The Savvy Scribe

Janine Kelbach
  • 4.9 (72)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Savvy Scribe, a podcast for savvy nurse writers and creatives who want to grow a profitable freelance writing business. Hear some stories about life and entrepreneurship from your host, Janine Kelbach RNC-OB, and her guests. Each episode is jam-packed with actionable tips in growing your business, goal planning, freelancing, productivity, life tools, and many more!

  1. 12/20/2025

    EP341: My Journey As A Nurse Writer with Allyssa Dolphin, RN MSN (A Plan Produce Profit Success Story)

    Send us a text In this inspiring episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, Janine welcomes Alyssa, a fellow nurse and member of the Savvy Nurse Writer community. Alyssa shares how she transitioned from bedside nursing and teaching to becoming a successful freelance writer—all while raising a toddler and growing her family. Her story is full of honest reflection, real-life challenges, and powerful mindset shifts. Whether you’re just getting started or wondering if freelancing is really possible for you, Alyssa’s journey proves it’s more than possible—it’s worth it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode About Building a Freelance Writing Business The transition from nurse to writer: Alyssa shares how she discovered freelance writing after years in OB, NICU, and nursing education.Treating it like a business: She explains how shifting her mindset from “side gig” to “business” helped her replace her teaching income.Real-life balance: Alyssa gives us a look at her daily life as a part-time stay-at-home mom and full-time writer—complete with nap-time writing sessions and toddler cameos.The power of tracking income: Once she started tracking her projects and income, Alyssa realized she was making real money—and that gave her the confidence to keep going.Letting go of the wrong clients: Alyssa shares how dropping one draining client opened the door for better ones and gave her business new energy.Membership insights: She highlights how the Plan, Produce, Profit membership gave her clarity, support, and confidence through resources like templates, the writing skills course, and coaching calls.Advice for new writers: Just start. Reach out. Take the first step. The worst they can say is no.Looking ahead to 2026: Alyssa plans to finish the PPP course, revamp her website, and continue growing intentionally whilWelcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

    46 min

  2. 12/13/2025

    EP340: Reset, Reflect, and Rise: A Gratitude Business Plan for Freelancers

    Send us a text As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how far you’ve come—and start thinking about what’s next. In this solo episode, Janine shares how practicing gratitude can support a stronger, more aligned business plan as you move into a new season. You’ll hear her personal reflections, lessons learned, and a mindset reset strategy that will help you rise with purpose in the year ahead. What You’ll Learn in This Episode About Your Business Plan You’ll walk away with practical ways to use gratitude and reflection as tools to assess, refocus, and build a more intentional business plan. Key Takeaways How to reflect on your year with gratitude—even if parts of it were hardThe surprising way community can fast-track your progress and confidenceA mindset shift to help you let go of what’s holding your business backHow to emotionally “declutter” before planning for a new yearA three-step framework—Reflect, Reset, and Rise—to guide your next business planWhy starting small, even when it’s scary, is better than staying stuckWelcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

    16 min

  3. 12/06/2025

    EP339: Sales, Crafting Proposals, and Negotiation Strategies with Glenn Poulos

    Send us a text Welcome to another episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast! Today, I am joined by Glenn Poulos, a top voice on LinkedIn and a seasoned sales expert with over 40 years of experience. Glenn shares insights from his career and his book Never Sit in the Lobby, offering practical and actionable tips to help freelance writers and business owners master the art of sales and negotiation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode About Proposal and Negotiation Strategies In this episode, Glenn dives into his decades-long sales journey and provides freelance writers with proven techniques to confidently approach proposal negotiations and client communications. He emphasizes the importance of showing up—whether in person or on camera—and creating meaningful connections. Key Takeaways Sales wisdom from the field: Glenn shares his journey from working in the Canadian government to building and selling two successful tech companies—and what he learned about sales along the way.Why face-to-face still matters: Whether physically or virtually, being present with clients builds trust and improves outcomes.Top tips from Never Sit in the Lobby:> Never sit in the lobby: Be ready, be present, and make an impression. > Have something in your hand and something in your heart: Always bring value to the conversation—literally and figuratively. > Always ask for a mini tour: Go beyond the surface to learn more about your client’s needs. > Never forget a face: Remembering names and faces builds rapport and social proof. Negotiation tips for freelancers:> Know your non-negotiables and walk-away points. > Silence is a powerful tool—don’t talk yourself into a discount. > Understand the chain of decision-makers—start high and get referred dow Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

