6. Spend less time on client work with theme days

6. Spend less time on client work with theme days

Author: Louise Shanahan February 19, 2021 Duration: 13:24

Running a freelance business can be split in two parts: client work, and business development work. But we often find ourselves saying "yes" to new projects that fill up our time, so the biz dev work has to be squeezed around the edges. How do you make time for both? In this episode, Louise shares how she uses theme days to structure her week.

"Theme days are a way to take back ownership of your time and energy. Each day, you only work on that day's theme, such as client management, marketing, finance, or whatever. You don't do that work on any other day, and you don't do any other work on that day.

"If you don't control your time, someone else will. With theme days, you'll be able to stop bumping those all-important business development tasks to next week and get it all done without feeling overwhelmed."
-- Louise Shanahan

Louise Shanahan is a freelance health copywriter and content marketer. She's on a mission to help others build a business and life they love – in weekly snack-sized bites.

Resources mentioned

10X Freelance Copywriter by Copyhackers
Upsource (virtual assistants – tell them Louise Shanahan sent you!)
Trello
FreeAgent

Say hi to Louise!

Twitter: @LouiseShanahan_
LinkedIn: Louise Shanahan
Instagram: @Louise_Shanahan_
Website: thecopyprescription.com
Newsletter: thecopyprescription.com/subscribe

Music credit: Just Smile by LiQWYD
Cover art: Hello I'm Nik



Ever feel like building a business for yourself is a full-time job in itself, before you’ve even landed a client? 15 Minute Freelancer cuts through the overwhelm with manageable, actionable advice designed to fit around a busy schedule. Hosted by freelance health copywriter Louise Shanahan, each episode draws directly from her own journey and the real, sometimes messy, realities of working for yourself. You’ll hear honest behind-the-scenes stories about pricing, difficult clients, and finding focus, alongside straightforward strategies for the nuts and bolts of running a sustainable operation. The aim is to move beyond generic hustle-culture advice and focus on what actually works, helping you shape a freelance career that supports the life you want, not one that consumes it. This isn't about theory; it's about practical steps you can implement almost immediately. Tune in for a candid, snack-sized conversation that feels more like a chat with a knowledgeable friend than a business lecture. Whether you're just considering the leap or are years into your freelance path, this podcast offers a refreshingly realistic perspective on entrepreneurship.
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