When you think about innovation, what comes to mind? Tech giants and shiny apps? In this episode of Deadlines and Dirty Dishes, I’m flipping that idea on its head and putting the spotlight on freelancers.
From kitchen tables and co-working spaces, we’re quietly driving innovation in real, sustainable, and powerful ways. I’m sharing insights from my own journey as a Virtual Assistant and Online Business Manager, along with reflections on how freelancers are reshaping small business operations with one practical solution at a time.
Whether you’re a freelancer, work with one, or just want a deeper look at the real future of work, this one’s for you.
💡 What You’ll Learn
- Why freelancers are a driving force behind everyday business innovation
- How working across industries leads to smarter, transferable solutions
- The role of strategic delegation and why it’s a turning point for many founders
- What “real-world” innovation looks like (and why it’s not always flashy)
- How freelancer networks quietly fuel cross-industry transformation
🧠 Key Themes
- Innovation as lived experience, not just theory
- Why freelancers are the hidden infrastructure of the modern economy
- Collaboration, lateral thinking, and the power of iteration
- Building systems that work with your budget and bandwidth
- How agility, adaptability, and community are shaping the future of work
🔗 Mentioned in This Episode
Looking to explore some of the organisations I mention?
👉 Society of Virtual Assistants UK
👉 IPSE – Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed
👉 Enterprise Nation – Freelance Community
👉 Office for National Statistics – Self-Employment Trends
👉 Bristol Creative Industries
📩 Let’s Connect
Have your own overwhelm story or strategy to share?
DM me on Instagram @alisonquinnvirtualassistant or get in touch via the website:
👉 https://alisonquinnvirtualassistant.co.uk/contact/
Thanks for tuning in to Deadlines and Dirty Dishes. If you loved what you heard, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, or share the episode with a fellow freelancer or founder.
For further resources, or to learn more about how I can support your business as a Virtual Assistant and Online Business Manager, head to my website, Alison Quinn Virtual Assistant - OBM and Business Support.
Or visit my socials:
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