Have you ever asked yourself: “How do I get more leads and clients?” “When is the right time to pivot?” “Do I really need a new website right now?” “How do I balance my finances in alignment with my personal goals?” “How do I get better at public speaking?” “What’s the best way to use email for my business?” “How do I launch a podcast?”
If so, you’re in luck.
The experts I bring on have all the answers you need to make your small business bigger, but not in the way you might think.
Throughout the episodes, my guests and I openly share our successes, failures, and everything in between. You're not in for a bunch of sugarcoating sessions; instead, you'll learn how to run your small business *your* way — sustainably, strategically, and with ease.
My name is Anja, and as a small business owner from Croatia, I know what it’s like to look at mega-successful entrepreneurs and creators worldwide and think, “How do I make this a reality for myself?”
This is exactly the goal of Freelance Business Unlocked — to help you see what’s possible, no matter where you live and the types of clients you serve.
Tune in and learn about effective marketing strategies, podcasting, financial management, email marketing, copywriting, sales, parenthood and entrepreneurship, and much more. Subscribe now and join us for this fun ride!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you ever asked yourself: “How do I get more leads and clients?” “When is the right time to pivot?” “Do I really need a new website right now?” “How do I balance my finances in alignment with my personal goals?” “How do I get better at public speaking?” “What’s the best way to use email for my business?” “How do I launch a podcast?”
If so, you’re in luck.
The experts I bring on have all the answers you need to make your small business bigger, but not in the way you might think.
Throughout the episodes, my guests and I openly share our successes, failures, and everything in between. You're not in for a bunch of sugarcoating sessions; instead, you'll learn how to run your small business *your* way — sustainably, strategically, and with ease.
My name is Anja, and as a small business owner from Croatia, I know what it’s like to look at mega-successful entrepreneurs and creators worldwide and think, “How do I make this a reality for myself?”
This is exactly the goal of Freelance Business Unlocked — to help you see what’s possible, no matter where you live and the types of clients you serve.
Tune in and learn about effective marketing strategies, podcasting, financial management, email marketing, copywriting, sales, parenthood and entrepreneurship, and much more. Subscribe now and join us for this fun ride!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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In this episode, I dive into the ever-present feeling of overwhelm that we all face as business owners. It's not about eliminating it but embracing it and learning to work alongside it.
Remember, it's your journey, and it's okay to trust your instincts, even when you're being guided by a mentor or a coach.
I've learned and experienced all of this myself, and in this episode, I break down these 5 truths (and tips!) that have helped me stay grounded:
1)You don’t *need* to do anything.
2) You’re way more ahead than you think you are.
3)The cost of inaction is far greater than the potential failure caused by taking action.
4)Share your story & be adamant about boundaries.
5) Keep a bank of ideas at all times.
Enjoy!
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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As a business owner, you want to be in motion all the time. Ready to implement those bold ideas of yours. But, we sometimes get stuck and it seems like there's no way out.
Fear not, as this quick episode will help you get back on track, AND get you to realize you're not alone and that we sometimes *need* to feel like this before things get better again.
Since I've been there hundreds of times (and this very episode was "inspired" by my lack of inspiration — ironic, isn't it?), I've learned how to battle it most times, and these 3 tips are usually my go-tos.
Enjoy!
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Laura Plantak's podcast Systems With Laura — Apple Podcasts, YouTube
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Regret is a sensitive topic. We've all been there. We've all experienced it. And most of us want to have less of it. So how do we go about reducing it?
In this short episode, which is an excerpt from an interview we recorded for Laura Plantak's podcast, Systems With Laura, we discuss this very topic and how I personally tackle it, whether they're personal or business-related.
Dealing with regret is a constant work in progress and there is no finish line; we'll *always* regret something. Let's keep them to a minimum, though, shall we?
Enjoy!
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hello from October 2025!
This episode was published in April 2024 and some info about the podcast in there is a bit outdated, but my tips are as evergreen as it gets. :)
Enjoy!