    46 min

  4. 11/29/2025

    EP338: A Nonjudgmental End-of-Year Reflection on Your Business

    Send us a text As 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to pause, reflect, and reset. In this solo episode of The Savvy Scribe, Janine walks you through an intentional end-of-year reflection—one that goes beyond business and dives into your personal and financial wins, your challenges, and how to turn failures into feedback. Whether you’ve had a successful year or feel like things didn’t go as planned, this episode is a helpful reset before goal-setting in January. End-of-Year Reflection for Nurse Writers and Entrepreneurs What You’ll Learn: Why year-end reflection is critical to your business growthHow to identify your wins (big or small — yes, sending 10 pitches counts!)What didn’t work this year — and how to use failure as feedbackThe importance of examples when working with clientsHow to reset your mindset and avoid “carrying the weight” into 2026The difference between winners and losers (inspired by a powerful quote from the Huberman Lab podcast)Practical steps for setting 3 actionable Q1 goals + a personal boundaryThe ONE question that can help you define your dream business headline for 2026 Key Takeaways How to recognize and record your wins—personal, business, and financialWhy even unsuccessful pitches or flopped projects are worth celebratingThe importance of identifying what didn’t work and reframing failure as feedbackWhy emotional resilience, especially as a nurse, gives you an edge in businessHow to shift your mindset from “loser” to “winner” (inspired by Huberman Lab)Tips for setting a bold, motivating headline for your 2026 business visionA preview of what’s coming in January for goal setting and planningThe power of setting personal boundaries and choosing a growth mindsetWelcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

    14 min

  5. 11/22/2025

    EP337: The Future Of Marketing Isn’t Technology. It’s Psychology with Gee Ranasinha

    Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with marketing strategist Gee Ranasinha to explore what the future of marketing really looks like — and why many businesses are getting it wrong. Despite the rise of AI and automation tools, marketing’s core hasn’t changed: it’s still about understanding human behavior. Gee breaks down the power of behavioral science, emotional triggers, and brand distinctiveness to explain how businesses can create marketing that sticks. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing technology or struggled to stand out in a crowded market, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you a fresh perspective. Why is Psychology the Future Of Marketing Behavioral Science and Buyer PsychologyWhat Went Wrong with Modern MarketingWhy Emotion Is the Foundation of Memorable MarketingThe Real Drivers of B2B Decision-MakingBrand Positioning that Actually WorksWhat Most Businesses Get Wrong About AI and ToolsWhy Standing Out Matters More Than Ever Actionable Takeaways: Talk to your customers every week — their language and feedback are your marketing gold.Don’t start with websites, tools, or ads. Start with positioning.Build your marketing strategy around emotional connection and perceived value.Differentiate intentionally. Safe branding leads to forgettable outcomes.Consider marketing a core business function — not just a set of promotional tactics. Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

    51 min

  6. 11/15/2025

    EP336: Non-Traditional Small Business Marketing Strategies and Tactics with Mark Newsome

    Send us a text In this value-packed episode, marketing expert Mark Newsome shares his journey from real estate note investing to becoming “Mr. Marketing,” helping small business owners and service providers grow through direct response and relationship-driven strategies.   Discover practical small business marketing strategies and learn how to grow your service-based business through relationship-driven outreach, optimized content, and low-cost visibility tactics. About the Guest Mark Newsome (aka) Mr. Marketing is a small business cash flow generation specialist. He specializes in helping non-franchised small business owners and service providers. Consistently generate an additional 25% in gross profits! Typically, within 90 days or less! Using low-cost, high-impact, non-traditional marketing strategies and tactics. Plus monetizing what they once considered dead or dramatically underutilized assets and or resources! Key Takeaways 1. Lead with Service, Not Sales 2. Optimize Your Online Presence (Especially LinkedIn) 3. Leverage Small Opportunities for Big Impact 4. Use Benefit-Driven Content That Speaks to Pain Points 5. Know Your Customer’s Lifetime Value 6. Build and Own Your Email List 7. Use Upselling and Value Stacking 8. Focus on You-Oriented Messaging 9. Start Where You Are Action Steps for New Business Owners If you’re just starting out, Mark recommends: Fix your online profile (especially on LinkedIn) to clearly communicate what you do, who you help, and the outcome you provide.Create content or a lead magnet based on a common pain point in your industry—something useful, specific, and relevant.Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

