January 24, 2025 • 13 mins
In today's Reflection Room, we revisit Episode #111: The Business Mindset: More than Just a Hustle and recap on some great strategies Corrine shared with us. Such as:
Freelancing is a journey requiring resilience, effective marketing, and continuous growth.
• Resilience is crucial for freelance success
• Proactive self-marketing is essential for attracting clients
• Targeting specific niches can lead to steady work
• Crafting concise, client-focused communication is vital
• Joining professional associations provides support and mentorship
• Strategic volunteering enhances reputation and showcases skills
• Personal branding is necessary in a digital world
• Setting boundaries and managing expectations prevents burnout
• Time management and organization significantly improve productivity
• Building a supportive freelance community is imperative
Tune in for an insightful recap and then dive into the full episode for the complete story! - Episode #111: The Business Mindset: More than Just a Hustle
Only on the podcast that shares your stories about our profession; Brand the Interpreter!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome back to the Reflection Room everyone.
Today we're kind of rewinding,going back to season seven of
Brand the Interpreter andrevisiting an episode that had a
lot of, like, really practicaladvice.
So we're going to be divinginto Corinne McKay and she had
just some really incredibleinsights from her journey as a
(00:34):
seasoned translator andinterpreter.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Yeah, I mean it's really interesting to hear her
story.
And she combines, you know thatlove for language, but then
also the really savvy businessskills that you need to thrive
as a freelancer.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Yeah, it's almost like her early dream of becoming
a poet kind of set the stagefor her eventual success in the
business world.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
Totally, and you know it's interesting to think about
how much the industry haschanged, even from when she
started out, Like she wasactually discouraged by a
professor who thought computerswould replace translators.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Wow yeah, talk about a misconception.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
But it speaks to her resilience that she not only
persevered but, like, carved outthis thriving career and, you
know, especially considering shetook the plunge into full time
freelancing right after herdaughter was born.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Oh, wow.
Imagine cold calling agencieswith a baby on your lap.
That takes serious dedication.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Definitely.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
You know.
Her story really, I think,underscores the importance of
marketing yourself effectively,especially in today's landscape.
Absolutely, it's so competitive.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Yeah, and Corinne's philosophy is like to market
every second.
You don't have paying work.
So it's that proactive approachthat can make all the
difference.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
It's such a stark contrast to how you know some of
the older professionals mighthave entered the field.
You know back when it was moreword of mouth and a simple
business card were enough.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Today it's all about, you know, building a strong
online presence, reaching out toclients directly.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
And speaking of direct clients, Corinne had this
brilliant strategy of targetingimmigration law firms.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
And it's just a perfect example of finding your
niche and becoming that go-toexpert in a specific area.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
Yeah, this really highlights the steps involved in
finding your ideal clientsRight.
It starts with identifying whatyou're truly good at than
researching and contactingpotential clients within that
specialization.
Speaker 2 (02:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
And Corinne.
You know she stresses theimportance of crafting concise
emails that clearly demonstrateyour value.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
She even suggests keeping those emails under 125
words.
You know, it's about makingevery word count and leaving
that lasting impression.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Yeah, it's about shifting from that spam
mentality to a service mindset.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Instead of bombarding everyone with generic messages,
focus on how your skills cansolve the client-specific
problems.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Yeah.
So instead of saying here'swhat I do, it's saying here's
how I can help you.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
It's subtle, but it's a powerful shift in perspective
.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
Yeah, and this ties in nicely with Corinne's advice
on networking you know, joiningprofessional associations like
the Colorado TranslatorsAssociation or the American
Translators Association.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Right.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
These provide invaluable support and guidance.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
She actually credits those associations with helping
her navigate the early stages ofher career and connect with
other professionals.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Yeah, it's like having a built in network of
mentors and colleagues.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
Right.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
Who understand the unique challenges and rewards of
the field.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
And don't underestimate the power of
strategic volunteering.
Oh interesting, corrine gavethis example of an educational
interpreter who wanted to workwith Spanish speaking families
and she suggested, you know,maybe partnering with a speech
therapist offering webinars,making those resources
accessible to a wider audience.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
That's a brilliant idea.
I mean what a great way toshowcase your skills while
simultaneously making a positiveimpact.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
Exactly so smart yeah .
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Yeah, it's a fantastic example of you know
offering your skills in aservice oriented way and how
that can open up you knowopportunities.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Right, it all comes back to that idea of being
useful and solving problems foryour clients.
