Freelance Business Unlocked

Anja Lordanić Mustać
Freelance Business Unlocked

Have you ever asked yourself: “How do I get more leads and clients?” “When is the right time to pivot?” “Do I really need a new website right now?” “How do I balance my finances in alignment with my personal goals?” “How do I get better at public speaking?” “What’s the best way to use email for my business?” “How do I launch a podcast?” If so, you’re in luck. The experts I bring on have all the answers you need to make your small business bigger, but not in the way you might think. Throughout the episodes, my guests and I openly share our successes, failures, and everything in between. You're not in for a bunch of sugarcoating sessions; instead, you'll learn how to run your small business *your* way — sustainably, strategically, and with ease. My name is Anja, and as a small business owner from Croatia, I know what it’s like to look at mega-successful entrepreneurs and creators worldwide and think, “How do I make this a reality for myself?” This is exactly the goal of Freelance Business Unlocked — to help you see what’s possible, no matter where you live and the types of clients you serve. Tune in and learn about effective marketing strategies, podcasting, financial management, email marketing, copywriting, sales, parenthood and entrepreneurship, and much more. Subscribe now and join us for this fun ride! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. #87: Free vs. Paid: Drawing the Line in Your Content

    1D AGO

    #87: Free vs. Paid: Drawing the Line in Your Content

    FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey. Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS. ___________ How much is too much when it comes to free content? That’s the question I’ve been sitting with for a long time, and this solo episode is my attempt to unpack it. Whether you're a coach, consultant, creative, or service provider, you've likely wrestled with the balance between generosity and strategy in your content. Should you give away the “how”? Or should you stick to the “what” and “why” and keep the rest behind a paywall? In this episode, I explore the nuanced layers behind this question, including: The difference between generosity and exhaustivenessWhy your free content builds trust—but shouldn’t overwhelmThe real reason people pay for your services (hint: it's not just information)How the mode your audience is in affects how they process your contentWhy “how” content isn’t as dangerous to give away as we might think You’ll also hear why I believe the future of content is in thought leadership—and no, that doesn’t just mean showing off your wins. It’s about taking a stand, offering a fresh perspective, and showing up with courage, clarity, and creativity. “Ideas that are hoarded help no one. Success follows generosity.” — James Clear ___________ Let's connect on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you and see you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min
  2. #86: Podcasting Pays Off (Just Not How You Think)

    JUL 1

    #86: Podcasting Pays Off (Just Not How You Think)

    FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey. Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS. ___________ You already know podcasting builds authority and helps grow your audience—but what if there’s so much more beneath the surface? In this solo episode, I’m lifting the lid on the lesser-known benefits of running a podcast—the ones you don’t hear about in marketing emails or strategy sessions. After almost two years of hosting a weekly show (plus helping other creatives launch their own), I’ve seen firsthand how podcasting can quietly transform your business and personal growth. I dive into eight underrated but powerful benefits, including: How podcasting boosts your credibility from episode one;Why it opens the door to speaking gigs, media features, and partnerships;The long-term magic of building a body of work that compounds over time;How it sharpens your speaking, editing, and storytelling skills (even if you’re not a natural);The genuine relationships you’ll build with guests and listeners;Why podcast content is the easiest to repurpose across your entire marketing ecosystem;How podcast listeners convert better than your average social media follower;And the creative freedom it gives you to shape your own platform, your way. Whether you’re just dreaming about starting a podcast or already a few episodes in, this episode will shift the way you see podcasting—and help you realize why it’s such a powerful tool for creative business owners. Resources mentioned: Episode #79: How to Launch a Podcast Without Burning Out or Overthinking It – Slobodan Manić (Spotify, Apple Podcasts) ___________ Let's connect on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you and see you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min
  3. #85: What Women Need to Know About Public Speaking – AmondaRose Igoe

