Fresh 2 Freelancing
Kickstart the flexible career you’ve always wanted.
I get asked all the time about how to start life as a freelancer or consultant, and over time I’ve figured out a plan … and I want to share it with you! So I’ve created this course, Fresh 2 Freelancing, to help all you budding consultants and freelancers to get started. And not just get started, but start ahead of the pack!
My freelancing business now generates more than half a million dollars each year.
It is totally possible to create a sustainable, successful life as a freelancer or consultant, that gives you the joy and freedom you deserve.
I’m going to share with you everything I did to start and grow my business.
Ever wondered: how do I start freelancing?
Fresh 2 Freelancing is an online course designed to make it a smoother ride for those who want to ditch the 9-5 and go out on their own.
It’s an exciting but scary thought for many, especially if you don’t know how to begin. It’s that fear that holds us back from taking the leap and instead stand still for longer, even if you know that office or agency environment isn’t where you want to be.
The aim of this course is to give you the confidence, skills and knowledge you need to finally take that step – or at least, dip your toe in the water – and start that freelancing or consulting life! Don’t regret that you didn’t try. Be proud that you gave it a go, and gave yourself the best chance possible by doing this course first!
ENROLMENTS OPEN FOR 2024
Enrol in our next cohort by 12 April 2024 to take advantage of our launch offer and SAVE $500
2024 DATES:
Wednesday 24 April - Wednesday 5 June
Designing the experience for you
These courses are run live because my students tell me the love the conversation, accountability, and ability to build relationships with other students.
But I know not everyone can join in live, so I’d love to know - would you prefer an on-demand version of the course, with regular live ‘check-in sessions’? Email me to let me know!
If there’s enough interest, I’ll make an on-demand course available.
Who this course is for
If you’ve been working in in-house or agency roles and you’re looking for a more flexible life, where you do the amount and type of work you want (without the office politics!), this course is for you! It’s for people in services careers, like:
Communication and marketing professionals
Project managers
Change managers
Business analysts
Finance professionals
Property and procurement professionals
Human Resources professionals
…and everything in between!
It’s for those who are thinking about freelancing or consulting, but don’t know where to start (or maybe you have started, but it’s been a rocky ride).
I’m going to give you the tools, processes, and clarity you need to start making that freelancing life happen.
This is the course I wish I had done before I kicked things off!
“This is the course I wish I had done years ago, when I first decided to freelance. Mel provides an excellent framework for those getting started on their freelancing journey, with tools, resources, and advice. People can feel safe in the knowledge that Mel knows what she's talking about.”
— Emma, Course Graduate
How it works
To make sure you get the best bang for your buck, I’ve designed the course to give you the flexibility to drive your learning, without losing the accountability that’s so crucial to finish an online course! Here’s what that looks like.
Each module comes with a series of exercises in your workbook, designed to help you build out your freelancing / consulting business plan as we go
Workbook
Every three-to-four months I’ll take on one new cohort. From then on, you’ll join in live lessons every week for a total of six weeks of learning, and you’ll be part of a group of others who you can learn from on and lean on.
Regular intakes
The modules are presented live every week, with a total of six 90-minute webinars. These sessions are recorded for those students who can’t make it to a live session. You’ll be able to access video recordings, as well as a private podcast feed with the audio recordings.
New content
The webinars include live Q&A opportunities to pick my brains, and draw on the support of the community.
Live Q&A
As a participant, you’ll have life-long access to our community, so you can ask each other questions, seek advice, and be supported on your journey.
Community
What you get
I’m going to set you up for success – but simply and practically. We won’t overcook this thing! Starting a new business or consulting practice can be daunting and feel overwhelming … and it can even feel like that when you’ve been in it for a while!
I don’t want to add to that stress, but I want you to succeed. That’s why the content is very practical, logical, and designed to give you the step-by-step guide to get you on your way.
The tools you need to get started – an action plan template you’ll complete as we go through the course, and a list of all my recommended tools and platforms
A workbook designed to help you map out everything you’ll need to get started
The opportunity to use me to help guide you, to learn from others in your cohort, and start building that all-important network!
Tried and tested strategies to start and grow your freelancing / consulting business, no matter what industry you’re in or what role you have.
Special deals with other pros who can help set you up for success - everything from building your website, developing your brand, setting up your admin systems, and getting your finances in oder.
Course content
Module 1: Freelancer Foundations
Choosing the right approach for you – ‘side hustle’ or ‘all in’ or something else?
Setting up your business structure
Setting up your financial systems and processes
Protecting yourself from the start
Setting up your IT system
Module 2: Your brand and offer
Getting clear on your niche and developing a USP
Clarifying your offer and how you’ll work
Developing your brand
Developing your messaging
Module 3: Building an interested audience
How to get on the radar (before you quit your job)
Building connections
Building your mailing list
Module 4: Creating your channels
Developing a website that sells you
Choosing the right social media channels
Developing your content plan
Tactics for driving SEO
Module 5: Build your support mechanisms
Ways to find your tribe
Combatting imposter syndrome
Module 6: Pricing and proposals
Figuring out your worth
Developing your pricing structure
Writing a great proposal
Protecting yourself with Ts & Cs
Module 7: Time for launch!
