market every day - blocking out an hour a day to consistently market your business. Craig explains why a yearly marketing plan is important and suggests specific ways to market your business.

[22:05] Recap of the FREEDOM formula

[23:23] How to learn more about Freelance University and join the waitlist to be notified of the upcoming intake - Craig invites you to a special event planned for Episode 100 of the podcast. 

Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode:

Freelance University 

WordPress Design course 

Squarespace course 

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile course 

Referral Marketing Success course 

The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran

WordPress 

Squarespace

Wix 

LinkedIn 

Shopify 

Calendly 

ClickUp 

YouTube 

Asana 

Facebook Groups