High-Income Business Writing Podcast

Ed Gandia
  • 4.9 (302)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY
High-Income Business Writing Podcast

Ed Gandia, co-author of the bestselling book, The Wealthy Freelancer, reveals how to propel your writing business to the six-figure level (or the part-time equivalent). In this nuts-and-bolts, no-nonsense podcast, you'll discover how to get better clients, earn more in less time, and bring more freedom and joy into your writing business. Ed will walk you through the practical, “doable” systems and strategies he has developed in his own writing business — the same systems he has taught his private coaching clients. He'll also show you what’s working for other business writers by bringing you real case studies from the field. And he'll share all this information in an honest and transparent way, with no hype or fluff. Topics covered include: getting better and higher-paying clients; banishing the feast-or-famine cycle; doing more of the work that excites you; how to raise your fees and rates; boosting your productivity; making your business recession-proof; discovering and leveraging your strengths; finding your niche; pricing content writing projects; pricing copywriting projects; writing white papers; writing case studies; writing web copy; writing articles; and much more.

  1. DEC 18

    #361: Your Second Act — Moving From Freelance Success to Significance

    Freelancing can be an exhilarating journey — building a business from scratch, gaining financial freedom, and securing prestigious clients. But what happens when the work that once lit you up begins to feel hollow?   If you've ever wondered if there's more to your career than just success, this episode is for you.   In today’s show, we explore the concept of “Halftime,” a mid-career pivot that shifts your focus from external achievements to deeper personal fulfillment and significance. Drawing from personal experiences and the transformative lessons of Bob Buford’s book Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance, this episode invites you to rethink your path and take actionable steps toward a more meaningful second act.   What You’ll Learn The concept of Halftime and why it’s a proactive, purposeful pivot—not a reactive crisis. How to identify the signs that you’re ready for a career transition. Strategies to realign your work with your core values and personal goals. Practical ways to leverage your existing skills and experience to build a meaningful legacy.   Key Insights and Takeaways Why Halftime Matters for Freelancers As a solo professional, you don’t have a corporate roadmap for navigating career transitions. The freedom to chart your own course is both a burden and a gift. Halftime provides a framework to help you pause, reflect, and realign your business and life in a way that serves your higher purpose.   Recognizing the Need for Change Do any of these resonate with you? You’ve achieved financial milestones but feel unfulfilled. Burnout or fatigue has crept in, leaving you questioning the purpose behind your work. The creative spark that once energized you has faded. These are common signals that it’s time to pivot toward significance.   The Pillars of a Successful Halftime Journey 1. Success Without Significance is Hollow Many freelancers measure success by income, clients, or accolades. But these metrics alone often lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. Reflect on moments in your career that felt truly meaningful. What made them stand out? Practical steps: Revisit your core values and align them with your business goals. Conduct a career audit to identify areas of fulfillment and disconnect.   2. Build on Your Foundation to Create Your Legacy Halftime isn’t about starting over; it’s about using your experience and skills as a launchpad for the next chapter. What does legacy mean to you? It could be as simple as meaningful client work or as ambitious as creating a program that outlasts you. Envision your ideal second act. What kind of work excites you? How can you structure your career to reflect your values?   3. Embrace Experimentation and Small, Purposeful Steps Transitioning doesn’t require a drastic overhaul. Start with small shifts: Say yes to projects that align with your values. Begin phasing out work that drains you. Introduce joy and creativity back into your routine with passion projects. Create margin in your schedule for reflection and exploration.   Actionable Exercises Identify Your Big Why Ask yourself: What matters most to me at this stage of my life and career? Write down 3-5 values that guide your decisions and revisit them regularly. Conduct a Legacy Audit Reflect on your career and identify moments of significance. Ask: How can I create more opportunities for this kind of work? Try the “Joy Alignment Check” List current clients or projects. Which ones energize you? Which ones drain you? Take one small action this week to bring more joy into your work. Draft Your Legacy Statement Example: “In the next 10 years, I want to be known for helping [audience] achieve [outcome] through [method].” Use this statement as a guidepost for decisions moving forward.   Listener Challenge This week, carve out 30 minutes for a personal “vision session.” Ask yourself: What would my career look like if it fully aligned with my values? What small changes can I start making now to move closer to that vision?   Memorable Soundbites “Success without significance is ultimately unfulfilling.” “Your first half built the foundation; your second half builds the legacy.” “This isn’t about starting over—it’s about leveraging everything you’ve built in a more meaningful way.”   Join Me for a Transformative Coaching Experience If today’s episode resonated with you, I have an invitation. Next month, I’m hosting an 8-week small-group coaching program designed for freelancers and solo professionals ready to embrace their Halftime journey.   We’re going to work together over the course of 8 weeks to write a new story for yourself — one that’s unique to you and will enable you to navigate through this fog of doubt and overwhelm.   I'll provide a supportive environment where you can engage deeply with your professional challenges. Together, we'll tackle tough questions that will help you discover the answers you need to confidently navigate your future.   This journey could very well be the catalyst for that profound transformation, helping you navigate through uncertainty with newfound clarity and confidence.   The program is intentionally small and deeply personal. If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s and ready to explore your next act, email me [] with “CLARITY” in the subject line. I’ll reply with all the details.

