Newsletter - October 2022

If we've learned anything from the Optus hack, it's this:

Any business, big or small, can fall victim to cybercrime. That includes your freelance operation. Fortunately, there are some easy things you can do to protect your data. We cover cybersecurity tips and tools for freelancers in this write up:

Finance tip of the month

Our accountant in residence, Lauren Thiel, Founder of The Real Thiel - Accounting for creatives shares Octobers finance tip of the month:

Put money aside for tax! There are so many ways to go about this. Some people bury their head in the sand and ignore it until tax time (this is not our recommended approach).

Others look at last year's bill and assume something similar. Some people put away a percentage of their income each time (but don't forget, you are taxed on profit, not business income).

We recommend doing a forecast (it can be just an estimate), and using an online calculator - or chatting to your accountant - to figure out a more accurate picture of your likely tax bill, then divide by 52, and put that amount aside each week.

Survey Results: September

In the September newsletter we asked "Which social media network is the best for finding new leads?". Here's how you voted:

LinkedIn was the clear leader in our survey last month. In fact, it's such a good lead generator for freelancers, we've created a number of blog articles to help you start using it to grow your business: 

LinkedIn for Freelancers 1: Setting up the perfect profile

Linked in for Freelancers 2: How to find leads for your business

LinkedIn for Freelancers 3: Using the platform to grow your business

October Freelance Legend

Peter Hawke on the Power of Digitising Your Finances

"For the first few years running my business, I took care of bookkeeping, invoicing, and quoting in Excel sheets. Then I found Rounded, which did everything my Excel sheets did, but better - and all in one place. It was basically a seamless transition, and as a result, I've saved myself a lot of time and stress. I recommend all freelancers start using accounting software as soon as they can!"

Peter Hawke is a freelance photographer and owner of PhotographerPete.com.au.

 Are you our next freelance legend?

We're always on the lookout for freelancers to feature in our upcoming newsletters. 

If you have wisdom to share, and you'd like a chance to promote your business, we want to hear from you! 

Fill out this short form, and we'll be in touch! 

Did you know Rounded could do that?

Data security is front of mind in Australia at the moment. 2 Factor Authentication (aka 2FA or MFA) is an easy way to add another layer of security to your account. We strongly recommend you make use of this feature to help ensure your financial data is secure. Click here for more information and setup instructions.

New to Rounded? Curious to learn how it works?

Come join our weekly Rounded 101 Webinars, free to anyone who wants to discover how Rounded helps make managing business finances quick and easy.

Rounded@ the AUSIT conference

Rounded is proud to be partnering with AUSIT (The Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators) to sponsor their national conference taking place in Brisbane next month. This is the premier conference for translators and interpreters, the majority of whom work as Freelancers. If you’re a translator or an interpreter you should be there either online or in person. Click here for details.

The Rounded Roundup

Our Fave Stuff From Around the Web

Podcast Recommendation: The Content Byte

Check out he content byte podcast. Put together each week by the amazing Rachel Smith, Founder of Rachel’s List and Lynne Testoni the content byte serves up great guests, topical discussion and valuable advice for those who make their living as freelance content writers.

Listen on Apple | Stitcher | Spotify

Blogs from Rounded's Friends

How to write freelance case study - The Freelance Jungle

Learn how to maximise the potential of your freelance case study to win work, answer questions and promote your style now.

How to set KPIs for your business goals - Michelle Marks

Setting KPIs help you mark the finish line for your current business goals. Learn more here.

Instagram: Freelance Boundaries

YouTube: Sweatpants forever!

From the Rounded Archives

Business Bank Accounts for Sole Traders

Learn which bank accounts freelancers need, and how to use them.

Time Management Strategies for Freelancers

Ditch the spreadsheets! Use these strategies to save time in the long run.

Cover Photo by FLY:D on Unsplash