Doing It For The Kids (Doing It For The Kids, Frankie Tortora, Steve Folland)
Explore every episode of Doing It For The Kids
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 23 Jan 2020 | When you keep ignoring your inbox | 00:20:09 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from nutritionist Kezia Hall. She says: “How can I spend less time in my inbox? I've had VA's in the past but there are still LOTS of client emails that I can only answer as they relate to my clients’ health, programs of support or other sensitive issues (AKA talking about their poo or their periods!) I also get a lot of new clients by following up leads via email etc. But I will literally do anything to avoid sitting down during naptime to bosh through them — I make coffee, watch Modern Family, drink kombucha, even tidy (only when I am desperate). Ironically I am actually a really efficient worker — I generally feel pretty productive and run my whole nutrition business in 20-25 hrs a week. But my gmail — it makes my stomach turn. Any tips, strategies? Or do I just need to grow up, shift my mindset and load up on the ol' 'gratitude' in that I have clients to respond to in the first place…? Even if they do email me about their latest bowel movements or what they ate for dinner??! All wisdom welcome. I should go now and actually answer some emails...” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Kezia Hall's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 29 Feb 2024 | Should you put your prices on your website? | 00:20:03 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Babs Harris aka Anonymous. “I work with corporate clients around workshop facilitation and keynote speaking. My question is around pricing transparency. I am finding that I am getting lots of enquiries (which I am very grateful for!). Most of the time I respond via email with my fees and the potential client doesn't have the budget. I would say this happens three quarters of the time. My fees are probably higher than average but I'm happy with the price point and the value I offer and I have lots of repeat clients that I work with closely. It's not a major admin task to respond to each enquiry individually but collectively over a month or so it can take up quite a bit of time. So I am looking at reviewing how I do things. I'm keen to understand what others do and why. Do they: 1. Display prices on your website? 2. Send fees in response to an enquiry, prior to setting up a meeting with the potential client? 3. Meet with the potential client first and then send prices after? Which approach do you think is best for maximising revenue, building relationships but also protecting time?" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 20 Mar 2025 | When you need help untangling your thoughts and ideas | 00:21:19 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous. They say: “Dear Frankie and Steve, A retainer client of mine gave notice over the weekend (her business is quiet and she can’t afford to keep us on) but it’s got me thinking and feeling a bit stuck. I feel like *something is going to happen* — like a shift is coming? — but I can’t quite put my finger on it or work it out, and I’ve decided I want to do this myself rather than doing some coaching etc. I suppose my question is… What do you and Steve do when you feel like this? Do you ever feel like this?? Any tips or advice for working things out on your own? Thanks!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. ••• Doing It For The Kids website ••• This episode is supported by With Jack. With Jack protects sole traders and limited companies on the high seas of freelancing so you're free to navigate uncharted territories and fish for amazing projects. With Jack is all about insurance for freelance creatives. Simple. That doesn’t mean more forms or faff — it means less. It’s not about endless features and stale service — it’s about one solid policy and the personal touch. With Jack is a trading style of Ashley Baxter Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register. | |||
| 06 Jul 2023 | When you feel like an imposter | 00:18:26 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Lucy Critchley, founder of Untold Creative Services. Lucy says: “I use Canva A LOT. My clients find it super simple (mostly!) so it just makes sense. I’ve never learned how to use Illustrator/Photoshop etc but I feel like I should…? I think it would be a good skill to have and could be a benefit to my business in terms of being taken seriously with design/graphics/socials work. But I haven’t a clue where to start! Or if it’s even a good idea or not. It probably also stems back to being told I wasn’t very creative when I was younger… hello imposter syndrome! Any thoughts welcome!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 20 May 2021 | Finding your 'thing' | 00:19:55 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Tom Snow, aka Anonymous. They say: “Hi Frankie and Steve, My partner is a very creative person, but is currently doing an employed job that helps others in creative education, but is bogged down with institutional admin, company politics, meetings etc. It doesn't allow her to be creative herself. I'd like to encourage her to take the leap to become self employed and find the thing she loves doing. Finding 'the thing' is the hard part — how do you turn your love of creating and making into a money earner? How do you find what your passion might be on the one hand, and also think about how it will bring in money on the other? Thanks a lot, Tom" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Penfold. The flexible pension for freelance parents. Penfold provides freelancers with an online pension that’s simple to use and completely flexible. Sign up with the code DIFTK and get a £25 bonus into your pension pot. Penfold are also offering up to a £1,000 top up on pension transfers until the 31st of March 2021, so you can earn more from your old pension pots! Penfold is regulated by the FCA. When you put money in a pension, it’s an investment, and like all investments, your capital is at risk. Check for benefits before transferring. Go to www.getpenfold.com/diftk ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 27 Jun 2024 | Quick ways to drum up some work | 00:20:09 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from marketing consultant Ayo Abbas. Ayo says: “Hi Frankie & Steve, It's tough out there right now — what do you think is the quickest way freelancers can make something happen in terms of winning work? Thanks, Ayo” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 22 Sep 2020 | Preparing for Lockdown 2.0 | 00:20:55 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from coach, mentor and consultant EJ Trivett. She says: “With Lockdown 2.0 looming precariously ahead, what are our lessons from the first wave, and what could we put in place NOW to proactively protect our businesses (and sanity) ahead of the game?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• EJ Trivett's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 11 Mar 2021 | When your clients are always late | 00:20:53 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Casey Gunn aka Anonymous. They say: “What advice do you have when your clients habitually deliver things late which then completely messes up your planning and diary? For context, I’m a social media manager. I have three big clients — all contracted for minimum three month periods — and two of my three clients do this! Usually, these clients are good — we have a good relationship, they pay on time (ish), pay a rate I’m happy with... BUT the constant lateness is making things really tricky for me. My diary gets booked up well in advance (especially at the moment with no childcare!) and their lateness means I have to cram work into already scarce time. I can’t just move the work until when my diary clears, because then the campaigns I’m working on for them become irrelevant as often they are attached to a particular calendar event. I build in ‘wiggle room’, send reminders and prompts but.... NOPE, still late. I don’t know what to do!!! Do I charge more if work has to be completed post-deadline? Like, the equivalent of ‘overtime’? How do I protect myself from this situation in my contract? It means that next week, for example, I have to build three advertising campaigns (when my planning says I was supposed to only be working on one) and write two campaign analysis reports, alongside my day to day duties with another client... oh and homeschooling my two kids aged 6 and 8 because — PANDEMIC. Basically, I’M FUCKED AND I WANT TO CRY. End.” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Penfold. The flexible pension for freelance parents. Penfold provides freelancers with an online pension that’s simple to use and completely flexible. Sign up with the code DIFTK and get a £25 bonus into your pension pot. Penfold are also offering up to a £1,000 top up on pension transfers until the 31st of March 2021, so you can earn more from your old pension pots! Penfold is regulated by the FCA. When you put money in a pension, it’s an investment, and like all investments, your capital is at risk. Check for benefits before transferring. Go to www.getpenfold.com/diftk ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 23 Apr 2020 | How to drum up work in a pandemic without being seen as 'opportunistic' | 00:20:25 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from consultant and governance expert Gemma Sykes. She says: “As well as struggling with trying to work with a 6 year old and an 18 month old around — and a lot of my work disappearing over night! — I need help on how to drum up work without sounding opportunistic or seen to be exploiting the situation. Also, what’s the etiquette on mentioning that working with you means supporting a small business at a time when we've been really badly hit and not eligible for government support? I don't want to sound like I'm begging, particularly with charities whose service users are likely to be badly affected (much much worse than me in many cases) but I also need to feed my kids and pay the mortgage!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. Join the Being Freelance Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/beingfreelance/ Read Gareth Thomas' blogpost here: https://www.garethkthomas.com/blog/this-is-tough ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Gemma Sykes on LinkedIn Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 22 Sep 2022 | How to get the most out of a coworking space | 00:21:44 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from writer, editor and proofreader Louisa Ellins. She says… “Dear Frankie and Steve, As much as I love my office in the box room, I keep hearing that co-working spaces are a great place to meet potential clients, and I sometimes miss the office chat from my employed days. I've decided to dip my toe into co-working spaces after the school summer holiday break, and I've found that there's several different options in my town. I wouldn't go full time, but it would be nice to have the option of a hot desk to work from sometimes. What tips do you have for making the most of my time there? Thanks so much! Louisa” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. • • •
At AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That’s why it’s AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered. And while we’re making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family. Work hard, insure easy. Visit AXA’s Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support. AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ••• | |||
| 11 Jul 2019 | Finding balance between paid work and unpaid business building | 00:20:03 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Master Galactic Shepherd (AKA anonymous). They say: “Short version: Is it really a good idea to turn down (properly) paid work to carve out time for business building? Long version: 'Successful' freelancers on interviews always say not to get too bogged down in client work and leave plenty of time for websites, blogging, networking etc. But why would you turn down (sensible) money short-term for the promise of something long-term? Is it on the basis that it’ll inevitably mean more money/ better clients/ more passive revenue? Or am I missing something in my delight at being able to pay the mortgage this month?!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 16 May 2019 | How to grow your business when real life has other ideas | 00:21:13 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Nicky Raby. Nicky is an actor, business and life coach, writer, speaker and podcaster. She says: “Something that’s coming up a lot with my clients at the moment is the idea of Dream Life vs Real Life. How do you continue to expand and grow your business when real life circumstances change? Like, you’ve had a baby (or another baby)? What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 21 Sep 2023 | We made it to 100 episodes! | 00:20:23 | |
To celebrate 100 episodes of DIFTK, Frankie & Steve answer a bunch of quick fire questions! And a HUGE thank you to everybody that has listened, reviewed, sent in a question or a comment. Wouldn't be the same without you. Thank you. •••
