Unlocking Success in Self-Employment:

Insights from Julie Barlow

 

“The people who last as self employed workers, it's because they've got the stuff, but sometimes you don't really discover that until you're in the process of it,” says Julie Barlow, an accomplished author and self-employment expert.

It’s not just about doing the work you love—it’s about running the business that allows you to do that work sustainably.

Julie’s latest book, Going Solo, offers a comprehensive guide to starting and succeeding in self-employment.

During a recent interview with Crystal Fletcher for CFG Books, she shared her journey and practical advice for navigating the challenges of being your own boss.

From Necessity to Opportunity

Julie’s path to self-employment wasn’t planned. "I came of age and finished my university studies at a time where the unemployment rate was very, very high. I wanted to work in writing, and I really didn't have any other options,” she says. "I just decided to get down and try it.”

Drawing on her decades of experience, Julie’s book offers a roadmap for transitioning from employee mindset to entrepreneur and the key to success lies in learning to think like a business owner:

“There's a lot of practical information based on these decades of experience that we've had as writers,” she says, but that’s not the main goal of the book.

“The basic idea is teaching you not to think like an employee,” Julie says.

Practical Advice from Going Solo

Julie’s book is packed with actionable tips for self-employed professionals at any stage. Here are some highlights she shared during the interview:

 

1. Embrace Business Planning
   Having a business plan is essential, yet many people skip this stage. Julie advises that even a simple outline can help clarify goals and map out steps to achieve them.

2. Be Ready to Pivot
   Industries change, and so do opportunities. “Things change in every business,” she says, and you have to be ready to adapt. “You're never going to stay on some perfect plateau.”

3. Develop Negotiation Skills
   Negotiating fair contracts and fees is an essential skill for freelancers. “Find out what it is that they want,” she says, and advocate for your value. Be confident about what you want in return, and be prepared to walk away. Saying NO can be very difficult, especially at first, but your confidence will build over time that you are in charge of your destiny.

4. Manage Finances Proactively
   From taxes to budgeting, staying on top of finances is critical. Julie recommends scheduling regular reviews of expenses and income, ensuring you’re prepared for surprises.

5. Avoid the Employee Mindset
   Julie’s core philosophy centers on shifting how you see yourself. Self-employed professionals need to stop thinking like employees. “You’ve got to be in the driver's seat,” she says, “and you’ve got to put yourself there.”

 

The Journey and the Challenges

Julie also touched on the realities of self-employment, including its ups and downs. “You have to be ready for low periods, because they're going to come,” Julie says. “Change brings opportunity, and you just have to find it and be open to it and then ready to do the work to make the best of it.”

One of Julie’s proudest moments came after the success of her first book, 60 Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong. "It was incredible to see the book do so well and use that momentum to negotiate better contracts for the next one," she recalled. She cautions, however, against complacency, noting that success often requires ongoing effort and reinvention.

A Resource for Every Stage

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned freelancer, Julie’s book offers valuable insights for everyone. Intended as a startup guide as well as a resource for self-employed workers at any stage, Julie says.

Going Solo is based on a French version her co-author and husband, Jean-Benoit Nadeau, wrote in the 1990s. They revised and updated the original material as a pandemic lockdown project into a comprehensive toolkit for the self-employed covering everything from dealing with difficult clients to navigating tax laws.

 

Next Steps for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those considering self-employment, Julie recommends starting with small, actionable steps. Don’t let the idea of being your own boss overwhelm you, she advises, but break it down into manageable pieces, and focus on building a foundation.

Self-employment isn’t about having all the answers upfront—it’s about discovering them along the way and having the courage to keep going.

You can order Julie’s book Going Solo at the Canadian Publisher by clicking on the link below:

Going Solo (Canadian Edition) - Sutherland House Publishing

Or scan the following QR code: