Freelancing with Purpose: An Interview with Jennifer Robson

Tell us a little bit about yourself & your work.

I love writing stories that inspire and drive positive change. My work focuses on helping businesses and charities share their messages effectively. I also write for money! By this I mean high-stake documents like bids and proposals, with a nearly perfect success rate to show for it.

I am privileged to be Content Director at Climate Action North, an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to helping businesses and communities take practical action to halt the dual biodiversity and climate crisis.

Additionally, I mentor aspiring writers as an Assessor for The Economist’s business writing course, helping them hone their skills and find their voice.

What inspired you to pursue freelancing?

I chose freelancing for the freedom to work from anywhere and to set my own agenda, rather than being just a ‘cog in the wheel’. I also love to meet new people and learn new things.

How did you get your first freelance client?

I brought my first freelance clients with me from a business I co-owned. It was a smooth transition since I already had established relationships with them.

What has surprised you most about being self-employed?

Each day is different, from writing about complex issues like addiction and adoption to interviewing people about creative business ventures. It’s exciting because I get to support my clients and work on projects that make a real difference in the world.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer?

My biggest challenges are around the financial aspects of running a business. But I’ve drafted in support to make it easier. I think the key is to shout out and ask for help, rather than suffer in silence.

If you were just starting out, what advice would you give yourself?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and learn from others’ experiences.

How do you manage work-life balance as a freelancer?

Honestly, I don’t always manage work-life balance well. The flexibility of freelancing can blur the lines between work and personal time, but I love it.

What is the soundtrack of your working day?

It varies depending on my earworm of the day! Sometimes I work in silence, but most days there’s a catchy tune swirling in my head. This week it’s been Celebrity Skin by Courtney Love.

What strategies do you use to find new clients?

Most of my business comes from retained, repeat, and referred clients and I couldn’t be more grateful for their trust and loyalty. I also maintain an active online presence and use platforms like LinkedIn.

What do you wish clients understood better about working with freelancers?

On occasion, I wish some clients understood the importance of paying on time. Timely payments are crucial for freelancers to manage finances effectively and maintain cash flow.

How do you measure your success as a freelancer?

I gauge success by the level of satisfaction and positive feedback from my clients. Repeat business, testimonials, and referrals are strong indicators.

What are your favourite projects to work on and why?

I particularly enjoy projects that involve learning new things and make a real difference. It not only broadens my knowledge but also enhances my versatility and creativity.

What are you most looking forward to over the next 12 months?

I’m eager to continue growing my network, collaborating with inspiring people, and seeing how these experiences will shape my journey and bring new dimensions to my work.

What is your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?

Dancing around the living room to my favourite songs and trying out a new recipe in the kitchen with my partner.

What’s the best way for someone to learn more about you or get in touch?

To book your free 20-minute chat you can email me at jen@jenniferclair.co.uk or connect on LinkedIn.

To get more details about my work and testimonials go to www.jenniferclair.co.uk