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| 06 Oct 2022 | How to market a ‘boring’ business | 00:20:07 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from accountant Claire Owen-Jones. She says: “I have a ‘boring’ business and make a ‘boring’ podcast. I’m okay with that — I’m an accountant so I am very familiar with DULL — but I struggle with how to market it. Via the podcast I answer common accountancy questions. This week’s episode is 7-10 minutes of me explaining payments on account, for example. How can I make the un-fun more memorable and/or appealing?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. • • • This episode is supported by AXA Business Insurance At AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That’s why it’s AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered. And while we’re making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family. Work hard, insure easy. Visit AXA’s Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support. AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ••• | |||
| 06 Jun 2019 | When your friends say they love your work but don't actually buy it | 00:19:40 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Rachel Brownlow Brown. Rachel is an illustrator and designer. She says: “People I know think I'm doing really well with my business because they see me building the business online, but actually I'm not bringing in much money yet (I'm currently living off redundancy money from my old job). I feel like they're really supportive with liking and sharing my stuff, but so many people I know have said they love it and want to buy something but never actually do (apart from my mum who probably has made up the majority of my sales!). So I suppose my question is around how I translate those positive comments into sales? It feels more icky to "sell" to them when I know them, but they are the ones telling me they like it!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 30 Nov 2023 | When you want to ‘do good’ via your business | 00:20:00 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Lametta Truffleballs AKA Anonymous. They say… “Hi Frankie & Steve, I see a lot of freelancers ‘doing good’ with their business, donating x % to the planet or to another good cause. I really like this idea, but — with two small children, one of which is still in a private nursery — I feel like I just don’t have the spare money to do this? Should I just suck it up and do it anyway?? Help!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 28 Mar 2019 | When your "friend" wants some free business advice and asks to meet in person | 00:19:55 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Nicola Washington. Nicola is a writer and social media manager, she says: "What do you do about the “friend” who wants some free advice and expects you to take a two hour round trip to meet somewhere “mutually convenient”? My preferred “Mate, people pay me for this shit” might not cut it.” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 23 Jan 2025 | When you’ve lost your content creation mojo | 00:20:59 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous. They say… “I’m struggling to get back into the rhythm of creating content consistently. This isn’t just an after-Christmas thing, this is an after-the-summer-last-year thing. I used to create every week without fail and I know people like what I do. And I even know it made a difference to my business, but I struggled with even once a month for the second half of the year. What do you think? How can I get my making mojo back?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. ••• | |||
| 25 Mar 2021 | Putting ourselves back together | 00:19:54 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Kate Nikityuk, founder of Questime. She says: “How do you put yourself back together if all you want to do now the kids are back in school is lay down and stare out of the window? I allowed myself a day of rest on Monday. It is already Thursday and I am still not a rock star 'nailing it'. More like a jellyfish answering a few enquiries from clients and delegating bare minimum to the team. My list of work-to-be-done-when-kids-are-back-to-school is growing, the pressure to make ends meet is terrible and in a blink of an eye it will be the Easter break with both kids back at home and juggling it all again. Any ideas on how to quickly come back to life?' What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Penfold. The flexible pension for freelance parents. Penfold provides freelancers with an online pension that’s simple to use and completely flexible. Sign up with the code DIFTK and get a £25 bonus into your pension pot. Penfold are also offering up to a £1,000 top up on pension transfers until the 31st of March 2021, so you can earn more from your old pension pots! Penfold is regulated by the FCA. When you put money in a pension, it’s an investment, and like all investments, your capital is at risk. Check for benefits before transferring. Go to www.getpenfold.com/diftk ••• Questime website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 16 Nov 2023 | When you’re setting up as a freelance consultant | 00:19:12 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Colin Parks AKA Anonymous. They say… “Hi Frankie and Steve I’ve worked for a company (employed) for over 12 years. I work with digital technology as an Account Director and I’ve managed some decent clients. My key skills are listening to, understanding and challenging client requirements, and then translating them into actionable, achievable outcomes. I have the soft skills of technology, but I don’t code. I’m now fed up with the increasing internal hierarchy, unnecessary process bollocks and the required emphasis on being seen to do things (like PowerPoint decks) rather than actually achieving valuable outcomes for clients. Anyway, I’m currently on 3 months of gardening leave so I have some time to plan my goals, brush up on skills, and, of course, do some gardening… Ultimately, I want to go freelance, but I don’t want to be known as a “C” word (Consultant) as I intend to actually roll my sleeves up and do work such as designing Proof of Concepts, helping their development teams and deciding on the right technology. What advice can you give someone wanting to go freelance when it’s about services and outcomes rather than outputs? That is, I don’t create, say, graphics or videos. Instead, I help clients define their problems and investigate solutions. Any thoughts? Thanks, Colin” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 08 Nov 2019 | When it's time to put your rates up | 00:20:03 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Joe Wolf (i.e. anonymous). 'She' says: “As we hurtle towards the start of a new year, I'd really like to know how best to word a 'I'm raising my prices' email. Having done some competitor research, I'm definitely undercharging some of my customers. I know I did it initially because of imposter syndrome but now we have a good, ongoing relationship I think it’s about time I started to feel like I'm being paid for my years of experience. Do you need to say why you’re raising your prices? Do you need to offer a reduced rate for current customers? How do you do it without being apologetic?" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 12 Sep 2019 | School newbies! Adjusting to working within school hours | 00:19:35 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Jon Richards. Jon runs Obladee, a design studio specialising in branding and identity design. He says: “With our oldest just starting school, I’m wondering how others deal with the change of routine with set drop off and pick up times? Is there any tips or advice of how to adapt to these new work hours from parents that have school kids?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the [DIFTK Community](https://www.facebook.com/groups/DIFTK/) on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by the brilliant Cowly Owl, who make mobile & tablet games for the whole family to play together. ••• Jon Richard's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 02 Apr 2020 | Life right now | 00:19:04 | |
Soooo, we've gone a bit off-piste this week. We sat down to record an episode as normal, but in reality just ended up talking about what's been going on in our lives during the Coronavirus 'Lockdown'. Clearly we needed to get some stuff off our chests! We hope us sharing our frustrations and observations from the past week will help you too. Enjoy. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 21 Oct 2021 | How to get over a (client) breakup | 00:20:01 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Val Abbott AKA Anonymous. She says: “How do you get over a client breakup? Recently I had a client who I felt I worked really hard on. Prioritising their work when it was dropped on me at the last minute, replying to whatsapp at any given hour, working weekends (I know, I know) only to receive a message to say that they felt I was too busy and had found another agency to replace me. Whilst I know that I actually went above and beyond for this client and that I really had worked my hardest, I can’t help but shake the feeling of guilt that I could have done more. So my question is, how do you get over a client breakup? It is just a common thing that happens to freelancers? Tell me I’m not alone in feeling this way??" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Download a DIFTK Bingo card Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 30 Jul 2020 | How to celebrate your wins without sounding like a w*nker | 00:19:20 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from writer and educator Fiona Tapp. She says: "Congrats on your British Podcast Award! I won an award in my field last year and I have been wondering how to best market the fact without sounding like a wanker. It’s sometimes hard to shout about your wins (especially as a woman) but if you have been recognised surely you should be able to celebrate?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Fiona Tapp's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 10 Jun 2021 | Breaking up with a difficult client | 00:18:40 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Quinn Finn, aka Anonymous. They say: "I know this has been discussed in the group and on the podcast so others are doing this too... Over the last 12 months I have made the decision to stop working with certain clients who either don't pay me, take the piss with their expectations of my time or just aren't a right fit for whatever reason. It's my business, I can choose who to work with, right? For the second time in a few months, the response to my email to end the client relationship has been one of questioning my decision and disappointment that I have let them down. I am telling myself that this is their issue and not mine but as it's happened twice now (almost identical wording) I'm beginning to question whether I'm being too unreasonable in choosing who to work with? I would love to hear other experiences of moving on from clients who aren't a good fit. My T&Cs state a 15 day notice period on both sides and I always give at least a month so it isn't that. What can I / should I do differently?" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Penfold. The flexible pension for freelance parents. Penfold provides freelancers with an online pension that’s simple to use and completely flexible. Sign up with the code DIFTK and get a £25 bonus into your pension pot. Penfold are also offering up to a £1,000 top up on pension transfers until the 31st of March 2021, so you can earn more from your old pension pots! Penfold is regulated by the FCA. When you put money in a pension, it’s an investment, and like all investments, your capital is at risk. Check for benefits before transferring. Go to www.getpenfold.com/diftk ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 16 Sep 2021 | When your creative business isn't creative anymore | 00:20:09 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from web and graphic designer at Spurwing Creative — Claire Wood. She says: “Hi both! My current dilemma is a question I keep coming back to and yet have never found a way to resolve. I started my freelance business 13 years ago and over the years my role has moved from a predominantly creative business into a more developer/online business. I love designing and creating but now find that I am so bogged down in 'adminy' and technical jobs, that I end up being less and less creative. I am incredibly lucky that the bulk of my work is referrals and that I’m busy — but I find the more websites and systems I produce, the more I get recommended for that kind of work, which exacerbates the issue. I understand how I got here (I’m good at producing these systems!) but I find them incredibly boring to produce and am still in a mindset where I’m unable to turn down work. Now I’m in a position where I'm not enjoying the bulk of my workload and feel isolated, lonely and bored thanks to working from home — my mental health has suffered. In an ideal world I would have a financial cushion that would allow me to turn down some of these projects and pursue more that interest me, but — as many