8. No portfolio? Do this instead

8. No portfolio? Do this instead

Author: Louise Shanahan March 5, 2021 Duration: 10:21

What do you do when a prospective client asks for samples or a link to your portfolio and you don't have anything relevant to share? How do you get the work to build a portfolio without the portfolio that will prove you can do the work? How do you get experience when you have no experience? 

This episode gives you some suggestions for what to do when you don't have examples of previous work to show new clients. (Spoiler: don't make it up!)

"If you're just starting out as a freelancer, or you're offering a new service, what do you do if you don't have samples to share? Some folks would say just say you do, just lie – I totally disagree with this! You don't have to pretend. There are strategies you can use instead. Here are a few of my favourites." -- Louise Shanahan

Mentioned on this episode
Joel Klettke – @JoelKlettke
Case Study Buddy

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.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 93

15 Minute Freelancer
Podcast Episodes
33. A peek inside my proposals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:54
So you had the call with the prospective client, you know you want to work with them, and now... it's time to write the proposal! But what do you include? What can you leave out? What does the client really want to know?…
32. What's your freelancer love language? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:23
What's your freelancer love language? Do you thrive on positive feedback and glowing testimonials, or is a timely invoice payment enough to make you feel appreciated? Do you prefer lots of face-to-face contact with clien…
31. Ask Me Anything About Freelancing! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:54
This episode is a little different... instead of a single topic or interview, we're firing through as many listener questions as possible in 15 mins. Tidbits include:How do you respond to vague client inquiries? (Clue: i…
30. Qs to ask as your business grows (with André Spiteri) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:18
What questions should you be asking as your freelance business grows? How do you scale your business in a way that feels right for you? On today's episode, freelance copywriter André Spiteri shares his experience of the…
29. Land your wishlist clients with cold pitching (with Bree Weber) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:28
In this episode, Bree Weber, creator of Cold Pitch Masterclass, joins Louise for a jam-packed run down of her framework for ethical, non-sleazy cold pitching. Yes, cold pitching works! And no, it doesn't have to feel awk…
28. Oops! How to handle mistakes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:45
Argh! You made a mistake on a client project (or some other part of your freelance business). Now what?First up, you're not alone. We've all been there. In this episode, Louise shares an embarrassing story of one of her…
27. Talking people, planet + profits with Sally Fox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:38
One of the huge advantages of running your own business is being able to support causes that are close to your heart. Maybe you plant a tree for every invoice paid. Maybe you donate a portion of your profits to your favo…
26. How to find more clients on LinkedIn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:01
Hate LinkedIn? Tired of a feed filled with boring updates from connections you don't know and thought leaders posting hot takes about the cheese sandwich they just ate? Same.On today's episode, Louise shares 4 easy ways…
25. Ship before you're ready (and banish perfectionism) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:32
Today's solo episode is about shipping before you're ready, lessons learned from 25 episodes of this podcast, and banishing perfectionism."Step over any negativity that comes from people who haven't stepped into the aren…
24. Journal your way to freelance success w/ Jen McKeown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:45
Dear Diary, we've got our personal development hats on today! When you're running a freelance business, there's nowhere to hide – you have no choice but to push through and figure things out. On this episode, performance…