FFN #4: Playing Hooky & Editing Your Message

What we miss from our corporate days, a free workshop & need vs want

Carry On

We thought it was a bummer trend but unreliable air travel has become an unfortunate reality. With the delays being days long rather than hours, we’ve adjusted the way we pack so being grounded doesn’t keep us down. Snacks that can easily become whole meals like tinned fish, extender cables and a tooth powder are all in our grab bag and we’ve even started AirTagging our checked luggage for an extra peace of mind.

Success is not about breaking barriers; it is about igniting your inner fire and proving that nothing can hold you back.

-Malala Yousafzai

✏️ Edit your message

Edit your message! When you’re communicating with clients, it’s pertinent to boil everything down to the highest level message possible. We get SO excited about the work we’re doing and tend to over explain or offer too many details. This can be from an establishing authority standpoint or just because you’re proud of what you’ve done. There’s a time and a place for this. If your client wants more details, they will ask (trust me!), but they don’t need to know all of the extraneous details. Being able to communicate with clients in a clear and concise manner establishes more authority and expertise than giving them every nitty-gritty detail of how the sausage is made. Plus, it saves both parties time. [this message has been edited twice 😉]

✌️ Do the splits!

It’s been said that multitasking is actually less effective than focusing on one thing at a time which is why I’m structuring my weekends into need days and want days. As freelancers we’re already creating our own schedules, so I’m trying this new configuration to give me the freedom to enjoy my downtime without thinking about my to-do list. I have one full “need” day for chores and errands and one full “want” day for focused creative productivity. Would you try this/do you already do this? Let us know!

📆 Play hooky

The things I miss from my corporate days are great coworkers, happy hours and half days on Summer Fridays. My friend and I decided it would be fun to team up as business owners for our own summer Friday escapades. This week we’re checking out a museum and next week we’re throwing pottery with our friends. For freelancers, embracing the concept of Summer Fridays is not only a well-deserved treat but also a strategic move that holds great importance. As self-employed professionals, freelancers often face demanding work schedules and the constant pressure to meet deadlines, which can lead to burnout and diminished creativity. By taking Summer Fridays, we can recharge our creative batteries, find inspiration, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This short but valuable break allows us to step away from the screens, engage in activities, spend quality time with loved ones, or pursue personal passions. Consequently, this revitalization leads to increased productivity and improved overall mental well-being. Additionally, adopting this practice can set a positive example within the freelance community, highlighting the significance of self-care and demonstrating that time off can be both enjoyable and beneficial to one's professional journey.

Workshop with HoneyBook | Stop Getting Ghosted with Clients

Nobody loves chasing down replies or payments. That’s why HoneyBook's workshop is here to show you how to build a clientflow that keeps clients engaged and payments coming. #partner

Why You’re Getting Ghosted: A Deep Dive into Clientflow
Thu, Aug 10, 2023 at 1pm est

This Week’s Picks

01. Kaweco Fountain Pen

We’ve been throwing our Kaweco fountain pen in our bag for years. They’re compact, perfect for capturing notes on the go & refillable, reducing our plastic footprint.

02. Gyrotonic Method

This dynamic exercise method is designed to unlock tension, gently stretch the spine, and strengthen the core. Picture this: Gentle movements that release stress and stiffness giving your back some TLC.

Social Campaign Manager

Made In seeks a hybrid role in LA for a high profile music and entertainment account.

Copywriter

Braintrust is seeking a copywriter $40-60/hr.

Experiential Designer

CSM is seeking an Experiential designer to work with their NYC based team of communicators, storytellers and problem solvers.

Journalist & PR Specialist

Aquatic Life Institute is seeking a remote 1 year position.

We’ve got a lot more jobs coming in our next issue. What types of jobs would you love to see in the next newsletter? Hit reply!

Minty Fresh

Ready to beat the summer heat with something seriously delicious? Check out this Green Gazpacho with Mint and Avocado. Picture this: loads of fresh greens, a dash of cooling mint, and the creamy goodness of avocado coming together for a refreshing and nutritious treat. Trust us, it's the go-to choice to keep us happily fueled without breaking a sweat in the kitchen!