Looking back, I’d absolutely still go freelance — but there are some things I wouldn’t do again. Today I talk about what I’d do differently with what I know now. If you’re starting out (or re-starting), check out my 30 Days To Go Freelance Kit – it’s got everything I wish I’d had: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/30-days-to-go-freelance 00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:29 Reflecting on Freelancing Beginnings 00:46 The Pitfalls of Working for Free 01:50 Setting Boundaries Early 0...
Aug 21, 2025•9 min
Lost your spark? You’re not broken. Freelance motivation dips are normal — especially in summer. Here’s what I do when the fire fizzles out. I talk about this loads inside the Freelance Business Lounge — come join us if you need motivation, accountability or a boost. In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break podcast, Emma Cossey, a UK-based freelance coach and ADHD mentor, explores strategies for overcoming motivation challenges in freelance work, particularly for those with ADHD. 00:00 Welco...
Aug 14, 2025•9 min
Worried you’ll scare off clients if you raise your rates? You’re not alone — but there’s a simple shift that makes it way less scary. If this made you think ‘I should really do this’ — I’ve got templates in my Tricky Client Conversations Toolkit: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/the-tricky-client-emergency-toolkit 00:00 Introduction to Freelancers Tea Break 00:03 Why You Should Raise Your Rates 01:09 When to Raise Your Rates 02:06 How to Communicate Rate Increases 02:55 Handling Client Objec...
Aug 07, 2025•6 min
August can feel like tumbleweed season for freelancers… but there are clients out there. Here are 5 quick ways to find them without spamming LinkedIn. Need help getting visible? Check out my Finding Clients bundle: https://freelancelifestyle.co.uk/5-ways-to-find-your-next-client/ 00:00 Introduction to the Freelancers Tea Book 00:27 Challenges of Finding Clients in August 01:10 Reconnecting with Past Clients 02:00 Leveraging Online Communities 02:43 Promoting Offers and Bundles 03:30 Reflecting o...
Jul 31, 2025•7 min
Navigating Freelancing in Uncertain Times: Connection, AI, and Adaptation In this episode of Freelancer's Teabreak podcast, Emma Cossey, a coach for freelancers, discusses the current complex landscape for freelancers and small business owners in the UK. She touches on the impact of AI, the shift from educational to storytelling content, and the importance of connection and networking. Emma also highlights the challenges and opportunities in offering services versus courses, and emphasises the n...
Jul 24, 2025•11 min
In this episode of Freelancers Teabreak, discover practical tips for preparing your freelance business for the summer holidays. Learn how to batch content, boost sales in July, manage childcare costs, and communicate effectively with clients to enjoy a more relaxed and flexible August. Perfect for freelancers looking to balance work and downtime while still staying productive. Tune in and get ready to make the most of your summer! Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacoss...
Jul 17, 2025•10 min
Welcome to The Freelancers Teabreak with Emma Cossey! In this episode, Emma explores the concept of 'amber flags' for freelancers. Distinct from red and green flags, amber flags signal uncertain potential in clients that could swing either way depending on the freelancer's response. Emma shares practical examples of amber flags such as clients seeking discounts, having unclear project scopes, or expressing urgency. Learn how to navigate these scenarios to turn potential red flags into green. 00:...
Jul 10, 2025•11 min
Navigating Solo Entrepreneurship with Maggie Patterson In this episode of The Freelance Teabreak, host Emma Cossey is joined by Maggie Patterson to discuss the challenges and benefits of running a solo business. Maggie, the founder of BS Free Business and author of 'Staying Solo', shares her extensive experience from over 20 years in freelancing. The conversation delves into the pressures freelancers face to scale their business, the importance of building a sustainable and profitable solo busin...
Jul 03, 2025•36 min
In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, we delve into the importance of having standard operating procedures (SOPs) in your freelance business. We discuss what SOPs are, why you need them, and introduce three powerful tools – Notion, Loom, and Scribe – to help you create, store, and share your SOPs efficiently. Tune in to learn how to streamline your processes, ensure consistency, and make onboarding easier. Join our Facebook or Discord group for more discussions! 00:00 Introduction to The...
