Unashamedly Creative

Bringing together a panel of experts who not only freelance but also work hard for the vested interests of the Australian freelance community, The Future of Work is Freelance is about exploring freelancing in an honest and positive way.​Includes entire discussion complete with Q and A 

Bringing together a panel of experts who not only freelance but also work hard for the vested interests of the Australian freelance community, The Future of Work is Freelance is about exploring freelancing in an honest and positive way.We’ll cover landscape such as what it’s like to freelance in Australia, the challenges faced plus a special highlight on key areas such as developing a client base, presenting yourself well in the market, managing stress and issues, and finding the right support on your journey.This panel discussion is designed to give you proper information on how to freelance well in Australia while also having your voices heard on the future of freelance. Whether you are considering taking the plunge or you’re an old salt in the freelance world, we welcome you. Featuring Monica Davidson from Creative Plus Business, Cameron Rambert from Freelance Australia, Rebekah Lambert from the Freelance Jungle and Lara Lightfoot as compereRECORDED LIVE ON JUNE 7TH AS PART OF VIVID IDEAS 

Australian freelancers are a giving bunch and a surprising number of us volunteer on tasks large and small. We often enjoy using their freelancing skills in community, NFP, arts and other causes.  We volunteer in subjects as wide as puppy raising, mental health and kid's literacy. The school system sees us back the future generation just as much as major organisations receive pro bono projects. Choosing to volunteer can help with connections, reducing stress, grounding, growing skills and more. But in a profession where time is indeed money and the hours are often all consuming, how can you freelance and volunteer at the same time?  We explore the who, why, how and what it takes of the volunteering world with 3 special guests and your host. RECORDED IN FRONT OF A VIRTUAL AUDIENCE Kylie Saunder Kylie has been a freelance SEO copywriter for 8 years in Melbourne. With a Bachelor of Arts, she’s worked in marketing & HR for companies like Motorola and Amcor. When her father died at only 56, she changed paths a

Speaking to the ever lovely ABC Illawarra Saturday morning show about the upcoming Vivid Ideas event 'future of work is freelance' as well as freelance life, volunteering and more.

A small squeal of excitement echoed through the Freelance Jungle recently. It was when Bek realised she finally had an accountant ready to step up and give hungry freelance minds a taste of financial advice. Now, we'll be able to ask some questions, get some resources and unravel a few financial mysteries in this here Freelance Jungle in a special virtual event! We'll be looking at common questions such as:  1) EOFY, BAS and the ATO (and other scary sounding acronyms)  2) The benefits of having an accountant or bookkeeper by your side  3) Ways to save and get yourself organised for thing such as credit lines and home loans 4) Avenues you can investigate to make your finances and financial advisors work better for you 5) Common mistakes made by freelancers in our BAS and how to avoid them 6) How to survive the knee knocking moments like a bigger than expected tax debt, audit and more 7) How to work out things like profit & loss and start reinvesting in your business the smart wayTHIS SESSION WAS RECORDED I

Ever wanted to get into podcasting but weren't sure how? Have you been wondering about what an audience looks for in audio education? Well, you're in luck because the Freelance Jungle has Jennifer Macey on the case.Making a killer podcast with Jennifer Macey Jennifer Macey is a freelance journalist and podcast and radio documentary producer with more than 15 years experience, based in Bulli, New South Wales. Her radio work has aired on DW-Radio, ABC Radio, Pacifica Radio and KCRW.She’s covered UN Climate Change conferences, the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, reported from Indonesia on the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, talked to the Archbishop of Krakow about Poland joining the EU, met members of Cologne’s Nazi resistance movement, interviewed elephants and their keepers and heard extraordinary tales from everyday people.She’s currently producing the Australia Institute’s podcast Follow the Money, This Kid Life a podcast for children for the Sydney Opera House and an oral history podcast i

Looking to plan a new product or business idea? Need a hand with the definition phase? Find a comfy chair, gather up 9 minutes and have a listen to this guided meditation on new product development. 

