Episode 39: How To Diversify Your Freelance Business with Intention

Click the player above to listen to the episode. Or listen on your favorite podcast app! We’re on all major podcast platforms including: Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, and iHeart Radio, to name a few. You can also watch the interviews on our YouTube channel.

How do you protect your freelance business from uncertainty, burnout, and AI disruption?

In this solo episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares the exact framework she presented at the Growth Without Burnout Summit, a virtual conference for freelancers. She also shares new insights and tools designed to help freelance writers diversify their services without tossing out everything they’ve built.

Ashley introduces her signature 3L Framework – Look Back, Lean Forward, and Launch Lightly – to help freelancers rediscover past wins, uncover hidden income opportunities, and test new offers with clarity and confidence.

You’ll also get the inside scoop on her new small group mentorship experience, The Expansion Circle, where freelancers walk through her Freelance Expansion Starter Kit workbook together to map new income streams and expand with purpose.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for more, this episode is your creative reset.

The Expansion Circle kicks off on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 7 p.m. EST on Zoom.
Visit https://talkfreelancetome.com/freelance-mentorship/ to register by June 13.

Watch the full Growth Without Burnout Summit replay here: https://talkfreelancetome.kit.com/diversify-replay

Download my free guide “If You Do This, Try That” here: https://talkfreelancetome.kit.com/diversifynow

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The 3L Framework for freelance business growth
• How to mine your past roles (even 9–5 and volunteer work) for new offers
• Why now is the time to revisit forgotten services and hidden skills
• How to test new income ideas without a full rebrand or major risk
• What to do when freelance work feels dry, slow, or disconnected from your purpose
• Why experimenting beats overhauling — and how to launch lightly
• An invitation to The Expansion Circle—a free 5-week coaching experience to workshop your next move

Time Stamps

01:18 Diversifying Your Freelance Business

03:04 Current State of Freelancing

04:54 The Three L Framework: Look Back

08:00 The Three L Framework: Lean Forward

11:20 The Three L Framework: Launch Lightly

13:39 Putting Ideas into Practice

14:32 Invitation to Join the Expansion Circle

About The Expansion Circle

The Expansion Circle is a free 5-week group mentorship experience designed for freelance writers who are ready to grow with purpose.

Led by Ashley Cisneros Mejia, this intimate program walks you through the Freelance Expansion Starter Kit—a 52-page workbook packed with prompts, templates, and tools to help you uncover hidden services, test new ideas, and build a more resilient freelance business.

We’ll meet weekly on Zoom to brainstorm, strategize, and support each other through what’s next. Space is limited by design, so if you’re craving clarity and community, this is your invitation to join. Reserve your spot at: https://talkfreelancetome.com/freelance-mentorship/

Noteworthy Quote From This Episode

“You’re not just the talent. You’re a business owner. And it’s your job to lead the way for your own enterprise.”

Ashley Cisneros Mejia

Listen Now

Click the player above to listen to the episode. We’re also available on all major podcast platforms including: Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, iHeart Radio, Podcast Addict, and Deezer. You can also find all episodes on our Buzzsprout page and watch our interviews on our YouTube channel. Get more info about our freelance podcast here.

Watch  This Episode on YouTube! Subscribe here!

Find Your Best Business Niche!

We’ve released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business. Simply download and go through the prompts to explore potential niches that will quickly set you apart in the marketplace! Grab your copy here: https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/

Let’s Get Social

Love the podcast so far? Rate and review us if you use Apple Podcasts and join in the freelance conversation on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube! You can also connect with Ashley on LinkedIn and check out our boards on Pinterest!

Read The Transcript

This transcript has been lightly edited using AI for clarity and length.

You Are Not Just a Freelancer—You’re a Business Owner

You don’t have to navigate the freelance business world alone—but you do have to lead the way for your own enterprise.

Welcome to Talk Freelance To Me

[00:00:16] —
Ashley:
Welcome to Talk Freelance To Me—the podcast for women freelance writers, 1099 independent contractors, and solopreneurs.

I’m your host, Ashley Cisneros Mejia. I’ve been working as a journalist and freelance writer for more than 20 years.
Now, as a mom of three, I’m deeply passionate about helping other women leverage the freedom that freelance work offers.

[00:00:41] —
Here on the show, we’re all about the business side of freelancing.
If you want to monetize your talents, make money on your own terms, and build a flexible life that actually works—this is for you.

Before we dive in, don’t forget to:

• Follow us on your favorite social media platform
  
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
  
• Share this episode with a friend
  
• Visit TalkFreelanceToMe.com to access free resources and join our email list
  

Let’s get into today’s episode.

