What if you could break the feast or famine freelance cycle with one simple mindset shift?
I talked with Kyle Kushner, a coach for freelance and entrepreneurial creatives, and we had some very interesting discussions around this topic and much more.
Kyle opens up about overcoming self-doubt and embracing an entrepreneurial mindset. He talks about how to promote ourselves, boost confidence, and form genuine, non-transactional connections on LinkedIn. And you gotta hear Kyle’s awesome journey from feeling nervous and undercharging to doubling his rates and locking in an eight-year business partnership. The episode also dives into killer strategies for proactive networking and the game-changing power of shifting your mindset.
Ready to transform your professional presence and skyrocket your freelance career? Listen now to start optimizing your client-finding strategies.
Resources:
166: This Fashion Freelancer Changed ONE Thing On LinkedIn and Got More Clients
Check out Justin Welsh’s course on how to grow and monetize LinkedIn. Please note that this is an affiliate link.
Episode Highlights
From Freelancer to Entrepreneur: Kyle Kushner’s LinkedIn Playbook
- With 21 years of experience, Kyle Kushner shares his journey from web developer to entrepreneur, freelance coach, and LinkedIn expert.
The Break That Sparked a New Career
- After an intense altercation at work, Kyle walked away from his job and dove into freelancing—initially relying on cold calls and emails to land clients.
LinkedIn as a Creative’s Power Tool
- Kyle and Heidi unpack why LinkedIn is the platform creatives need to be on, and how a few profile tweaks (banner, title, featured section) can lead to huge opportunities.
Crafting High-Impact Titles
- A great LinkedIn title isn’t cute or clever—it’s clear and expert-level. Kyle shares how changing a single line led one client to a $250K offer.
Engagement Etiquette 101
- Want to connect on LinkedIn without feeling sleazy? Kyle gives a masterclass in authenticity, reciprocity, and not making it all about the sale.
Success Stories That Inspire
- From landing his first long-term client to helping others make game-changing pivots, Kyle backs up his advice with real results.
Freelancer vs. Entrepreneur Mindset
- Kyle breaks down the critical shift from reactive freelancer to proactive entrepreneur—and how embracing business-building transformed his career.
Learning Sales (Without Feeling Gross)
- Kyle emphasizes the need to develop sales and marketing skills as much as creative ones, and shares how self-education made all the difference.
How to Build Real Confidence
- Confidence isn’t fake it ‘til you make it—it’s earned. Kyle explains how market research, client feedback, and repeatable results fuel long-term confidence.
Practical Tactics to Get Work
- Kyle shares actionable LinkedIn strategies, how to do effective market research, and why the most successful freelancers treat their services like businesses.
Proof of Concept & Long-Term Growth
- If you’re not validating your idea with real-world results, you’re just guessing. Kyle talks about the need for proof of concept before scaling.
Connect with Kyle
- Want to learn more? Reach out to Kyle via LinkedIn or visit kylekushner.com.
Key Questions and Responses
1. Why is LinkedIn such an important platform for freelancers and creatives?
- LinkedIn provides immense exposure to professionals, including CEOs and millionaires. It functions as an excellent platform not just for job searching but for building a personal brand, networking, and engaging authentically to create meaningful connections that lead to business opportunities.
2. What are the critical components for optimizing a LinkedIn profile?
- Essential elements include:
- Banner: It needs to be professional and engaging.
- Title: Specific and authoritative, e.g., “Expert Squarespace Web Developer.”
- Bio: Clear and concise, highlighting key skills and experience.
- Featured sections: Showcase your best work and achievements. Optimizing these components draws attention and makes it easier for potential clients to find and trust you.
3. Can you share a personal success story related to optimizing your LinkedIn profile?
- After adjusting his LinkedIn title to “Expert Squarespace Web Developer,” Kyle landed a significant client, which led to a substantial project. Such targeted, expert-level titles can be highly effective in attracting high-value opportunities.
4. How important is etiquette and engagement on LinkedIn?
- Proper etiquette is crucial. Avoid being pushy and instead focus on building genuine relationships. Engage authentically and prioritize providing value and reciprocity. Approach connections with the mindset of offering solutions, not just pushing sales.
5. What do you think people should ask more about when considering freelancing or entrepreneurship?
- More people should inquire about how to market themselves and overcome limiting beliefs. Besides creative skills, sales and marketing knowledge is vital. Consuming free and paid resources on these topics can be incredibly beneficial.
6. How do you distinguish between being a freelancer and an entrepreneur?
- Freelancers typically work on tasks for pay and often wait for work. Entrepreneurs proactively build businesses, market themselves, and offer comprehensive solutions. Developing entrepreneurial skills such as networking, marketing, and creating service packages can help freelancers avoid stagnation and build successful businesses.
7. Can you describe your transition from a traditional freelance role to creating services and building a business?
- Initially, Kyle reacted to work requests and lacked proactive marketing. After experiencing a dry spell in 2016, he recognized the need for consistent marketing efforts. He emphasizes the importance of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, identifying market opportunities, and regularly engaging in marketing and networking to sustain success.
About Kyle:
Kyle is a professional graphic designer with 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, including 21 years as a freelancer. He is currently a certified professional coach who assists the careers of other freelance creatives. Kyle shows them how to transition from traditional freelancers to successful entrepreneurs.
Connect with Kyle:
Visit his website
Email him at: kyle@kylekushner.com
Connect on LinkedIn