But Corinne's insights gobeyond just marketing and
networking.
She also delved into, you know,the nitty gritty of running a
successful freelance business.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
Yeah, and one key area she highlighted there was
the importance of personalbranding.
You know, in today's digitalworld, your online presence is
essentially your storefront.
Yeah, when potential clientsGoogle your name, what do they
find?
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Exactly, it's not just about having a website,
it's about creating thatcohesive and professional online
identity.
Yeah, corinne stressed theimportance of having, even
having, a professional headshot.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
Right.
All of those elements worktogether to establish you as a
credible and trustworthy expert.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
It's about showing potential clients that you take
your business seriously.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
And she didn't just stop at appearances.
She also gave some reallypractical tips for optimizing
your LinkedIn profile.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
She suggested highlighting your unique skills
and accomplishments usingkeywords that your target
audience might be searching for,and even reaching out for
recommendations from satisfiedclients.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
Oh, that's a good one .
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
Yeah, because those testimonials can be so
persuasive for someone who's,you know, trying to decide
whether to hire you Right.
It's like a social proof thatyou deliver on your promises.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
And let's not forget the power of engagement.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Corinne emphasized the importance of actively
participating on LinkedIn,commenting on posts, sharing
relevant articles, joiningindustry groups.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
It's all about, you know, building relationships and
positioning yourself as avaluable contributor.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
It's a way to stay top of mind and show potential
clients that you're not justanother name in a directory, but
that you're an active andengaged professional.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
But building a successful freelance business
isn't just about attractingclients.
It's also about managing themeffectively.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
And Corrine had some fantastic advice on setting
boundaries and managing clientexpectations.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Yeah, this is where things get really crucial.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
You know, freelancing offers flexibility but it also
requires discipline.
You need to establish clearboundaries from the start to
avoid burnout and maintain thosehealthy client relationships.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
One of her top tips was to always have a written
contract Right that clearlyoutlines the scope of the work,
deadlines, payment terms.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Right.
It might seem formal, but itprotects both you and the client
from misunderstandings.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Exactly Down the road .
It sets clear expectations andensures that everyone is on the
same page from day one.
I like that Exactly On the road.
It sets clear expectations andensures that everyone is on the
same page from day one.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
I like that, yeah, being on the same page.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
Corinne also recommended establishing clear
communication channels andsticking to them.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
So you know, if you prefer to communicate via email,
make that clear up front.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
Right.
It's about managing thoseexpectations and preventing
situations where clients areconstantly, you know, trying to
reach you by phone or text.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Right.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
Outside of agreed upon hours.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
And sometimes setting boundaries means learning to
say no.
Corinne emphasized theimportance of turning down
projects that don't align withyour expertise or availability.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Yeah, that can be tough, especially when you're
starting out eager to take onany project that comes your way.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Yeah, but, as Corrine pointed out, saying yes to
everything can lead to overwhelmand ultimately lower the
quality of your work.
Right, she used a great analogyThink of yourself as a jar.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
And each project is a rock.
Okay, you can only fit so manyrocks in the jar before it
overflows.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Yeah, that's a good one.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
It's a powerful reminder that we have finite
time and energy.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
I like that.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
And speaking of time and energy, Corinne had some
excellent advice on managingthose precious resources.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
It all comes down to being organized and prioritizing
tasks effectively.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
She suggested creating a dedicated workspace
to help you separate yourprofessional and personal life.
This can be as simple as havinga designated desk or a room
where you can focus on workwithout distractions.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
It's about creating a mental shift as much as a
physical one.
Right, it helps signal to yourbrain that it's time to work
Exactly when you're in thatspace.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Corinne also recommended using tools and
systems to streamline yourworkflow.
Yeah, Corinne also recommendedusing tools and systems to
streamline your workflow.
This might include projectmanagement software, time
tracking apps or cloud-basedstorage solutions.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
It's about finding what works best for you and help
you stay on top of yourdeadlines and deliverables.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
And once you have those systems in place, it's all
about prioritizing tasks andfocusing on the most important
items first.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Right Don't get bogged down in busy work.
Right Identify the tasks thatwill have the biggest impact on
your business and tackle thosefirst.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
And for all the list makers out there.
