Think like a CEO - How Outsourcing will Grow Your Business | Freelance Web Designer - Kat Irwin

In this conversation, Kat discusses her journey into UX design and freelancing. She shares her background from studying interior design into transitioning into designing websites and how she ended up in Berlin. Kat also talks about the challenges and imposter syndrome she faced when starting her career. She emphasizes the importance of investing in branding and outsourcing services to save time and improve the quality of her work. Kat highlights the value of coaching and networking in finding clients and growing her business. She talks about how shifting her mindset from “just” being a freelancer to thinking like a CEO has impacted her business. In this conversation, Kat and Lisi discuss the challenges and benefits of hiring virtual assistants, the discomfort of promoting one’s services online, and the balance between selling and genuinely helping. They also explore the importance of building connections within a supportive community, the joy of delivering projects, and the lessons learned from client relationships. Additionally, they share tips for improving communication skills, and the value of newsletters and podcasts for freelancers. Kat emphasizes the freedom and fulfillment of freelancing and expresses gratitude for taking risks and creating a successful business.

Takeaways

• Investing in branding and outsourcing services can save time and improve the quality of work.
• Coaching and networking are valuable for finding clients and growing a business.
• Transitioning from a freelancer to thinking like a CEO can lead to a more successful and enjoyable business.
• Investing in oneself and viewing the business as a business rather than just selling time for money can lead to greater success and satisfaction.
• Finding the balance between selling and helping is crucial for building genuine connections with potential clients.
• Building a supportive community of like-minded freelancers can provide valuable advice, support, and potential collaborations.
• Delivering projects and witnessing the impact of your work can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding as a freelancer.
• Improving communication skills, such as storytelling and improving how we communicate, can enhance client relationships and overall success.
• Newsletters and podcasts can be effective tools for building connections, sharing experiences, and providing valuable insights to fellow freelancers.

You can find out more about Kat below: kat-irwin-design.com instagram.com/kat.irwin.design linkedin.com/in/kat-irwin-design

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Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:44 About Kat 03:00 From Furniture Design to Web Design 05:38 UX / UI/ Product Design / Web Design labels 10:23 Kat's Reason for Starting Freelancing 13:11 Getting Her First Client 13:58 Fiver and Upwork 15:50 How Kat finds her current Projects 17:52 Kat's Journey of Building a Personal Brand 22:45 Not having to Kiss a Client's A** as a Freelancer 23:28 Shifting to a CEO Mindset 26:21 Mistakes to Avoid when Outsourcing 27:30 Is it Worth it Investing in Coaching? 29:40 Outsourcing Personal Tasks like Instagram DMs 34:56 Ickyness of Selling in DMs 39:50 Creating Opportunities Through uncomfortable Actions 40:12 How to Create Positive Client Relationships 41:40 Tips for People who are Planning to Outsource 42:08 Importance of Contracts and what Clauses to Include 45:24 Kat's Newsletter 47:40 Starting the "Work In Progress" Podcast 49:12 Importance of Great Communication and Tips 51:24 Final Freelance Blueprint Questions 53:12 How to Find Kat Online 53:40 Outro