Simple systems for frustrated freelancers

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Nicholas Robb, Founder of Design Hero, solopreneur and author of Life by Design

Lifestyle Design

Lifestyle design tools to design the life you want, and make that happen.

Financial Freedom

Resources to build leverage = profit & growth without just working harder.

Free Time

Plug and play Systems to automate a solo business & get back your free time.

My Promise

No Fluff, no theory.
Just simple systems you can
use right now to grow a lifestyle business.

Nicolas provided a wealth of insightful recommendations, many of which I hadn’t even considered. He has a friendly, helpful approach that puts you at ease. One thing I truly appreciate about Nicolas is his honesty—he doesn’t sugarcoat things but says it like it is, which makes his feedback invaluable. He’s exactly the kind of designer I love working with, transparent and trustworthy. I highly recommend Nicolas, whether you’re looking for design work or mentoring, and I’ll definitely be recommending him to other designers who could benefit from his kind of support.

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Claire

Freelance product designer

Nick is excellent! He’s knowledgeable, has lots to share and wants to see others do well.

He’s going about freelancing the right way and is well worth following if you want to do the same.

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Orwell

Brand Designer

Nicolas is an adept designer and life coach who really cares about the people he helps. found out about his coaching services and checked out his schedule template.
With it comes a video of him explaining how it works and why it’s divided up the way it is.
I’m admittedly nervous about creating a schedule because my life is so hectic,
but he assured me that the purpose isn’t to have a perfectly scheduled week and to keep to it rigidly, but to know exactly how to get back on track when things (inevitably) go off the rails.
also took him up on an offer to audit my Linkedin profile and website.
His recommendations were thoughtful and spot-on with what I needed to do.
Haven’t implemented all the changes yet, but I plan to follow all of his great advice when things slow down again.
When it comes to design, he was brutally honest (but kind) and love that he was,
because that’s the style of communication I do best with.
Would absolutely recommend Nicholas for anything related to design, coaching, or organization.
He’s a stellar, diligent, and knowledgeable guy – 5/5 stars for sure!

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Jen “the Pen” Wallace

Copywriter

Watching this content again, had to pause it just to tell you just how buzzing I am about it. Super excited for moving forwards!

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Carmen Hamill

Graphic Designer

Thank you so much! I really valued our session today. Sales has always been something I struggle with and avoid. You’ve helped me tackle the beast!

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Niklas Isberg

graphic designer

Thanks so much, it all makes sense. Great outcome, great delivery!

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Jade

Small Business Community

I think it’s the best presentation I’ve ever seen on professional growth.
Your approach is grounded, honest, very well considered, and motivating.
I appreciate so much that you have distilled your years of learning and trying things into something that can work for other people.

What I was most struck by is the amount of reflection in your system;
reflection is in every step and lens.
I’m so busy trying to gain traction that very seldom do I stop to reflect,
except to acknowledge that something isn’t working and that I need to try something else.

Today I’ll be making an appointment with you (via Calendly) to have a chat.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about my website and the ways I could be a better freelancer.

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Emma Sottardi

UX Designer

Really fantastic, life-changing stuff here! Thanks, Nicolas for sharing your knowledge with us Floxies. Please do come back in September to share the 2nd piece with us.

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Emma

webflow designer

Life by Design is such a valuable resource!

I have read the linked articles, they are spot on… I loved that you break your recommended readings into lists, including what NOT to read 😂 I personally am not a huge fan of email newsletters cluttering my inbox, but I signed up for yours  since your blog is such a treasure 💎

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Cara Arendt

Freelance Graphic Designer

You’re a breath of fresh air on this platform mate 🙌🏻 appreciate all the knowledge and advice

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Ben

Founder

The audit was very helpful, I immediately spent time optimizing it.
Also improving the sales process.

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Dominika Czech

Conversion optimization expert

It definitely has given me focus and given me clarity on where I need to start. Already further along than was yesterday. I’m feeling Positive, optimistic and excited.

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Craig Holland

Videographer

Yes!! Inbound prospects 90% already landed.
I’m still not doing outreach, it’s just inbound projects coming and going 😄
I had a pretty funny situation recently. Potential clients reached out to me through ONE LN post – a work that I’ve shared. I realized how powerful LN actually is.

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Ivan

Ivan, motion designer

WOW! this is so freaking great, SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE. I will re-play again just to see what important notes I missed. so glad I connected with you.

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Vlad Esplana

Web Designer

Wow, read your article and I felt like you were talking directly to me and the way I currently feel.

Definitely subscribing!

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Pete Clark

Digital Nomad

I feel way better when it comes to organization and pressure in general.
Also, Trainees are doing great!
I found my guy, I think I already mentioned it to you.
One project is nailed – and I already have more projects waiting in line for him!
I’m working with one guy almost constantly.
To be honest, I worked on a project recently by myself and I realized that my days are numbered when it comes to hands-on work haha 😄

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Ivan

Motion Designer

I already feel the benefits mentally, feeling less stressed and more motivated with more focus and direction, due to gaining some clarity with how and where I want the business to go, along with ideas of how to move forward, and I think I will soon see benefits financially as well, once I’ve put everything in place and then start scaling it up.