    1h 3m

  7. 11/08/2025

    EP335: The Proposal Template That Got Me Hired

    Send us a text If you’ve ever sent a proposal and never heard back, you’re not alone. In this episode, we break down a real (but anonymized) proposal template to help you understand what might be going wrong and how to fix it. You’ll learn how to use your discovery calls effectively, avoid vague language, and present a clear, compelling next step that leads to signed contracts—not silence. This episode is ideal for freelance writers, agencies, and service providers looking to improve their client proposal process. Key Takeaways: 1. Most Ghosted Proposals Aren’t Actually Your Fault The majority of ghosting happens because of internal client issues, not your offer. Keep pitching consistently—it’s a numbers game. 2. Make the Proposal About Them, Not You The best proposals reflect the client’s own words and goals. Use language from your discovery calls to show you’re aligned with their needs. 3. Keep the Proposal Short and Easy to Share Proposals are often presented in 15-minute internal meetings. Use a concise, 5-slide proposal template that highlights only what matters most. 4. What to Include in a Client Proposal Template Credibility Statement (e.g., “Write RN – trusted healthcare content from nurse writers”)Client’s Goals stated clearly using their own phrasingDeliverables (e.g., four 800–1,000 word SEO-optimized articles)Bylines and Author Credentials to improve SEO and authorityProject Timeline and Process (e.g., 10 business days for draft delivery)Next Steps (contract, onboarding form, optional kickoff call) 5. The Proposal is a Follow-Up, Not a First Impression If the discovery call went well, the proposal simply confirms what was discussed. Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

    10 min

  8. 11/01/2025

    EP334: Get More Inquiries Through Your Website with Conversion-Focused and SEO-Friendly Copy That Sounds Like You with Chrysanthi Stamou

    Send us a text In this episode, we are joined by copywriter and messaging strategist Chrysanthi Stamou, who specializes in helping service-based businesses create conversion-focused and SEO-friendly websites. Chrysanthi breaks down what every small business owner needs to know to turn their website into a powerful, client-generating tool. From homepage structure to SEO myths and writing calls-to-value that resonate, you’ll learn how to write website copy that reflects your personality—and gets results. This conversation is a must-listen if you’re building or updating your SEO-friendly website and want it to actually bring in leads. Crafting High-Converting Website Copy Key Takeaways Why an SEO-friendly website still matters in 2025, despite the rise of short-form video and social media platforms.What makes a website conversion-focused: using customer-driven research, clear messaging, and benefit-led structure.Call-to-value vs. call-to-action: How to write CTAs that encourage clicks and reduce resistance.Homepage hero section best practices:Focus on the transformation your services offer.Use benefit-driven, keyword-rich headlines.Include clear direction with action-oriented CTAs.About page that connects:Move beyond listing credentials.Share your story and values in a way that builds trust.SEO insights:Why SEO is not dead—and how it fuels AI tools as well as Google rankings.How to measure your site’s SEO performance with Google Search Console or Ahrefs.Website audit tips:Replace generic page headers with value-driven messaging.Spread testimonials across key decision points—not hidden in sliders.Simplify your navigation (5–6 links max) to reduce choice paralysis.Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today! Support the show FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

    36 min
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4.9
out of 5
72 Ratings

About

The Savvy Scribe, a podcast for savvy nurse writers and creatives who want to grow a profitable freelance writing business. Hear some stories about life and entrepreneurship from your host, Janine Kelbach RNC-OB, and her guests. Each episode is jam-packed with actionable tips in growing your business, goal planning, freelancing, productivity, life tools, and many more!

Information

  • Creator
    Janine Kelbach
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    333
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Savvy Scribe
  • Show Website
    The Savvy Scribe