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Well, hello, and welcome to my first solo episode in English!
I wanted to share my experience with the podcast rebrand (or ~makeover~), how it came about, and what I've learned along the way.
I hope you'll enjoy the episode, and feel free to message me on LinkedIn if you have any thoughts or questions!
Takeaways:
_______________________________________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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I get it. It's hard to stay focused on one thing when there are so many things being thrown our way — new strategies, courses, business models, tips, you name it. In short, lots of shiny new objects.
This episode will help you see why keeping our focus regardless of outside noise and circumstances can change your business for the better — and faster.
Not gonna lie, this episode will serve as a "note to self" as well because I'm done feeling scattered. (IYKYK.) (:
Enjoy!
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Book a 60-minute consult call ($197) — Let's find a way how to make podcasting a part of your weekly routine on YOUR terms.
Laura Plantak's podcast Systems With Laura — Apple Podcasts, YouTube
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If you're here, that means you're a business owner, a freelancer, or a creative. Or all of the above. And chances are, you've probably thought to yourself (at least once in your business life) – “I should launch a podcast.”
But once you started digging around, you quickly found yourself overwhelmed with all the information, and the only thought you were left with was “I can’t fit all of THIS into my schedule.”
If that’s the case, keep on listening.
I was recently invited to a podcast hosted by my lovely friend, Laura Plantak, where we discussed a bunch of podcasting topics, but this mini excerpt you’re about to hear relates to the issue I mentioned a minute ago.
This thought is very real as I experienced it myself (multiple times), which is why I wanted to speed up the process for you so you’re no longer left stuck in this “I don’t have the time” mentality.
We find time for everything we have to do, as well as for some things we enjoy, right?
Let’s make podcasting one of those non-negotiables.
Enjoy this week’s episode!
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Susie is one of those guests who was on my list way before I even started this podcast, and I'm so happy to share this episode with all of you!
In this conversation, she shares her expertise on organizing business finances and optimizing pricing strategies.
She discusses the motivation behind her work and the importance of practical strategies for managing money.
Additionally, Susie offers insights on creating a sustainable business and navigating changes and transitions in the freelance world.
Takeaways:
Here's where you can connect with Susie:
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I absolutely love welcoming designers to this podcast, especially those who don’t mention colors and fonts within the first 5 minutes. So there’s a spoiler for you: Good design is not ONLY about making things look pretty.
Ubaid Ur Rehman knows what makes good design good since he has been working with the top 1% of LinkedIn Creators. He’s very practical and shares tips we can all implement to the aesthetic parts of our businesses right away.
Ubaid highlights the significance of value propositions, social proof, and clear calls to action in design.
He also shares insights on effective design principles, emphasizing the importance of color and font choices, the interplay between design and copywriting, and the significance of personal branding.
He discusses how to create a cohesive visual identity that reflects one's personality and the necessity of understanding user experience across different platforms.
As you can probably tell already, Ubaid is very generous with information and tips, so get ready to take some notes.
Also, stay until the very end to hear the final tip he shares, which, in my opinion, rounded our conversation perfectly.
Enjoy!
Takeaways:
Here's where you can connect with Ubaid:
_______________________________________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Eva Feldman, a psychologist from Croatia, talks about tackling difficult topics online, how to put ourselves out there and let our voices be heard, and how to deal with the ever-present impostor syndrome. She explains all of these notions so eloquently, with an emphasis on the constant inner work that is needed in order to show up (in person or online) as authentically as possible.
Eva also reflects on the balance between business and personal life, but not in the way you might think. The conversation delves into the importance of authenticity and connection in business and personal relationships, as well as the challenges of navigating the world of social media.
Eva shares insights on building a business based on values, and she also discusses the significance of unconditional positive regard and curiosity in accepting others, which I was particularly fascinated by.
Takeaways:
Here's where you can connect with Eva:
_______________________________________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode #50! Is that a milestone?
