PODCAST · business
Business for Self-Employed Creatives
by Aardvark Girl | Amanda McCune
I am a producer, project manager, and business specialist. I created this podcast because I’m passionate about helping business owners, freelancers & other self-employed creatives succeed… and have fun doing it. There’s nothing like the privilege of working for yourself – making your own rules, owning your time, and trusting your instincts to make the right decisions. But I’ll be honest – it’s not always easy. It can feel overwhelming with all the things you have to do, but you CAN do it – you just have to be motivated and willing to do the work. My tips will help you handle the “business” side of things so you can focus on your talent. I’ll share the common issues we face, along with the solutions that have worked for me and my clients. You already have everything you need to succeed. I’m just here to guide you.
Episodes
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How to Be a Good Client
I spend a lot of time talking about building relationships with clients and how to approach things from the vendor perspective. But many of us who have clients also ARE clients, because we hire other contractors to do portions of our projects. So I’m wondering how many of us put as much effort…
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How Many Clients Should You Have?
I was asked an interesting question the other day: How many clients should you have? I’ve never really thought about that before and I’m not sure there’s a concrete answer for that. But I thought it was worth exploring here. I don’t think it’s so much about a number as it as about balance,...
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Setting Boundaries without Being Defensive
We all know I have a lot of favorite things about being self-employed. On that list is being able to set your own rules for how you run your business. You get to choose your hours, your location, how you communicate, which systems work for you, and everything else. It’s way better than having to...
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How do You Take Time Off When You ARE Your Business?
When you own your own business and you ARE your own business, taking time off can feel overwhelmingly impossible. But you owe it to yourself to prioritize your own well-being and taking breaks is a big part of that. This episode is about making that time through outsourcing, planning, committing…
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2021 in Review
Well, it finally happened. As you may have noticed, I’ve been gone for a few weeks. I officially ran out of time. I’ve always done my best to prioritize this podcast, but I got to the point where it was either make another episode or take some much-needed rest and I had to choose the latter.…
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Lessons from Elsha
If we’re connected on social, you may have seen that the world recently lost a special soul, Elsha Stockseth. I first met Elsha in 2017 when Dave and I took a one-day thousand-mile roundtrip drive to interview her for “Dream Out Loud.” She was well-known by the U2 community at that point, but...
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Kindness is Not Weakness
I’ve never understood why people think kindness is weakness. It’s something I’ve heard over the years and it just doesn’t make any sense in my brain. It takes a lot of strength to be kind, especially when you’re frustrated, under a tight deadline, or don’t agree with the way someone is handling a...
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If You Don‘t Ask, You Don‘t Get
In 2017 when Dave Barry and I were making the “Dream Out Loud” documentary, we met a wonderful human named Aaron Govern. We initially talked to him because he was a big U2 fan, but when we finally met him in Vancouver, we knew he was so much more than that. I still think back fondly of walking...
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Q&A #3: Pivotal Moments
It's time for another listener Q&A episode, where I talk about the biggest mistakes I've made in business, the most pivotal moments in my career, and my biggest piece of advice for other self-employed creatives. For the full transcript, go to https://aardvarkgirl.com/QA3. -- If you have any...
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Invoicing Tips: Make it Easier to Get Paid
I’m wrapping a big project and a big part of that is collecting and reviewing invoices from the crew and other vendors. In this case, there are probably 50 or more invoices, so I see a lot of different things. This goes back to my job job days when I used to oversee the accounting department and...
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How to Say & Hear No
I am always looking for new guests for this podcast. I get a lot of weird pitches, but you know the vibe I’m going for. I like to have real conversations about people’s stories and what has helped them successfully run their businesses. I want to talk to more people who genuinely want to help...
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Melissa Moats: Go Forth and Be Awesome
Melissa Moats is a full-time voice actor and owner of The Voice Actors Studio in Las Vegas. In this episode we talk about work-life balance, staying productive, and building long-term relationships with clients. We also discuss the importance of follow-through, the often overlooked superpower of...
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Money Tip: Tax Planning Before the End of the Year
As we’re nearing the end of the year, it’s a good time to start thinking about taxes. Why think about taxes in October when they’re not due until April? Because even though it’s true that you still have 6 months before you have to file, the decisions you make before December can impact how much…
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Getting it Done with Prioritizing, Logic & Self-Awareness
When you feel like you have too much to do, use prioritizing, logic, and self-awareness to help you figure out how to get it all done. Have a suggestion for a topic? Email [email protected] or DM me on social @aardvarkgirl -- Running a business can be a lot of work, especially when you’re…
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Drew Marvick: Don‘t Be Afraid to Fail
Drew Marvick is a producer, writer, director, actor, horror enthusiast, and so much more. In this episode, we discuss the world of production, horror fandom, and why it's so important to not let the fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your passion. Drew's primary career has been as a...
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Be the Person People Want to Hire
Let me know what you think about this topic, or if there's something else you'd like to hear about. You can email [email protected] or DM me on social @aardvarkgirl on all platforms. -- It sounds so cliche to say, “I don't know where the time is going.” But I really don't. Last week, I was...