Corinne is a big fan of theto-do list.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
She suggested breaking down large projects
into smaller, more manageabletasks.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
Right, that can make them feel less overwhelming.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Classic time management technique, but it's
effective for a reason it helpsyou break down those daunting
projects into bite-sized piecesthat you can tackle one step at
a time.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
And when it comes to managing your time, Corrine is
all about scheduling.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
She recommended blocking out specific time slots
for different tasks, whetherit's client work, marketing,
administrative tasks or evenpersonal time.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
Right.
It's about being intentionalwith your time and making sure
that you're allocating enoughtime for all the important
aspects of your work and life.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Yeah, and it helps you avoid overcommitting, which
can lead to stress and misseddeadlines.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Speaking of deadlines , Corinne stressed the
importance of setting realisticones and avoiding the temptation
to say yes to everything.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
Right.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
It's better to under-promise and over-deliver
than to disappoint clients bysetting unrealistic expectations
.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
And finally, Corinne reminded us to take care of
ourselves.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
Oh, that's important.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
She emphasized the importance of taking regular
breaks throughout the day toprevent burnout and maintain
focus.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
That sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes
stepping away from your work fora few minutes each hour can
actually increase yourproductivity.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
It allows your brain to rest and recharge, which can
lead to greater creativity andfocus when you return to your
work.
Yeah, it's like hitting thereset button for your
productivity.
It allows your brain to restand recharge, which can lead to
greater creativity and focuswhen you return to your work.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
Yeah, it's like hitting the reset button for
your brain.
Corrine also talked about theimportance of having a
supportive community, especiallyas a freelancer Right you know,
connecting with otherfreelancers, whether online or
in person, can provide a senseof camaraderie, shared
experiences and valuable advice.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Yeah, it's so easy to feel isolated when you're
working from home.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
Right.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
So having that network of people who understand
the unique challenges andrewards of freelancing can be a
game changer.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
Absolutely.
Sharing those challenges andsuccesses with others can be
incredibly validating andempowering.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
It reminds you that you're not alone in this journey
.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
Corinne's insights on building a sustainable and
fulfilling freelance career gobeyond just the practicalities
of running a business Right.
She really emphasized theimportance of mindset and
resilience.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
That's so key.
Freelancing is a roller coasterride with its share of
exhilarating highs andchallenging lows.
Right, you need to develop themental fortitude to navigate
those ups and downs.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
She had some great tips for staying motivated even
when faced with setbacks.
Speaker 1 (11:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
One thing that stuck with me was her advice to
celebrate your wins, no matterhow small.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
It's easy to get caught up in the never-ending
to-do list and forget toacknowledge our accomplishments.
Taking a moment to appreciatethose wins whether it's landing
a new client or simply making itthrough a tough week can boost
your morale and fuel yourmotivation.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
It's a reminder that you're making progress, even
when it feels like you're stuckin a rut.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
And, speaking of progress, corinne also stressed
the importance of focusing onyour long-term goals.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
Yeah, why did you start freelancing in the first
place?
Right?
What are you working towards?
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Keeping those goals in mind can provide a sense of
purpose and direction, even whenfaced with obstacles.
Totally, and let's face it,rejection is a part of the
freelance world.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
It is.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
Corinne had a really interesting perspective on
dealing with it.
Okay, she encouraged viewingrejection as an opportunity to
learn and refine your approach.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Oh, interesting.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
So, instead of dwelling on the no, she suggests
analyzing what might havecontributed to it.
Okay, was your pitch notcompelling enough?
Did you target the wrongaudience?
Could you have improved yourproposal?
Speaker 1 (12:14):
Yeah, it's about turning those rejections into
valuable learning experiences.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
And perhaps most importantly, Corinne emphasized
the importance of not takingrejection personally.
Oh, that's hard.
It's easy to internalize thoseno's and start doubting your
abilities.
Speaker 1 (12:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
But remember, rejection is often a matter of
fit, timing or other factorsoutside of your control.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Don't let it derail your confidence or dampen your
enthusiasm.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
Yeah, embrace it as part of the journey and keep
moving forward.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
Speaking of moving forward.
One of the most inspiringtakeaways from Corinne's episode
was her emphasis on continuouslearning and growth.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
She actually shared a story about how she decided to
learn simultaneous interpretinglater in her career, even though
she initially thought it wastoo late.
Wow, it was a big challenge,but it ultimately opened up
exciting new opportunities andbrought her to a new level of
fulfillment.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
It's a powerful reminder that it's never too
late to learn new skills andexpand your horizons.
