Freelancing might be booming, but growing a business as a solo operator or small consultancy in 2025 still brings its fair share of wobbles, questions, and “what-the-heck-am-I-doing” moments. So we brought together two people who live it, breathe it, and speak about it with real candour: Mel Barfield and Ben McKinney , co-hosts of the Indie Business Club podcast, long-time members of The Marketing Meetup community, and full-time freelance legends.
This session was a gem: practical, funny, reassuring. Whether you’re freelance-curious or three years deep in the juggle, here’s a round-up of the top insights that came through.
🚀 Key Takeaways
1. There’s no one right way to go freelance
Ben went self-employed for freedom and flexibility. Mel took the leap after a burnout-inducing experience in local government and a lucky nudge from a freelance magazine Kickstarter. Both routes were valid , and messy.
🔍 Your path might look different, and that’s okay.
Ask yourself:
What’s nudging me toward freelance life , and am I listening?
2. Build a buffer, do the maths
Mel spoke openly about the privilege of having a supportive partner to back her financially in those early months. But regardless of your setup, the advice is the same:
- Work out what you actually need to earn (after tax, before panic)
- Account for reduced costs (no commute, no “emotional support lattes”)
- Use this to sense-check whether your target income is realistic
📊 Don’t aim to match your old salary – aim for what your life actually needs.
3. Network like a human, not a salesperson
Community was a recurring theme. Mel and Ben both credited in-person moments, peer support, and industry pals for much of their growth , emotionally and commercially.
Mel’s advice? Don’t treat peers as competition. “Friendship first,” she says. “The rest follows.”
Try this:
Attend one IRL or virtual event per month , not to pitch, but to meet people who get it.
4. Know your value – and say it out loud (without cringing)
Pricing is hard. Self-promotion is harder.
But both Mel and Ben made the case for doing it anyway , and doing it on your own terms.
- Start by calculating your resentment rate (what’s the lowest fee you’d accept without feeling bitter?)
- Then test your stretch rate (what’s the highest amount you could say without laughing?)
- Aim somewhere in between
📣 “If you don’t advocate for yourself,” Mel said, “who will?”
5. Differentiate yourself through your story
Ben shared how his past life running a window-cleaning business helped clients trust him as a fellow business owner , not just a copywriter.
Your previous experience (even if it feels irrelevant) is often your unique advantage.
Prompt:
What unexpected detail from your story could help build trust with clients?
6. Don’t be afraid of outbound , just make it good
Mel’s had success with inbound marketing (largely thanks to her consistent, honest LinkedIn presence), but both she and Ben agreed: cold outreach isn’t bad , it’s bad outreach that’s the problem.
Instead of spamming 1000 people, try this:
- Build a dream client list
- Tailor each message
- Make your pitch helpful, not salesy
✏️ “A generic DM won’t get you far,” said Joe. “But an idea that shows care? Much more likely.”
7. Mistakes? Boundaries, tax, and over-giving
Both speakers shared honest lessons:
- Ben: Get an accountant early. Don’t work 24/7.
- Mel: Don’t give away your ideas for free. Free chats aren’t free if they drain your energy and give away your IP.
💬 “People will book your time ‘just for a quick chat’,” Mel said. “Protect your calendar. Set clear expectations.”
💬 Final Thoughts
Freelance life in 2025 is full of contradictions. It’s freeing but frantic. Empowering but exposing. Fun but flipping hard.
But as Mel said, “The depth of friendship and support I’ve found since going freelance? That’s been the biggest surprise.”
If you’re thinking of going solo , or already are , the key isn’t to follow a fixed path. It’s to find what works for you, stay open to connection, and show up (cringe and all).
👯♀️ And remember: the best clients often come from the quiet relationships you build along the way , not just the flashy portfolio.