Guest: Jessica Evans

In this episode of the Become and IDOL podcast, Jessica Evans shares her journey from classroom teacher to freelance instructional designer. 

Tune in to hear: 

• Jessica's career path from teacher to instructional designer and how she started her freelance business 
• Tips on networking, building relationships, and generating referrals as a freelancer  
• Advice for aspiring instructional designers on getting training, asking questions, and dreaming big 

Listen to this episode below: 

Subscribe to Become an IDOL Podcast: Apple Podcast | Spotify | Google Podcast 

Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

Are you looking for a no-nonsense formula for creating engaging courses and training? Check out my new book, The Do It Messy Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide for Instructional Designers and Online Learners (IDOLs) on Amazon.

Enjoy the Episode Transcript below:   

Robin Sargent 

Welcome to become an idol. I'm Dr. Robin Sargent, owner of IDOL courses. This is the place where newbies come to learn and veterans share their knowledge.

Robin Sargent 

I have here with me today, Jessica Evans, and she is in IDOL Academy alum but there is so much more about Jessica and who she is and where she comes from. So Jessica, would you do a better job of introducing yourself?

Jessica Evans 

Perfect. Thank you so much, Robin, I really appreciate the opportunity to be here today and to speak with you. And just kind of give you a little bit about my background and my story in instructional design and the journey that I've taken so far. So I... just leading it out of the gate, my name is Jessica Evans. I'm from a small town in Colorado, near Durango. I do work completely remotely, which allows me to actually grow my children in the hometown that I grew up in. So working remotely and instructional design has allowed me to do that. So I come from a long line of educators, my parents were both educators and administrators. And that just queued me right up to walk into a classroom. So I did start out my career as a classroom teacher, and specifically with a special ed background. So I did all of the things pertaining to running a general ed classroom, and then bringing in to those that had special needs as well. So I did that for a couple years. And then I had an amazing opportunity to go be an instructional designer at my local university. And so that just was an opportunity that presented itself, I was probably at the time not qualified for it but I jumped. I did it, I put myself out there and really stretched myself for that position. And they allowed me on campus. And once I got in the door, I showed them who I was and my work ethic and what I was capable of doing. And they welcomed me in. And that was a huge blessing. And really at the start of my instructional design career. So, I worked in higher education for a couple years as an instructional designer, just helping faculty, running the LMS, doing all of the things that an instructional designer does, and all the many hats that they wear in the higher ed setting. And then it was time for me to have kiddos. So, I had the opportunity to step away from that position but I couldn't turn off that part of my brain. So, I started doing some freelance instructional design on the side. And it was really something I've always wanted to do. I've always wanted to kind of branch out and be my own boss, do my own thing. And so I did. And over the next couple of years, like that just flourished. I was able to get connected to a couple people that really allowed me to showcase my abilities and my hard work and that just opened up door after door in the instructional design world to be able to be a freelance instructional designer. And then while all of that was wrapping up, I did take your freelance course.

Robin Sargent 

Oh, that's right!

Jessica Evans 

That really helped me. Yeah. And that was huge, because, like I didn't know about all the forms and taxes and contracts and setting my own rate and all of that. So that was a course that I took with you and your team. And that really is what catapulted me into where I'm at now.

Robin Sargent 

Do you... so then I got it all wrong. You're not IDOL Academy Alum. I think I'm just used to that. You went through the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp.

Jessica Evans 

Correct. Yeah.

Robin Sargent 

Me, and Christy Tucker, and Nicole Papaioannou.

Jessica Evans 

Correct. Yeah.

Robin Sargent 

Okay, so you'd already been in it and then you went into the course. And did you change directions or what what happened as a result of the bootcamp? Taxes, it sounds like.

