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In this episode of "Freelancer Training on How to Find More Direct Clients," I speak with Kody Thompson about his entrepreneurial journey from a graphic designer to the founder of a $3 million web development company and eventually, Workpod, a virtual assistance company.
The conversation focuses on the strategic use of Virtual Assistants (VAs) to help freelancers, particularly solo language pros, scale their businesses, buy back their time and overcome common outsourcing hurdles. Cody shares insights on identifying tasks to outsource, training VAs, fostering the right mindset for delegation, and the future of the VA industry in the age of AI.
3 Clear Takeaways:
Outsource Non-Billable, Repeatable Tasks First to Maximise Your "Genius Zone":
Cody advises freelancers to identify their "genius zone" – the revenue-generating activities they excel at – and outsource all other non-billable, day-to-day administrative tasks.
For example, a graphic designer should focus on designing, not email management or invoicing, to increase their billable hours and overall earnings. The initial VA hire should handle repeatable tasks that do not require high-level industry expertise, such as administrative duties, allowing the freelancer to concentrate on their core, high-value work.
Cultivate a Mindset of Trust and Systemisation:
Overcome the "nobody can do it as well as me" or "it's faster if I do it myself" mindsets, as these limit business growth. Cody stresses the importance of trusting others' skills and building systems and processes to leverage their time effectively. He suggests the "1-3-1 principle" for delegation: when a staff member comes with one problem, require them to present three solutions and one recommendation, fostering problem-solving and leadership within the team.
Invest in Your VA as a Human Being and Embrace AI Training:
Treat your VA as a valuable team member, building rapport, providing clear systems, and dedicating time to their development. Cody emphasizes that a "hungry" VA, eager to learn, is often more valuable than one with just experience. In the context of technological advancements, particularly AI, he believes VAs who are trained to utilise AI tools will become more valuable to businesses, as they will be the ones wielding, programming, and implementing these tools.
To connect with Cody Thompson on LinkedIn (Kody Thompson) or visit the Workpod website.
A special link for booking a call and a 160-item checklist of tasks to outsource are available for listeners. Workpod places full-time VAs, typically costing about $6 USD per hour for 40 hours a week, which includes the VA's salary and Workpod's fees for office space, support, and training.
For project-based work, Kody suggests platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
#FreelancerTraining #HowToFindClients #DirectClientStrategy
#OutsourcingForFreelancers #DelegateToElevate #VirtualAssistants
#Workpod #OutsourceSmarter #ScaleWithVAs
#HireAVirtualAssistant #SoloBusinessScaling #ProductivityTips
Thursday 10 September, 16h. Free session: How to Become a Key Translator of Influence.
Three things I'll show you.
- Why adding another CAT tool is rearranging furniture on a burning house.
- The framework behind my 50% jump in inbound enquiries.
- The six-pillar system that turns technical experts into industry authorities.
No pitch-heavy webinar. Just the framework, live.
Link's in the bio. Register free. See you Thursday.
Up to 96% of translation work is now within reach of AI. The 5% that isn't? That's where the money's going.
Thursday 10 September, 16h – free session: How to Become a Key Translator of Influence.
I'll show you:
– Why "adding a CAT tool" is rearranging furniture on a burning house
– The framework behind my 50% jump in inbound enquiries
– The six-pillar system that turns technical experts into industry authorities
Free registry. Online. Thursday 10 September at 16h.
