Cohort Sneak Peek

Two truths and a lie.

Can you spot the odd one out?

1. I’ve been hard at work developing the cohort of my and the applicants’ dreams.

2. It’s deadline day, and despite my best efforts, I’ve been unable to fill all 5 spots with quality freelancers.

3. My computer screen is doing this weird thing where ⅞ of it looks like a hangover unicorn just puked on it.

While you mull over that engaging exercise, I thought I’d let you take a peek at what I’ve planned for the cohort.

Theoretically, it’s supposed to start on Monday, so there isn’t much room for changes to the prototype.

But you’ll soon learn that I’ve adjusted that timeline, so I’d love to hear what potential members and you in the audience feel would make it more impactful.

I had hoped to include freelancers from different walks of the business in it.

So far, the qualified applicants fall squarely within my areas of expertise, a blessing and a curse.

I hope this email encourages non-writers/editors to throw their hats in the ring.

Cross-collaboration looks a lot less crossed under the current homogeneity in the group.

Structure

Weekly calls

There will be one weekly live call lasting an hour each.

(“One hourly weekly call” felt very chaotic to write lmao.)

I’ll be moderating them, being the brains behind this whole shebang.

I’m excited about inviting industry experts to give their two cents during future cohorts.

The viability of that idea largely depends on the success of this inaugural version.

Assigned tasks

Here’s a fun fact about me:

My initials are also the initials for HomeWorK. :)

Muy emocionante, just like the missions members will be tasked with completing related to the week’s topic.

Nothing back-breaking or intimidating, but definitely activities that will go a long way toward solidifying these solo business owners’:

☆authority,

☆experience, and

☆success in their lines of work.

Some of my faves are:

1. Develop a plan for consistent branding across online platforms.

2. Draft an elevator pitch highlighting your niche and unique value proposition.

3. Experiment with different time management techniques to find what works best for you.

4. Share content ideas and collaborate on content creation if applicable.

5. Discuss strategies for leveraging social media to attract clients and opportunities.

I feel all tingly inside envisioning how far these little steps will take these folks.

This truly is one of those “kosa uchekwe” type experiences.

Telegram chats

During the week, we’ll have discussions about the week’s theme, assigned activities (more on this later), or whatever else comes up on the cohort’s Telegram group.

I chose Telegram because I don’t want to mix business with pleasure on WhatsApp (hehe).

Plus, if we’re being honest, Telegram > App.

Matchups

Depending on the topic and task of the week, I’ll pair members up or ask them to link up with freelancers with whom they can collaborate more directly.

For example, in Week 6, when we focus on pricing strategies, I’ll pair members with experience in price negotiation with those seeking guidance in this area.

Content

Someone I have a love-hate relationship with on X asked me what makes me believe I can adequately meet the needs of every kind of freelancer.

He thought my market positioning was too broad, and his observation almost made me second-guess this labor of love.

But then I remembered my conversations with freelancers in different industries and at various stages of their businesses.

Our desires and pain points are eerily similar.

We want clients.

We want to avoid bad actors.

We want some form of job security.

We want to wear many hats successfully.

We want to protect the freedom freelancing offers.

Besides, assembling an eclectic group presents opportunities for growth and mentorship that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

I’ve developed a curriculum around those common desires and pain points, partly to prove X guy wrong and partly because I’m glad he brought that concern to my attention.

(Told ya, love-hate.)

Here’s the weekly agenda in its current glory:

1. Setting the Foundation

2. Defining Your Niche

3. Crafting Compelling Proposals

4. Building Your Brand

5. Effective Networking

6. Pricing Strategies

7. Client Communication and Management

8. Time Management and Productivity

9. Content Creation and Marketing

10. Building Your Online Presence

11. Scaling Your Business

12. Legal and Financial Considerations

13. Mindset and Resilience

14. Goal Setting and Accountability

15. Presentation and Pitching

16. Celebration and Next Steps

Technically, applications are closed, but…

I’d be doing the numerous freelancers who haven’t had this extensive exposure to the cohort a disservice by not pushing the deadline forward a little.

☆If you aren’t interested in attending the program but can see how valuable it would be to someone in your network, please share these past couple of posts with them.

Or better yet, pitch it in your own words for that crucial personalized edge.

☆If you’re interested in attending the program but have clarifying questions, my inbox and DMs are always open. Let’s chat and see if it’d be right for you. :)

☆If you’re interested in attending the program but are worried about its cost (time- and money-wise), I’d like to remind you that it’s absolutely free. Incoming iterations may not be, however.

Besides, what’s a few hours a week building your business in the face of the threat of a mediocre future spent furnishing other people’s dreams?

Seems like a no-brainer to me, but again, if any restrictions are preventing you from applying, hit your girl up. I’m sure I can find ways to accommodate you.

The new application deadline is in three weeks, on 19th April.

Then, the program will begin officially (FR this time) on 22nd April.

Keep Freeing Right,

Hope. :)