Jessica Evans 

Well, those are still... I'm still learning those, that's a new ballgame every day. But, yes, no you provided so many resources in that course, so many templates, so many just how to approach people with a contract, and setting my own rate and having services. So that just really opened my eyes to this world that exists out there. And I took all of those things, I adapted them and made them my own and then I put them out in the world and started using them. And just knowing how to read a contract and and making sure that everything that you need to have in there is in there and setting a rate that is appropriate for what you're doing and where you want to go and how you want to grow. That was all extremely helpful.

Robin Sargent 

What kind of people do you serve right now like what's your business mix look like?

Jessica Evans 

Right now it is a couple of professional associations. So, those professional associations provide training to their members. And what started out as just a simple course consultation, they just wanted me to come in and say, Hey, would you just look through this and give us some feedback? I did that but then I also took it one step beyond the feedback, I said, Hey, this is all great. But this is what we need to do. And kind of over delivered in that situation. And they didn't.... And something someone told me once when I was first starting is, a lot of times people don't realize they need instructional designers, and all of the skill sets and the way we look at things. And so I saw that as an opportunity to come in and really take it one step further than just a simple course consultation, but really give them some steps and some actionable tasks that they could do. And when they saw that they're like, Oh, this is way more than we can handle. What are you doing? Can we hire you? So, that just opportunity led into something much, much bigger. So I have that and then I also have a few small businesses, that I am working with those individuals to help just add another stream of revenue into their businesses by creating online courses, and trainings and digital products, and just kind of opening up that window of their business. So...

Robin Sargent 

Yeah, so I imagine that being an individual contributor, as an instructional designer in higher education is vastly different from what your job and skills look like running your own shop, if you will. And so what are some of those big differences? How did you get started to begin with? I know, you went on maternity leave, that's also how I started my business full time, by the way. And so something about being a mama, you know, just gets you real focused on those big dreams and goals. And so what was it? How did you really kind of open up your solopreneur career and your business? What did that transition look like?

Jessica Evans 

So at first, like I said, it was always something I've wanted to do, but I just, it was hard to make that leap. One of the things that I really tried to do and helped me out was just building those relationships. Working in higher ed, I worked with a whole variety of different people. And a lot of the faculty and the staff that I worked with, not only were they professors or teachers in the university, but they were doing their own things also outside of the university. And so I really... It all comes back down to the networking. I built relationships with them. I was interested in not only what they were doing for our university, but what they were doing for our community and outside of the school. And honestly, a lot of my opportunities today have come from building those relationships back then, and just planting seeds and kind of giving to people and then its all kind of turned around and come around full circle. So really just going out of my way to build those relationships with people has, in turn, allowed me to really be successful. And then same thing, one of those relationships turned into a major opportunity with his professional association. And now I have a whole relationship with a lot of the members of that association and it's amazing what is coming from those individuals too. So I think it really boils down to just networking and learning about people and what they have going on. And then not offering yourself in a salesy way, in a pushy way. But just offering your insight as... As instructional designers, as educators, we have so much insight into people that I think it really helps when you can key in on what makes people unique and what they have going on. So...

Robin Sargent 

That's so interesting. So it actually came out of your network that you had as an instructional designer, they said, Oh, Jessica, I know you like doing XYZ, I've got a company over here that might be interested in your services. Was it something similar to that or how'd that conversation happen?

Jessica Evans 

That and then they just saw what I was doing, and they saw what it was doing for the association. And that ability to make a difference and it to be visible to other people. Yes, I'd like to say that a ton of people are visiting my website, and they find me that way but a lot of it is just through my quality of work and me working hard. Oftentimes over delivering and giving them more than what they expected. That knocks their socks off and it just kind of comes around and people see that, people recognize that. So that's been my biggest quality, I guess you could say.

Robin Sargent 

Your business is living on referrals.

Jessica Evans 

Yes, ma'am. And those are wonderful. So..

Robin Sargent 

Yeah. Yeah, I think there's quite a few people, specifically in this space where a lot of their work just comes from referrals. Have you ever plucked the client in another way other than your network? Or is it all referrals?