    JUN 24

    #85: What Women Need to Know About Public Speaking – AmondaRose Igoe

    There are some topics we simply can’t get enough of. Public speaking is one of those for me and it if that’s the case for you, too, stick around because this one is will motivate you and, most importantly, equip you with mental tools you can quickly apply the next time you’re on a virtual or physical stage or presenting yourself and your message in any other capacity.   So, I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to chat with AmondaRose Igoe, a public speaking coach with over 25 years of experience helping women show up confidently and own their value; we talked a lot about the latter (the importance of knowing your worth), especially as it pertains to differences between men and women. We explore why women often second-guess themselves when speaking, how to avoid the dreaded “data dump,” and why body language plays a bigger role than you think. AmondaRose also shares how to create audience engagement in both in-person and virtual settings, how to use storytelling without overwhelming your listeners, and why “fake it till you make it” might not be such bad advice after all. So, if you ever feel like you're over-explaining just to prove your worth, or find yourself cramming way too much into a presentation, hoping it will show just how much value you bring, you're not alone. You CAN get better at public speaking, and this episode is going to help you on that journey. Enjoy! Takeaways: Body language plays a crucial role in how women are perceived.The audience's engagement is essential for effective communication.Public speaking skills have evolved significantly over the years.Online communication presents unique challenges and opportunities.Authenticity is key to connecting with an audience.Feedback is vital for improvement in public speaking.Crafting compelling stories can enhance presentations. Here's where you can connect with AmondaRose: LinkedInInstagramWebsite Additional resources: Episode #54: Finding Your Voice: How to Overcome Public Speaking Fears – Darren Young (Spotify, Apple Podcasts)(IN CROATIAN) Episode #15: O javnom nastupu, mišljenjima drugih i samopouzdanju – Pinija Poljaković (Spotify, Apple Podcasts) _______________________________________ Let's connect on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can donate and support this podcast here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you and see you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  4. #84: How to Scale Sustainably: One Core Offer, One Problem to Solve – Dina Town

    JUN 17

    #84: How to Scale Sustainably: One Core Offer, One Problem to Solve – Dina Town

    In this episode, I’m joined by Dina Town, a coach for solopreneurs who want to take matters into their own hands and build a sustainable life-first business. We talk about one of the most common things holding freelancers back: mindset. From the fear of charging more, to hesitating when it comes to niching down or creating confident content—Dina breaks down what really stops people from growing and how to move past it. She also shares her approach to polarizing content—what it actually means, how to stay authentic, and why it’s essential if you want to stand out online. If you're tired of tiptoeing around your audience, this one is for you. Also, we dig into her signature Offer Onion model—a super practical way for coaches and consultants to scale sustainably. Spoiler: it’s not about selling more stuff, but about monetizing your access in smart, layered ways.   Dina is sharp, outspoken, transparent, practical, and most importantly – she cares deeply about her clients.   It was such a pleasure to learn from her in this format, and I’m positive you’ll walk away from this conversation feeling enriched and motivated as well. Enjoy! Takeaways: Fear of charging more often stems from a scarcity mindset.Strong, confident copy is essential for attracting ideal clients.Polarizing content can help repel the wrong audience while attracting the right one.Nailing down an outcome-based offer is critical for business success.Clients need to understand the process behind offers to feel confident in hiring you.Tiered support systems provide varying levels of personal attention. Here's where you can connect with Dina: LinkedInNewsletter _______________________________________ Let's connect on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can donate and support this podcast here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you and see you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
  5. #83: Podcasting as a Full-Time Job (With a Niche Topic AND Language) – Tia Kozina

    JUN 10

    #83: Podcasting as a Full-Time Job (With a Niche Topic AND Language) – Tia Kozina

