Business
In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo dive into the real impact of the Iran war crisis on freelancers and agency founders. From rising expenses to losing clients, they share how they’re adapting, cutting costs, leveraging AI, and finding ways to stay afloat in a tough economy.
If you’re feeling the pressure, questioning your next move, or simply looking for practical ways to survive (and even grow) during uncertain times—this conversation is for you.
Tune in and discover how to stay resilient when everything around you is changing.
Transcript Summary
00:00 – 00:40
- Gelo opens the comeback episode of SEO Kwentuhan.
- Gab introduces the topic: the Iran war crisis and its economic impact.
- Focus: how SEO freelancers and agency founders are adapting and surviving.
00:41 – 01:22
- Discussion begins with rising fuel prices (diesel potentially reaching ₱150–₱200/liter).
- Gab highlights uncertainty in pricing.
- Gelo notes transportation costs as one of the first major impacts.
01:23 – 03:05
- Reduced travel and more time spent at home.
- Shift in food consumption:
- Less meat, more fish and vegetables
- Energy-saving habits:
- Limiting appliance use
- Setting aircon to 24°C
- Early monitoring of electricity bills.
03:06 – 04:19
- Gelo emphasizes awareness of:
- Electricity usage
- Water waste (e.g., open faucets)
- Small habits can lead to significant savings.
04:20 – 06:13
- Discussion on fuel “price lock” strategies.
- Pros:
- Protection from price increases
- Cons:
- Risk if prices drop
- Observation: smaller gas stations often have longer queues.
06:13 – 07:29
- Gab shares mindset changes:
- Teaching kids to avoid waste
- Buying only what is necessary
- Focus on eliminating excess consumption.
07:30 – 08:37
- Gab (agency perspective):
- Focus on long-term clients
- Avoid clients expecting quick SEO results
- Prioritize resilient industries:
- Strong: solar, essentials
- Weak: luxury, non-essential sectors
08:37 – 12:08
- Gelo’s strategies:
- Increasing emergency fund (up to 12 months)
- Using high-yield savings accounts
- Cutting unnecessary AI/LLM subscriptions
- Strong shift to AI automation:
- 80% execution via AI
- 10% strategy
- 10% validation
- Goal: save time and reduce costs.
12:08 – 13:33
- Importance of health during crisis:
- Illness increases financial burden
- Rising healthcare costs
- Advice: prioritize physical health and consistency.
13:34 – 16:12
- Water-saving approach:
- Installing deep wells (province setup)
- Electricity-saving approach:
- Exploring solar panel installation
- Goal: reduce dependence on utilities.
16:12 – 18:02
- Aircon optimization techniques:
- Set to 24°C
- Use timers (off at 4 AM, on at 7 AM)
- Balance between comfort and efficiency.
18:02 – 20:08
- Community tips:
- Meal planning
- Avoid unnecessary purchases
- Reduce subscriptions
- Start home gardening or aquaponics
- Key idea: reduce expenses while increasing income.
20:08 – 23:14
- Gelo:
- Lost a client and chose to reassess
- Exploring collaborations and new opportunities
- Gab:
- Evaluate client industries before accepting work
- Focus on essential sectors
- Avoid vulnerable industries like travel
- Target stable markets.
23:14 – 25:38
- Advice to freelancers:
- Upskill, especially in AI
- Improve systems and workflows
- Market becoming more competitive due to layoffs
- Shift toward an AI-first approach.
25:38 – 27:40
- Lifestyle changes:
- Fewer outings
- More home-based activities (e.g., board games)
- Cost-saving habits:
- Brewing coffee at home
- Cooking instead of ordering.
27:40 – 30:19
- Gab (agency adjustments):
- Slight price increases due to inflation
- Providing team support/allowances
- Less flexibility in negotiations
- Focus on sustainability.
30:19 – 32:58
- Emotional challenges:
- Frustration with rising costs and policies
- Personal struggles:
- Health issues affecting productivity
- Emphasis on resilience.
32:58 – 35:54
- Discussion on taxation:
- Comparison with lower-tax countries
- Concern over heavy tax burden in the Philippines
- Impact on small businesses.
35:54 – 37:23
- Strong emphasis on emergency funds:
- Personal savings
- Business buffer (3–6 months).
37:23 – 40:05
- Introduction of “FU Money”:
- Fund for opportunities or emergencies
- Advice:
- Save consistently
- Prepare for client loss scenarios.
40:05 – 43:23
- Investment perspectives:
- Conservative approach: hold cash
- Opportunistic approach: invest in declining markets
- Examples:
- Solar-related stocks
- High-yield savings accounts.
43:23 – 45:04
- Advice for overwhelmed freelancers:
- Read mindset-focused books
- Improve skills and portfolio
- Explore alternative career paths.
45:04 – 47:13
- Actionable steps:
- Audit finances and skills
- Reflect on past performance
- Take ownership and act
- Avoid victim mindset and focus on solutions.
47:13 – 48:28
- Closing encouragement:
- Stay resilient
- Continue learning and adapting
- Podcast sign-off and invitation to follow their content.
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