The State of Freelancing in 2025: What’s Changing?

[00:01:18] —
Ashley:
Today, I want to talk about something I’ve been thinking about a lot:
How to diversify your freelance business with intention.

How do we create new income streams as creative freelancers?
How do we adapt without losing ourselves in the process?

[00:01:30] —
There’s so much noise right now—especially in the U.S.—about the economy.
And AI is shaking up the freelance writing world in real ways.

Clients are cutting costs. They’re experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT. And in many cases, they expect more work—for less money.

The Questions Every Freelance Writer Should Be Asking

[00:01:57] —
Ashley:
A lot of freelance writers are wondering:

• How do I protect my business?
  
• How do I lean into what makes me unique?
  
• What’s next for people like me?
  

That’s why I created a framework I call the 3L Framework.
It helps you assess your strengths, spot new income opportunities, and grow with intention—without having to start from scratch.

[00:02:23] —
It’s not just about your freelance projects.
We’re talking about all your experiences—9–5 jobs, volunteer work, civic leadership.

If you’ve done it, it counts.

Why I Created the 3L Framework

[00:02:51] —
Ashley:
This framework was the foundation for a presentation I gave at the Growth Without Burnout Summit hosted by Austin Church of Freelance Cake.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, tired, or just unsure about what’s next—this episode is for you.

Let’s talk about what’s happening in the freelance space right now.

[00:03:13] —
Freelancing has evolved.
Platforms are noisier than ever. AI is everywhere. And your clients?
They’re reacting to fear and uncertainty—by asking for more, while offering less.

The Emotional Side of Freelance Work

[00:03:40] —
Ashley:
If you’ve been freelancing for a while, it’s easy to feel rattled.

Sometimes, the work is steady—but it doesn’t feel good anymore.
Other times, it slows down and you’re left asking, What do I do now?

[00:04:03] —
Should you quit freelancing?
Or is it just time to make a few tweaks?

When you’re overwhelmed, it’s hard to see clearly.
That’s why I created the 3L Framework—to help freelancers step into leadership and work on the business, not just in it.

The 3L Framework for Freelance Business Growth

[00:04:33] —
Ashley:
This framework is for freelance writers and creative freelancers like you—people who want to grow with purpose and intention.

Let’s break it down:

• L1: Look Back
  
• L2: Lean Forward
  
• L3: Launch Lightly
  

And I’ll walk you through each part right now.

L1: Look Back – Reclaim Your Freelance Roots

[00:04:54] —
Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
The first “L” in the 3L Framework is Look Back.

This is where we begin.
Too often, we focus only on what’s happening right now. And while that matters, there’s so much value in reflecting on your full journey as a freelancer and creative professional.

[00:05:00] —
I’ve created an exercise called the Alignment & Awareness Tool, and part of that includes looking back—not just over the last month or quarter, but across your entire career.

Life is cyclical.
Sometimes, the work we did in our 20s or the clients we served years ago ends up coming back around.

[00:05:23] —
You may have pressed pause on a service or skill years ago and forgotten it—until now.
There’s power in revisiting those old wins, past projects, and even former clients you enjoyed working with.

[00:05:52] —
Start by asking yourself:

• What’s working in my freelance business right now?
  
• What used to light me up?
  
• What services felt aligned—even if I haven’t offered them in a while?
  

[00:06:16] —
Think beyond paid freelance writing gigs.
What about your 9–5 roles, civic leadership, or volunteer work?

There’s gold there.
Those experiences often point to hidden services or transferable skills you can bring back into your freelance offerings.

[00:06:39] —
You don’t have to guess.
You’ve already lived it—you just need to pause and reflect.

Start with things like:

• Old hard drives
  
• Resumes
  
• Performance reviews
  
• Testimonials
  
• Past client rosters
  
• Even your phone contacts
  

[00:07:30] —
Sometimes I scroll through my phone and think, Wait, how do I know this person?
Then I remember—we worked on a great project together.

Use these prompts to jog your memory. You may uncover skills or services worth reviving in your freelance business.

L2: Lean Forward – Bring Back What’s Working

[00:08:00] —
Ashley:
The second “L” is Lean Forward.

Once you’ve looked back, it’s time to consider: What can I bring forward into the present?

What clues or ideas are worth revisiting now?

[00:08:13] —
Think about people or services you can reconnect with.
For example, I used to run a personal branding business called MyPowerBrand.com. I created resumes and LinkedIn profiles—and I still own the domain.

[00:08:34] —
Recently, I’ve started getting organic requests for that same type of work again.
People are asking for help with positioning, voice, and strategy—even though tools like ChatGPT and Claude exist.