    57 min

  2. DEC 4

    #360: How Better Self-Inquiry Leads to Better Business Decisions

    Do you ever feel like you’re constantly dealing with the same frustrating challenges in your business?   Maybe you get stuck managing messy revisions from unexpected sources, or a client keeps hitting you with last-minute rush work.   In this episode, I discuss how we often react to these situations rather than respond thoughtfully—and why that difference matters.   We explore two key steps to improve your responses:   Taking a pause before making decisions. Asking yourself better, more open-ended questions that lead to more productive solutions.   This episode is all about how the quality of your internal questions can shift your perspective and help you navigate difficult situations with clarity.   Listen below or subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform.

    5 min

  3. NOV 20

    #359: How to Enjoy a Better Freelance Lifestyle by Unlocking the Secrets of Luxury ‘Points Travel’

    As freelancers, many of us crave the freedom to explore new places without the financial burden that travel can bring. But what if you could fly in luxury without spending a fortune? That's where points travel comes in, and today's guest is a true expert in this game. Spencer Howard, the mastermind behind , has helped countless people book premium travel with points instead of cash—making dreams of business and first-class travel a reality. In this episode, Spencer shares his journey from a political career to building a freelance writing business to becoming a full-time freelancer in the world of points and miles. He dives deep into the strategies freelancers can use to leverage credit card rewards and optimize points for travel, breaking down complex topics like transferable points and airline-specific credit cards. And he explains how to do this without getting into debt or paying credit card fees that don’t make sense. I learned a lot from this conversation. I realized that many of my hang ups about points travel were unfounded. And I discovered that I’m actually making some pretty big mistakes with a strategy I assumed was getting me huge travel perks (but it’s really not a great value!). If you love to travel, you’re going to find several actionable tips on how to maximize your points, avoid common pitfalls and plan your next dream trip—all without breaking the bank or getting into debt. Enjoy!

    43 min

  4. NOV 6

    #358: How to Handle Client Requests to Pick Your Brain

    Have you ever had a client, prospect—or even an acquaintance—ask to "pick your brain"?   At first, it might feel flattering. But after the fourth or fifth time, it starts to feel like a burden.   You feel taken advantage of.   In this short episode, I talk about how I changed my approach to these requests. Instead of making excuses or feeling resentment, I started charging for “brain picking” sessions—and it completely transformed how I handle these situations.   I walk you through how I reframed these requests into a structured offer, how I set the price, and how you can do the same to ensure that clients and prospects value your time and expertise.   It doesn’t matter what type of work you do as a solo professional. If you get these requests regularly, this episode will give you practical tips on how to handle them with confidence.