self-employed people are — I work very hand to mouth (especially being a widowed parent). My question is, how can I somehow incorporate more of what I love (and ultimately went freelance to do), without losing out financially? Somedays I think I'd love to work outside or do something completely different, but understand this isn't possible (unless I win the lottery), but the ideal would be to design book covers all day, but that is only 5% of what I currently do. Any ideas on how to help morph my business back to a place where I am not voluntarily doing something I don't enjoy? Thanks! Claire” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Penfold. The flexible pension for freelance parents. Penfold provides freelancers with an online pension that’s simple to use and completely flexible. Sign up with the code DIFTK and get a £25 bonus into your pension pot. Penfold are also offering up to a £1,000 top up on pension transfers until the 31st of March 2021, so you can earn more from your old pension pots! Penfold is regulated by the FCA. When you put money in a pension, it’s an investment, and like all investments, your capital is at risk. Check for benefits before transferring. Go to www.getpenfold.com/diftk ••• Spurwing Creative website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 30 Sep 2021 | Planning your maternity leave as a freelancer | 00:20:57 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Serena Steele AKA Anonymous. She says: “I’m expecting my second baby later this year. Do you have any tips on planning maternity leave (pre- and post-birth) and maybe around lining up work for 2022? I don’t want to prepare too much because I don’t know how I’ll feel after the birth. But I also don’t want to go into this without a plan! I love the idea of taking all the time I need but I don’t know how realistic that is. I guess I’m worried I’ll have to start all over again when I come back? Help! Thanks” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 08 Jun 2023 | When you’ve got too much work to do | 00:21:07 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from designer, coder and illustrator Andi Best. Andi says: “I can't go on like this — I think I need to give in and ask for help! I am inundated with work and the enquiries keep coming, which is a great problem to have, but I don’t know what to do about it. Previously I've mitigated large volumes of work by quoting higher or asserting my unavailability — ultimately turning work away. For a "busy period" that works well, but for the past 6 months I've been consistently (too) busy, and I now accept that I need to try something else. I just don't want to keep saying 'no'. I think I need more resource? I don't want ‘staff’ (insurance, sick leave, payroll? No thanks!) but I do want something more robust than the ad-hoc outsourcing I do now. I think I need a firm freelance partnership? Or agency temp? Or similar arrangement? What's holding me back is a lack of trust in an unknown entity (the quality of the work, sharing client credentials etc.) — ultimately relinquishing control of the work that's getting my name attached to it. And also a fear that their rates will exceed the fees already agreed for the work. Any advice? Thanks, Andi” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 17 Oct 2019 | Coping with the 'cult of busy' | 00:18:22 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from freelance 'policy geek' Elaine Wilson. She says: "How honest should I be about my current workload? Like many freelancers I have busier and quieter spells (quieter around the summer holiday period for instance because I don't have many childcare options and I want to spend that time with my daughter). For some reason whenever a client, family member or other school parent asks what I've got on at the moment I feel really awkward telling them that I'm winding down for the school holidays or that my workload is quiet. I know this works best for my family (and my own stress levels) and I'm trying to pursue my own creative project on the side during these quieter periods, but I feel like I should be projecting this image of being busy and that this somehow seems more professional not to be. I sort of imagine I should be like Alan Johnson in Peep Show, but I come across as more of a Jez!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 25 Jun 2020 | Let's talk social media | 00:21:27 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from copywriter Catherine Jones. She says: "Let's talk social media. Do you use every platform or focus on one? Do you schedule? How do you allocate time for answering comments and interacting with other people? How do you ensure you don't get sucked down the rabbit hole and lose hours to it? Is it worth outsourcing? If so, how do you know you're ready / can afford to? Sorry, I know it's only supposed to be one question!" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ***Vote for us in the Listener's Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards!*** ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Catherine Jones' website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 28 Apr 2022 | Surviving the school holidays | 00:20:53 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from project manager and editor Rose Parkin. She says: “Talk to me about school holidays. We’re currently in the second week of Easter, but the summer break is looming. Both me and my partner are freelance and we have two kids aged 5 and 8. We don't tend to do a huge amount of holiday clubs (maybe 1-2 days a week at most) so the kids end up having a fair bit of screen time so that we can juggle work, cooking, house chores and our own downtime. Our routine tends to be 7-8am TV, then 'full on' parenting (with one parent, then the other) until 3pm, then they have an hour of technology time, then a film. Today I'm seriously feeling the guilt of them being in front of screens and missing out on the sunshine. I’m interested to know how others juggle holidays and maintain some flexibility while also having some structure to ensure work gets done?! Is that too much to ask??” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Download a DIFTK Bingo card Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 26 Sep 2024 | How to make the most of having ‘more time’ | 00:19:30 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Louise Jenkins who supports women with their transition into motherhood, and develops and facilitates workshops in partnership with organisations working to end violence against women and girls. Louise says: “Hi Frankie & Steve, With Wildling now at school, technically I have ‘more time’ available to me spread out over a full week. *Chokes on tea because we all know ‘more time’ is bullsh*t — have you seen the amount of school-related admin there is?!* Anyway. So far so good. But I need help managing this newfound time, and how to make the ‘best’ of it I suppose? I’m battling with setting boundaries, and how to approach and commit to new or potential partners/clients, as well as finding space for MYSELF too. I’m slowly finding a groove. But would love to know how you and everybody in DIFTK found this shift? Thanks! Louise” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 11 Nov 2021 | How to promote yourself when speaking at an event | 00:21:06 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Agnes Armstrong AKA Anonymous. She says: "What is an appropriate level of self promotion when doing a talk? I have been asked to do a talk on Imposter Syndrome for 150 female leaders in an organisation. Naturally I don't feel in the slightest bit confident I am able to do this or the right person for the job, but given the topic I feel that is exactly why I should, and so for that reason I am in! I will be one of four people contributing and my slot will take up nearly half of the online event, including the break out room workshops I will help shape. I was initially told there is budget but that hasn’t proven to be the case — I won’t be getting paid. I therefore really want to make sure that there will be some additional work to come from this event. This will be my first event like this, and so I’m unsure of the etiquette when it comes to self promotion? Any advice on how to get the balance between being the ultimate inspiring professional speaker, whilst also not wasting the opportunity to self promote would be greatly appreciated. Should I just trust in the process that work will naturally come from it?" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Download a DIFTK Bingo card Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 01 May 2020 | When you've just left your job to go freelance, in the middle of a global crisis. Eek! | 00:19:10 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from photographer Hannah Brooke. She says: “So. I built my photography business up for 2.5 years alongside my day job, got it to the point I could resign. Yay. And I finish that day job next Thursday. Eek! The photography diary already got cancelled or postponed and after crying about it for about 2 solid weeks, I picked myself up and wrote an online course on smartphone photography. Which people have actually bought. Hurrah! Obviously I’m right proper chuffed about this (I’m from Yorkshire and you’ll need to say this in a Yorkshire accent!) but my question to you is around pivoting my business and how to market this extra string I’ve added to my bow, whilst still making it really clear that photographing weddings and families is what I do and want to be doing when this extraordinary time is over! I have A LOT of ideas but I’m worried it all looks a bit chaotic and confusing to my customers. Thanks in advance, Hannah” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Hannah Brooke's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 21 Mar 2019 | Emotional soup! How to keep things clear when work and life all happens under one roof | 00:18:45 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Janie Skuse. Janie runs a digital marketing business with her husband, she says: "Emotional soup! I work with my husband, both at home. He does full-time hours up in the bedroom/batcave, I look after our 3-year-old full-time and have 2 hours ‘off’ each day while she’s at nursery and evenings to work (ha!). If EVERYTHING happens under one roof, how do you keep things separate/clear?" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 27 Feb 2020 | Accident & Emergency! Making sure you have a financial safety net | 00:20:19 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from freelance writer and educator Fiona Tapp. She says: “I live in Canada and yesterday I slipped on the ice walking back from school and hurt every single bone and muscle in my body. I am not seriously hurt but I am sore and don’t want to work because it would interrupt my self pitying calls to my mum, copious biscuit eating and catching up on every single episode of Scott and Bailey on Netflix. My question is — to protect against times like these or even more serious periods of not working, how much money should a freelancer have saved for emergencies and how do you start a fund that you don’t pilfer from when you fancy a holiday or whatnot?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Fiona Tapp's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 18 Apr 2019 | How to find focus in a fragmented day | 00:20:18 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Ross Wintle. Ross is a software developer, he says: “How do you cope with days where you have lots of 'context switches' and can't focus. Like my 'half day' which is:
