Hello Reader,

In episode 40 of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, Úna Herlihy, co-founder of The Indie List, shares her valuable insights on freelancing based on her dual experience as a seasoned freelancer and the founder of a platform connecting skilled independent professionals with companies in need of their expertise.

You might like to apply Úna's insight and advice to your professional services, even if your background differs from her marketing and communications expertise. Whether you're aiming to succeed as a freelancer or seeking to leverage the power of flexible, specialised talent for your business, this episode provides some valuable ideas.

Building Your Professional Reputation

While "personal brand" is commonly used, I prefer the word "reputation" when discussing professionals. Úna Herlihy emphasises the importance of cultivating a solid reputation as a freelancer, stating:

Leverage your industry expertise and network to establish yourself as a go-to professional.

Finding Power in Community

Working for yourself, most often from home, can be quite isolating, especially for women who have taken career breaks to care for a family.

Úna intended with the creation of The Indie List to form a community of like-minded professionals to combat loneliness, access resources, and uncover new opportunities, and it seems to be working well.

Facing Change at Any Age

The marketing industry constantly evolves, and successful freelancers must adapt to stay relevant. Even in my business, I see significant change almost every year. Think about the advent of AI and how it impacts the nature of work.

Úna acknowledges the challenges of change but encourages a growth mindset and continuous learning. As professionals, your wealth of experience and willingness to embrace new skills can be a significant asset to clients.

The Shifting Work Landscape

As the demand for agile, specialised expertise grows, freelancers have a unique opportunity to stand out.

Úna observes that some organisations are hesitant to engage freelance talent. However, she believes freelancers can carve out profitable niches by staying attuned to industry shifts and adapting accordingly.

Numerous episodes of my podcast have emphasised this point, underlining the importance of understanding how your skills and expertise can contribute to an organisation's success.

By staying connected to the business world and positioning your skills and expertise as valuable solutions, you can overcome this resistance and build a successful career to remain relevant and in demand.

Finding Your Path

Úna's story is quite interesting regarding what can happen when things change. COVID did lead to changes in professional work. I hope you find inspiration in Una's story if you are already working for yourself or contemplating the freelance journey.

You can create a fulfilling career on your terms by prioritising your reputation, finding your supportive community, and becoming more comfortable with change.

Freelancing comes with challenges, but the rewards of flexibility, autonomy, and working on meaningful projects can make it a worthwhile pursuit.

Úna notes,

I hope Úna's insights have helped provide some valuable thoughts about the freelance path.

Listen to the episode here: https://www.wisepreneurs.au/una-herlihy-building-the-indie-list-a-haven-for-freelance-marketers/​

Wisepreneurs Episode 41 Teaser

In this Friday's episode, I discuss publishing and personal development with Tomáš Baránek from the Czech Republic. Recommended by Robert Vlach from episode 38, Tomáš shares his passion for health and well-being and seeks outlier authors to translate and publish for the Czech audience.

After the fall of the communist dictatorship, the Czech people became avid readers of Western thought, and Tomáš is at the forefront of this movement. Join me for a fascinating conversation about the freelance economy, publishing, and personal growth.

Staying Sharp and Productive

As we live longer, research tells us that the best way to stay productive, adaptable, and cognitively healthy is through regular aerobic exercise.

Vigorous physical activity stimulates the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which supports the growth of new neurons and enhances neural plasticity.

This plasticity enables our brains to remain responsive to new information and experiences, allowing us to continue learning and innovating throughout our careers.

By combating age-related shrinkage of the hippocampus, a critical area for learning and memory, we can better maintain our cognitive faculties and thrive as independent professionals in an ever-evolving landscape.

You can find out more from Dr Rhonda Patrick https://www.foundmyfitness.com/​

Cheers
Nigel Rawlins

Marketing Support for Independent Professional Women, 50–70+, to secure meaningful, enjoyable work that recognises and values your skills and experience. Find out more here ​https://wisepreneurs.com.au/​​​

Connect with me: ​https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/​​​​​

​Check out all the Wisepreneurs Podcasts​ published every Friday https://www.wisepreneurs.au/​​