Either way, I'm thrilled to be joined by Višnja Željeznjak, an educators' educator based in Croatia.
She started her business in 2002 (it's incredible how that's 20+ years ago), initially focusing on website development. Over the years, she transitioned to B2B marketing consulting and eventually started Eduza, her education platform, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She discusses the importance of active (!) sales and the misconception of passive income from online courses. She advises starting with live courses to receive feedback and improve the content. Višnja also recommends creating micro-courses with one specific outcome and combining services with educational products. She highlights the value of workshops for practical skills and suggests incorporating interactive elements.
What is extremely valuable are Višnja's insights and tips on how to teach and present in workshops and online courses effectively.
She emphasizes the importance of using the "I Do – We Do – You Do" teaching strategy in workshops, where participants are shown how to do something, practice it as a group, and then practice individually.
Don't multitask while listening to this one; instead – take notes. I sure did. :)
Enjoy!
Takeaways:
Here's where you can connect with Višnja:
(Note: All of Višnja's channels are currently in Croatian, but that shouldn't stop you from taking a look and connecting with her!)
_______________________________________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not good at selling,” this one is for you.
In this solo episode, I'll walk you through how to sell your services without feeling uncomfortable, manipulative, or fake.
This isn’t about tricking anyone. It’s about being clear, helpful, and grounded in your value.
Every tip and insight I’ll be sharing today is tangible and applicable to your business, no matter your experience, line of work, or personality type.
In this episode, you'll learn why you are already a salesperson—even if you don’t call yourself one, how to "plant the seeds" in everyday conversations and podcast interviews, and the power of detaching from the outcome.
Enjoy!
Takeaways:
Resources mentioned:
___________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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In this episode of Freelance Business Unlocked, we explore the concept of building in public with insights from some of my favorite people in the industry.
Join us as we dive into the benefits, challenges, and personal experiences of sharing the journey of building a business openly.
This episode features voices from the Balkan region, including Croatia and Serbia, offering a unique perspective on this growing trend.
This was like a speed-dating-style coffee chat with some of my Internet friends and mentors, and I’m 100% sure you’re gonna enjoy this episode and get value out of it.
Enjoy!
Featured Guests:
Takeaways:
Resources mentioned:
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Purchase the exclusive Sustainable Podcast Strategy course here
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FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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In this episode, we dive into creating a podcast strategy that aligns with your lifestyle and business goals.
If you’ve been toying with the idea of launching your own podcast, this one is for you.
Today, you’re getting 9 minutes of my paid Sustainable Podcast Strategy training video for free, where you’ll get a glimpse into how you can design a podcast workflow that maximizes efficiency and minimizes time spent planning and recording each episode.
Learn to build a podcasting system that works for you, not the other way around, discover how to align your podcast with your business goals and marketing efforts, and avoid burnout by implementing a repeatable system that saves time and energy.
Enjoy!
Takeaways:
___________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HELPFUL LINKS:
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Hello and welcome to this week's (solo) episode!
As you can tell by the title, today, I'm sharing my thoughts on pivoting as a solo business owner.
This is an exciting topic, but it's not all fun and games—it takes effort and persistence; it’s scary at times, but it’s doable once you find your own way of doing it.
In my mind, pivoting is NOT a sign of weakness.
Pivoting means you tried something that may or may not have worked, and you’re ready to move on for various reasons (be it financial, emotional, or logistical).
Here are some questions to consider:
Let me know your thoughts about this episode over on LinkedIn!
_______________________________________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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What’s the best podcast format for you—solo, co-hosted, or interview-based? In this episode of Freelance Business Unlocked, I share an excerpt from my conversation with Croatian podcasters Edita and Darko on their Seen & Heard podcast.
This clip dives into the pros and cons of different podcasting formats from someone who has tried them all—solo, co-hosted, and interview-based.