It does my head in, and though I have half a day of work in there, I rarely get anything done. The changes drain me so much. I find it exhausting too. Do you have days like that? Do you have tips for getting focus when your day is so fragmented? Do you just avoid planning in "deep work" for those days?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 11 Jun 2020 | How to line-up work when you don't know when you might have childcare again | 00:17:40 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from digital content consultant and journalist Suzanne Locke. She says: “How do you even think about pitching for new work — when you have none — and when you don’t know when you’ll have childcare again...?! I’m a solo parent with a toddler!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ***Vote for us in the Listener's Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards!*** ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Suzanne Locke's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 06 Oct 2020 | How to move back into an employed role | 00:20:08 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from social media consultant and embroidery artist Claudette Anderson. She says: “How do I navigate going from freelance into an employed role? Particularly when I’m going to be keeping my small business going on the side. What can I do to make the transition easier and more manageable? How can I take the awesome parts of freelance life into an employed job? And how can I embrace the parts of an employed job that I’m not so fond of?" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Claudette Anderson's embroidery website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 19 Dec 2019 | How to explain your job to your kids | 00:21:32 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Laura West, Founder of The Doers. She says: “I went freelance a little over a year ago and soon after launched The Doers — a marketing consultancy powered by freelancers (*ah hum* plug over!) I have 3 young children (almost 4, 2 and 9 months) and struggle to explain to them what I do, why I do it, why I don’t go into an office like Daddy etc. etc. Last week my eldest told someone I work in a cafe (not far from the truth, I love a cafe hop!) and I couldn't find a way to explain to him what I actually do in a way he could understand. Frankie, Steve and the DIFTK community do you have any nuggets of wisdom of how the explain the freelance life to little people in a way they understand and can be proud of what I do? Many many thanks, Laura” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• The Doers Website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 30 Jan 2020 | Don't panic! Going from one kid to two | 00:20:40 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Rene Dukes aka Anonymous. 'S/he' says: “Hello Frankie & Steve, You've had an episode for freelancers starting a family, now here's a question about throwing another child into the mix (not literally throwing of course). I remember speaking to a friend of mine a while ago just after their second baby was born. I naively asked them "so I guess the second one must be easier right?" and they replied "yes, sort of, but the problem is now there's two of them". My partner and I are thinking about having another child. Our daughter is three years old, and goes to nursery three days a week. Aside from that, my other half and I juggle childcare between us and our respective work (my other half is employed, I am self-employed). We do want to (are going to) have another child, and NOTHING you could say could convince us otherwise (although, please don't test that). But I am feeling a bit worried that our precarious juggle of work, family life, and grown-up relationship will become even more precarious and complicated once we willingly welcome another kid into our lives. In short, I feel as clueless as I did before our first child was born — please tell me it'll all be ok???" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 09 Jan 2020 | When updating your social media is just one thing too many | 00:20:05 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from detective Barry Steel (aka Anonymous). 'He' says: “What do you do when social media is the absolute bane of your life but you know you should do more of it to promote your business, grow your audience and be seen by your peers?! I had to delete Facebook from my phone to make more space and honestly the only thing I missed was the DIFTK community! I don’t think I can afford to outsource it (which would be the obvious answer) but it sucks my soul away — especially Facebook, but I also get lost in a spiral of ‘instashame’ and angry at politics on Twitter! And you know when you’re a parent and a freelancer and you already have a to-do list that is never ever going to be completed and you feel guilty and lame that you can’t do it all? Well adding ‘keeping social media updated’ to that list is painful. HELP!!! I work in theatre and events so I do really need to engage with social meeds else I would happily delete the lot.” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 13 Mar 2019 | When you have kids around and need to take a client call | 00:18:44 | |
Our very first episode! Wahooo! This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Jessie Healy. Jessie is a digital marketing strategist, she says: "If you have a client call and your kid is awake, do you try to hide it, move the call, or just be honest about the crazy kid noises?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 14 Nov 2019 | How to feel like you're moving up, instead of just along | 00:20:52 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from copywriter Maia Swift. She says: "I've been freelance for nearly four years now, and, although I have good months and rubbish months, on the whole it's going well. In fact, to anyone just starting out as a freelancer, it would probably look like I'm making a success of it - I work on interesting projects, my day rate is reasonably high and I rarely have to hunt for new leads. But, in spite of all that, I still rarely feel like I'm 'successful'. Before having babies I had a LA-DI-DA job title at a well-respected agency, and I guess part of me feels like I gave up on my career and any 'career progression' when I left. I used to have objectives, and win pitches and manage freelancers etc etc, so now I'm not sure how to make myself feel like I'm doing well. It doesn't help that a lot of what I do is basically invisible - I don't have a product to sell, or a work Instagram feed, or any of those things that might help create a sense of achievement. Should I set objectives for myself? Or perhaps get a mentor? Do I need to be stricter about only taking on projects that feel more challenging than ones I've done before? Maybe I should post on LinkedIn about projects I'm working on? (CRINGE) Or should I redo my website and make a big song and dance about it? Is there any other way to feel like you're moving up, instead of just along??? I'm also aware that my lack of confidence when it comes to talking about being freelance doesn't help. A lot of my friends who have 'proper' jobs shout about their promotions and business trips and awards (blah blah blah), while I struggle to talk confidently about what I'm working on. Perhaps if I changed how I described my work, it would make me realise it's going well at the same time as showing other people what I’ve achieved? Thank you very much for a great podcast and group, it's such a joy to know there are other people out there who understand. Maia" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Maia's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 12 Mar 2020 | Why we co-mentor each other and why you should do it too | 00:19:05 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from graphic designer and illustrator Ami-Lou Harrison. She says: “Hey Steve and Frankie! My question is about co-mentoring. I've heard you mention a couple of times that you mentor each other. It sounds like such a brilliant idea and something I feel I could benefit from myself, so I'm wondering if you could talk more about how it came about, how you go about co-mentoring someone and also how it has benefitted your freelance businesses? Thanks so much. Love and biscuits, Ami-Lou” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Ami-Lou Harrison's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 11 Jul 2024 | Marketing yourself without social media | 00:21:16 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from graphic designer Ange Lyons. Ange says: “Hi Frankie & Steve! Do you think it’s possible to market yourself as a freelancer in 2024 without using social media? Particularly if you *hate* showing your face? Thanks! Ange” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 16 Jul 2020 | When your partner is negative about your business | 00:19:51 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Stella King AKA Anonymous. They say: “I’m so sick of my husband’s negativity about my business! I started it 7 years ago with a view to running it when children came along and since then, I’ve been able to pick it up and put it down around my son and various life events. I’ve always felt the need to hold onto my part-time supermarket job so I feel like I’m ‘doing my bit’ but have been increasingly resenting the fact that my business takes a back seat to everything else — how am I supposed to make the same or more money if I’m not given the opportunity to work on it!? His view is if I’m spending ANY time on it, it should equate to money coming in and it doesn’t matter how many times I try to explain to him that I need to put the hours in before I reap the rewards, he makes comments like “I don’t want you to get your hopes up” — Obviously not with comments like that! He doesn’t understand it and he never will, but can anyone advise on things I could do to get him more on board before I start looking for a new husband!!?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 19 Mar 2020 | School's out for... erm, not sure. | 00:20:37 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Dwayne Carver AKA Anonymous. They say: "Dear Steve and Frankie, I know that’s the wrong way round, but everything seems weird and topsy-turvy at the moment. Here’s the long version of my question: How can we best brace ourselves and our businesses for potentially having our kids off school for weeks on end? Not in a summer holidays kind of way where we’ve maybe wound down our work and booked in a few summer camps or stays with family. But in a snow-day kind of way — abrupt, sudden — but without the fun of being able to go outside and build a snowman and knowing both the kids AND the other half will be returned back to normal tomorrow when it’s all gone to slush. This time I don’t know when normal is coming back. Or you can read the short version of my question which is simply… WHAT THE FUCK?! Thanks so much, Detective Dwayne Carver" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 06 May 2021 | Coping with professional 'ghosting' | 00:20:13 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Jason Chase, aka Anonymous. They say: “My question is about professional 'ghosting'... spooky! I was recently in touch with an old acquaintance who now works with a big organisation that I have been interested in working with for a while. This person encouraged me to pitch for quite a big contract, chatted through the project with me on the phone and even read through my ideas and made encouraging suggestions before I submitted. But — I didn't get the gig. I was really gutted but assumed I was up against some tough competition. The acquaintance apologised, and told me that there would be further opportunities coming up really soon and also offered — unprompted — to give me some feedback on a call. Great, I thought! But when I replied to schedule a time to chat I didn't get a reply. A week or so later I sent a follow up message and again... silence!! I think this professional ghosting is becoming more and more common and I hate it! How hard is it to send a quick message to someone, especially if you have volunteered to share the information in the first place? I would love to move on from this, but feel a bit embarrassed, and also annoyed, and a bit like a ditched date! I'd love a chance to work with this organisation, and to have the feedback that was offered up. Would love to hear what you think! Any advice?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Penfold. The flexible pension for freelance parents. Penfold provides freelancers with an online pension that’s simple to use and completely flexible. Sign up with the code DIFTK and get a £25 bonus into your pension pot. Penfold are also offering up to a £1,000 top up on pension transfers until the 31st of March 2021, so you can earn more from your old pension pots! Penfold is regulated by the FCA. When you put money in a pension, it’s an investment, and like all investments, your capital is at risk. Check for benefits before transferring. Go to www.getpenfold.com/diftk ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 16 Mar 2023 | The best things to outsource | 00:20:46 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from Sophie Greenwood, founder of Ink & Bear. She says: “I recently invested in a rebrand of an online event that I run (Super Seconds Festival) — I worked with an illustrator (Vicky Hughes) and loved the process from start to finish. I loved setting a brief and having someone else be able to do the work a million times better that I could do it. Now I'm slightly addicted to the idea of getting people to support my business! So, my question is... What's the best thing you've ever invested in / outsourced in your business and what's on your wish list for the future?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. • • • This episode is supported by AXA Business Insurance At AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That’s why it’s AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered. And while we’re making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family. Work hard, insure easy. Visit AXA’s Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support. AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ••• | |||
