As freelancers and solo professionals, we often (unknowingly) sabotage our own success from the very first interaction with a prospect.

We present ourselves and our services in a way that works against us. It erodes trust and diminishes our perceived value before we even begin working with a potential client.

It often starts the moment we ask our clients, "What can I do for you?"

This simple question can unknowingly shift us from being experts in our field to mere order-takers, losing control of our own business direction.

From there, it shows up in what we say to clients and prospects. What we offer. How we price our work. How we position ourselves in the market. And how we talk about what we do and the value we deliver.

In this episode, we're diving deep into this critical issue. My guest is Amy Posner, an experienced freelance professional and entrepreneur who has mastered the art of positioning herself as an expert rather than an order-taker.

Amy shares invaluable insights on how to regain control of your freelance business, build authority with clients, and establish yourself as the go-to expert in your field.

We explore a number of important topics, including:

• Recognizing when you've fallen into the order-taker role and how to break free

• Practical steps to shift from order-taker to expert (and yes, you ARE more of an expert than you realize!)

• Building and demonstrating authority—even if you’re shy or introverted

• Setting boundaries and managing client expectations

• Developing the communication skills and confidence needed to position yourself as an expert

Whether you're a seasoned freelancer looking to level up your business or still in the early stages of growing your practice, this episode offers valuable insights to help you take back the power in your business and truly thrive as a freelance professional.

I hope you find our conversation enlightening and actionable!

Freelancing can be a lonely journey. But it doesn't have to be.

Many freelancers struggle to find consistent work, navigate client relationships, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. They often feel isolated, and unsure where to turn for support or guidance.

Not Rachel Smith, my guest in this week's episode. Rachel is the founder of Rachel's List, a thriving jobs board and community for Australian freelance writers that has been going strong for over a decade.

But here's the kicker: Rachel's List started almost by accident.

Early in her freelance career, Rachel found herself frequently recommending other freelancers when she couldn't take on projects. This informal network of referrals gradually evolved into a highly successful business that has transformed the freelance landscape for countless writers.

These days, Rachel's List isn't just a job board. It's a vibrant community where freelancers share information, find overflow work, and access practical skill-building masterclasses. The success has even spawned a popular podcast (The Content Byte) and an annual conference — The Content Byte Summit.

I was thrilled to bring Rachel on the show to share her insights on how freelance opportunities have grown and changed over the years. We go deep into this idea of building a small community of your own. And we discuss the skills freelancers need to thrive in today's market.

Whether you're a seasoned freelancer looking to expand your network or a newcomer trying to find your footing, you’ll find a number of valuable insights on building a supportive freelance community and turning connections into business opportunities.