    6 min

  5. OCT 16

    #357: How Podcast Guesting Can Boost Your Brand and Help Build Your Solo Business

    Most freelancers and solo marketers focus their marketing efforts on prospecting, networking, or LinkedIn.   But guesting on podcasts that your target audience listens to? Not so much.   And that’s too bad, because appearing on podcasts can be a powerful way to build your brand, meet and network with great people, generate leads, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your market.   In this episode, I sit down with Angie Trueblood, a seasoned podcast publicist, to explore how freelance writers and solo marketers can harness the power of podcast guesting.   Angie shares her unique journey into the world of podcast publicity and breaks down why being a guest on the right shows can make a huge positive difference in your business. We dive deep into actionable strategies, including:   Why podcast guesting is an underused but highly effective strategy for freelancers How to identify the podcasts that will bring real value to your business Insider tips on crafting a genuine, irresistible pitch Practical advice on preparing for your podcast debut to maximize impact How to track and measure the success of your podcast guesting efforts   Whether you’re looking to expand your client base, increase your visibility, or simply explore new avenues for growth, Angie’s insights will open your eyes to the untapped potential of this marketing strategy.

    53 min

  6. OCT 9

    #356: How Erynn LaFlamme Uses Custom GPTs to Transform Her Production Workflow

    A growing number of writers are incorporating AI tools into their workflow.   Those who’ve kept an open mind and experimented with different approaches and ways to increase their productivity and scale their creativity have seen remarkable improvements in both the quality and quantity of their work, allowing them to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.   The current models are powerful out of the box. But what if there was a way to take things a step further and create personalized AI tools tailored to your unique needs?   In this episode, I sit down with Erynn LaFlamme, founder and CEO of Ethic Agency, a marketing agency based in Metro Atlanta. Erynn and I discuss how writers can harness the power of custom GPTs to handle nuanced parts of their client workflow.   Erynn has become an expert in using AI for content creation, and she walks us through the process of building Custom GPTs and shares real-world examples of how her team is leveraging this technology to produce better work.   We dive deep into:   The difference between Custom GPTs and using standard ChatGPT Key steps involved in creating GPTs for specific clients Challenges and ethical considerations in AI-powered workflows How to refine and improve Custom GPTs over time Deciding when to use a Custom GPT versus a general AI tool   We also explore what this means for the future of freelance writers and content professionals—will AI replace us, or will it become an essential tool in our toolkit?   Whether you’re curious about integrating AI into your business or looking for ways to refine your processes, this episode offers some very practical ideas, insights and tips.

    46 min

  7. SEP 25

    #355: Why Desperation Can Be a Powerful Source of Breakthroughs in Your Business

    I was doing an exercise the other day where I looked back over the past 3 decades of my career to think through every major breakthrough I had and every big move I made.   Not only was this a fun trip down memory lane, it also made me realize a few very important things.     One of them is that nearly every breakthrough happened during a very challenging moment in my career. And in a few cases, they happened when I was desperate—when I was in a very tight spot and desperately needed things to turn around.   And that got me thinking, “You know ... desperation can lead to some very powerful breakthroughs!”   That’s the topic of this week’s short podcast episode below.

    4 min

  8. SEP 11

    #354: Breaking Free from the Feast-or-Famine Trap: What You Need to Change Starting Today