| 11 Apr 2019 | When people seem to think your job is a "hobby" | 00:17:41 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Jo Breeze. Jo is a crowdfunding consultant and writer, she says: “My work makes a genuine contribution to paying the bills in our house. It’s not quite 50/50 but some months it’s pretty close. But when I tell people what I do, I sometimes find there’s an assumption that it’s a hobby that I’ve taken on to keep me busy (HAAA) around children. I feel especially awkward when people tell me about their wife or their friend who’s ‘self-employed like you’ when it turns out what they mean is sells things on eBay sometimes, or similar. How do I assert that actually my job is a ‘real’ job, without doing down the choices of other women?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 19 Dec 2020 | Bye Bye 2020 | 00:24:58 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Ginger Nuts Cracklefriend, AKA Anonymous. They say: "As we come to the end of this shit show of a year, what do you want to take into 2021 and what would you leave behind? I remember the episode where Steve sat in his car and you never answered a question but had mutual therapy and I wondered how the rest of the year went for you both. Thanks!" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Agorapulse. Managing social media has never been easier. Schedule your content, get reports, and engage followers with one simple tool. Try Agorapulse FREE for 1 full month. Go to www.agorapulse.com/diftk ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 15 Jul 2021 | When your agency is just, er, you | 00:20:53 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Founder & Designer at See, Think, Do — Jason Hunt. He says: “OK DIFTK crew! The (for me at least) perennial question has come around again... How do I credibly present my agency as a viable team when actually, it's just me?? The reality is that my agency is just me, and that I outsource/sub-contract anything I don't do or have no time to do, but I have a sense that in an imminent pitch — that may not be quite what the client wants. Do you have any tips about how to sell this setup to a larger client? Explaining the benefits (there must be some right?!), and eliminating all/most perceived negatives? What about 'stability', financial security, everything under one roof – all things I would struggle to prove. I have 10+ years of solid trading, increasing and solid revenues, some great (and relevant) client experience and just want to give myself the best shot. Thanks!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Penfold. The flexible pension for freelance parents. Penfold provides freelancers with an online pension that’s simple to use and completely flexible. Sign up with the code DIFTK and get a £25 bonus into your pension pot. Penfold are also offering up to a £1,000 top up on pension transfers until the 31st of March 2021, so you can earn more from your old pension pots! Penfold is regulated by the FCA. When you put money in a pension, it’s an investment, and like all investments, your capital is at risk. Check for benefits before transferring. Go to www.getpenfold.com/diftk ••• See, Think, Do website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 22 Apr 2021 | When you're not sure about a new opportunity | 00:20:56 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from coach, leader and feminist Lisa Townsend. She says: “I need some help to work out which opportunities are for me and which to say no to! An opportunity to collaborate comes my way for example and my mind automatically lists off all the negatives/worst case scenarios. I've been wondering lately if that’s just the fear of feeling like I've potentially got someone else to answer to (which is why I left employment) or whether the opportunity just isn’t right. How can you make a best guess about a new opportunity, without having any prior experience to relate to?" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Penfold. The flexible pension for freelance parents. Penfold provides freelancers with an online pension that’s simple to use and completely flexible. Sign up with the code DIFTK and get a £25 bonus into your pension pot. Penfold are also offering up to a £1,000 top up on pension transfers until the 31st of March 2021, so you can earn more from your old pension pots! Penfold is regulated by the FCA. When you put money in a pension, it’s an investment, and like all investments, your capital is at risk. Check for benefits before transferring. Go to www.getpenfold.com/diftk ••• Lisa Townsend's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 18 Jan 2024 | When you’re thinking of starting a side project | 00:20:14 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from project management expert Nina Lenton. Nina says: “As well as my work as a freelance project director and manager, I have a blog on the subject of everyday joy (in life and work), which I write on every now and then. I’d like to do more with it, but am afraid I could easily spend all of my time doing that instead of paid work, which of course isn’t really sensible! How do people who have similar side projects (blog, podcast etc) manage to balance it with paid work (or even manage to get paid something for doing the side project)?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 25 Nov 2021 | When you just can't get any rest | 00:20:57 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from communications consultant Sarah Randall. She says: “How on earth does anyone get any rest. Like, real restful rest? I feel like for the past 18 months I've been waiting for a break, but it never comes. I need to find a way to make it happen. The flipping pandemic means that I have way less support from family, increased work pressures… my husband also runs his own business that's been pretty smashed to smithereens by the pandemic. We have a 2 yr old and 4 yr old and are expecting a third so we knew it was always going to be a tricky year but I’d be interested in hearing thoughts on how not to burn out. All the 'normal' business / wellbeing blogs advocate stuff I used to do pre-kids e.g. meditate, get up early to go for a walk, sport... but now there is just no frickin time... Obviously this is a phase of life... and the pandemic won't be quite so intense forever... but it feels like the marathon is far from over and they’ve forgotten to provide the orange slices and jelly babies at the side of the road. How the heck do others do it? Can someone throw me a jelly baby?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Download a DIFTK Bingo card Sarah Randall's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 03 Nov 2020 | How to deal with project creep | 00:19:50 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from content creator Becky Coote. She says: “Project creep. We've all experienced it, but how do you deal with it in a way that doesn't piss off your client? I'm working with someone who is ever so slowly, one email at a time pushing the boundaries further and further away from what we agreed. The problem is each individual email isn't enough for me to go "WOAH, hold your horses!" but when you look at the big picture, the amount of time I'm spending on this project is dragging my hourly rate right down, taking me away from other client work and generally winding me up. How do you set the limits from the start and then police it during the project?" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Agorapulse. Managing social media has never been easier. Schedule your content, get reports, and engage followers with one simple tool. Try Agorapulse FREE for 1 full month. Go to www.agorapulse.com/diftk ••• Becky Coote's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 23 Feb 2023 | How to get your very first clients | 00:19:21 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from artist and illustrator Lisa Callaghan. She says: “As an aspiring creative freelancer, what do you recommend as being the first steps towards generating paid work? How do you get those very first paying clients? I'm already on social media, putting my work out into the world (well, to all of my 25 followers!). I've also looked at platforms like UpWork and haven't found any projects that fit — either they're looking for much more experience than I can offer, or I have what they want but they'd like me to do it for less than minimum wage. Help!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. • • • This episode is supported by AXA Business Insurance At AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That’s why it’s AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered. And while we’re making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family. Work hard, insure easy. Visit AXA’s Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support. AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ••• | |||
| 22 Jul 2021 | End of term bye-byes | 00:02:30 | |
A very quick message to say that we won't be doing a full episode this week after all as we've just got too much to do on the last week of term!!! WAAAAAHHHH. Apologies for the quality of Frankie's audio. She messed up. #awardwinning | |||
| 19 Sep 2019 | When you try (and fail) to 'have it all' | 00:19:13 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from freelance content marketer Stephanie Dunn. She says: “I’ve been on maternity leave since October but have recently taken on a couple of one-off projects and am now looking to work on a more ongoing basis. I would like — am trying to — work around looking after my 7-month old daughter: Essentially full-time mum, moonlighting as a content marketer. My husband works away so some weeks he’s here and can take her, but some weeks I don’t have childcare. Grandparents aren’t on our doorstep but can step in if I really need to go out for a meeting or something. Up until the last month, she slept really well, went down easily and slept through the night so I would work in the evenings for a couple of hours. Now though, she can take hours to go to sleep and wakes up in the night so it’s messing with our routine a little! I’ve tried to do some work in the day while she plays… but this is not possible (an email takes a day to write!!) and I feel guilty as I’m doing neither of my jobs well. On top of this, I write very little of my own marketing content (not great for a content marketer!) as I need to use all of my limited time to work for actual money jobs. Anyway, I’m about to start a new project so we’ll see how it works out… but wondering if I’m wanting it all by trying to do it this way!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by the lovely people at Crunch, an online accounting service that supports freelancers, small businesses, and practically anyone who’s self-employed. Quote “DIFTK” to get 10% off their packages. ••• Stephanie Dunn's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 21 Nov 2019 | Freelance friction. When working evenings and weekends eats into 'family time' | 00:20:07 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a CORKER of a question from 'Detective Grace Ace' aka Anonymous. She says: “Looking for a pep talk please! I have just changed from a fixed hours contract (22 hours/week) to setting up on my own in a different field. My husband and I have two preschool children and I have always been responsible for childcare. They are in playschool four days a week so I have 20 hours a week of regular work hours. With two kiddos, inevitable illness, appointments and holidays, it always falls to me to reduce my hours to pick up the slack. When I was working fixed hours and needed to make up time in the evenings or at weekends it was fine. But now I can set my own hours, my husband asks me not to work evenings or weekends as it eats into family time. All the while wondering when I will start earning money... I have tried explaining what the childcare implications would be if I worked a 9-5. Feeling pretty squeezed, but this business is something I want very much and makes me very happy. Just need to figure out a way to get my family more on board! Guessing this sounds familiar to some of you?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 14 Jul 2022 | When you only ever get into the ‘zone’ just before pickup | 00:20:01 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from inclusion and equality consultant Beth Cox. She says: “How do I get into the zone earlier in the day? Pre-child my working hours were 10-7, with my best work done between 3 and 7 - it took me that long to really get into the flow. The thing I've struggled with since having a child at nursery and school is that I tend to hit the elusive 'flow' approximately 20 minutes before I have to pick up my child. Pre-child I could have leant into it and created my best work, but now I have to drop what I'm doing and take another day to get back into that zone again (if at all). When I mentioned this in the DIFTK community, Tori Beat felt the same. She said: "I get so frustrated when I feel like I’m about to have a mild epiphany and then POW, it’s pick up time. It’s akin to when one of those magicians whips a tablecloth from underneath a beautifully laid table but, instead of leaving everything in miraculous good order, EVERYTHING IS SMASHED ALL OVER THE FLOOR. And I’ve got to tidy up." It is so frustrating, and I just don't know how to change it. Even now, I've got a clear day for focused work but it's only 10am and I'm clearly very distracted. My son goes to a childminder two days a week after school so I do have two 'long' days, but even then the flow doesn't happen until about 4pm (I rarely get it on the short days). I'm a solo parent so can't take turns with a partner to just work through, and rarely get child-free time other than that I pay for, which doesn't help. HELP. How can I take less time to get in the zone of doing my best work?”