They want the human touch—especially creative freelancers and job seekers who don’t want generic AI copy.

[00:09:01] —
It made me realize: I wasn’t marketing that service, but there’s still strong demand for it.
Maybe it’s time to bring it back.

[00:09:21] —
So ask yourself:

• What services do I already know how to offer?
  
• Are there things I used to do that I’m not talking about anymore?
  

[00:09:40] —
Maybe you’re focused on writing white papers, but you’re also great at LinkedIn.
What if you helped job seekers tell better stories online?

[00:10:09] —
Some of your best ideas are just under the surface—you just haven’t pulled them forward into the now.

This is your brainstorming phase.
Ask yourself: If I do this… what else could I offer that’s adjacent or complementary?

[00:10:57] —
I actually created a resource for this called “If You Do This, Try That.”
It’s a brain dump of adjacent freelance writing services based on what you already do.

I’ll include the link in the show notes—you can download it and see if it sparks something new.

L3: Launch Lightly – Test Before You Overhaul

[00:11:17] —
Ashley:
The third “L” is Launch Lightly.

This is where we test. Where we experiment.

You don’t have to go all-in or rebrand your entire freelance business to explore a new idea.

[00:11:39] —
You pick one thing—one service, one product idea—and start small.
This is your soft launch, beta round, or test offer.

You don’t need a business plan or a huge rollout.
You just need permission to try something.

[00:12:21] —
For example, let’s say you’re writing website content for a client.
You notice their leadership bios are missing — offer to write those as an add-on package.

That one small offer could become something you pitch to other clients.

[00:12:42] —
You can also:

• Post your idea on social media
  
• Build a waitlist
  
• Send a short survey to past clients
  
• Have a few honest conversations via text or email
  

[00:13:04] —
You’re not doing a rebrand.
You’re doing research.

You’re launching lightly and collecting real feedback before you commit.

From Idea to Income: Turn New Offers Into Real Revenue

[00:13:24] —
Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
Once you’ve tested your idea and gathered feedback, you can decide:
Is this something I actually want to launch?

This is how you diversify with confidence—by moving with real data, not just a gut feeling.

[00:13:59] —
Part three of this process is implementation.
You take your tested idea and put it into practice.

You launch the service.
You sell the product.
You introduce the new income stream—whatever it is—so you’re no longer relying on just one type of writing work.

Freelance Expansion Starter Kit: Your Go-To Growth Workbook

[00:14:22] —
Ashley:
If this is resonating with you, I’ve created a few tools to help you go deeper.

First up: the Freelance Expansion Starter Kit.

It’s a 52-page workbook and journal that walks you through the entire 3L Framework I’ve been sharing with you today.

[00:14:47] —
You can type directly into the digital file, or print it out and write by hand.
It includes strategy prompts, service ideation tools, and space to plan your next freelance move.

And it gets even better…

Introducing The Expansion Circle

[00:15:00] —
Ashley:
I’m currently piloting a small group coaching experience called The Expansion Circle, and you’re invited.

We’ll walk through the Freelance Expansion Starter Kit together, week by week, in a supportive, live Zoom environment.

This isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about building smarter, not harder.

[00:15:09] —
It’s a 5-week experience designed for freelance writers and creative freelancers who want to build new offers, test new ideas, and expand with purpose.

Each week, we’ll meet in a small group, talk through what’s next, and strategize together.

[00:15:34] —
The pilot is completely free.

We kick off Tuesday, June 17, and we’ll meet for five Tuesdays in a row.
You’ll be done by mid-July—refreshed, refocused, and ready to diversify your freelance income.

If you’re interested, please sign up by June 13 so I can finalize the group and be ready for our first session.

This Is Your Invitation

[00:15:59] —
Ashley:
If this feels aligned… if you’re ready to grow your freelance writing business more intentionally… this is your moment.

We all spend so much time working in our business, not enough time working on our business.

That phrase comes from the classic book The E-Myth, and it’s never felt more relevant.

[00:16:23] —
This isn’t about writing more—it’s about building a freelance business that works better.

You can register at TalkFreelanceToMe.com/freelance-mentorship.
Or just go to my homepage and click Group Mentorship in the menu.

Final Thoughts for Freelancers

[00:16:54] —
Ashley:
So here’s what I want you to remember:

You’re not just a worker.
You’re not just the talent.
You are the owner of your freelance business.

You don’t have to do this alone — but you do have to lead.

And I’m here to help.

I’d love to have you join The Expansion Circle and walk this next chapter with you.

Buy me a coffee