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Why Remote Work is Here to Stay
The demand for remote work and flexible schedules was there long before the pandemic forced employers to let people work from home. Now that it's proven as a possible, and often beneficial, option, many workers are not willing to go back to that archaic 40-hour work week structure. -- If you have…
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Gilda Graham: The Hero‘s Journey
Gilda Graham is an actor, screenwriter and Emmy-nominated producer. She also helps others navigate the stressful nature of the film and television industry through her coaching program, "The Hero's Journey," in which she helps people write their own scripts by figuring out where they are now…
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How to Function When You've Said Yes to Too Many Projects
Even with the best boundaries and understanding the importance of not overdoing it, we sometimes find ourselves in that situation where we've taken on too much. Here's how I got to that place and what I do to get through it. Please leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode!...
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Solopreneurship 101: A Quick Intro to Running a One-Person Business
If you want to get started with your one-person business, you might not be sure where to start. Here is a super quick introduction to what it takes to become a solopreneur. -- Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- I’m still not sure how I feel about these...
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Aiden Clark McFarland: Be Limitless
He's a business and lifestyle coach with a gender-free clothing line called Limitless. He helps other creatives not only think outside the box, but blow up the box entirely. Please welcome Aiden Clark McFarland. -- Connect with Aiden: https://www.limitlesswearables.com/ Twitter @AidenLimitless...
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Stop Treating Women This Way
Even with all of the recent momentum in the right direction, women are still being mistreated at work. We're still being talked down to, ogled, touched, or otherwise made to feel uncomfortable when we're just trying to do our jobs. A lot of men don't even realize this is happening, even when...
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Which Kind of Person Are You?
There are different choices you can make as a business owner, whether you’re a client or a vendor, a per-project freelancer or on retainer, or whatever your particular setup may be. These choices will impact your interactions with others on a job, and that may also affect whether you get hired...
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Arzo Yusuf: Social Impact Entrepreneurship
She's a social impact entrepreneur, a public speaker and a women's empowerment activist who's doing everything she can to make a positive change in the world. Please welcome Arzo Yusuf. Connect with Arzo @thearzoyusuf and @thesexybossbabe Connect with me on your favorite platform:...
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Business Therapy
The “Business for Self-Employed Creatives” club meets every Wednesday at 4pm Pacific on Clubhouse. Each week, we discuss a different topic that most of us are dealing with or have dealt with in the past, and we brainstorm solutions together. It’s really nice to have a group of other solo business...
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Building Relationships with Quality Clients
Quality clients appreciate what you do, value your time, and respect your boundaries. But how do you build those relationships and weed out the ones who want to micromanage or bully you about rates? -- Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- We had a great…
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Brent Mukai: From Creative to Business - the Mental Shift
Brent Mukai had a goal to quit his job as soon as he was making enough money to pay the bills doing what he loved. He crushed that goal and is now thriving as a full-time voice actor. In this episode, we discuss how becoming self-employed has changed the way he looks at everything from business…
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Dealing with Different Personalities
We can't always control with whom we work, but we can control how to interact with them. Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- Whether you work for yourself or someone else, you’re bound to encounter a variety of personality types. You don’t always get to...
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Finding Clarity When Starting a New Project
Reflecting on a year of this podcast, it also made me think about how to find clarity when working on any new project. It often starts with the basics - who, what, when, where, how and why. Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- It’s officially been a year...
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Jaimee Finney: Untitled
Jaimee Finney is a lot of things - a designer, a writer, a speaker, a coach, a mom, and so much more. She's the co-founder and CEO of Picture This Clothing, a company that turns your art into clothing. She's always experimenting her way into new ideas about what she wants to do. In this episode…
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Don't Get Fooled by Imposter Syndrome
PSA: Imposter Syndrome is running rampant in creative industries and it's not okay. You are not a fraud! If you are struggling with these thoughts, this episode is a reminder that you deserve all the success you've earned for yourself. -- Connect with me on your favorite platform:...
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Making the Best of a Bad Situation
When it feels like everything is falling apart, some perspective, acceptance, and understanding might help you make the best of a bad situation. I took my own advice this week and it helped me keep my sanity amidst some chaos. -- Connect with me on your favorite platform:...
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John Masse: Seagulls & Sandwiches
John Masse is the perfect example of a self-employed creative. He’s had a lucrative career as an illustrator, animator, creative director, scenic designer, and more. His creations have been seen all over the world, and while he loves what he does, he also prioritizes his family. In this episode…
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If You Can't Handle Change, You Don't Belong in Business
One of the most important skills for business owners is adaptability. If you are a person who gets frustrated when things change – whether a schedule shifts, an idea evolves, or a plan takes a different direction – you don’t have any business being in business. Connect with me on your favorite...
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Anticrastination
Using your down time to your advantage is what I like to call anticrastination. It's the opposite of putting things off. It’s taking advantage of the time you have right now to do things you might not have time for later. Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl…
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Song Lopez: Living Purposefully
Song Lopez had a successful career as a celebrity makeup artist for TV and film, which came to a halt in 2020 when the pandemic wiped out production. During that time, she embraced the solitude and got to know herself. She learned to live in the moment and remembered why it's so important to…
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Why is Authenticity Still on Trend?