Every so often, a story comes along that begs to be told. That is the story of our next Zoom participant, Kylie Travers. Kylie and I met through the Freelance Jungle as I tapped and poked at her determination to only accept work you felt you were worth. Agreeing with Kylie yet in a mood to test this resolve, I asked strong questions. She never shied away and convinced me of her ability and nous when it came to asking for what she was worth. Ambling around the internet in another group, I found the very same person sharing candidly, honestly and with respect her story of moving from homeless domestic violence survivor to self employed CEO. Her aim was to inspire other women, squash the stigma and assumptionsurrounding both homelessness and family violence. And to give hope to those who found themselves facing adversity of all kinds that things can and do get better. It was then I knew I had to bring Kylie to the virtual talks part of the Jungle to share her story. THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED IN FRONT OF A VIRTUA

Regulars to the Freelance Jungle will recognise Cyndi as the person who jumps in to offer advice and a few handy links. She's s smart go getter who has come from a varied freelance background. Now she's turning her super powers to the law. And so she's popping in to help us minkies wander around the legal jungle. ​ABOUT CYNDI: Cyndi Tomlinson was a filmmaker and writer supporting herself as a board level PA until 2008 when she decided to go to law school. Now she is writing for businesses to support her studies as she works towards becoming a Barrister. Her company, tomlinson online is the solution to her business and life needs as well as yours. Need research, writing, or administrative assistance? Go to http://www.tomlinsononline.weebly.com/PLEASE NOTE: This is not in place of legal advice. It is advice on navigating the legal landscape around freelancing and creative work. It is designed to help you find sources of aid you need.

At a certain point, a freelancer may grow their educational wings. They move from supplying the client side of town into helping their clients and their fellow freelancers to learn the skills they need.  Three such people are Kate Toon, Brook McCarthy and Dr Sarah McKay. Kate Toon is the always in motion, SEO toting freelancer turned educator. She's the founder of the Recipe for SEO Success, a DIY SEO course for business owners and freelancers. And she runs the Clever Copywriting School, a website full of templates, blogs, advice and information designed to develop the next level of Australian copywriters. Brook McCarthy is the sassy smart yoga marketer turned business coach for small business and creatives. She runs successful workshops throughout the year on blogging and social media. Online, she coaches in person and in a group setting via Hustle and Heart. She's adept at teaching, instructing and inspiring business people with their marketing and business planning. So it seems only fitting that these love

A small interview on life as a freelancer with the great guys from the ABC Illawarra weekend mornings team. Enjoy the cameo by Morale Officer, Gibson the Labrador. 

Curious, whip smart and infinitely approachable, Nicole Jensen is one of my favourite social media people. There's something likeable about what Nicole does that others can't match. She's approachable without being an oversharer, she's intelligent without being arrogant, and she's authentic without it being a tokenism. And she's the coolest kind of geek grrl. So that's why I've invited her in to talk social media with you.  THIS WAS RECORDED IN FRONT OF A VIRTUAL AUDIENCE. ABOUT NICOLE:  Nicole Jensen's biggest obsession has been communication tech for her entire life; absorbing ABC News as a toddler, falling for dial-up in the 1990s, then hitting the social web with full force in her teens. She brings a decade of social media experience to the table, having worked with entrepreneurs, small business, not-for-profits, events, government, agencies and more. Discover Nicole on all kinds of social media platforms via her website. ​

Working with agencies can be a tricky thing to manage. But luckily, we've got Sarah Morton to learn from. Sarah is the chosen go-to gal for many an agency when they're looking for great copy and content. And she's kindly denoting some time out of her super busy schedule to give you the ins, outs and tips on how you can work with agencies as well. ABOUT SARAH: Sarah is an SEO copywriter and brand storyteller based in Sydney, who helps companies engage their audience and inspire them to buy. She works with digital, design, advertising and government agencies, as well as a range of leading brands across the tourism, non-profit, healthcare, finance and consumer lifestyle industries. You can find Sarah on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.

Being in business for yourself is a tough gig. It's a gig we often do by ourselves with minimal soundboards and support.  The understanding we seek from friends and family may be seriously lacking. So too is that vital second opinion for ideas, large and small. Then there's keeping up appearances with clients and navigating what it means to be in business to contend with. Add competitors, geographical isolation and the daily struggles & grind. Pretty soon you've got a powder keg just waiting to explode. So what can we do to help fortify ourselves against the isolation? And where can we turn to create community, connection and courage? Join Bek and Brook for a sincere amble through the forests of business isolation in search of the holy grail. 