Jun 26, 2025•6 min
Get Ready for National Freelancers Day | Special Offers and Events In this quick episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, I announce the upcoming National Freelancers Day on June 17th and shares exciting news for freelancers. Listeners can enjoy 20% off on various freelancing courses, including '30 Days to Go Freelance' and 'How to Find Clients.' The episode also hints at a potential networking event on Discord and encourages freelancers to celebrate their achievements. Tune in for all the details ...
Jun 16, 2025•3 min
In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, we delve into whether new graduates can successfully transition to freelancing. We discuss the benefits such as lower financial commitments, up-to-date knowledge, and the ability to take risks. We also cover potential challenges like limited professional experience and smaller networks. We offer practical advice on building a portfolio, starting part-time freelancing, and exploring different freelance opportunities. Additionally, we introduce the Gra...
Jun 12, 2025•11 min
In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, we explore the advanced features of Zoom that go beyond just hosting and joining calls. Learn about Zoom's AI Companion, whiteboards for brainstorming, document sharing, AI-enhanced meeting notes, and useful apps like Timer and name tags by Warmly. Perfect for freelancers who conduct client meetings, workshops, and collaborative sessions. Don't forget to check out Stream Deck for optimised Zoom navigation. Join our Facebook group or Discord for more ...
Jun 05, 2025•14 min
In this episode of The Freelancers Teabreak, I discuss the three tiers of services freelancers can offer: DIY (Do It Yourself), DWY (Done With You), and DFY (Done For You). DIY services include low-cost offerings like guides, training, or templates that clients use independently. DWY involves more interactive options such as memberships or coaching, where freelancers provide support and accountability. DFY is the premium service where freelancers handle tasks entirely, like creating website cont...
May 29, 2025•6 min
In this episode of The Freelancers Teabreak, I discuss how Parkinson's Law can affect our productivity by allowing tasks to expand to the time allotted for them. Instead of dedicating an entire day to a task, try limiting the time you allocate to it. Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Di...
May 22, 2025•3 min
In this episode of The Freelancers Teabreak podcast, I delve into my current tech stack, a popular request from our Facebook and Discord groups. I explore a variety of tools that have been instrumental in my business operations. Starting with Dubsado for onboarding and offboarding clients, Podia for course management, and Discord for community engagement. I mention Sunsama for email management, Speaking Email and Speechify for audio email handling, Slack for team communication, and Notion for ov...
May 15, 2025•8 min
In this episode of the 'Freelancers Teabreak' podcast, we're diving into the vital topic of recognising red flags and celebrating green flags when it comes to clients. As the cost of living rises, more red flag behaviours emerge, and it's essential to identify them early on. Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join t...
May 08, 2025•16 min
Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz...
May 01, 2025•10 min
Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz...
Apr 24, 2025•10 min
My Dubsado Affiliate link: http://dubsado.com/?c=freelancelifestyle Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz...
Apr 17, 2025•5 min
Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz...
Apr 10, 2025•8 min
Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz...
Apr 03, 2025•11 min
Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz...
Mar 27, 2025•3 min
Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz...
Mar 20, 2025•6 min
The wonderful people that helped with my Discord community: Kiri: https://www.faelioness.co.uk/ Alexis Bushnell: https://bushnellcommunitysolutions.com/ Marylin Muir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marylin-muir-231a33175/?originalSubdomain=uk Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Commu...
Mar 13, 2025•10 min
Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz...
Mar 06, 2025•11 min
Tricky Clients Emergengy Toolkit: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/the-tricky-client-emergency-toolkit Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership....
Feb 27, 2025•10 min
The Ben Askins Video mentioned in this episode: https://youtu.be/ETBqDHmjhQA?feature=shared Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership....
Feb 20, 2025•6 min
Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership....
Feb 13, 2025•11 min
Here's the link to the Freelance Lifestylers new Discord community! Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership....
Feb 06, 2025•11 min
Are you bogged down by the belief that you should do certain things as a freelancer? Let’s bust those myths! From ignoring 90-day payment terms to not working for exposure, this episode is all about liberating your freelance life. I should accept their payment terms I should discount I should work for exposure I should do that ‘could you just’ task I should be on all social networks I should reply to emails straight away I should use Whatsapp/voice notes for business I should say yes to everythi...
Jan 30, 2025•13 min