In this episode, you'll learn the key differences between solo and co-hosted podcasting, why co-hosting can ease pressure and boost accountability, why interview-based formats naturally create consistency, creative ways to test co-host chemistry before launching, and much more.
Whether you’re about to launch your first podcast or considering a format switch, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look into how each setup affects your workflow, accountability, creativity, and connection with your audience.
Enjoy!
Takeaways:
Resources mentioned:
___________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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This episode of Freelance Business Unlocked is an interview I had on my friend Slobodan Manić’s No Hacks podcast earlier this year, and what’s fun about it is the fact that it’s only 12 minutes long.
In those 12 minutes, Slobodan and I discuss why you should launch your own podcast and the benefits it can bring to your business, no matter your area of expertise.
We discuss overcoming limiting beliefs, the benefits of podcasting for brand awareness, and the art of networking through meaningful connections.
Enjoy!
Takeaways:
Resources mentioned:
___________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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Do you ever look at other creators and wonder how they manage to show up so consistently—week after week, month after month—without burning out?
In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on what consistency really looks like behind the scenes. Spoiler alert: it’s not about having more time, support, or willpower—it’s about building a system that works for you. And yes, that includes micro-consistency, a little accountability, and dropping perfectionism at the door.
This episode is an honest look at what it takes to stay consistent in your business—especially when you're running things solo (hi, same here 👋) and trying to juggle marketing, content, and, you know… real life.
In this episode, you’ll learn why you are already consistent (you just don’t give yourself credit for it), what brushing your teeth and sending a weekly newsletter have in common, why accountability (public or private) can be the secret sauce behind your momentum, and much more.
Takeaways:
Resources mentioned:
___________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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If perfectionism has ever kept you stuck, stalled a project, or stopped you from launching your podcast, this episode will help you look at it from a different lens.
Today, I'm diving into the sneaky ways perfectionism disguises itself as "high standards"—when in reality, it's fear in a polished outfit. Drawing from my own podcasting journey and real-life examples, I unpack how overthinking and fear of judgment can stop even the most creative minds from putting their work out there.
You’ll learn why the fear of being seen (especially by people you know in real life) can be paralyzing—and how to move forward anyway.
You'll also hear about one of my favorite insights from Amy Porterfield, reminding us that B+ work gets us further than chasing A+ perfection ever will.
Whether you're a podcaster, content creator, or just someone trying to finally take that next step in your business, this is the episode for you.
Takeaways:
Resources mentioned:
___________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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How much is too much when it comes to free content?
That’s the question I’ve been sitting with for a long time, and this solo episode is my attempt to unpack it. Whether you're a coach, consultant, creative, or service provider, you've likely wrestled with the balance between generosity and strategy in your content. Should you give away the “how”? Or should you stick to the “what” and “why” and keep the rest behind a paywall?
In this episode, I explore the nuanced layers behind this question, including:
You’ll also hear why I believe the future of content is in thought leadership—and no, that doesn’t just mean showing off your wins. It’s about taking a stand, offering a fresh perspective, and showing up with courage, clarity, and creativity.
“Ideas that are hoarded help no one. Success follows generosity.” — James Clear
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FREE 5-DAY PODCASTING MINI-COURSE — Everything you need to know before starting your podcasting journey.
Free podcasting newsletter — Weekly. Five minutes or less. No BS.
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You already know podcasting builds authority and helps grow your audience—but what if there’s so much more beneath the surface?
In this solo episode, I’m lifting the lid on the lesser-known benefits of running a podcast—the ones you don’t hear about in marketing emails or strategy sessions. After almost two years of hosting a weekly show (plus helping other creatives launch their own), I’ve seen firsthand how podcasting can quietly transform your business and personal growth.
I dive into eight underrated but powerful benefits, including:
Whether you’re just dreaming about starting a podcast or already a few episodes in, this episode will shift the way you see podcasting—and help you realize why it’s such a powerful tool for creative business owners.
Resources mentioned:
___________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
Thank you and see you next week!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.