I've been watching Russell across various community manager and business forums online for a while now. What I like about Russell is he's straight speaking and always generous and helpful with his responses. Other people talk about social media platform death with changes to algorithms or advertising. Russell is far more proactive. He is the guy is in the background testing and sharing solutions to help people make the most out of the new social media world order. If anyone knows how to help with Facebook Ads in a practical sense, it's Russ. ABOUT RUSSELL: Russell Allert has worked in digital marketing for over 6 years and has helped countless small & medium business owners grow their businesses online.  He has been asked to speak at numerous industry events, including COBA's 2015 Annual Conference in Darwin, and WOCCU's Gen Y summit in the USA.  He is passionate about digital transformation and believes all businesses need to make the change to stay relevant. PLEASE NOTE: THESE PODCASTS WERE RECORDED ON

I've kept my eye closely on Kate Toon since launching my freelance adventure in 2010. As a fellow copywriter and word nerd, learning SEO from Kate's blog, social media and other adventures has helped me grow into a better copywriter. Kate offers some cracking training courses for all kinds of businesses and freelancers. And she's presented at Pro Blogger and countless other events on SEO. She loves myth-busting and playing it straight. And she's coming to a Blab near you! ABOUT KATE: Kate Toon is a copywriter, SEO lover and Head Chef at The Recipe for SEO Success eCourse. She also runs The Clever Copywriting School and is the co-host of the Hot Copy Podcast.The Recipe for SEO Success is an eight-week, online training eCourse is specifically designed to help small business owners do their own SEO.PLEASE NOTE: THESE PODCASTS WERE ORIGINALLY RECORDED ON VIDEO STREAMER, BLAB IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE

Gen and I (Bek) met through Sydney's music scene. Gen is a talented drummer and singer. I'm a closet singer who loves taking photos of musicians. We share a lot of mutual friends through the connectivity of bands. And we also share an interest in the human mind and the impact of stress on people. We sat on a stage of a different kind at Vivid Idea 2015 as part of the "myth of work-life balance in a get ahead culture." And we continue to talk about ways to reduce stress to help people avoid burn out and mental health issues.  ABOUT GENGenevieve is a research psychologist who manages a project investigating the science of resilience at the University of Sydney.She has spoken to national and international audiences on the subject, and is completing a PhD in psychology. Her current passion involves bringing practical, scientifically validated change strategies to the amorphous field of personal coaching. In her spare time she loves to swim, play drums, and spend time with her partner and fur family.ABOUT BEK: As

Mel Samson is a Melbourne based Google Analytics and Google AdWords specialist. She's my personal favourite when it comes time to refer clients ready to take the Google AdWords plunge. And she's agreed to be a part of a freelance Q & A session on Google AdWords so you can learn about them as well! So it's time to bust a few myths about Google AdWords. Discover why and how they can help promote your business. And learn some great tricks and tips from a seasoned Google AdWords professional. ABOUT MEL: As the founder and co-owner of Click-Winning Content, Melinda helps Australian business owners maximise their investment in Google AdWords & use their Google Analytics data to improve their business performance. She is committed to never using an acronym without explaining it first, and also likes cracked pepper, grand slam tennis and Melbourne sunsets.

Brook has been the Batman to my Robin or the Thelma to my Louise in a few business projects now. She's a well respected freelancer who has helped countless solo operators and small business owners in sectors like wellbeing, alternative health and now creative arts. She's a coach, a teacher and a no-nonsense motivator. And that's why her approaches to hustling while still having heart in business are so very popular. ABOUT BROOK: Brook McCarthy is a writer, speaker, trainer and business coach with more than 10 years' experience in online communications. Brook's flagship program, Hustle & Heart, helps service professionals to grow their business, their way, through digital marketing, PR and simple sales.PLEASE NOTE: THESE PODCASTS WERE ORIGINALLY RECORDED ON VIDEO STREAMER, BLAB IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE