Should You Do Strategy Work for Non-Executive Engagement Sponsors?

Should You Do Strategy Work for Non-Executive Engagement Sponsors?

Author: Erik Dietrich September 8, 2026 Duration: 21:06
To view this as a video, head to our YouTube channel. A question came up in our community recently about whether or not to do strategy work for non-executive engagement sponsors. I talk a lot about engaging with economic buyers, particularly if you want to do strategic work. But what about strategic work with people who aren't executives in the org? Join us to learn more. Link Picks Understanding the patient intake process from start to finish, this complete guide walks through the key steps healthcare providers use to collect and manage patient information before and during a visit. Whether hiring a ghostwriter crosses an ethical line is explored in depth in this guide on ghostwriting ethics, covering what you need to know before deciding if it's the right choice for your content. Data obfuscation tools are explored in this overview, which covers the techniques and software options available for masking sensitive data to protect privacy and maintain compliance. D3.js and React together is explored in this guide, covering how to integrate the popular data visualization library with React to build dynamic, interactive charts. SpinOne's backup and recovery solution for Google Workspace helps organizations automatically protect and restore their cloud data in the event of accidental deletion, ransomware, or other data loss scenarios. Agentic testing is explored on this Tricentis page, which covers how AI agents can autonomously plan, execute, and adapt software testing workflows. Unusual Ventures explores what makes a good product manager, breaking down the key traits, skills, and mindsets that distinguish exceptional PMs from the rest. Enterprise automation and RPA are compared in this piece, which breaks down the key differences between the two approaches to help businesses decide which strategy best fits their automation needs. Wrangle's guide on creating checklists in Slack walks you through how to build checklists, assign due dates, and manage tasks directly within Slack.

Erik Dietrich, a seasoned freelancer and entrepreneur, brings his practical Q&A series to your ears with Hit Subscribe Freelancer Q&A. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a direct line to the real, often unspoken, questions that come with building and running your own independent business. Each episode tackles the specific hurdles freelancers face, from setting rates and finding clients to managing projects and navigating the personal challenges of solo work. You'll hear straightforward answers and actionable advice drawn from experience, all aimed at helping you make better decisions for your career. Think of this podcast as a regular conversation with someone who's been in the trenches, offering clarity on the complexities of self-employment. Whether you're just considering the freelance leap or are years into your journey, these discussions provide grounded perspectives for anyone looking to build a sustainable and fulfilling business on their own terms. Tune in for honest talk that cuts through the noise.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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Podcast Episodes
Which Meetings with Clients Should I Bill For? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:17
You're a freelancer and doing regular work with your clients. If you bill by the hour or, more generally, for time and materials, which meetings should you bill the clients for? View this podcast as a video on YouTube. L…
When Do You Look Too Much Like an Employee? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:20
Freelancers, especially newbie freelancers, can find themselves caught in situations where their only, large, 40-hour-per week client starts to treat them more like an employee than a freelancer. What should you do? View…
Is California a Bad Place to Start a Business or Practice? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:42
I've been asked this more than once, but eventually got around to doing a video about it. Rumor has it that California is "business-unfriendly," and, if you live there, you should start a business in another state. What'…
Should I Run Away If Someone Offers Equity? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:38
It's a situation that a lot of techies can relate to. Someone comes along and offers you a stake in their business, instead of money, if you build their vision for them. What should a freelancer do in this situation? Vie…
Is It Okay to "Fake It 'til You Make It?" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:36
We've all heard the phrase "hake it 'til you make it." A reader asked me if this is a good mantra to live by. View this podcast as a video on YouTube. Links of the week: Data: What Is DevSecOps? Key Components of a CI/CD…
What is the Best Way for Freelancers to Get Paid? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:17
Wire Transfer? Check? Cash? If you're just starting out as a freelancer, what's the best way to get paid? View this podcast as a video on YouTube.
Should I Approach Freelancing Differently During a Recession [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:38
At the time of recording, there's a good bit of uncertainty about the economy. Against that backdrop, as a freelancer, should you approach your work differently? View this podcast as a video on YouTube.
What is My (Erik's) Worst Client Experience? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:57
One of the questions that came up in my reader/viewer backlog was specific to me and my background. What is/was my worst experience with a client? View this podcast as a video on YouTube. Link of the week: Using Pytest F…
Is Coaching a Good Line of Work for Independents? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:53
There are all kinds of people billing themselves as (non-athletic) "coaches" out there. As someone looking to go freelance, is becoming a coach a good line of work to get into, specifically in the B2B/professional world?…
Should Freelancers Have References, Like Employees? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:44
It's common (at least in the US) for employees to furnish "references," which are essentially friends or colleagues who vouch for them as character witnesses. As a freelancer, should you also do this? View this podcast a…