Doing It For The Kids

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from science writer Richard Berks. He says:"Alright gang. Any top tips for finding motivation when you have none, but desperately need some??I'm sure I'm not alone in finding that when I most need to get some flippin' work done, I seem to have the least motivation to do it. That precious time, while the kids are occupied, or after they're in bed, and you have a list of things you need to get done... and then bleugh. Not feeling it. List doesn't get done. Feel bad.I know I know, we're all trying our best in a difficult situation, but really I sometimes need to give myself a good kick up the bum. I know there are lots of amazing people in DIFTK who are experts in getting shit done when time is tight — so how do you do it?”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.***Vote for us in the Listener's Choice Award at

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from accountant Caroline Boardman. She says:“How should we chase payments in this climate? When you know times are tough for people but you need to get paid too, what's the best way to approach credit control?As an accountant, I am in the position of knowing more than most about my clients' finances, so it is tricky to chase a late payment when I know they really don't have the cash in the bank! Should we just be leaving it at the moment and chase after lockdown? Should we just be doing what we usually do? Or is the best thing to do to offer payment plans? Help!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••This episode is supported by Nutmeg.Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offer

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from wedding and family videographer Charlene McNabb. She says:“Do you have any tips on how to keep work ticking over and keeping visible when you now have around 7 minutes a day rather than the usual 6 hours?!Our daily life consists of my husband working full-time from home doing some important banking stuff and me trying to homeschool, have family time, keep us all fed, attempt one warm cup of tea a day AND stop my own wedding and family photography and videography business from sinking out of sight... Maybe once a week I’ll get a full hour to do something juicy off my to-do list OR schedule in some social media.I know everyone's struggling. I know we can't do it all. But what can we actually do that will be like a super boost once a day??”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••This episode is support

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from photographer Hannah Brooke. She says:“So. I built my photography business up for 2.5 years alongside my day job, got it to the point I could resign. Yay. And I finish that day job next Thursday. Eek!The photography diary already got cancelled or postponed and after crying about it for about 2 solid weeks, I picked myself up and wrote an online course on smartphone photography. Which people have actually bought. Hurrah! Obviously I’m right proper chuffed about this (I’m from Yorkshire and you’ll need to say this in a Yorkshire accent!) but my question to you is around pivoting my business and how to market this extra string I’ve added to my bow, whilst still making it really clear that photographing weddings and families  is what I do and want to be doing when this extraordinary time is over! I have A LOT of ideas but I’m worried it all looks a bit chaotic and confusing to my customers.Thanks in advance, Hannah”What would yo

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from consultant and governance expert Gemma Sykes. She says:“As well as struggling with trying to work with a 6 year old and an 18 month old around — and a lot of my work disappearing over night! — I need help on how to drum up work without sounding opportunistic or seen to be exploiting the situation.Also, what’s the etiquette on mentioning that working with you means supporting a small business at a time when we've been really badly hit and not eligible for government support? I don't want to sound like I'm begging, particularly with charities whose service users are likely to be badly affected (much much worse than me in many cases) but I also need to feed my kids and pay the mortgage!”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.Join the Being Freelance Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/beingfr

Soooo, we've gone a bit off-piste this week. We sat down to record an episode as normal, but in reality just ended up talking about what's been going on in our lives during the Coronavirus 'Lockdown'. Clearly we needed to get some stuff off our chests! We hope us sharing our frustrations and observations from the past week will help you too. Enjoy.•••This episode is supported by Nutmeg.Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com[Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply]•••Frankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Maria 'Chilli' Pepper AKA Anonymous. They say:“Lots of the podcast episodes and questions in the group have been really useful if you’re sitting at your computer, but I’m often on the move and do lots of work on my phone.Do any other DIFTKers do this? And if so, what strategies work for you? I find I’m often overwhelmed with the admin side of things and wait till I have a laptop day, but that can be once a fortnight sometimes."What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.Here's the link to Ross Wintle's DIFTK "app" listing lots of free resources for parents with kids at home: https://diftk.glideapp.io/•••This episode is supported by Nutmeg.Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nu

