My Interview on The Future of Work

I was honored to be the first guest on the first episode of a new series called “The Future of Work,” created and hosted by Katy Tynan. The series is about the way that work is evolving in today’s world. Katy focuses on the big shift that’s underway in today’s workforce, especially the huge influx of independent workers and freelancers.

If this is a topic that interests you, I’d urge you to take a look at Katy’s new book called, “Free Agent: The Independent Professional’s Roadmap to Self-Employment Success.” I like Katy’s forward-thinking approach to the topic and her practical advice for how to make a shift in your own career.

The series airs on ActonTV (in the metro Boston area), but for future segments and more from Katy, please find her at: http://indieworking.com (or on Facebook at http://facebook.com/indieworking).

If you don’t have time to watch the whole thing, here’s a quick guide so you can skip to the parts that interest you:

What is content strategy? 0:30
Using content to create connections and build an audience.

Who needs an audience? 2:15
The difference between finding an audience and finding customers.

What is content? 4:45
The instrument for creating connections and building relationships.

Content strategy as the root of trust 6:00
Awareness vs. the start of a relationship.

Can you really give stuff away for free to make money? 7:30
Providing value up front to build credibility.

Demonstrating authority via a content strategy 10:40
If the intent is not genuine, it won’t work.

Measuring the success of a content strategy 11:45
Living the same strategy that I teach to others.

My ideal client profile 13:45
Low (or no) audience, goal = relationship building.

Balance between doing work and finding work 15:30
Writing as marketing, then shifts to client acquisition, then client work.

Value is more important than pricing 18:30
Any work do for others is an exchange of value.

The importance of good content 19:45
Tricks and shortcuts will fail; you have to do the work.

The shift from employee to working for yourself 22:25
Authenticity and work life vs. personal life.

Finding the best career fit 25:00
Representation necessitates a separation of self.

Professional development as an independent 26:25
Continually learning from a variety of sources.

What do you love about your work? 28:10
Creating connections in the new world—for myself and others.