Freelancing is a journey ofcontinuous growth and evolution.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
Absolutely, and that's a perfect note to end on.
Corinne's journey and herinsights are a testament to the
power of combining passion,skill and a dedication to
continuous learning.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Huge thank you to Corinne McKay for sharing her
wisdom and experience on Brand,the Interpreter, and thank you
all for joining us in theReflection Room today.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Yes, thank you.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
We hope this rewind has sparked some new ideas and
inspired you to embrace thepossibilities of your own
freelance journey.
Welcome back to the Reflection Room everyone.
Today we're kind of rewinding,going back to season seven of
Brand the Interpreter andrevisiting an episode that had a
lot of, like, really practicaladvice.
So we're going to be divinginto Corinne McKay and she had
just some really incredibleinsights from her journey as a
(00:34):
seasoned translator andinterpreter.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Yeah, I mean it's really interesting to hear her
story.
And she combines, you know thatlove for language, but then
also the really savvy businessskills that you need to thrive
as a freelancer.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Yeah, it's almost like her early dream of becoming
a poet kind of set the stagefor her eventual success in the
business world.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
Totally, and you know it's interesting to think about
how much the industry haschanged, even from when she
started out, Like she wasactually discouraged by a
professor who thought computerswould replace translators.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Wow yeah, talk about a misconception.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
But it speaks to her resilience that she not only
persevered but, like, carved outthis thriving career and, you
know, especially considering shetook the plunge into full time
freelancing right after herdaughter was born.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Oh, wow.
Imagine cold calling agencieswith a baby on your lap.
That takes serious dedication.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Definitely.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
You know.
Her story really, I think,underscores the importance of
marketing yourself effectively,especially in today's landscape.
Absolutely, it's so competitive.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Yeah, and Corinne's philosophy is like to market
every second.
You don't have paying work.
So it's that proactive approachthat can make all the
difference.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
It's such a stark contrast to how you know some of
the older professionals mighthave entered the field.
You know back when it was moreword of mouth and a simple
business card were enough.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Today it's all about, you know, building a strong
online presence, reaching out toclients directly.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
And speaking of direct clients, Corinne had this
brilliant strategy of targetingimmigration law firms.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
And it's just a perfect example of finding your
niche and becoming that go-toexpert in a specific area.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
Yeah, this really highlights the steps involved in
finding your ideal clientsRight.
It starts with identifying whatyou're truly good at than
researching and contactingpotential clients within that
specialization.
Speaker 2 (02:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
And Corinne.
You know she stresses theimportance of crafting concise
emails that clearly demonstrateyour value.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
She even suggests keeping those emails under 125
words.
You know, it's about makingevery word count and leaving
that lasting impression.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Yeah, it's about shifting from that spam
mentality to a service mindset.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Instead of bombarding everyone with generic messages,
focus on how your skills cansolve the client-specific
problems.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Yeah.
So instead of saying here'swhat I do, it's saying here's
how I can help you.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
It's subtle, but it's a powerful shift in perspective
.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
Yeah, and this ties in nicely with Corinne's advice
on networking you know, joiningprofessional associations like
the Colorado TranslatorsAssociation or the American
Translators Association.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Right.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
These provide invaluable support and guidance.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
She actually credits those associations with helping
her navigate the early stages ofher career and connect with
other professionals.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Yeah, it's like having a built in network of
mentors and colleagues.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
Right.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
Who understand the unique challenges and rewards of
the field.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
And don't underestimate the power of
strategic volunteering.
Oh interesting, corrine gavethis example of an educational
interpreter who wanted to workwith Spanish speaking families
and she suggested, you know,maybe partnering with a speech
therapist offering webinars,making those resources
accessible to a wider audience.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
That's a brilliant idea.
I mean what a great way toshowcase your skills while
simultaneously making a positiveimpact.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
Exactly so smart yeah .
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Yeah, it's a fantastic example of you know
offering your skills in aservice oriented way and how
that can open up you knowopportunities.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Right, it all comes back to that idea of being
useful and solving problems foryour clients.
But Corinne's insights gobeyond just marketing and
networking.
She also delved into, you know,the nitty gritty of running a
successful freelance business.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
Yeah, and one key area she highlighted there was
the importance of personalbranding.
You know, in today's digitalworld, your online presence is
essentially your storefront.
Yeah, when potential clientsGoogle your name, what do they
find?
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Exactly, it's not just about having a website,
it's about creating thatcohesive and professional online
identity.
