VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES provides practical, experience-based advice on starting and growing a profitable, scalable service business. Key themes include transitioning from freelancing to entrepreneurship, productizing services, building client relationships, effective marketing, and developing business systems to achieve recurring income and work-life balance.

Starting a Business Freelancing vs Entrepreneurship Productized Services Client Relationships Marketing Strategies Business Systems Goal Setting Time Management Scaling a Business

The hottest Substack posts of VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES

And their main takeaways

How You Can Eliminate Your Competition

159 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Startups Competition Branding
  1. You don't have to be the first in the market. Being different is more important. Focus on filling gaps in what others offer instead.
  2. Understand what your customers truly want. They often seek value and connection, not just the service itself. Learn their needs to attract more clients.
  3. Instead of only cutting costs, focus on providing great value to your customers. Sometimes spending more can actually improve your service and satisfy customers better.

My Journey From 300 to 15000 Followers on LinkedIn

319 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
💼 Business Social media Marketing Networking Lead Generation Entrepreneurship
  1. Growing your LinkedIn followers takes consistency and patience. Posting regularly can help you connect with more people and keep your audience engaged.
  2. Content is key to grabbing attention on LinkedIn. Share personal stories, expert insights, and occasional calls-to-action to build connections and generate leads.
  3. Engaging with others on the platform boosts visibility. Comment on posts, reach out to new connections, and collaborate with top creators to expand your network.

How To Give Yourself A Promotion And Grow Your Business Beyond Solo Freelancing

99 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24
💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Marketing Management Growth Strategies
  1. To grow beyond solo freelancing, you need to stop doing everything yourself. Focus on what you do best and outsource the tasks that take up too much of your time.
  2. It's important to package your services in a way that clients understand and can buy easily. This means creating fixed-fee services that have clear pricing and deliverables.
  3. You should regularly audit how you spend your time to figure out what tasks can be delegated. This helps free up your schedule for the high-value work that you enjoy.

How gardening teaches you this crucial lesson about scaling your business

59 implied HN points • 16 Sep 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Productivity Scaling Automation
  1. Create systems that allow you to enjoy what you love, even when life gets busy. This gives you the freedom to step away without worry.
  2. Think about tasks you do daily that take more than 10 minutes. Find ways to automate them or get help to save time.
  3. Building these efficient systems might take time upfront, but once they're in place, they let you scale your business and work more smoothly.

How I Identify Clients From Hell

159 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
💼 Business Client Management Freelancing Pricing Strategy Service Industry Marketing
  1. Choosing clients based on shared values and respect makes work more enjoyable. It's important to list what matters most to you in a client relationship.
  2. Your portfolio should showcase work that you are proud of and leads to future opportunities. Focus on clients who will help enhance your portfolio, rather than just any client.
  3. Pricing should reflect the value of your work and your beliefs. Be firm on your rates, but consider flexibility if a client aligns with your values and can enhance your portfolio.
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How To Start A Business With No Money

339 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Freelancing Personal Finance Marketing Networking
  1. Finding your unique skills and what people need can guide you to success. Ask yourself what you enjoy and what others are looking for.
  2. Starting with offering free services is a smart way to build trust and gain clients. It helps you showcase your skills and connect with potential customers.
  3. Visualizing your goals and where you want to be in the future can keep you motivated. Focus on what you can achieve step by step, rather than stressing about big leaps.

How To Promote Your Service Business Online For Free

239 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing Customer Acquisition Online presence Entrepreneurship Networking
  1. Identify where your potential customers hang out online and focus your marketing efforts there. Using platforms like Email and LinkedIn can really help you connect with the right people.
  2. List your business on free directories to improve your visibility. Even just a couple of free listings can significantly boost your website traffic and bring in more potential clients.
  3. Create attractive offers to draw in new clients and build trust. Giving something away for free can spark interest and lead to potential future business deals.

Why I Gave Up Solo Freelancing And You Should Too.

79 implied HN points • 26 Aug 24
💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Outsourcing Income Work Life
  1. Freelancing offers flexibility, but it can also mean you have to work constantly, even when you're not feeling well. There can be no breaks without risking your income.
  2. Life changes can force you to reevaluate your work style, like having to care for a family member or dealing with personal health issues. It shows that relying solely on freelancing can lead to financial instability.
  3. Building a business that runs independently allows you to have more freedom. By outsourcing tasks, you can focus on what you love and still earn money, instead of trading your time for every dollar.