What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. ••• Download a DIFTK Bingo card | |||
| 28 Nov 2019 | Saying NO. How to turn down work from 'red flag' clients | 00:20:53 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a CORKER of a question from 'Detective Harper MacCleod' aka Anonymous. S/he says: “Can we have the 'turning-down work’ conversation? I've reached the stage where I can (to some extent) pick and choose my work. However, I’m a people pleaser and still find it difficult to say no. For argument's sake, let's just say my job involves drawing things. Mostly houses. (But I’m happy to be a ‘detective’ if you insist). Even when you’re desperate for work, let’s face it, there are projects that are more trouble than they’re worth. Even worse, some projects could end up costing you money or be professionally disastrous. I’ll give you a recent scenario. I was speaking to a potential client on the phone and all these red flags were popping up. The project was ultra boring and would eat into my capacity for more interesting projects. The client was awkward, querying the relevance of my questions etc. I was trying to suggest that another professional would be better suited to their project. Then they dropped the bombshell... ‘But you’re doing work for my friend, aren’t you?” As it turns out, yes I am doing work for their friend. But their friend is lovely and their project is really interesting. So here’s the question: When you get an enquiry and you just get a bad feeling about the work or the client... how do you turn down the project without damaging your reputation? I'm loathed to do things that some industries appear to do, for example: Give a silly big quote to scare them off – ‘Don’t bother speaking to this detective, they’re far too expensive’ Ghost them – ‘Don’t bother contacting this detective, they never got back to me’ Tell them you’re too busy etc – ‘Don’t bother contacting this detective, they’re far too busy’ What you really want is, ‘You should give this detective a call. They were lovely on the phone and made some great suggestions, but ultimately couldn’t help me. They may be able to help you.’ Frankie, Steve… your thoughts and potty-mouthed ramblings would be much appreciated” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 03 Apr 2025 | When you send a quote, and then regret it | 00:20:59 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous. They say: “Hi Frankie and Steve, I was asked by an organisation recently how much I’d charge to redesign a publication they produce three times a year, with a view to then designing that along with other publications for them going forward. Problem is, I sent the price in and now I’m convincing myself I’ve undercharged for the amount of work it will be… Kicking myself for letting the imposter syndrome voices in. What would you do? Suck it up because it’s your mistake, or go back to them and correct yourself so you don’t kick yourself each time you work on it (providing I get the job)? Have you ever revised a quote after sending it? Thanks!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. ••• Doing It For The Kids website ••• This episode is supported by With Jack. With Jack protects sole traders and limited companies on the high seas of freelancing so you're free to navigate uncharted territories and fish for amazing projects. With Jack is all about insurance for freelance creatives. Simple. That doesn’t mean more forms or faff — it means less. It’s not about endless features and stale service — it’s about one solid policy and the personal touch. With Jack is a trading style of Ashley Baxter Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register. | |||
| 11 Mar 2019 | An introductory monologue from Frankie | 00:02:20 | |
Weekly podcast launching soon! Visit www.doingitforthekids.net/#podcast for more information and follow #DIFTKpodcast across social. | |||
| 29 Sep 2020 | When your partner starts working from home | 00:20:06 | |
EPISODE 50!!! This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from graphic artist and designer Rachel Brown. She says: “I’ve worked from home in one form or another, in both employed and self- employed roles, for five years now. There’s been ups and downs, and I’ve learnt along the way how to manage the work/home balance and what I need to do to keep my wellbeing up (I don’t always follow my advice but at least know the theory by now!). My husband, however, came off furlough last month and is now navigating full time working from home for the first time. I can see him falling foul of many things that I did in the early days of working from home that didn’t create the best balance. So how can we, as experienced work-from-homers, support our other halves/family members to get used to life outside the office? ALSO, how on earth do I get used to having a home office buddy who slurps his tea SO LOUDLY and swears at his computer when the internet drops out, because I am NOT DEALING WELL WITH THAT!!!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Rachel Brown's Instagram Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 31 Mar 2022 | How to decide what your freelance business will be | 00:20:34 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Rene Hammer aka Anonymous. They say: "Hi Frankie & Steve, My partner hates their job. Like, really hates their job. Meanwhile, they see me being busy and wearing all the hats — but happy working freelance. So I’ve been softly encouraging them to become self-employed too. They’re coming round to the idea. But crucially, they haven’t fully figured out what it is they would actually DO as a freelancer. I don’t want to say too much about their job in case it gets back to their employer but hopefully you can still answer my question — How do you pin down what your freelance business is and does?? Thanks!" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Download a DIFTK Bingo card Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 11 May 2023 | Making time for voluntary work (or not?) | 00:18:12 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from copywriter Lucette Funnell. She says: “I’ve been approached by a local charity about a volunteer position. I’m interested in what they’re doing and definitely feel I could add value. But where on earth would I find the time?! And as a chronic over-thinker who always ends up taking longer than planned to do everything… And who already has a list as long as my arm of things to do for my own business… How would I keep it to just 3-4 hours a week? Will it add value? Or would I be better off working on marketing my business/ exercising/ making lunches that aren’t biscuits or toast?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. • • • A BIG thank you to Patch and The Quick Brown Fox Video Production who supported our meetup in London. About Patch Patch is a new type of workspace and community hub, an accessible and family friendly place to work, discover and meet on the high street. We believe in a better balance for family and our health, in less commuting and more community by combining co-working with culture near to where you live. We are actively expanding across the country and would like to hear from you if you'd like one near you. Head to www.patch.work or check out instagram.com/patchplaces/ About The Quick Brown Fox Video Production The Quick Brown Fox Video Production is a growing video production company based in southwest London with a real love for the carefully crafted moving image. We offer our clients over 20 years of filmmaking and video editing experience combined with creative backgrounds in Architecture and Sound Design. Our social media savvy team can help put your business on the map with engaging video content. We proudly help businesses and organisations tell their story in a captivating way that captures their audience's imagination. Head to www.thequickbrownfox.co.uk for more information. ••• | |||
| 14 Mar 2024 | When you’re nervous about public speaking | 00:20:22 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from wedding florist Esme Ford. Esme says: “Hi Frankie & Steve! I am giving a 10 minute talk next week and I need your help. Public speaking is something I never do, so I had a little practice and filmed myself doing my talk and my voice is soooooo wishy washy. I hate it when I ‘ummm’ a lot so try to actively pause instead, but then the flow of the talk is all wrong? I just feel like my voice has no authority! How do you both make your voice sound so clear and confident? Have you always been good at speaking or have you just improved with time? Thanks! Esme” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 09 May 2019 | Staying visible over the summer holidays | 00:20:40 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Ben O'Brien. Ben is an illustrator, he says: “HOLIDAYS! Have you got any tips on how to get work done through the school holidays. I work from home and my wife (although self-employed) works elsewhere so it comes down to me more often to be with our son. 2 years ago I just couldn't get through the summer holiday, I managed to work on commissions I had, but I had no time for self-promotion, maintaining client relationships, updating my portfolio etc so by the end of the holidays commissions were drying up. It felt like I ran my business into the ground a bit and it's been uphill ever since. Every school holiday or half-term means another dip in my business. There's always a few playdates and summer camp days, plus my wife tries to take days off when possible, but it's never quite enough. So, with the next Summer holiday coming up, do you have any tips at all on how to eek out as much time at my desk as possible? By the way, I'm not trying to get away from my son! I love him to bits and have always been proud to spend so much time with him, but I just need to work and build my business to a more sustainable level.” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 04 Apr 2019 | How to eat something other than biscuits | 00:19:52 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Holly Smith. Holly is a celebrant and coach, she says: "Food! I know I struggle to eat well during the week because if it's a toss-up between work and tidying up, and feeding myself something more than biscuits, then the latter never takes priority. How can I fit proper, nourishing meals into my life when I’m so pressed for time?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 06 Mar 2025 | When you don’t ‘need’ formal childcare | 00:20:21 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Don Burns aka Anonymous. They say: “Hi Frankie and Steve! I have a childcare question for you… With our first born, we never considered putting her in nursery. I reduced my hours at my (employed) job and my partner and I shared looking after her by working alternate days. This time around I’m self-employed, and with my partner now working 5 days a week, I’m only able to work after 4pm which is really hard. I’m getting work done, but it’s incredibly difficult to get motivated to work at that time. Our youngest is now 2 and therefore qualifies for the 15 ‘free’ hours a week. But we both feel incredibly guilty about thinking of using a nursery, even for a couple of afternoons a week. I personally feel like I’m being selfish, because we are making it work at the moment without formal childcare, and the number 1 reason we’d put him in a nursery would be so I can work during the day a bit more. Sooo, can I have your pros and cons for using paid-for childcare when you’re in a situation like mine? When you don’t NEED to. Thank you Ps. I’d like a detective name please” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. ••• | |||
| 08 Sep 2022 | When you work 9-3 but your clients work 9-5 | 00:21:39 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Rosie Bakewell aka Anonymous. She says… “I’m working alongside another freelance consultant on a project, and our client is a big corporate organisation. As a mum to a 5-year old daughter, I only work in school hours and during school term-time. However, none of the people I work with have children, so they work 9 to 5 (and more). AND the client has team members in the US who aren’t available until 2pm in the UK. A few times I’ve ended up having to work after 3pm, juggling work with looking after my daughter, because nobody else was available to move an urgent task forward. I’ve had enough of this, and with the new school year coming, I’d like to set some firm boundaries. But I’m worried that I will seem awkward and unhelpful if I say I’m not available after 3pm?? Do you have any tips on setting and maintaining boundaries with clients who don’t have children and so don’t understand the challenges associated with being a working parent?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. • • • This episode is supported by AXA Business Insurance At AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That’s why it’s AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered. And while we’re making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family. Work hard, insure easy. Visit AXA’s Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support. AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ••• | |||
| 05 Mar 2020 | Moving your business (and family) to a new place | 00:19:57 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Sidney Watson AKA Anonymous. They say: "So the time has come for us to seriously consider leaving the city we have lived in for almost 15yrs. Both me and my other half are freelancers and we have two children under 3... and too cats that hate us (due to making them share a flat with said toddler and baby). After our second baby was born, serious discussion of where we can now afford to rent — maybe even buy — have led us to potentially returning to a home nearer family in the countryside After establishing strong freelance networks in the city, and having a small children's entertainment business which is based here, how do you start again? Some of our work can be done remotely but when you are freelance, it's not just finding a new home/nursery it's also new clients/networks and that's scaring us! Hoping your expert knowledge can help us find a path to our new countryside freelance lives...” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 25 May 2023 | Build something new or stick with existing client work? | 00:20:37 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous, AKA Zoe Honeysuckle. Zoe says: “Hi Frankie and Steve, I've been running my own business since May 2020 (with a 5 month old in tow!) and I feel fairly well versed with the peaks and troughs of freelance life. However, over the past few months I've noticed a few clients who are on my smaller packages/retainers drop off because of financial reasons. All good, and all totally understandable. I thought I’d use this new gap in my schedule to put together some new packages and try something a bit different around social media content creation and email marketing (and podcasts!) BUT, one of my existing clients has now asked for more hours and I am torn. I don't know whether to go for it — my client is brilliant and I really like working with them — or say no and protect my new-found time to build something new. I'm nervous that my new packages won't sell in the way I hope, and I don't want to turn down (well paying) work. What would you do? Help!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. ••• | |||
| 26 Jan 2023 | Approaching clients you don’t (yet!) have a relationship with | 00:20:47 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from designer Jason Hunt. He says: “I occasionally get the urge to approach a company who I think are doing their brand absolutely no favours and underselling what I know to be brilliant. I'm a designer, so approach this from a branding and design perspective (though of course their copy might also be shit!) This has never worked, and I rarely even entertain it these days, but I have a company that I am dying to approach as they are brilliant at what they do, have a great and friendly reputation and would even probably have money to spend on all these things. I just can't fathom out for the life of me why they haven't upped their game? Has anyone ever done this (successfully) and do you have any tips on how to write the initial approach to not sound like just a mansplaining twat?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. • • • This episode is supported by AXA Business Insurance At AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That’s why it’s AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered. And while we’re making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family. Work hard, insure easy. Visit AXA’s Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support. AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ••• | |||