Yeah, corinne stressed theimportance of having, even
having, a professional headshot.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
Right.
All of those elements worktogether to establish you as a
credible and trustworthy expert.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
It's about showing potential clients that you take
your business seriously.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
And she didn't just stop at appearances.
She also gave some reallypractical tips for optimizing
your LinkedIn profile.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
She suggested highlighting your unique skills
and accomplishments usingkeywords that your target
audience might be searching for,and even reaching out for
recommendations from satisfiedclients.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
Oh, that's a good one .
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
Yeah, because those testimonials can be so
persuasive for someone who's,you know, trying to decide
whether to hire you Right.
It's like a social proof thatyou deliver on your promises.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
And let's not forget the power of engagement.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Corinne emphasized the importance of actively
participating on LinkedIn,commenting on posts, sharing
relevant articles, joiningindustry groups.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
It's all about, you know, building relationships and
positioning yourself as avaluable contributor.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
It's a way to stay top of mind and show potential
clients that you're not justanother name in a directory, but
that you're an active andengaged professional.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
But building a successful freelance business
isn't just about attractingclients.
It's also about managing themeffectively.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
And Corrine had some fantastic advice on setting
boundaries and managing clientexpectations.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Yeah, this is where things get really crucial.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
You know, freelancing offers flexibility but it also
requires discipline.
You need to establish clearboundaries from the start to
avoid burnout and maintain thosehealthy client relationships.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
One of her top tips was to always have a written
contract Right that clearlyoutlines the scope of the work,
deadlines, payment terms.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Right.
It might seem formal, but itprotects both you and the client
from misunderstandings.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Exactly Down the road .
It sets clear expectations andensures that everyone is on the
same page from day one.
I like that Exactly On the road.
It sets clear expectations andensures that everyone is on the
same page from day one.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
I like that, yeah, being on the same page.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
Corinne also recommended establishing clear
communication channels andsticking to them.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
So you know, if you prefer to communicate via email,
make that clear up front.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
Right.
It's about managing thoseexpectations and preventing
situations where clients areconstantly, you know, trying to
reach you by phone or text.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Right.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
Outside of agreed upon hours.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
And sometimes setting boundaries means learning to
say no.
Corinne emphasized theimportance of turning down
projects that don't align withyour expertise or availability.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Yeah, that can be tough, especially when you're
starting out eager to take onany project that comes your way.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Yeah, but, as Corrine pointed out, saying yes to
everything can lead to overwhelmand ultimately lower the
quality of your work.
Right, she used a great analogyThink of yourself as a jar.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
And each project is a rock.
Okay, you can only fit so manyrocks in the jar before it
overflows.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Yeah, that's a good one.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
It's a powerful reminder that we have finite
time and energy.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
I like that.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
And speaking of time and energy, Corinne had some
excellent advice on managingthose precious resources.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
It all comes down to being organized and prioritizing
tasks effectively.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
She suggested creating a dedicated workspace
to help you separate yourprofessional and personal life.
This can be as simple as havinga designated desk or a room
where you can focus on workwithout distractions.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
It's about creating a mental shift as much as a
physical one.
Right, it helps signal to yourbrain that it's time to work
Exactly when you're in thatspace.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Corinne also recommended using tools and
systems to streamline yourworkflow.
Yeah, Corinne also recommendedusing tools and systems to
streamline your workflow.
This might include projectmanagement software, time
tracking apps or cloud-basedstorage solutions.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
It's about finding what works best for you and help
you stay on top of yourdeadlines and deliverables.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
And once you have those systems in place, it's all
about prioritizing tasks andfocusing on the most important
items first.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Right Don't get bogged down in busy work.
Right Identify the tasks thatwill have the biggest impact on
your business and tackle thosefirst.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
And for all the list makers out there.
Corinne is a big fan of theto-do list.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
She suggested breaking down large projects
into smaller, more manageabletasks.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
Right, that can make them feel less overwhelming.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Classic time management technique, but it's
effective for a reason it helpsyou break down those daunting
projects into bite-sized piecesthat you can tackle one step at
a time.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
And when it comes to managing your time, Corrine is
all about scheduling.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
She recommended blocking out specific time slots
for different tasks, whetherit's client work, marketing,
administrative tasks or evenpersonal time.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
Right.
