Experimenting with layering: a new short-short-term offering!

It's been over a year since I started running KW Collective, and it is safe to say that the learning never stops. For starters, there are the emotional highs and lows that come with starting up on your own, and as I've written about historically, you'll know how challenging that can be! Then there's seeking work and landing the contracts- a unique rollercoaster ride! When you win, you WIN; you're sky high! You can do this! When you don't, you can question everything you're doing and drive yourself to the edge of a meltdown. Then, when something does land, you can feel a bit silly for all that catastrophizing.?

Then, there's the actual doing of the work. I know it sounds strange, but it is one thing to sell yourself to a new client; it's another thing to do the job. I'm not talking about quality, as I imagine that most people out there on their own have a high standard of work, potentially verging on a little bit of perfectionism (if anything like me!), etc. I'm talking about managing the volume. As a one-woman team (save for some on-and-off help from freelancers), it has sometimes felt like a lot. Too much, in fact! But hey, we live, and we learn. The art of balancing the doing with the pitching and including some time for rest is a skill that I know I still have to master.?

All this has pushed me to consider diversifying what KW Collective can offer and, more importantly, what I can realistically do in one-woman mode.?

Until now, I've had the most success booking chunky projects spanning at least three months, mainly strategy-based. When not doing that, I book writing projects covering everything from B2B marketing topics to employer brand, DE&I, and sustainability. And if I'm not doing that, I'm looking for workshops/training on things like culture, values, and psychological safety in the workplace. However, part of me feels this is a slightly old-fashioned way of doing things. Only some businesses, particularly in the current climate, do this.?

I'm noticing a difference in requirements between the clients I work with now and those from last year. In 2023, there was an increased need for strategy and troubleshooting - typically needing my help to navigate team set-ups with less budget, streamline plans for marketing efficiencies, practices to re-engage teams in a psychologically safe way, or longer-term projects. In 2024, there seems to be a bigger focus on the doing. Short-term help with short-term projects. I've had a lot more writing work, for example. I've also been hosting a few more one-off consultancy sessions/workshops. Sometimes, I review a content strategy deck or mentor a new joiner. It's certainly different from last year, but it's just as engaging!?

A couple of weeks ago, I came across an inspiring LinkedIn post by Zoe Scaman about diversifying your portfolio as a freelancer or independent worker. She discusses the importance of thinking differently about the projects you can offer, such as brain-picking sessions, sprints, and one—to three-day strategy projects. She refers to this approach as "layering."?

Introducing the layering approach to KW Collective

I have been experimenting with layering, primarily on larger projects. However, I have been considering adding smaller-scale projects to my offering for a few months now. For instance, I am considering offering brain-picking sessions. Despite my dislike for the phrase "picking a brain," I recognize the value of these sessions. Since starting KW Collective last February, I have received requests for hour-long sessions to discuss career transitions or seek advice on content and marketing strategies. Up until now, I have mostly offered my time for free. I have always had a predisposition to help people, so the thought of declining these requests or asking for payment has made me nervous. But there comes a point when you have to attach value to your knowledge, especially if you're running your own thing.?

And so, as we move into the Spring, I'm diversifying the offering of KW Collective by officially adding my shorter-term offering at trial prices. Of course, I'm still taking on chunkier projects, but I'm also including:

1. 1-hour brain-picking sessions on career transition, starting up independently, etc.
2. 2-hour consultancy sessions on content & social team structuring and marketing strategy.?
3. Marketing strategy review.
4. Copywriting?and deck creation.

You can book any of the session slots via Calendly. Otherwise, contact me via InMail or email ([email protected]) to discuss your project. ?

Let's see how it goes - it goes without saying, I'll report back!?

For now, friends, I wish you a happy Spring.

Lizzy?