| 27 Jan 2022 | Choosing the 'right' name for your business | 00:19:54 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from coach Rachael Middleton. She says: “Dearest Frankie, Steve and the DIFTK crew, I've been working on my business about a year now and have a name and logo already BUT I recently attended a webinar where the host made a point about words that trigger potential clients. This can have a negative impact too. My ideal client base are traditionally a weary group (farmer's stressed out partners who may be frowned upon for seeking help!) and as coaching still isn't an accepted norm in their world I'm starting to question whether my business name is having a negative effect... So, my question is how do you choose a suitable business name and how important is a logo to go with it? I appreciate for certain professions it helps, but how much can the wrong name and logo impact your business? Thanks in anticipation, Rachael” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Download a DIFTK Bingo card Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 28 Jan 2021 | Dealing with "icky" clients | 00:20:25 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Mel Horn, AKA Anonymous. They say: “How do you cope with "Client Ick"? Like that physical cringe you experience when you see someone you snogged at a staff party years ago but this time, it’s because your client is calling you and you secretly hate them. Clients are good. Clients pay the bills. I should love that I have this client. Times are hard and I shouldn’t be ungrateful — after all I worked hard to get them in the first place. But the honeymoon period of this client has died a death. My dilemma is that despite being a nice (but very insecure) person, as a client they are a royal pain in the bum. Which is fine when you are being paid for the service but right now we are in limbo between projects, so I’m officially off the books. It’s a culmination of lots of little things that have started to grate on me. But after months of working with them and recently having some issues with bill payments, I now see their name appear on my phone or receive an email and I want to hit the gin (before responding in a professional manner, obviously!). I hate that they annoy me (I need them!) and hate that they suck my time even when I’m not charging for it (look at me writing to you about them right now!) Should I just accept that our relationship is tainted, move on and hope that a better client comes along? Is this the end?? Or am I just being a dick, battered after a year of sodding covid draining all my patience and humility." What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Agorapulse. Managing social media has never been easier. Schedule your content, get reports, and engage followers with one simple tool. Try Agorapulse FREE for 1 full month. Go to www.agorapulse.com/diftk ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 12 May 2022 | When you're full-time freelance, and full-time employed at the same time | 00:19:51 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from interior and events stylist Sally Cullen. She says: “Hey Frankie, Steve and the DIFTK community, Last year when we were still deep in lockdown I was asked if I would like to cover maternity leave on a magazine for a year. I wasn't sure what was in store for my freelance career as an interiors stylist at that point (thanks Covid) so I said yes on the proviso I could still keep all my regular client work and fit that around the full time job. That was nearly 8 months ago and far from slowing down, my freelance work has increased way more than I could have predicted and I have basically been working 2 full time jobs since then. Gulp. I have been trying to survive week at a time doing my best not to let any of the (many) balls drop but I have the niggling feeling in the back of my mind that I should be making more of this unicorn time as an employed person, but I'm too knackered to think what that looks like! I have ceased all social media updates because I just do not have the bandwidth right now but what else could I, or should I be doing with the handful of weeks I have left in-house?Should I be getting training? Using this high profile magazine job to get more freelance work? Using it as a way to create more portfolio work? I need to act soon before it all feels a dream and I'm back on the other side of the commissioning fence! Yours, Completely-Spent-Sally”
What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Download a DIFTK Bingo card Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 17 Mar 2022 | WTF to do when everything costs more | 00:20:06 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from website marketing specialist Tom Garfield. He says: “Life costs so much more now! What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Download a DIFTK Bingo card Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 10 Oct 2019 | How to avoid procrastination | 00:19:20 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from copywriter Barney Harsent. He says: "Dear Frankie and Steve, My name is Barney. I am a middle-aged copywriter. So far, so good. Apart from the writing copy bit. Not all of it, of course. The unpaid jobs, favours for friends and surprisingly successful (and lengthy) replies to people I've only met on social media I can manage. Increasingly, however, I find it more difficult to concentrate on the paid work. What tips do you have to avoid procrastination? (I mean, honestly, even this note is longer than it needs to be. I'm a lost cause. *SOBS*) Thanks in advance for your help, Barney (aged 47 and a 1/2)" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by the lovely people at Crunch, an online accounting service that supports freelancers, small businesses, and practically anyone who’s self-employed. Quote “DIFTK” to get 10% off their packages. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 20 Jun 2019 | When you keep getting distracted by the competition | 00:20:55 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Kirsty Moore. Kirsty runs baby massage classes in North London. She says: “How do you keep focus on your business when competition keeps popping up? It’s so easy to get distracted and compare in terms of content, pricing, offerings etc. How do you stop yourself from getting distracted by what others are doing?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 03 Oct 2019 | Overwhelm! What to do when it all gets a bit much | 00:19:49 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from social media manager Bethany Carter. She says: “How do you deal with overwhelm? Are there some strategies you can recommend other than taking time off? I am a self-employed social media manager and I also have a side project sharing sensory and messy play ideas for babies and toddlers (Pumpkin Play). I am Mum to an almost 2 year-old who is in childcare 2.5 days a week, and I catch up on work most evenings until around midnight once he's in bed. I love what I do and I don't want to change it, but sometimes I feel like I really need a break and it's more stressful to take one than to plough on through. Being a social media manager makes taking holidays reeeeeeeally challenging, and when I do take time off I always end up having even more work when I return. ALSO whenever I tell my clients I am taking a break, I can guarantee that's when they'll demand more of my attention — it's as though me taking time off has reminded them to check in more often. Friends in employment are forever telling me to 'just take a break' or 'have some time off' but it's not as easy as that is it? I feel like I'm on a high speed train and it's a wonderful and exciting ride, but occasionally I'd like it to stop and let me off for a bit! Thanks in advance — a happy, fulfilled, but exhausted DIFTK-er. Beth" The Maternity Action article that Frankie mentions in this episode is here: https://maternityaction.org.uk/advice/keeping-in-touch-days/ See Section 3 'Maternity Allowance and KIT days for employed and self-employed women'. What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by the lovely people at Crunch, an online accounting service that supports freelancers, small businesses, and practically anyone who’s self-employed. Quote “DIFTK” to get 10% off their packages. ••• Bethany Carter's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 22 Jun 2023 | When your parenthood is used to reduce your rate | 00:20:00 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Anonymous, AKA Lotus Vanreisel. Lotus says: “Hello freelance friends! I'd like your opinion on an email I’ve received from one of my longest and most favourite clients… After months of no work and no contact, she asked me last month if I have any availability in the next few weeks. I said ‘yes’ and also told her that my rates had gone up since we last spoke. Here is her reply: "So I'd love to be able to put some work your way but the hourly rate is a bit high — is there any flexibility? I know you don't really do full days because of your daughter. Let me know." This irritates me no end as it implies I should charge less because wI have childcare duties. (I also know she worked part-time and didn’t earn much when her kids were younger.) How do you handle situations like these? I'll also add that another long-standing client just asked me for a lot of work over the next couple of months, so while I could fit her in, I don't have an awful lot of availability. Would love your thoughts. Thanks, Lotus” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 10 Dec 2020 | Setting boundaries with your clients | 00:20:09 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Christmas elf Perky Chocolate Plum, AKA Anonymous. They say: “I don’t know if this is a consequence of being both employed and self-employed for many years, but I find myself being “led” by my clients. I struggle to say no or to set boundaries with them as I don’t feel like I control the relationship. This leads to me working every night/weekend and feeling exhausted and frustrated. What can I do to change this?" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Agorapulse. Managing social media has never been easier. Schedule your content, get reports, and engage followers with one simple tool. Try Agorapulse FREE for 1 full month. Go to www.agorapulse.com/diftk ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 26 Mar 2020 | Work you can do from your phone | 00:20:03 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Maria 'Chilli' Pepper AKA Anonymous. They say: “Lots of the podcast episodes and questions in the group have been really useful if you’re sitting at your computer, but I’m often on the move and do lots of work on my phone. Do any other DIFTKers do this? And if so, what strategies work for you? I find I’m often overwhelmed with the admin side of things and wait till I have a laptop day, but that can be once a fortnight sometimes." What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. Here's the link to Ross Wintle's DIFTK "app" listing lots of free resources for parents with kids at home: https://diftk.glideapp.io/ ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 28 May 2020 | When you've lost all motivation | 00:20:18 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from science writer Richard Berks. He says: "Alright gang. Any top tips for finding motivation when you have none, but desperately need some?? I'm sure I'm not alone in finding that when I most need to get some flippin' work done, I seem to have the least motivation to do it. That precious time, while the kids are occupied, or after they're in bed, and you have a list of things you need to get done... and then bleugh. Not feeling it. List doesn't get done. Feel bad. I know I know, we're all trying our best in a difficult situation, but really I sometimes need to give myself a good kick up the bum. I know there are lots of amazing people in DIFTK who are experts in getting shit done when time is tight — so how do you do it?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ***Vote for us in the Listener's Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards!*** ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Richard Berks' website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 04 Jul 2019 | Tips for freelancers thinking about starting a family | 00:21:03 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Adam Pearson. Adam is a market researcher, he says: “Hey Frankie and Steve! Me and my wife don't have kids at the moment. Screaming babies and kiddie tantrums in public places have been an excellent contraception over the last couple of years. But we definitely want to start a family soon. (Just don't tell my mum. She's obsessed.) Do you have any top tips for soon-to-be freelance parents? Or things you wish you'd known or thought about before you had kids? Thanks in advance. Hopefully we still want kids at the end of the episode…” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Adam's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 16 Jan 2020 | Juggling kids and a multi-hyphen career | 00:19:58 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from stylist, writer and blogger Hannah Bullivant. She says: “I would love your thoughts on the perils/advantages of being a ‘multi-hyphen’ freelancer. Sometimes I think it’s really clever (have different income streams, keeps me interested and engaged) and sometimes I really regret it (such little time and stretched thin! Especially as only have 2 days of childcare!)” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• Hannah Bullivant's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 19 Nov 2020 | When you have a classic case of 'shiny object syndrome' | 00:20:52 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from virtual assistant and founder of MuthaCollective, Annabelle Williams Dos Anjos. She says: “How do you avoid ‘shiny shiny’ syndrome? As a creative person I love doing so many different things. I often have to talk myself down from creating 5 new things/businesses that I just don’t have time for (and therefore wouldn’t do well). How do you stop yourself from constantly running towards the latest, shiniest idea? And how do you know when something should remain a hobby?!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Agorapulse. Managing social media has never been easier. Schedule your content, get reports, and engage followers with one simple tool. Try Agorapulse FREE for 1 full month. Go to www.agorapulse.com/diftk ••• Annabelle Williams Dos Anjos' website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 12 Oct 2023 | Stop, Collaborate & Listen | 00:19:35 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Emma Roberts, director at Social Qual. Emma says: “You know when you stumble upon someone fab, and your brain goes ‘ooh, collaboration potential’? Perhaps we meet on LinkedIn and then organise a cuppa or intro call. We chat, we laugh, we bond over work joys and woes... and then we part with that cheerful, 'let's collaborate soon' but then… often our busy lives take over. I'm on both sides of this — an instigator of these types of calls and also someone who people reach out to. So, I'm wondering... How can we make these cuppa-time conversations transform into actual collabs? Or should we even bother with these sorts of meetings? It feels like I need to be more strategic about which invites I accept and who I reach out to. The social side of me responds to new folk with a Pavlov-dog response of ‘let's arrange a call’ but I’m increasingly feeling a bit unsatisfied with that approach. Anyone else? How do I get more strategic about these calls without being a nob?”
