Student Spotlight: School Teacher to Asana Specialist with Paula Holsberry The Freelance Podclass

With all the innovation we’re seeing these days, how do you stay on top of technology and even offer freelance services in that area? Today our guest is Paula Holsberry, who has journeyed from being a school teacher to a freelance Asana specialist with her business, Tessera Virtual Business Solutions.
Join us as we discuss some important principles and strategies about niching down and turning a software into an income stream. We’ll also share Paula’s best strategies for developing your expert status and finding clients!

 
Podcast Outline:
[0:00] Introduction to Paula Holsberry and the topic of staying on top of technology and offering services in that area - Paula shares how she got into freelancing, what she did in the past, and where she’s at today.
[4:46] Does your niche find you, or do you find your niche? - how Paula’s experience shows that her niche discovered her and used transferable skills from her past career.
[6:48] What is Asana? - Paula explains how Asana works and breaks down the services she offers in her business.
[10:07] How Asana was transformative for Freelance University - Craig explains how it allows him and his wife/business partner to break down different tasks and projects by different groups and teams.
[11:22] The importance of niching down in Paula’s business - Paula describes how it was a pivot point in terms of her business growth, success, and freedom.
[14:31] How niching down is important from a branding perspective - Craig describes the ways niching down allows you to be distinctive in the marketplace and brand yourself in a way that tracks with your ideal audience.
[15:15] How niching down keeps you in a certain lane - Paula describes how it prevents her from getting distracted.
[15:47] A good principle for freelancers to remember - how what you’re doing today may not be the same thing you’ll do in the future.
[16:11] Software as a Service (SaaS) - what it means to freelancers and how you can package it into a service you provide to clients. 
 
Suggestions for Freelancers Interested in Turning a Software into an Income Stream
[17:59] #1 Think about what technology you love using - how seeing its value is a huge boost.
[18:54] #2 Think about the places (industries, niche groups) that would benefit from using the technology - how that uncovers areas you can focus on as you start learning how to use it.
[19:16] #3 Think about how much time you can commit to learning the technology - tips for finding a learning track or other training resources you can follow.
[20:25] #4 Just start - the importance of learning as you go and remembering you won’t be an expert in the beginning.
[21:42] An important principle to remember - Craig explains how you just need to know more than the client does. He shares an example from his own experience that illustrates how learning a tool enough may lead to repeat work from clients.
 
Paula’s Best Strategies for Finding Clients
[24:17] #1 If you’re working with a specific software, see if they have a directory you can be part of - how people often will go to the software’s website for help and may find you in the directory.
[24:56] #2 Become part of other directories - Paula shares examples that can connect you with clients.
[25:34] #3 Create lots of content - how there’s never a lack of material to use for your content creation and marketing when you’re learning software. Paula explains the importance of producing and sharing content so you can develop your expert status.
[27:44] How content is key to establishing your credibility - Craig shares encouragement and examples of content you can create around your domain of expertise.
[29:23] Basic lessons Paula has learned as she’s journeyed from being a teacher to an Asana specialist - how it’s important to know when to say yes and when to say no.
[32:33] How Freelance University has helped Paula in her journey - Paula shares examples of the huge role it