Proposals Don't Work

159 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
💼 Business Consulting Pricing Models Business Strategies
  1. Creating proposals is hard and often time-consuming because it can be overwhelming to decide what to offer clients. Instead of struggling with proposals, it's better to focus on defining clear services.
  2. Ditching proposals for a scalable pricing model can save time and make it easier to get clients. Using upfront billing means clients agree to your terms right away, like a product purchase.
  3. There are different pricing models you can use, like one-time services, monthly subscriptions, or a mix of both. This way, you can offer consistent services without repeating the proposal process for each client.

How I'm Building My Business To Run Without Me

179 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Management Productivity Marketing Operations
  1. Many business owners think their business can't run without them due to fear of losing quality. But with the right systems, it can thrive even in their absence.
  2. Bottlenecks come from controlling client communication and deliverables too tightly. Letting go and empowering others can free up time and improve efficiency.
  3. Creating clear processes and hiring help allows business owners to focus on growth. Shifting to scalable models can also help in generating consistent income.

How I Productized A Service Business And Earn Recurring Income

79 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Finance Product Development Customer Service
  1. To turn your service into a product, pick a specific service to offer and make it easy for clients to understand what they're getting. This helps people know exactly what to expect.
  2. Identify your ideal clients to better tailor your services to their needs. Knowing who your customers are makes it easier to attract and keep them.
  3. Create a clear system for how you deliver your service, and hire help early on. This frees up your time so you can focus on growing your business instead of just doing all the tasks yourself.

What Is a Brand?

119 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
💼 Business Branding Marketing Design Consumer behavior Entrepreneurship
  1. A brand is more than just a logo or a website; it's how a company is perceived by customers. It includes everything about the company, inside and out.
  2. Building a brand involves creating trust and relationships with people. It's about how customers feel when they interact with your business.
  3. Your brand is shaped by how others see you over time. It's important to stand out and leave a memorable impression, as that perception affects your success.

#1 Question You Need to Crush Your Niche

99 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Strategy Sales Branding
  1. Success takes time and effort; it doesn't happen overnight. Jim Carrey's journey shows that hard work is key to reaching your goals.
  2. Understanding your audience is crucial. Asking 'What do they want?' can help you create something they truly value.
  3. Don't just settle for the surface; dig deeper to find unique insights. This can set you apart in a crowded market.

What Is A Productized Service

99 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
💼 Business Freelancing Consulting Entrepreneurship
  1. Productized services offer a way to package and standardize services, making them easier to sell and manage. Instead of customizing everything for each client, providers can offer fixed services at set prices.
  2. By defining specific services and hiring skilled professionals, businesses can scale their operations. This means they can serve more clients without overwhelming themselves.
  3. Selling productized services can lead to more consistent income through subscriptions or recurring payments. It's a simpler approach that can work for freelancers as well as larger companies.

Want to Build Your Client Base? Get Started with These 3 Things First

79 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Client Relations Business strategy Self-Improvement
  1. Start with identifying a problem that needs solving. Focus on what others need instead of just your own ideas.
  2. Choose the right clients who align with your values and needs. This helps you work better and smarter with a specific group.
  3. Give before you ask for anything. Start by offering something for free to build trust and show what you can do.

You Think Freelancing Means Freedom? Think Again

59 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Work-life balance Productivity Self-Improvement
  1. Freelancing can feel freeing, but it often leads to stressful situations, like juggling client work with personal life. It's important to recognize when to seek help or create a team you can trust.
  2. Transitioning from freelancing to entrepreneurship requires a clear understanding of your lifestyle goals and what success means to you. It's not just about making money, but building a fulfilling life.
  3. Personal growth and willingness to change are key to evolving your business. Being open to learning and shifting your role can help you create a more sustainable and enjoyable work environment.

How To Write A Perfect 1000-Word Post On Substack In 40 Minutes Daily

39 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🚌 Education Writing Tips Content creation Personal Development Time management Productivity
  1. Understand your motivation for writing. Writing should be genuine and not just about getting likes or money. Find your true reason and let that guide your writing.
  2. Make time for writing by treating it as a priority, not just something you do between client projects. Schedule specific blocks of time for writing each day.
  3. Gather resources and ideas before writing. Use tools like mobile notes and bookmarking sites to keep track of ideas and materials to help you write faster.

