In this episode, host Kevin Griffin sits down with Tessa Kriesel to discuss her journey from being laid off at Snap to becoming a successful self-employed consultant in the developer relations (DevRel) space. Tessa shares her experience dealing with an unexpected job loss and navigating the challenges of finding her next steps. She elaborates on leveraging her network, the importance of super fans, and various revenue streams, including consulting, content creation, and sponsorships. Tessa also highlights the value of hiring a business coach early and the benefits of an open-handed approach to giving. Join this inspiring conversation to learn how to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth and success.

Tessa on Twitter: https://x.com/tessak22
Tessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessak22/
Built For Devs https://www.builtfor.dev/

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Today's Special Guest
02:15 Tessa's Journey: From Snap to Self-Employment
03:21 Navigating Career Changes: The Layoff from Snap
07:15 The Path to Self-Employment: Strategies and Realizations
24:02 Leveraging Networks and Skills for Success
29:57 Leveraging Networks for Business Growth
31:11 Exploring Affiliate Marketing and Referral Programs
34:28 Content Creation: Strategies and Tools

36:56 Maximizing Revenue Streams and Efficiency

49:03 The Power of Coaching and Community in Business

Creators & Guests

• Kevin Griffin - Host
• Tessa Kriesel - Guest

In this episode, host Kevin Griffin addresses a question from his friend Sean regarding whether to opt for errors and omissions insurance or general liability insurance, the process of obtaining them, and their cost. The discussion covers the significance of insurance for consultants, freelancers, and contractors to mitigate risks like lawsuits for professional mistakes. Kevin elaborates on general liability and professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, sharing personal experiences with client requirements and the aftermath of a challenging project. Additionally, the host recommends using techinsurance.com to find insurance quotes and concludes by emphasizing the importance of protecting one's business and personal assets.

Insurance: techinsurance.com

00:00 Introduction to Insurance Queries

00:26 The Basics of Insurance for Freelancers

02:08 Understanding General Liability and Professional Liability

03:20 The Importance of Errors and Omissions Insurance

05:27 Real-World Insurance Requirements and Negotiations

07:18 The Cost of Insurance and Its Value

07:57 A Personal Client Experience and the Safety Net of Insurance

11:55 How to Acquire Insurance for Technical Consulting

13:25 Conclusion and Invitation to Join the Community

This conversation with Clark Sell, founder of THAT Conference, delves into the intricacies of organizing community-driven tech conferences. Clark shares his journey from working in the tech industry to starting and running THAT Conference, along with another company called Unspecified. The discussion covers the challenges and changes in conference organization post-pandemic, including financial hurdles and attendee engagement. Through his story, listeners gain insight into the dedication required to run successful community events and the impact of such gatherings on personal and professional growth.

00:00 Opening and Guest Introduction

00:12 Conference Experiences and Accolades

01:56 Clark Sell: Beyond Conference Organizing

04:33 The Genesis of 'That Conference'

08:02 Navigating the First Event's Financial Challenges

10:55 The Intricacies of Conference Planning and Venue Negotiation

15:15 Sponsorships, Ticket Sales, and Financial Realities

24:58 Expanding to Texas: A New Frontier

27:58 The Unique Challenges of Event Planning

28:17 Innovating the Event Experience with Custom Tech

33:11 Exploring the Personal Journey: From Microsoft to Entrepreneurship

37:57 Navigating the Pandemic: Challenges and Adaptations

40:24 Envisioning the Future of Community Events

45:57 The Value of Community Conferences: A Call to Support

Creators & Guests

• Kevin Griffin - Host
• Clark Sell - Guest