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Dwayne Carver AKA Anonymous. They say:"Dear Steve and Frankie,I know that’s the wrong way round, but everything seems weird and topsy-turvy at the moment.Here’s the long version of my question:How can we best brace ourselves and our businesses for potentially having our kids off school for weeks on end?Not in a summer holidays kind of way where we’ve maybe wound down our work and booked in a few summer camps or stays with family. But in a snow-day kind of way — abrupt, sudden — but without the fun of being able to go outside and build a snowman and knowing both the kids AND the other half will be returned back to normal tomorrow when it’s all gone to slush. This time I don’t know when normal is coming back.Or you can read the short version of my question which is simply…WHAT THE FUCK?!Thanks so much,Detective Dwayne Carver"What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Inst

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from graphic designer and illustrator Ami-Lou Harrison. She says:“Hey Steve and Frankie!My question is about co-mentoring. I've heard you mention a couple of times that you mentor each other. It sounds like such a brilliant idea and something I feel I could benefit from myself, so I'm wondering if you could talk more about how it came about, how you go about co-mentoring someone and also how it has benefitted your freelance businesses?Thanks so much. Love and biscuits, Ami-Lou”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••This episode is supported by Nutmeg.Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Sidney Watson AKA Anonymous. They say:"So the time has come for us to seriously consider leaving the city we have lived in for almost 15yrs. Both me and my other half are freelancers and we have two children under 3... and too cats that hate us (due to making them share a flat with said toddler and baby).After our second baby was born, serious discussion of where we can now afford to rent — maybe even buy — have led us to potentially returning to a home nearer family in the countrysideAfter establishing strong freelance networks in the city, and having a small children's entertainment business which is based here, how do you start again? Some of our work can be done remotely but when you are freelance, it's not just finding a new home/nursery it's also new clients/networks and that's scaring us!Hoping your expert knowledge can help us find a path to our new countryside freelance lives...”What would your advice be?

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from freelance writer and educator Fiona Tapp. She says:“I live in Canada and yesterday I slipped on the ice walking back from school and hurt every single bone and muscle in my body.I am not seriously hurt but I am sore and don’t want to work because it would interrupt my self pitying calls to my mum, copious biscuit eating and catching up on every single episode of Scott and Bailey on Netflix.My question is — to protect against times like these or even more serious periods of not working, how much money should a freelancer have saved for emergencies and how do you start a fund that you don’t pilfer from when you fancy a holiday or whatnot?”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••This episode is supported by Nutmeg.Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a pro

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Rene Dukes aka Anonymous. 'S/he' says:“Hello Frankie & Steve,You've had an episode for freelancers starting a family, now here's a question about throwing another child into the mix (not literally throwing of course).I remember speaking to a friend of mine a while ago just after their second baby was born. I naively asked them "so I guess the second one must be easier right?" and they replied "yes, sort of, but the problem is now there's two of them".My partner and I are thinking about having another child. Our daughter is three years old, and goes to nursery three days a week. Aside from that, my other half and I juggle childcare between us and our respective work (my other half is employed, I am self-employed).We do want to (are going to) have another child, and NOTHING you could say could convince us otherwise (although, please don't test that). But I am feeling a bit worried that our precarious juggle of w

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from nutritionist Kezia Hall. She says:“How can I spend less time in my inbox?I've had VA's in the past but there are still LOTS of client emails that I can only answer as they relate to my clients’ health, programs of support or other sensitive issues (AKA talking about their poo or their periods!)I also get a lot of new clients by following up leads via email etc. But I will literally do anything to avoid sitting down during naptime to bosh through them — I make coffee, watch Modern Family, drink kombucha, even tidy (only when I am desperate).Ironically I am actually a really efficient worker — I generally feel pretty productive and run my whole nutrition business in 20-25 hrs a week.But my gmail — it makes my stomach turn.Any tips, strategies? Or do I just need to grow up, shift my mindset and load up on the ol' 'gratitude' in that I have clients to respond to in the first place…? Even if they do email me about their latest b