    Ready to hear what it really takes to turn a lockdown hobby into a full-time creative business? In this episode I sit down with fellow Croatian podcaster Tia Kozina, co-host of Croatia’s very first true crime podcast with 200+ episodes, Patreon superfans, sold-out live shows, and interactive murder mystery events. Tia pulls back the curtain on: Quitting the day job: the moment she walked away from a 9-to-5, the burnout that pushed her there, and the new pressures that come with betting on yourself.Finding the perfect co-host dynamic: why communication (and the occasional brutal honesty) keeps her partnership with Filip rock-solid, and what happens if either of them ever wants out.Monetizing in a niche language: from Patreon tiers that “pay the rent” to taking true crime on tour, launching merch, and inventing Croatia's first murder-mystery pub game.Turning listeners into a community: how their podcast cultivated die-hard fans of all ages and earned heartfelt messages from listeners who binged their show through chemo treatments.The power of starting scrappy: Tia’s no-excuses advice for anyone waiting for the "perfect moment" to launch. Even if you’re not a podcaster, Tia and Filip’s story will serve as a great reminder of what’s possible even if you’re located in a very small region and even if your first language is understood only by a small fraction of the global population (as is the case with Croatian).   Wherever you’re located and whatever you do, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and embrace the scrappiness. Enjoy! Takeaways: Communication is crucial in co-hosting to avoid misunderstandings.Transitioning from a hobby to a full-time job can be challenging but rewarding.Monetization strategies include live shows, merchandise, and Patreon.Building a community around the podcast enhances listener engagement.Language and cultural context play a significant role in podcasting.Balancing humor with sensitivity is essential when discussing serious topics.Starting a podcast requires courage and the willingness to take risks. Here's where you can connect with Tia (and Filip): Podcast (in Croatian): YouTube, Spotify, Apple PodcastsWebsite (in Croatian)Patreon (in Croatian) _______________________________________ Let's connect on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can donate and support this podcast here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you and see you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  6. #82: You've Never Done Video This Easily – Justin Vajko

    JUN 3

    #82: You've Never Done Video This Easily – Justin Vajko

    Are you avoiding video because it feels overwhelming, intimidating, or downright awkward? In this week's episode, I’m joined by video expert Justin Vajko, who shares incredibly practical (and surprisingly gentle) advice for freelancers and business owners looking to finally get comfortable on camera. Justin believes that showing up on video doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to be consistent and sustainable. We talk about everything from the common fears that stop people from pressing record, to the tech traps and mindset hurdles that keep creatives stuck behind the scenes. You’ll learn about his favorite approach to content creation, the “sawdust method,” and how a simple system of repurposing everyday conversations can lead to engaging, trust-building video content. We also dig into Justin’s “Content Buddy” system—a brilliant solution for anyone who hates talking to a camera alone—and how introverts can leverage interviews and conversations to make their first steps into video feel easier. I love it when experts on any topic are kind, empathetic, and can put themselves in their clients’ shoes (mainly because they’ve been there before themselves), and Justin is no different. He absolutely does talk about the benefits of video, but does not force anyone to show up on video if they don’t want to. He does tell you what you’re missing out on, though, so let this episode serve as a reminder and motivation to push through a bit of discomfort because no one starts off as the most confident person in front of a camera, including your favorite late-night hosts. You're in for a treat, so enjoy! Takeaways: Confidence in video can be built through practice and exposure.Video is a powerful tool for building trust with audiences.Having a content buddy can enhance accountability and creativity.It's important to mix different content formats for better reach.Deadlines can motivate content creation and productivity.Bloopers can make content more relatable and endearing.Introverts can thrive in content creation with the right support. Here's where you can connect with Justin: LinkedInWebsite _______________________________________ Let's connect on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can donate and support this podcast here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you and see you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  7. #81: You Don't Need a Sales Team, You Need a Referral Network – Reuben Swartz