    In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges freelancers face: the dreaded feast-or-famine cycle. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting out, the strategies we’ll discuss can help you create a steady stream of work and avoid the panic that comes with dry spells. The Growing Urgency of Client Prospecting The freelance world is facing increased pressure. With a challenging economy causing many businesses to put projects on hold, freelancers who’ve enjoyed steady work over the past few years are now finding themselves in a tough spot. The solution? A strategic and consistent approach to prospecting that can keep your pipeline full, regardless of external conditions. Recognizing Marketing as a Core Role As a solo business owner, marketing isn't just something you do when you need work—it’s a critical role that you must prioritize. Freelancers often come from environments where work is handed to them, but when you’re running your own business, you’re responsible for every function, including marketing and sales. If you’re serious about building a sustainable business, you need to accept this responsibility and make marketing a consistent part of your routine. The 10% Rule: A Simple Strategy for Consistent Marketing To ensure marketing becomes a habit, I recommend the 10% Rule—dedicating 10% of your weekly work time to marketing activities. This approach is flexible, achievable, and essential for maintaining a healthy pipeline of opportunities. Whether you're booked solid or facing a slow period, this rule helps you stay proactive in your marketing efforts. Building Marketing into Your Routine Consistency is key. Just like brushing your teeth or going for a walk, marketing should become a habitual part of your weekly routine. When you make marketing a non-negotiable habit, you’ll find that opportunities start to flow more regularly. This doesn’t mean you have to cold prospect constantly—staying in touch with your network, engaging with past clients, and maintaining visibility on platforms like LinkedIn can all contribute to keeping your pipeline active. The Priority Pyramid: Focus on High-Probability Opportunities First When your pipeline is dry, it’s important to focus your efforts on the highest-probability opportunities first. That’s where the Priority Pyramid comes into play: Current Clients & Open Proposals: Start by following up with current clients and open opportunities. This is the highest-probability area where you can secure quick wins. Past & Dormant Clients: Reconnect with past clients or those who have gone dormant. They already know, like, and trust you, making it easier to reignite the relationship. Dead Leads: Reach out to prospects who showed interest in the past but didn’t convert. Often, circumstances change, and they may now be ready to move forward. Cold Prospects: Finally, if you’ve exhausted the previous three categories, turn to cold prospecting. This can be time-consuming, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining a full pipeline. The Importance of Reps and At-Bats Cold prospecting can feel daunting, especially when you face rejection or silence. But remember, like a slot machine in Vegas, the more you play (or in this case, prospect), the higher your chances of hitting a jackpot. The key is to keep going, even when it feels tough. The more reps you do, the better your chances of landing a big win. Unwavering Commitment: The Foundation of Success Freelancing comes with its challenges, and it’s during these tough times that your resolve will be tested. It’s crucial to have a strong sense of purpose—your “Big Why”—that keeps you motivated. Like the American colonists fighting for their freedom, your commitment to your business and your goals will carry you through the toughest challenges. Upcoming Workshop: Build a Powerful Prospecting Habit in 21 Days If you’re ready to take your prospecting efforts to the next level, I’m excited to announce a new prospecting workshop starting next week. Over 21 days, you’ll receive daily lessons and assignments designed to help you build effective prospecting habits that stick. This workshop is all about action, accountability, and results—perfect for freelancers who are ready to transform their business. This is the last time I’m running this workshop in 2025. To join us, send an email to [ed at b2blauncher dot com], and we’ll get you all the details. The workshop begins on Monday, September 16, so don’t wait! Final Thoughts Breaking free from the feast-or-famine cycle requires a strategic and consistent approach to marketing and prospecting. By embracing your role as a marketer, following the 10% Rule, and focusing on high-probability opportunities, you can create a steady flow of work and build a sustainable freelance business. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the High-Income Business Writing podcast. I hope you found these strategies useful. Until next time, keep pushing forward and stay committed to your success.

    51 min
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About

Ed Gandia, co-author of the bestselling book, The Wealthy Freelancer, reveals how to propel your writing business to the six-figure level (or the part-time equivalent). In this nuts-and-bolts, no-nonsense podcast, you'll discover how to get better clients, earn more in less time, and bring more freedom and joy into your writing business. Ed will walk you through the practical, “doable” systems and strategies he has developed in his own writing business — the same systems he has taught his private coaching clients. He'll also show you what’s working for other business writers by bringing you real case studies from the field. And he'll share all this information in an honest and transparent way, with no hype or fluff. Topics covered include: getting better and higher-paying clients; banishing the feast-or-famine cycle; doing more of the work that excites you; how to raise your fees and rates; boosting your productivity; making your business recession-proof; discovering and leveraging your strengths; finding your niche; pricing content writing projects; pricing copywriting projects; writing white papers; writing case studies; writing web copy; writing articles; and much more.

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