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from stylist, writer and blogger Hannah Bullivant. She says:“I would love your thoughts on the perils/advantages of being a ‘multi-hyphen’ freelancer. Sometimes I think it’s really clever (have different income streams, keeps me interested and engaged) and sometimes I really regret it (such little time and stretched thin! Especially as only have 2 days of childcare!)”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••Hannah Bullivant's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK Facebook CommunityDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from detective Barry Steel (aka Anonymous). 'He' says:“What do you do when social media is the absolute bane of your life but you know you should do more of it to promote your business, grow your audience and be seen by your peers?!I had to delete Facebook from my phone to make more space and honestly the only thing I missed was the DIFTK community!I don’t think I can afford to outsource it (which would be the obvious answer) but it sucks my soul away — especially Facebook, but I also get lost in a spiral of ‘instashame’ and angry at politics on Twitter!And you know when you’re a parent and a freelancer and you already have a to-do list that is never ever going to be completed and you feel guilty and lame that you can’t do it all? Well adding ‘keeping social media updated’ to that list is painful. HELP!!! I work in theatre and events so I do really need to engage with social meeds else I would happily delete the lot.”What would

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Laura West, Founder of The Doers. She says:“I went freelance a little over a year ago and soon after launched The Doers — a marketing consultancy powered by freelancers (*ah hum* plug over!)I have 3 young children (almost 4, 2 and 9 months) and struggle to explain to them what I do, why I do it, why I don’t go into an office like Daddy etc. etc. Last week my eldest told someone I work in a cafe (not far from the truth, I love a cafe hop!) and I couldn't find a way to explain to him what I actually do in a way he could understand.Frankie, Steve and the DIFTK community do you have any nuggets of wisdom of how the explain the freelance life to little people in a way they understand and can be proud of what I do?Many many thanks, Laura”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••The Doers WebsiteFrankie Tor

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland discuss CHRISTMAS BURNOUT in response to a question from copywriter Franky Shanahan. She says:“To be brutally honest, the tail end of this year is kicking my butt.Life is throwing a whole heap of challenges my way way and my brain is FULL.On top of busy workload and some personal stuff, one of my children is ill (again) and my other half is working overseas for a week. I’m trying to figure out the best way to avoid buying out completely before Christmas Day!How do you stay sane at this busy time of year - especially when it feels like the universe is out to get you?”What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••Franky Shanahan's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK Facebook CommunityDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a CORKER of a question from 'Detective Harper MacCleod' aka Anonymous. S/he says:“Can we have the 'turning-down work’ conversation?I've reached the stage where I can (to some extent) pick and choose my work. However, I’m a people pleaser and still find it difficult to say no.For argument's sake, let's just say my job involves drawing things. Mostly houses.(But I’m happy to be a ‘detective’ if you insist).Even when you’re desperate for work, let’s face it, there are projects that are more trouble than they’re worth. Even worse, some projects could end up costing you money or be professionally disastrous.I’ll give you a recent scenario. I was speaking to a potential client on the phone and all these red flags were popping up. The project was ultra boring and would eat into my capacity for more interesting projects. The client was awkward, querying the relevance of my questions etc. I was trying to suggest that another professional would be b

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a CORKER of a question from 'Detective Grace Ace' aka Anonymous. She says:“Looking for a pep talk please!I have just changed from a fixed hours contract (22 hours/week) to setting up on my own in a different field. My husband and I have two preschool children and I have always been responsible for childcare.They are in playschool four days a week so I have 20 hours a week of regular work hours. With two kiddos, inevitable illness, appointments and holidays, it always falls to me to reduce my hours to pick up the slack.When I was working fixed hours and needed to make up time in the evenings or at weekends it was fine. But now I can set my own hours, my husband asks me not to work evenings or weekends as it eats into family time. All the while wondering when I will start earning money...I have tried explaining what the childcare implications would be if I worked a 9-5.Feeling pretty squeezed, but this business is something I want very much

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from copywriter Maia Swift. She says:"I've been freelance for nearly four years now, and, although I have good months and rubbish months, on the whole it's going well. In fact, to anyone just starting out as a freelancer, it would probably look like I'm making a success of it - I work on interesting projects, my day rate is reasonably high and I rarely have to hunt for new leads.But, in spite of all that, I still rarely feel like I'm 'successful'. Before having babies I had a LA-DI-DA job title at a well-respected agency, and I guess part of me feels like I gave up on my career and any 'career progression' when I left. I used to have objectives, and win pitches and manage freelancers etc etc, so now I'm not sure how to make myself feel like I'm doing well.It doesn't help that a lot of what I do is basically invisible - I don't have a product to sell, or a work Instagram feed, or any of those things that might help create a sense