    MAY 27

    #81: You Don't Need a Sales Team, You Need a Referral Network – Reuben Swartz

    If the thought of follow-ups fills you with dread, stick around because today's guest is going to shift your entire perspective. I’m joined by Reuben Swartz, founder of an anti-CRM system called Mimiran, host of the Sales for Nerds podcast, and an introvert who’s cracked the code and was able to flip the “icky sales cycle” into an enjoyable, productive one. Reuben shares how he turned his own sales struggles as a solo consultant into a tool that now helps thousands of freelancers build better relationships—with less stress and more ease. We talk about why traditional sales and CRM systems don't work for freelancers, what makes follow-ups feel awkward, and how to flip that feeling by acting more like a doctor and less like a desperate salesperson. Reuben also unpacks how to build and nurture a referral network, the importance of clearly defining your ideal client and ideal partner, and how your positioning affects everything—from your proposals to your pipeline.   Reuben's take is so refreshing because he's open, at times even vulnerable, and ready to share what didn't work, but helped him get better as a business owner and colleague.   What I loved the most is when Reuben said he’s a fan of people doing business that's true to themselves. That’s it, that’s the whole point of running a business.   So if you like the sound of all of this, which I’m sure you do, stick around and enjoy my episode with Reuben! Takeaways: Freelancers often struggle with follow-ups due to discomfort with sales.Follow-ups can be enjoyable when approached as a check-in.Creating a system for follow-ups can streamline the process.Introverts can excel in networking by focusing on listening.Sales should feel easy, not forced or uncomfortable.Conversations are essential in a relationship-driven business.Nurturing existing relationships can lead to more referrals. Here's where you can connect with Reuben: Mimiran (the anti-CRM system)Sales for Nerds (podcast)LinkedIn _______________________________________ Let's connect on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can donate and support this podcast here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you and see you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  8. #80: The CFO You Wish You Had: Money, Systems, and Self-Worth – Sara Bryson

    MAY 20

    #80: The CFO You Wish You Had: Money, Systems, and Self-Worth – Sara Bryson

    Freelancers and solopreneurs often launch their businesses in pursuit of freedom—but many quickly discover that “freedom” comes with a side of overwhelm, confusion, and financial stress. In this episode, I’m joined by Sara Bryson, financial strategist and founder of CFOhyeah, who helps small business owners untangle the money side of running a business—without the jargon or judgment. We talk about the real cost of working without systems, why so many freelancers underprice their services, and what to do if your business is generating revenue but there’s never anything left at the end of the month. Sara also shares a ton of actionable advice, including how to start creating SOPs even if you’re a one-person business, why quarterly business reviews are a game-changer (even if you dread them), and what your pricing might be saying about your self-worth.   She also breaks down the three behavioral patterns she sees most often in freelancers—and what to do if you recognize yourself in any of them. If you’ve ever wondered why your bank balance doesn’t reflect how hard you’re working—or if you’re constantly undercharging, overdelivering, and still feeling stuck—this episode is for you.   Sara is kind, warm, and empathetic, which I’m sure you’ll agree with after listening to this conversation. Enjoy! Takeaways: Learning from both successes and failures is crucial for growth.Developing systems early on saves time and increases efficiency.Quarterly reviews help keep business goals on track and relevant.Setting specific, realistic goals is essential for success.Regularly updating processes ensures they remain effective.Creating SOPs helps streamline operations and prepare for future growth.Men and women experience different pressures in business. Here's where you can connect with Sara: Website + freebiesLinkedIn _______________________________________ Let's connect on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can donate and support this podcast here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you and see you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min

About

Have you ever asked yourself: “How do I get more leads and clients?” “When is the right time to pivot?” “Do I really need a new website right now?” “How do I balance my finances in alignment with my personal goals?” “How do I get better at public speaking?” “What’s the best way to use email for my business?” “How do I launch a podcast?” If so, you’re in luck. The experts I bring on have all the answers you need to make your small business bigger, but not in the way you might think. Throughout the episodes, my guests and I openly share our successes, failures, and everything in between. You're not in for a bunch of sugarcoating sessions; instead, you'll learn how to run your small business *your* way — sustainably, strategically, and with ease. My name is Anja, and as a small business owner from Croatia, I know what it’s like to look at mega-successful entrepreneurs and creators worldwide and think, “How do I make this a reality for myself?” This is exactly the goal of Freelance Business Unlocked — to help you see what’s possible, no matter where you live and the types of clients you serve. Tune in and learn about effective marketing strategies, podcasting, financial management, email marketing, copywriting, sales, parenthood and entrepreneurship, and much more. Subscribe now and join us for this fun ride! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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