Weekly digest #21 of 2025

• How We Built and Tested a Business in 3 Days with No Budget — You don’t need a budget or a perfect product to test a business idea. An article by IMMA Collective shows how you can quickly test a business idea, using a real-life example of a freelance carpenter who wanted to create a platform connecting solo craftspeople with construction companies.
• Preparing the Next Generation of Freelancers, by Sarah Duran — Recent insights from The Future is Freelance forum explored what success really means for freelancers and how to achieve it. The key takeaway? Communities and strong support networks are the most critical infrastructure for long-term freelance success.
• Is Your Business Growth Stalled? You Might Be Prioritizing The Wrong Relationships, by Elaine Potfeld — Having hundreds of friends on social media isn’t the same as having a few rich, real-life relationships, writes Selena Soo in her new book, reviewed by Elaine Pofeldt. She shows how intentional networking and nurturing the right connections can directly support your business goals—without burning you out.
• UK Households with Female Freelancers Should Be Earning Up To 43% More Finds Study, by Katherine Steiner-Dicks — Even in freelancing, where rates are self-set, women often earn less than men due to systemic bias and undervaluing their work. But as Katherine encourages, by recognizing their worth, charging fairly, and negotiating with confidence, women can reclaim financial stability and help break the cycle of inequality.
• Why I’m Done With Scope Creep (For Good This Time), by Sara Gibson — Knowing your boundaries and not saying yes to extra gigs (without extra pay) can actually help you earn more money, reduce stress, and provide better service to your clients.
• Stand Out By Saying What You Stand For, by Austin Church — “If you’re a solopreneur, then your personal values ARE your brand values,” says Austin. He recommends digging deep into your core beliefs and weaving them into your messaging and marketing—for authenticity, clarity, and a powerful way to stand out from others with similar skills.

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