Jessica Evans 

I have. I've done the whole, put my resume out, do the interviews, all of that and I've picked up a few small contract jobs here and there. And I have to say my favorite work comes from referrals. Which, they're my people, they've seen what I do, they already respect the work that I've done. But going out finding those opportunities on LinkedIn, originally, because of my higher ed background, those are the ones that I was going after, just because it was comfortable and it was easier. I would say that, like LinkedIn Jobs was a very frequent thing for me for a little bit. But I quickly decided that me investing in my work, and my relationships with the people, that was more fruitful and more rewarding.

Robin Sargent 

Yeah, I bet a lot of people have a lot of fears around becoming a freelancer as an instructional designer. Things like the roller coaster of invoices that you have to ride and what are some of the things that you've done Jessica, to overcome the worries that people have to get your business on track? I guess you've gotten enough referrals, you went out and got contracts. Is there any other insights there?

Jessica Evans 

So there's a meme I've seen recently, where there's a lady and she's freaking out, pulling out her hair and her husband's like, Hey, what's wrong, and she said, Hey, freaking out. It's just part of my process. I know, I'll figure it out. So that's been kind of me through this whole journey. And if you ask my husband, he'll say, I'm on that roller coaster, probably more often than I want to admit. That I have these moments of great stress, and I'm pulling out my hair but I know that that's just kind of part of the process, because I will figure it out. I know that by showing up and working hard and producing quality content, even though it is stressful in that moment, eventually, it will work itself out and be worth all of the stress that I put into it. I am extremely lucky to have a husband who works hard and has allowed me to stay home with my kiddos and allow me to grow in a safe environment. So I understand that that's a huge blessing for me and my family but at the same time I bust it. I bust my tail to get work done, to go out and find these opportunities. And once I have an opportunity, I just really try to make the most of it. So my word of encouragement, I guess to people who are out there trying to try this freelance instructional designer thing out, is just stick with it. Grab every opportunity you've got and just give it your all. There were a couple of opportunities that I took on that I was like, I have no idea what I'm doing right now. And I was in that phase of pulling out my hair but that didn't stop me. I picked up a book, I hopped on a podcast, I researched something, watched a million YouTube videos to learn, how do I do this? How do I take my skills and my abilities to that next level? So just just keep moving, keep working, keep learning. That growth mindset is a huge part of this right now and then just learn from every opportunity. I did have one instance where it flat didn't work. The contract I landed and the client I was working with, it just wasn't, it wasn't working. And for me, that was a huge learning opportunity because I'm not one just to stop. Like if this isn't working and I quit, like it just don't do that. And so that was a huge opportunity for me to really step back and figure out how I was going to adjust and how I was going to recalibrate the situation. So that it was best for me, but also best for the client. So there's just so many opportunities within this to learn and grow and adapt. And don't be afraid to shift and pivot too.

Robin Sargent 

Have you brought in anybody to be a subcontractor for you or come work for you or with you? What's that like?

Jessica Evans 

I have in a few ways. Yeah. And so that's a whole other learning thing. But it is quite a thrill. And it's so... I'm so proud to be able to bring people in to do work with me. I'm in a situation right now where I am, I'm training someone up and they're taking over a lot of the jobs and tasks that I was doing. And I am energized by that. It's just so exciting to... I had this opportunity but now I'm allowed to bring in someone else and give them the same opportunity. And so that ability to kind of you know, there's a country song that sings about, they turn around and you pull up the next person behind you. I just, I love that thought of like no, I'm busting my tail and making good things happen but I'm also going to make sure I turn around every once awhile and pull someone up and make it too. And make sure that they have a learning opportunity and they have a chance to grow. So that's been really exciting. And we're not even to talk about taxes when it comes to that.

Robin Sargent 

Well make them 1099s, baby. So, how did you find that person?

