32. The Freelance Leap: What No One Tells You About Going Out on Your Own in Ag Communications

This week's guest was actually a listener request AND she also happens to be host, Whitney Dahmer's, bestie. Briley Richard is a freelance agricultural communicator based outside Wichita, Kansas, who has built a thriving business rooted in writing, photography, graphic design, and social media - almost entirely through word of mouth and networking. She grew up in southern Louisiana showing Brahman cattle, found her way to Texas A&M's Ag Communications program, and after stints at the American Angus Association and an advertising agency, took the leap into full-time freelancing two years ago. This episode is honest, funny, and genuinely useful — whether you're in ag comm, considering going freelance, or just trying to figure out what you're building toward. In This Episode: How Briley discovered Ag Communications as a degree path through a Brahman Association leadership program Why Texas A&M's program is particularly writing-focused — and why that foundation matters for every kind of communicator The "you can do anything for a year" rule her mom gave her (and how it shaped every career move since) What she learned working at the American Angus Association and an ag advertising agency before going freelance Why she recommends new grads work in an office setting before going out on their own The loneliness of the creative review process when you're solo — and how she works around it How her business evolved to focus on fewer, longer-term clients (and why that feels more sustainable) Pricing your work as a first-time freelancer when there's no guide anywhere on the internet Setting up business accounts, tracking expenses, and finding a CPA before tax season hits Saying no to projects (and how to do it in a way that still serves the client) Managing travel — the highs, the time zones, and the honest conversation about what it means for the future A "Queenies & Weenies" segment inspired by The Toast podcast Resources & People Mentioned: Nikki Morgan — financial advisor (Texas-based) Tonic Site Shop / Jen Olmsted — website templates for ShowIt + newsletter worth subscribing to Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See — Briley's book of 2024 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo — bonus rec The Secret Lives of Marjorie Post — another listener favorite