listening to podcasts

7 writing podcasts to boost your creativity

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Podcasts are (IMO) the best thing since sliced bread. Before podcasts came along, I would have said it was red velvet cupcakes. But not anymore.

listening to podcasts

I’ve picked up so many useful tips and information while listening to podcasts and so if you’re looking for some inspiration on writing, then I’ve got you sorted!

An added benefit of listening to a podcast is it helps me while away time while sitting in traffic (and avoid road rage) and in the playground. No more yells of “Let’s go home now it’s really boring!” (that’s me wanting to go home).

In this post, I’ve decided to compile 7 great writing podcasts for you to whack onto your ipod or download to your phone:

  1. So You Want To Be A Writer – This podcast run by Valerie Khoo of Australian Writers Centre and Allison Tait, freelance writer and author is my all time favourite. They cover all things related to writing (other quirky things on the menu are Valerie’s dogs, gardening and Allison’s Procrastipup) and their writer in residence segment is outstanding.
  2. Hot copy podcast run by Kate Toon of ‘Toon’ fame and Belinda Weaver where they talk about copywriting processes, give tips based on their experiences, share writing resources, interviews and plenty of laughs with one goal in mind: help you become a better copywriter.
  3. The Newbie Writers Podcast comes from South Australia and is for you if you have an idea for a book but don’t know where to start! Damien and Catharine (a published author herself) interview authors who have been published and share where to begin, some tips and tricks in planning that novel, plus chit chat.
  4. The Wheeler Centre podcast is produced in Melbourne and features the best in books, writing and ideas. There’s some deep issues being tackled by this podcast. At the least, you’ll learn something new!
  5. Kill your darlings podcast says they talk about fresh, clever writing that combines intellect with intrigue. I’m intrigued already!
  6. Your Creative Life is run by Vanessa Carnevale who is a life coach, women’s fiction writer and also an occasional freelance writer. The podcast aims to help writers connect to their creativity, listen to conversations and insights with writers, authors and creative entrepreneurs, and get inspired about the writing process and living a creative life. A lot of creativity here!
  7. Penmanship dabbles in Australian writing culture hosted by Andrew McMillen, a freelance journalist and author based in Brisbane. The podcast features Australian writers, journalists, editors and publishers. Guests discuss their career, craft and inner life. Penmanship aims to provide unique insights into the creative process, mechanics and skills behind the best writing in the country.

So there you have, 7 fantastic writing podcasts to give you that rush of creativity after your morning coffee! So get listening and writing.

outsourcing partner

Finding the right freelancer for your business

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Outsourcing.

outsourcing partner

It’s a word that gets bandied about by entrepreneurs, small and big business owners and even the barista in your favourite cafe. Everyone talks about it, most business owners know they should be doing it but where do you begin to find the right person? If you ask the question, you’re likely to hear a vague ummm…

Think of it like a marriage – they need to be compatible with you, want the same things from life (in this case, your business) and they’re willing to work hard at it.

I’ll share 4 easy ways in which you can find the right freelancer for your next project or business:

Freelance platforms

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, it’s become easier to find the right person through websites such as The Freelance Collective which covers many creative professions ranging from animators to virtual assistants or The Clever Copywriting School which has a searchable directory of copywriters and even a concierge service to help you find the best writer for your project.Another one to mention here is The Business Bakery Directory geared towards small businesses.

I haven’t mentioned well known websites where freelancers have to bid for projects and cost undercutting is the name of the game, because you won’t find the best, most knowledgeable person for your business there – paying peanuts will only get you monkeys.

Paying peanuts will only get you monkeys.

Facebook groups

Facebook groups both private and public are sprouting faster than you can say ‘mushrooms’. While I lurk in many groups often silent, they’re a good way to get referrals for outsourcing partners. I’ve found referrals from who to order my son’s birthday cake from to where I can find a social media manager for my business.

I’ve landed copywriting clients that otherwise I’d never ever meet in the real world and sent business to my network. People often rave about those who’ve impressed with their services, Facebook is a great way to meet these people. Examples of some Facebook groups that I belong to; Like Minded Bitches Drinking Wine, Aussie Bloggers, geographical mum groups but you need to send a Join request or pay a fee.

Other places to find someone to outsource to are Google+ communities.

LinkedIn

Love or hate LinkedIn but it’s a valuable way of peeking into someone’s professional life to see if they’d be a good partner. LinkedIn profiles are usually kept updated (slap on the wrist if you haven’t updated yours) and you can see who your potential partner is connected to making it easy to approach and ask for an intro – like asking a mutual friend to set you up on a blind date but instead of a swanky restaurant it’s a conference room.

Ask your network

Last year, a contact shared a lucrative job opening at a well known brand and asked if I knew anyone who was suitable. While I didn’t at that time, asking someone in your personal network for a recommendation will get you names that have been vetted already – so no trial and error here!

So that’s it, these are ways I’ve used to find the right people for my business. Any others you use or have heard of?