Andy Strote

Talking business with freelancers and agency owners. I’ve been a freelancer, 2X agency founder (first agency was acquired, retired from second), author.

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

These books have helped agency owners and freelancers around the world.

Maybe they’ll help you too. Link is in the bio.

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

The redcoats getting ready for those Irish-American Fenians raiding Upper Canada.

The raids happened in 1866. No coincidence that Canada was formed in 1867.

The threat was from our southern neighbour. Same as it ever was…

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

Looking for London hotel recommendations for a couple of art lovers near the museums / galleries.

Reasonable boutique luxury would be great. Anyone?

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

@gator_gum Maple MAGA, Temu-Trump. 🤷‍♂️

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

@DimitrisSoudas @JeffreyLuscombe You’ve identified the problem. “Get someone else to write PP’s speeches.”

Put a new coat of paint on him.

The real question should be, as a leader, what does he believe? If he had to write his own speeches, what would he say?

I know what Carney would say. His Davos speech.

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

@bruce_arthur @raehanbobby

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

Freelancers, what’s stopping you from forming a bigger company?

A) I’m happy working solo
B) I don’t have enough business to justify it
C) I’m working on it, not ready yet

For me it was a natural step going from solo freelance to my first agency. It’s not for everyone.

You?

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

Freelancers, how are you using AI?

A) Helping to generate ideas
B) To improve my deliverable and save time
C) I’d rather not talk about it

Bonus question:
Have you discussed the use of AI with clients?
A) Yes, and they’re fine with it
B) Yes, and they have a “no AI” rule
C) No

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

Freelancers, when you first work with a client do you go over your terms and conditions with them?

When and how you expect to get paid, timelines and schedules, ownership of materials or licensing, etc.?

Don’t just tack it onto your estimate assuming they’ll read it.

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

Do your clients look forward to working with you?

At my last agency one of our clients said that meeting with us was the most fun they have all week and they looked forward to it.

What do your clients say about you? Are they having fun?

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

@shash1960 @Havenlust You’re right about everything except the wealthy family part. His father was a minister in a small Dutch town (I’ve been there). Not rich.

He ALWAYs struggled financially. Only lived off money his brother Theo sent him.

The deal was, for the money, Theo got the paintings.

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

@CaitlinKellyNYC @PeterHRatcliffe Health system strained but working pretty well. Triage system means those who need help most get it fast. Not-so-urgent or elective, yeah, there might be a wait.

If you arrive by ambulance with a doctor’s note that says, “Code red, life and limb”, they see you immediately. 😉

[Mr Melancholy @chakravartiiin]

Trump realising he was talking to a pakistani scammer this whole time not an Iranian negotiator.

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

Have you heard the expression The Surface Area of Luck”?

It equals the action you take towards your passion, times the number of people you communicate your passion and activities to.

Luck = Doing x Telling

Want to increase your luck?

Do more, tell more. 🤷‍♂️

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

@JeffreyLuscombe My friend… before you post something like that, wouldn’t it be easier to just listen to a few songs?

We have the Internet now…

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

Freelancers, your network is everything. I know this isn’t news, but it’s worth repeating.

When was the last time you called, texted, or emailed people on your list?

Think of something relevant to say and touch base. Connections pay off.

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

@shash1960 @Havenlust London East Side? No… Dutch.

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

Your project management should be proactive.

Clients should know ahead of time if they’re going to blow a deadline. Remind them of the schedule everyone agreed to.

The answer is either they get back on track or move the deadline.

The answer is NOT you work around the clock.

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

Freelancers : Should you get paid for meetings?

Yes.

But some clients don’t want to pay for meetings.

So, don’t have “meetings”.

They’re “working sessions”, “planning sessions”, “presentations”.

Don’t break out separate line items. Wrap them into your deliverables. Get paid.

[Sandy Hubbard, Growth Strategist/Marketing Advisor @sandyhubbard]

I help you position your business powerfully and strategically for growth and success.

[Andy Strote @StroteBook]

Freelancers: you should have a structured on-boarding process. Clients should understand how you work and what you expect of them.

At the same time, you should learn about how their business works.

Know what to expect of each other. Do it early. Fewer arguments later.