It's about being intentionalwith your time and making sure
that you're allocating enoughtime for all the important
aspects of your work and life.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Yeah, and it helps you avoid overcommitting, which
can lead to stress and misseddeadlines.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Speaking of deadlines , Corinne stressed the
importance of setting realisticones and avoiding the temptation
to say yes to everything.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
Right.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
It's better to under-promise and over-deliver
than to disappoint clients bysetting unrealistic expectations
.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
And finally, Corinne reminded us to take care of
ourselves.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
Oh, that's important.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
She emphasized the importance of taking regular
breaks throughout the day toprevent burnout and maintain
focus.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
That sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes
stepping away from your work fora few minutes each hour can
actually increase yourproductivity.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
It allows your brain to rest and recharge, which can
lead to greater creativity andfocus when you return to your
work.
Yeah, it's like hitting thereset button for your
productivity.
It allows your brain to restand recharge, which can lead to
greater creativity and focuswhen you return to your work.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
Yeah, it's like hitting the reset button for
your brain.
Corrine also talked about theimportance of having a
supportive community, especiallyas a freelancer Right you know,
connecting with otherfreelancers, whether online or
in person, can provide a senseof camaraderie, shared
experiences and valuable advice.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Yeah, it's so easy to feel isolated when you're
working from home.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
Right.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
So having that network of people who understand
the unique challenges andrewards of freelancing can be a
game changer.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
Absolutely.
Sharing those challenges andsuccesses with others can be
incredibly validating andempowering.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
It reminds you that you're not alone in this journey
.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
Corinne's insights on building a sustainable and
fulfilling freelance career gobeyond just the practicalities
of running a business Right.
She really emphasized theimportance of mindset and
resilience.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
That's so key.
Freelancing is a roller coasterride with its share of
exhilarating highs andchallenging lows.
Right, you need to develop themental fortitude to navigate
those ups and downs.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
She had some great tips for staying motivated even
when faced with setbacks.
Speaker 1 (11:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
One thing that stuck with me was her advice to
celebrate your wins, no matterhow small.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
It's easy to get caught up in the never-ending
to-do list and forget toacknowledge our accomplishments.
Taking a moment to appreciatethose wins whether it's landing
a new client or simply making itthrough a tough week can boost
your morale and fuel yourmotivation.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
It's a reminder that you're making progress, even
when it feels like you're stuckin a rut.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
And, speaking of progress, corinne also stressed
the importance of focusing onyour long-term goals.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
Yeah, why did you start freelancing in the first
place?
Right?
What are you working towards?
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Keeping those goals in mind can provide a sense of
purpose and direction, even whenfaced with obstacles.
Totally, and let's face it,rejection is a part of the
freelance world.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
It is.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
Corinne had a really interesting perspective on
dealing with it.
Okay, she encouraged viewingrejection as an opportunity to
learn and refine your approach.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Oh, interesting.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
So, instead of dwelling on the no, she suggests
analyzing what might havecontributed to it.
Okay, was your pitch notcompelling enough?
Did you target the wrongaudience?
Could you have improved yourproposal?
Speaker 1 (12:14):
Yeah, it's about turning those rejections into
valuable learning experiences.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
And perhaps most importantly, Corinne emphasized
the importance of not takingrejection personally.
Oh, that's hard.
It's easy to internalize thoseno's and start doubting your
abilities.
Speaker 1 (12:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
But remember, rejection is often a matter of
fit, timing or other factorsoutside of your control.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Don't let it derail your confidence or dampen your
enthusiasm.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
Yeah, embrace it as part of the journey and keep
moving forward.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
Speaking of moving forward.
One of the most inspiringtakeaways from Corinne's episode
was her emphasis on continuouslearning and growth.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
She actually shared a story about how she decided to
learn simultaneous interpretinglater in her career, even though
she initially thought it wastoo late.
Wow, it was a big challenge,but it ultimately opened up
exciting new opportunities andbrought her to a new level of
fulfillment.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
It's a powerful reminder that it's never too
late to learn new skills andexpand your horizons.
Freelancing is a journey ofcontinuous growth and evolution.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
Absolutely, and that's a perfect note to end on.
Corinne's journey and herinsights are a testament to the
power of combining passion,skill and a dedication to
continuous learning.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Huge thank you to Corinne McKay for sharing her
wisdom and experience on Brand,the Interpreter, and thank you
all for joining us in theReflection Room today.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Yes, thank you.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
We hope this rewind has sparked some new ideas and
inspired you to embrace thepossibilities of your own
freelance journey.
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