If you’re enjoying this podcast and want to join the conversation, the “Self-Employed Creatives” club meets every Wednesday at 4pm Pacific time on Clubhouse. I hope you’ll join us there: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/self-employed-creati Authenticity has been a hot topic for a while now. But...
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Working Through Pain, Grief and Other Turmoil
We all know it's important to set boundaries, but what do you do when you've already committed to something and you're just not feeling your best? If you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review and share with your friends! You can find me @aardvarkgirl on all social platforms and the...
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Shawn Eiferman: The People You Meet & the Books You Read
Shawn Eiferman is a singer, songwriter, musician & creative entrepreneur who's been a staple of Las Vegas entertainment since the 90s. When he's not performing, he's exploring other business ventures like creating solutions for working musicians and renovating RVs. In this episode, we're talking...
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My Favorite Things About Self-Employment
Last week’s topic was pretty heavy, so I want to lighten things up this week. You’ve heard me start a lot of sentences with “one of my favorite things about working for myself is…” I often laugh at myself when I say it because I realize I have a lot of favorite things about self-employment. So…
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Why Coach Has Become a Bad Word
I offer services that help business owners and other self-employed creatives in various ways. I've never liked using the word "coaching" for those services, but I'm especially moving away from it now after seeing what's been going on in that space lately. What should I call myself? DM me...
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Crystal Thurman: Never Have to Say "What If?"
From a stay-at-home mom to a model to forming her own casting agency, Cast Vegas, Crystal Thurman is proof that it is possible to have it all. In this episode, she talks about turning her passion into a dream career and why it doesn't feel like work. She credits drive, faith and fear for…
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Business Ghosting: People Deserve Better
Ghosting has moved its way into business, and it's not okay. If you don't want to work with someone anymore, don't be a coward. Have the decency to let them know. -- Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- I think we’re all familiar with the concept of...
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Money Tip: Saving is Buying Peace of Mind
It’s time for another Money Tip! Because we all want more money but don’t always know how to get it. And when we get it, it’s tempting to use it to buy stuff. That’s kind of how the economy works, right? But, let’s face it, there are a lot of people out there who wouldn’t consider themselves to…
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Jarrod Oram: Experience, Understanding, Empathy & Humility
Jarrod Oram is a creative with many talents and doesn't like to be restricted by any specific label. In this episode, we're talking about the importance of surrender, self-care, authenticity, enjoying the journey, and saying yes to opportunities along the way. Connect with Jarrod @jarrodoram...
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Selling without a Pitch
Can you sell without a pitch? I believe you can. I sell by doing good work, sharing value, and being kind. Not traditional sales techniques, but that's how I've built a loyal client base. -- Please leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with me through your favorite...
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Busyness is Not a Badge of Honor
Why do people seem to take so much pride in how busy they are? I'm all for hard work, but if you don't have time for anything else, what's the point? -- Please leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! Questions and comments can also be emailed to [email protected]. Connect...
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Casey Eade: Being a Professional Silly Person
Casey Eade is a brilliant and funny creative with many talents - voiceover, copywriting, marketing, social media management, art and cosplay, to name a few. Less than two years ago, she left her corporate job to pursue her passion, and she's never looked back. In this episode, we talk about…
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Does the Clubhouse App Live Up to the Hype?
Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for topics, email [email protected] or find me on social @aardvarkgirl. If you want to work with me, that’s where you’ll find me, too. -- There’s a new-ish social…
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A Healthy You is Important for a Healthy Business
Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl Is there a topic you want to hear about? Or do you have a question for me? Email [email protected] and let me know! -- January is typically a time when people plan on changing their eating habits to be healthier....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
I am a producer, project manager, and business specialist. I created this podcast because I’m passionate about helping business owners, freelancers & other self-employed creatives succeed… and have fun doing it. There’s nothing like the privilege of working for yourself – making your own rules, owning your time, and trusting your instincts to make the right decisions. But I’ll be honest – it’s not always easy. It can feel overwhelming with all the things you have to do, but you CAN do it – you just have to be motivated and willing to do the work. My tips will help you handle the “business” side of things so you can focus on your talent. I’ll share the common issues we face, along with the solutions that have worked for me and my clients. You already have everything you need to succeed. I’m just here to guide you.
HOSTED BY
Aardvark Girl | Amanda McCune
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Business for Self-Employed Creatives have?
Business for Self-Employed Creatives currently has 87 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Business for Self-Employed Creatives about?
I am a producer, project manager, and business specialist. I created this podcast because I’m passionate about helping business owners, freelancers & other self-employed creatives succeed… and have fun doing it. There’s nothing like the privilege of working for yourself – making your own rules,...
How often does Business for Self-Employed Creatives release new episodes?
Business for Self-Employed Creatives has 87 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Business for Self-Employed Creatives?
You can listen to Business for Self-Employed Creatives on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Business for Self-Employed Creatives?
Business for Self-Employed Creatives is created and hosted by Aardvark Girl | Amanda McCune.
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