What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. •••
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| 24 Jun 2021 | Retainers: WTF | 00:20:44 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from sportswear designer Lily Pawley. She says: “Retainers. The holy freelance grail. But WTF?? I've got one with a client I’ve worked with a fair bit before, it's new and shiny but now I'm in a weird relationship with the client — Am I freelance? Am I an employee? From working out how to allocate my time (them, other clients, life, smalls) to which email account I need to use (the one they set up for me — which I keep forgetting to check and isn't linked to my phone grrr? Or mine — which has my freelance signature on so it's confusing?) What are the top tips for retainers, managing them successfully and basically retaining some semblance of life?! It feels like I really wanted this annoying toy that I kept seeing advertised and now I’ve got it, I’m not sure how it works or what it does and I think I just need to take the batteries out. I own a retainer furby! Help!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Penfold. The flexible pension for freelance parents. Penfold provides freelancers with an online pension that’s simple to use and completely flexible. Sign up with the code DIFTK and get a £25 bonus into your pension pot. Penfold are also offering up to a £1,000 top up on pension transfers until the 31st of March 2021, so you can earn more from your old pension pots! Penfold is regulated by the FCA. When you put money in a pension, it’s an investment, and like all investments, your capital is at risk. Check for benefits before transferring. Go to www.getpenfold.com/diftk ••• Lily Pawley's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 09 Jul 2020 | Making the leap into full-time freelancing | 00:20:20 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Detective Mo White AKA Anonymous. They say: “How do you know you’re ready to make the leap into freelancing — especially during COVID? I’ve been freelancing on the side for a while and am feeling super uninspired by my day job lately. I don’t currently make enough freelancing to make it work with healthcare and such (thanks, America) but am considering making the jump. What were your must-dos before jumping into full time self-employment?” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Nutmeg. Nutmeg launched in September 2012 as the first online wealth manager in the UK with a promise to open up the previously exclusive world of wealth management. Nutmeg offers customers a high-quality investment service at a reduced cost, whether they have £500 or £5 million to invest. Nutmeg now manages over £2bn on behalf of over 80,000 customers, making Nutmeg one of the UK’s fastest growing wealth managers and the fifth largest wealth manager in the UK by customer numbers (Source: PAM Asset Management, January 2019). www.nutmeg.com [Risk warning: Capital at risk. JISA rules apply] ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 13 Jun 2019 | When childcare help from your family isn't actually much help | 00:20:26 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question submitted anonymously. Let's call the person... Gemma. She says: "If I'd gone back to my librarian job, my M-I-L was going to babysit for a full day every week to ease the financial burden and get baby cuddles in. However, now that I am fully self-employed, she 'pops down to visit' for 2-5 hours every other week, of which 1 hour is lunch that I am expected to cook, and eat with her. It's lovely of course, but it's hardly letting me get any work done.... It's obviously a favour so I struggle with the guilt of pushing it beyond being family time to being work time.” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by the lovely people at IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed. ••• Frankie Tortora's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 06 Feb 2025 | How do you know when it’s time to outsource? | 00:20:28 | |
In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Katie Beardsley — Owner at Willow & Woods, Life of Sprout, and And Other Memories: Katie says: “Hi Frankie & Steve, I'm at a stage with my business where I know what I want to be doing and where it is going, but I need to get myself out there more. With 3 young kids, 3 small businesses, a dog and a tortoise... I don't need to tell you, but I really don't have the time to be doing the marketing that I need to be doing. Especially as I am useless at it and don't really know what I'm doing! So I'm thinking about hiring some PR help but this doesn't come cheap. I'm sitting on the fence, umming and ahhing over it because I know that I *can* do it myself, but I don't want to get it wrong. But I also don’t want to spend money on something that might not work (which has happened in the past). So after my very long intro — my question is this: How do you know when the right time to be spending money on a business is? Are there certain markers I should be reaching financially, or audience wise before I consider signing up to what is likely to be a minimum 3-month contract? What do I do? My brain is going round and round in circles! Thanks, What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. ••• Willow and Woods website | |||
| 25 Feb 2021 | When it feels like it's time to scale up | 00:20:37 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from podcast producer Dave Howard. He says: “I develop and make podcasts for people — universities, PR companies, businesses, charities. I’m largely a one-person operation, with a few trusted freelancers available to take on odd bits of work here and there when things get busy. But now there is just too much work. I seem to have won a lot of business all at once, and I’m finding myself constantly racing to edit people’s programmes, to meet deadlines. Some things are getting rushed and some things are a bit stuck on the back burner. There’s no time for working on the business, updating the website, socials, etc. (Accepting that home schooling is also happening — and is a shitshow). So, is it some sort of pipeline management strategy I need? Do I just need to learn to say no – or even ‘I can help with that but not until April’? To adjust my prices? Move to a model of bringing in subcontractors? (I’ll be honest, I don’t really want to become someone whose day-to-day work is managing and overseeing other people — been there, done that, didn’t enjoy it. But I can see that being a way forward).” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Penfold. The flexible pension for freelance parents. Penfold provides freelancers with an online pension that’s simple to use and completely flexible. Sign up with the code DIFTK and get a £25 bonus into your pension pot. Penfold are also offering up to a £1,000 top up on pension transfers until the 31st of March 2021, so you can earn more from your old pension pots! Penfold is regulated by the FCA. When you put money in a pension, it’s an investment, and like all investments, your capital is at risk. Check for benefits before transferring. Go to www.getpenfold.com/diftk ••• Dave Howard's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 11 Feb 2021 | Deciding how much work you can take on | 00:20:09 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from designer and web developer Laura Ockenden. She says: “As a newbie full-timer, I'm struggling a bit with planning in work and knowing how much I can take on and when. I've got a few jobs on now but often find myself procrastinating under the guise of waiting for clients to get back to me — should I be looking for more work? Should I book in clients for next month? How long will a job take? How long is a piece of string?! I've been quite lucky that things have sort of just fallen into place recently but it feels like I need to start giving this whole idea some brain-space now it's the thing that actually pays my mortgage!" What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook. ••• This episode is supported by Agorapulse. Managing social media has never been easier. Schedule your content, get reports, and engage followers with one simple tool. Try Agorapulse FREE for 1 full month. Go to www.agorapulse.com/diftk ••• Lauren Ockenden's website Doing It For The Kids website | |||
| 24 Nov 2022 | Keeping in touch with old clients | 00:21:07 | |
This week me (Frankie Tortora) and him (Steve Folland) have a chat in response to an excellent question from Dex Sorbet AKA Anonymous. They say: “I’ve worked on two excellent projects for a really high profile client in the past year. When the projects finally went live I dropped them an email to say how great they were and how happy I was to have been a part of them. I got a lovely reply that ended with — ‘please do keep in touch for any future projects that might be up your street.’ But I don’t quite know what to do with that! How can I turn that vague and polite sign-off into something I can be proactive about? Do I send occasional emails to say “Hi” in the hope that they might have something in the works? Or will that make me seem a bit desperate? How do I maintain a relationship with a client who might have work in the future without being a bit weird?” • • • This episode is supported by AXA Business Insurance At AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That’s why it’s AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered. And while we’re making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family.
Work hard, insure easy. Visit AXA’s Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support.
AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ••• Frankie Tortora's website | |||
| 20 Oct 2022 | How to take time off at Christmas | 00:20:14 | |
This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to an excellent question from brand and visual identity designer Matt Jones. He says: “After years of having a full-time job, I always knew exactly when I would be off for Christmas, when I would be returning and not having to worry about projects or answering emails while I was off. This is my first year as a full-time freelancer approaching Christmas and I'm worried about being able to 'switch-off' over the holiday season… What advice do you have about managing client expectations? When to set an out of office? And any other tips or tricks on how to switch off (not checking emails, editing to-do lists etc)? Oh… and also throw into the mix that it's both my daughters birthdays smack bang in the middle of December!” What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community. • • • This episode is supported by AXA Business Insurance At AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That’s why it’s AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered. And while we’re making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family. Work hard, insure easy. Visit AXA’s Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support. AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ••• | |||