Developing your launch communication plan
Engaging your network
Module 8: Sustainable business
What makes a business sustainable
Staying on the radar and building your following
Tactics to keep the work coming
Diversifying your income stream
Module 9: To grow or not to grow?
Grow, scale back, or stay where you are?
Focusing your time on the things that matter
Hiring strategies and team structures
Extra value for students!
When you start your freelancing or consulting career, you’re going to need the help of a few experts. I’ve enlisted some of the best there is to help set you up for success. As a Fresh 2 Freelancing student, you’ll be able to take advantage of discounts on these services, exclusively for you!
Graphic design & branding
Make your brand sparkle with the support of Lisa-Maria Veccio, from Lisa Dot Design!
As a student, you’ll get a 15% discount off all Lisa’s services, including graphic design, murals, and branding.
Find out more about Lisa’s services and see her work here.
Full disclosure: Lisa developed the brand for my business, Hey Mel! Communication & Training. I highly recommend her for the quality of output, and her collaborative approach.
Systems & technology
Make life easier - get your admin systems and tech set up properly from the start with the help of Korryn Haines, Google Workspace expert and admin extraordinaire!
As a Fresh 2 Freelancing student, Korryn is giving you 10% off the following:
60-minute Google Workspace Troubleshooting session
Structure Your Business Admin for Success online course
Find out more about these courses and Korryn’s services here.
Korryn helped sort out my own systems when I’d created a hot mess by trying to do it myself! I’ve also enlisted her for other support, such as changing domain names and setting up email accounts.
Where are you on your freelancing journey?
Maybe you’re just curious, or maybe you’ve started and it’s not quite going to plan.
Take this short quiz to find out where you are on your journey, and what you can do to move forward!
Have a question?
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This course is designed for anyone who is considering a freelancing or consulting career -from communication and marketing pros to project managers, business analysts, and everything in between. Whether you’re about to jump ship from your 9-5, you recently have started out on your own, or it’s just an idea for now, this course is for you.
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This course is designed for those who want to offer freelancing and consulting services. I’m afraid I don’t know enough about ecommerce, supply chains, and all of that jazz about products to be able to be as helpful to you. But, I’m happy to connect you with others who could help.
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All the sessions will be recorded and made available on the LearnWorlds platform (that’s the platform you used to purchase this course). You will also get access to private podcast feed with the audio recordings of each session. Everything will be available for 12 months after the course commences.
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I want to make sure you have accountability and support as you complete this course. Online courses have a notoriously high non-finish rate because of lack of accountability. That’s why we’re doing this together, week-by-week.
You will have access to all the recordings, materials, and collateral for up to 12 months after the course.
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You will receive a PDF workbook, comprising activities we will complete throughout the course. You will also receive an Excel spreadsheet containing tools you will also use during and after the course.
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No, but there will be homework each week so you can build your plan as we go.
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A sense of self satisfaction and my eternal gratitude! Also, a lovely Certificate of Completion.
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The investment to enroll in this six-week intensive course is $AUD2,399 + GST, if you pay in full. We also offer an extended payment plans.
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The course includes a live webinar every week for six weeks. In some cases, there may be a break between weeks, so the total duration could be up to 7 or 8 weeks.
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Please email me at hello@heymelcomms.training so we can discuss what you need. I want to make sure you can fully participate in this course!
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We’re so confident that you’ll love and find value in this course that we offer a 7-day money-back guarantee. This gives you ample time to test out the program and work through the first module.
If, after 7 days of working through the first module (course intro and Freelancer Foundations) you don’t feel inspired and motivated to keep working toward your goal of starting freelancing / consulting, simply reach out. Show us you’ve put in the work, and you’ll be eligible for a full refund.
In order to qualify for a refund you must submit proof that you did the work in the course and it did not work for you. In the event that you decide your purchase was not the right decision, contact us at hello@heymelcomms.com.au and let us know you’d like a refund within 7 days after the date the first module is released. You must include your coursework with your request for a refund, as outlined below. If you request a refund and do not include your coursework by the end of the Refund Period, you will not be granted a refund.
You must submit ALL of the following items with your request for a refund:
Requirement 1: Complete and attach at least five sentences telling us specifics about your freelancing goal and approach.
Requirement 2: Complete and attach the homework from the intro and Freelancer Foundations modules.
Requirement 3: Tell us why this course was not a good fit for you and your business needs. What did you expect that you did not get once inside the program?
We will NOT provide refunds for any request that comes more than 7 days after the date of Module 1. After the Refund Period, all payments are non-refundable and you are responsible for full payment of the fees for the program regardless of whether you complete the program.