Top 10 Tips to Successfully Set Goals and Accomplish Them

19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Goal setting Personal Development Motivation Health Management
  1. Writing down your goals helps you stay committed and clear about what you want to achieve. Take a few quiet minutes each day to jot down your thoughts and plans.
  2. Be specific with your goals and set a deadline. It's important to know exactly what you want and when you want to achieve it to stay on track.
  3. Review your progress along the way and celebrate small wins. This keeps you motivated and shows you how far you've come on your journey.

9 Greatest Mistakes to Avoid When Growing a Startup

19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Management Marketing Finance
  1. It's important not to overthink decisions. Making quick choices can save time and help your business move forward more efficiently.
  2. Setting boundaries with clients is key. If you try to please everyone, you might get overwhelmed and burn out.
  3. Having a clear understanding of your finances before starting a business is crucial. It helps ensure you can sustain your operations and pay everyone involved.

Freelancer ≠ Entrepreneur

19 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Business Models Marketing Income Streams
  1. Freelancers trade time for money and often have multiple clients, making it feel like a 9 to 5 job. They work to keep their business running and don't earn income if they stop working.
  2. Entrepreneurs focus on scaling their business and creating systems that allow them to earn passive income. They spend their time thinking of new ideas rather than doing all the work themselves.
  3. Making the shift from freelancer to entrepreneur requires changing your mindset and learning to delegate tasks. There’s nothing wrong with freelancing, but being an entrepreneur can offer more freedom and growth opportunities.

Why I No Longer Freelance And Built A Productized Service Business Instead

19 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Freelancing Work-life balance
  1. Productized services help you scale your business without being the bottleneck. By creating a fixed package of services, you can serve multiple clients efficiently.
  2. Setting clear prices and scopes avoids the hassle of negotiation and scope creep. Clients know what they’re getting for a fixed price, making the process smoother for everyone.
  3. With productized services, you can establish a steady income stream and minimize chasing payments. Clients pay upfront for set services, allowing you to focus more on your business and less on admin tasks.

Keeping A Long Term Relationship With Your Customers Is Easier Said Than Done

0 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
💼 Business Customer Relationships Marketing Strategies Customer Retention Business Growth
  1. Getting your first customers is exciting, but keeping them is a different challenge. You need to focus on building long-term relationships instead of just one-time sales.
  2. Good customer service is crucial for retention. Make sure your customers feel heard and valued, so they stay loyal to your business.
  3. To grow your customer base, offer genuine help in communities, under-promise and over-deliver on expectations, and actively ask for referrals from satisfied clients.

7 Steps To Starting Any Service-Based Business Correctly

0 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Freelancing Marketing Design
  1. Start by figuring out what problem you can solve for others. Understand what people need and how you can help them with your skills.
  2. Freelancing is a good first step. It lets you tailor your services to different clients while building trust and gaining experience.
  3. Once you know what to offer, structure your services, and create systems to manage tasks. This helps you run your business more smoothly and gives you more freedom.

9 Steps To Hire The Right Designer

0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
🪑 Design Graphic design Hiring practices Work Culture Creative Process Team Management
  1. It's important to hire based on shared values and character, not just skills. People can learn skills, but their attitude and fit with your team are crucial.
  2. Ask candidates about their life goals and mindset. Understanding what drives them helps ensure they align with your company's vision and culture.
  3. Communication is key in a design role. Look for designers who listen well and empathize with clients, as it leads to better designs and relationships.

Want To Transit From Freelancing To A Real Business?

0 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Freelancing Productivity Client Management
  1. 1. Schedule Everything: Blocking time for tasks can help you stay organized and focused. It’s important to give yourself deadlines to get things done.
  2. 2. Be Consistent: Success takes time and consistent effort. Small, daily actions can lead to big results over time.
  3. 3. Ask Great Questions: Reflecting on important questions can help clarify your goals and motivations. The more you inquire, the better you can shape your business direction.

How to Launch a Startup if You are Half a Million Dollars in Debt

0 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Finance Marketing Personal Development
  1. To succeed in launching a startup, it's important to understand what your potential customers want. Focus on solving their problems instead of just trying to sell something.
  2. Set clear goals for your business and plan your route to reach them. Even if your vision is fuzzy at first, taking steps toward your destination is crucial.
  3. Start by offering your services to friends for free. This helps you gain experience and build credibility, making it easier to sell to others later.