Jessica Evans 

Through a relationship! So, I just had an opportunity to work with her and she was new to instructional design. And so the two of us just jived really well together. And I was able to teach her a lot. And she was able to help me organize my creativity in a way that made it just easier to get a lot done. And so we had to go apart for a while, just because our jobs took us in different directions, life took us in different ways. But as soon as I had this opportunity to bring her on, she was the first one I thought of. So again, it all comes back to that networking and those relationships that you're building with people.

Robin Sargent 

Where do you see your business going in the future? Like, what's your, what's your vision?

Jessica Evans 

Well, it's exciting, I've got lots of big changes on the horizon. I am doing a little shifting in my priorities. So, I'm going to start focusing more on my business side of the house. And like I said, I'm passing off some of the tasks to my friends, and really shifting focus on to my side of the business and growing that and developing that. I had a vision for it back when I was on maternity leave, but I got so busy doing work, that I haven't had a chance to revisit that. So, this is the year of growing my business and my brand and what that means and what I'm going to provide in that structure. I also have another opportunity where I'm going to be helping a business grow, and putting on a few different hats there. So, I'm growing my own business, but also helping another business grow as well. So there's lots and lots of learning ahead of me. I'm also in that very uncomfortable stage right now, where all of these changes I'm making I know are for the best, but it's extremely uncomfortable. Just because I don't know exactly what I'm gonna do every day when I wake up. Before with the instructional design and developing courses and all of that. Like I knew all that it was easy to get up to go and do that. But I recognized that it was time to make a shift, and to start stretching and growing again. So, have me back in about six months, and we'll revisit all those growths. Because I hope to be a little less uncomfortable with all these changes by then and be really rockin and rollin again. So

Robin Sargent 

Yeah, and that just kind of reminds me too, Jessica about the book, it's called E-Myth. Maybe you've picked it up along your journey or something. But it's like, when the baker opens a bakery, they do it because they love baking. When an instructional designer has opened up their own business, because they love doing instructional design, but they just... all the business aspects are just foreign to them. And then you get to a certain place where your bakery is growing, and you have to learn how to do all of the business things, which kind of sounds like where you are.

Jessica Evans 

It's exciting. It's exciting stuff that I know, I have a lot to learn. So, but that's just part of the process.

Robin Sargent 

Yeah. I think a lot of people are probably interested, Jessica, and kind of hearing more about, what are some of the more tangible steps that you would give somebody, if they wanted to move out of their full time role and into owning their own business or being a freelancer in the instructional design space? What are some of those steps that you would give them or advice that you'd give them, for them starting out?

Jessica Evans 

So, I would definitely say that if you don't come from an educational background, or have training in instructional design that you do get some sort of training. I know your academy is excellent with setting up people with getting portfolios and just knowing how to navigate the whole landscape of instructional design. So, I would definitely say that. Especially with how busy everything is getting and how many instructional designers are coming into the industry, like definitely go out and find yourself a program that can set you up to have the foundational skills you need to be in this field. And so I know that you've got a lot of exciting things going on with your academy and all of that, I would definitely recommend something like that. If you're already coming from a background in instructional design, and you already have that training, you already have that in place and you're ready to step out and start your own business or start doing contract work. I would definitely, like I said, I've kind of said this throughout the whole thing. Start building those relationships, start reaching out, finding opportunities in your community to start doing work. And I was one that, I always had, you know, my fingers out feeling for things. I didn't make a clean jump, just jump off the cliff. You know, I didn't jump straight out of the classroom. I had something that I rolled into. So, I was always building and fostering what I had in the moment, but I didn't let that just stop my vision past it. I was always looking for something next, or looking out to the side and seeing opportunities that I could start participating in. And so I would really encourage people just to... don't get blinded in your current situation, your job. Start looking out past it and finding opportunities. And then the bootcamp that I took with you and your team was outstanding. That really helped me make the jump from, this is something I kind of want to do to like, oh, yeah, I can do this. This is the thing that people do, and they do it really well and I can do it. And so again, just finding the people that have been doing it and learn from them, is a huge help.