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Carmen Hamill

Graphic Designer

I’ve always had the mindset of a solo freelancer. Nick has helped me move into being a sales studio. Thanks so much for the breakdown, makes total sense.

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Ollie Hooper

Motion Designer

It’s rare to find such well-written, good content online. Also, I am a sucker for well-designed sites. Fab job.

I’ve been reading lots of your content, the articles provided solid inspiration, thanks Nicholas!

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Kieran Howe

Director, Oddness Studio

I loved what you said. I was doing it the usual way because everyone does it that way. But after I felt WHY am I still working this way, it’s so dumb!?

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Liz Heinberg

Brand Specialist

Since I stopped trying to do everything,
It’s actually been better!
I don’t stress!

When I don’t focus on too many things,
I actually earn more money AND have more time!
I’m not putting pressure on myself.
Just narrowing down and go slowly.

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Ivan Stankov

Motion Designer

Nicholas has lived it.
He is constantly solving the puzzle of building freedom as a solopreneur and he puts the work in to achieve it.
His newsletter is the playbook and filled with stories to help you on your solopreneur journey.

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Colby Wegter

Agency coach

Highly recommend this, Nick makes it super simple to understand the actions to take, can’t wait to set it all up!

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Rachel Mess

Freelance web designer

Everything’s going great, still have a lot of stuff to go through.

The retainers are going great, I’ve started outsourcing things which was my goal from the start.
One project is nailed – and I already have more projects waiting in line!
I feel way better when it comes to organization and pressure from work.
All in all, a lot of stuff that we talked about, I’m starting to see a huge change just now.

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Ivan

Motion Designer

Hey just wanted to say that was awesome! Found it so useful I’m definitely gonna implement these systems.

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Jonathon Bismark

3D visualist

Thank YOU! That video was super helpful and I still need to implement most of it
I greatly appreciated your willingness to take extra time to give me feedback on my website
I know I’ve benefited from both your organizational skills and design expertise.

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Jen “the Pen” Wallace

Copywriter

Hi Nick, really appreciate your wisdom & encouragement.

I’m on a mad journey of discovery, finding out about myself, what I’m capable of doing and most importantly what I enjoy doing. After decades of helping others to achieve their goals and get rich, I’m doing something for myself and my family, and I’m loving it. There’s loads that I should be doing but I’m not stressing about it and will do it when ready.

Your Life By Design newsletter has been life-changing for me.
The things I needed to read at that moment have always magically landed in my inbox, how do you do that? Haha

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Steve Baker

Digital specialist solopreneur

Super helpful, I have so many good changes to implement. I hope whoever reads this checks it out as well.

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Paul Powers

Podcast Host

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Bethan

Structure was brilliant, really well thought out, well presented also, it was perfect to follow along.

I thought you touched on boundaries and worklife balance, really well, I liked that you used a lot of your real-world experience as a trustworthy source of information

The bit on time-blocking was really good.

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Craig Simpson

Multipreneur

You most definitely earn the title of Design Hero, hands down.
Every suggestion is a gem, I can’t make the updates fast enough – and I’m not even done yet.
Any designer looking for an honest, no messing about portfolio review look no further, this is your guy.
It’s by far the best audit I’ve received to date. Grateful beyond words. Thank you Nicholas

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Claire Young

Senior Designer

The best newsletter in the game.
Excited for this one, Nicholas.

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Ikramul

Copywriter

Nick is a breath of fresh air  I can’t wait to work with him in the future.

Nick is one of few coaches/consultants who genuinely cares about seeing people succeed and passing on his wisdom. From the free advice received, I’ve been able to make actionable changes to my business and I’m 100% sure we’ll be working together in the near future!

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Ben Scott

Solopreneur

I think I was way too stressed I couldn’t make it the way I wanted to.

But I have to tell you about one successful story from last week, she contacted me so I sent them the link for the zoom call…

We talked for a little while one and…I GOT THE JOB

We’re Finnish people so we don’t show our feelings but actually I got three or four other leads as well.

Now I’m doing three different websites. Brilliant! yeah so I now I get to practice more!

This was really good thank you!

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Niklas Isberg

brand designer

My head feels like it’s exploding! It’s a great system, you’ve given me so much to think about. This first session alongside all your support by e-mail and the worksheet are totally worth £98!

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Patrick Grossman

Professional Coach

Still a lot to do, but from the first session I made huge advancements, in terms of clarification of my whole process.

I knew 70% of the ‘stuff’, but I didn’t know how to apply it, what order to do it, how to actually do it.

I can see now how much stuff I was missing, and how many things I overlooked.

It’s very useful stuff, not just for business, especially the life stuff.

It’s everything else outside the business that’s connected to my life.

 

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Ivan

Motion Designer

You helped sharpen my value proposition. I like the practical, hands-on-the-job explanations. The replies on my Qs afterwards were very supportive. Thanks for this great support.
I feel good after the first session and have enough stuff to think about & work on.

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Patrick Grossman

Professional Life Coach

attended two of Nicholas’ workshop and they were full of value. I was taking notes the entire time. I’ve learnt so much from it and the articles/ newsletters he’s written.

Highly recommend the workshop

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lauren-ashley

freelance web design

I’ve learned a lot through the journey, you have to adjust your life accordingly, it’s not all about money…I’m so glad to have had a call with you, generally, big coaches don’t give their time for these sessions.

For the amount of followers, the quality of content you’re putting out is crazy good the systems you’re sharing make a lot of sense!

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Adnan Mallick

Data Analyst

Your workshop was jam-packed with info, by sharing screen and showing how you set up your own systems. I came away feeling there’s a lot of systems I can put in place to make projects go smoothly, and seeing this in action was super helpful. I can organise my business better and know that this will get me closer to my goals!

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Rachel Mess

Freelance web designer

The Life by Design newsletter has been life-changing for me in my journey from being a directionless new business owner to a focused solopreneur. The advice I needed to read at that moment has always magically landed in my inbox, how do you do that? look forward to continuing to receive your valuable advice that helps people like me find our way in a world of noise and claims of overnight success.

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Steve Baker

digital solopreneur

Nicholas is the goat of systems, he knows how to systemize stuff so you can minimize time working on repetitive tasks in your business to enjoy life instead.

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Nejc Jamscek

Ghostwriter, Creator

I do think it’s been worth it.
For me, I always felt like a busy fool,  jumping between tiny jobs not making any money.
The potential was to earn a LOT more.
I’m now working smarter rather than harder.

It’s a lot to take in, so getting a summary after each session of what we have done was so useful,
I’ve referred back to it so many times when I felt I was off track.

I’m out of my comfort zone,  but I’m more focussed,
see now, I’m feeling more confident,
I’m starting to get calls.

I feel all the things we’ve talked about is going to continue.
I feel there’s lots of improvements that are going to make a difference in the long-run.
I feel more professional, I’ve got more brain space for doing the actual work.

So Yeah, I do think it has been worth it and I’m feeling quite good about going forwards.

Thanks so much, Nick I appreciate all your help!

 

 

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Carmen Hamill

Graphic Designer

Five stars,  your newsletter is one of very few that I actually read.

I’ve used your systems and strategies!
It’s helped me stay on top of freelancing while also staying sane.

I like your approach and the way you are streamlining things.

Keep up the good job! Milena Dziebaj

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Milena Dziebaj

Freelance team facilitator

Oh man thank you so much for the audit!! Really great feedback and I am going to make those changes.

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Alana Hutcherson

web designer

This is the best perk from such a knowledgeable teacher. Tons of valuable lessons DIRECT from a successful agency owner. Thanks for sharing.

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Paolo Abagar

Web Developer

I collaborated with Nicholas and revamped my LinkedIn profile. I love it. I’m making changes this weekend.

I’d love to send a rock-solid testimonial as you helped bring laser focus and revamp my LinkedIn profile.
Your video feedback provided me with clarity, and now my Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and content stand out more than ever before.

Nicholas’s coaching skills and direction come highly recommended. Give him a try—you won’t regret it!

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Codrut

SEO solopreneur

The coaching helped me focus on my next steps and what needs to be done. It helped me cut out all other distractions... focus on that one thing and then move on to the next one thing. Small continuous effort which really helps stop me feeling overwhelmed. It helped me cut out all the clutter and different ideas I had. Now I can spend time on the things that will move me forwards.

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Craig Holland

Videographer

It’s a constant struggle!
RE Today’s meeting Man, that was the best advice I’ve ever had. Literally gold!
Thank you so much!
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Niklas Isberg

Graphic Designer

Hey Nik! Just wanted to share with you. I got 2 leads from LinkedIn! They came from a post I made. I already scheduled one meeting. 💪🏻

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Niklas

Brand designer

Thanks for that session, lots of useful info for me to action.
It definitely ticks my 3 F’s … freedom, fulfillment and financial.
My head actually feels a little lighter. One thing at a time, progression not perfection.

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Craig Holland

Videographer

Understood my goals, took me through baby steps to help me grow and grow. Has the right instincts to take this business to 7 figures.

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Martin Gibbons

CEO, Marketing

The sessions are good value and you provided awesome information. Your delivery is class 👍
Over the years I have read so many books & courses, I was looking for a magic bullet that doesn’t exist, to transform my whole life in 12 weeks
This is something at 43 I am now working towards resolving.
I have started getting things out my head (so simple, but so powerful) which lets me focus on that next one thing that takes me a step forward.
I’m not getting overwhelmed anymore… with consistent effort, I’m finally putting into action some of what I’ve learned and I can see the benefits already.

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Craig

Videographer

Hi Nick!
An inspiring & practical masterclass you won’t want to miss! 😎
Thank you for the inspiring talk today! Considering the quality of the focus we saw and the responses in our discord, it was a hit and you set many a brain at work. Maybe video is even more your medium than writing 😉
Most people start a business for freedom but get overwhelmed and fit life around whatever time remains. Nicholas Robb will help you design your lifestyle first and grow a lifestyle business around it!

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Claudia

FLoxies Design Community