Robin Sargent 

What do you think is the biggest thing that you wish you would have known at the beginning that you know now, that helps you?

Robin Sargent 

Yeah, it's those like one inch gains. You know, those daily one inch gains. They add up so much quicker than just if you sit there and do nothing. But actually, it doesn't help you at all. But if you just take those little inches or that 1%. And it really is about outlasting in business. It's not necessarily about like being the best brand or XY and Z. It's like, can you outlast the rest of the people. And that was what you've talked about.

Jessica Evans 

I would say, don't be afraid to ask, and to kind of speak up. I was very much... when I came into it, you know, I said, Hey, what do you want them to do? And they're like, oh do this. I would go do that but I would be going, Oh, but what about this, and this and this. And so I very... like at the beginning, I was very timid about asking and really stretch... I don't wanna say stretching the boundaries in a disrespectful way but like I said, a lot of times people don't know they need an instructional designer until they've got one in their pocket, and they're opening up the window to opportunities. So, don't be afraid to ask about, what about this, bring this in, have you thought about this? And stretch those boundaries of what is expected of you. And then I would say just the second part of it is, don't be afraid to dream big. And, you know, I look back and I've had my business name now for about three, four years now. But really, really working in it for the past two. And I think back three years ago, If I had just done that thing I wanted to do, it would be amazing today. So really, if you have something in your pocket that you're wanting to work on, just do it little bit by little bit. The progress over perfection is something I say to myself every day because I am a perfectionist, but just make little progress every day. And you'll be amazed at what adds up over time.

Jessica Evans 

It's hard, but it's exciting to see. Like now, being a couple years into, being like, Wow, all of those things I was doing, it's adding up and it's paying off. It's exciting. It's really exciting.

Robin Sargent 

So, what is your best and final advice for those that want to become an instructional designer?

Jessica Evans 

If instructional design is a field that you are playing with the idea of getting into, I would say go for it. There are so many opportunities out there right now. And they're only multiplying day by day for people with any sort of instructional design interest to get into the field. I'm a very creative visual person and so I am seeing opportunities daily, where there's just so many chances to come in and make these very visually appealing, very beautiful learning opportunities. And it's just... there's so much out there. So don't think that your background, no matter what it is, is going to dictate that you can or cannot get into instructional design. I think no matter what your background is, with the proper training, you can definitely find a spot in this world of instructional design.

Robin Sargent 

Yeah, and I mean, even just bringing up what you said. That you actually are building training for professional associations. Just another avenue that they need instructional designers that people may not have even considered or thought about or the businesses that need to create a new line of revenue. What are they turning to? They're turning to online courses, which is exactly what we build. So, Jessica it's been such a pleasure coming and listening to your journey and being a freelancer from higher education all the way to now you run your own business as an instructional designer, and you are even a former teacher. So thank you so much for coming and sharing your story. I loved having you.

Jessica Evans 

Perfect. Thank you so much, Robin, and I appreciate your time today.

Robin Sargent 

Thank you so much for listening. You can find the show notes for this episode at idolcourses.com. If you liked this podcast and you want to become an instructional designer, an online learning developer, join me in the IDOL courses Academy where you'll learn to build all the assets you need to land your first instructional design job, early access to this podcast, tutorials for how to use the elearning authoring tools, templates for everything course building and paid instructional design experience opportunities. Go to idolcourses.com/academy and enroll or get on the waitlist. Now get out there and build transcendent courses.

If you are a new listener to Become an IDOL, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today!

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I'll be publishing a new episode every two weeks and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Want more tips on how to become an IDOL? Get my free guide here

Join the Conversation!

We have a wonderful and friendly community of expert and novice IDOLs in the Become an IDOL Facebook Group. We would love to have you join us in the group or chat with IDOL courses on of our social media channels.