Whether you're just getting started freelancing or you're already a few years in, this Ask Me Anything (AMA) is packed with real talk, actionable tips, and honest answers to your biggest questions. We talked about: ✅ How to get freelance clients without relying on Upwork ✅ The exact follow-up system Rachel uses on LinkedIn ✅ What to include in your contract to protect your time and income ✅ How to price your services using the baseline/goal/reach model ✅ The pros and cons of cold pitching on Lin...
Jun 26, 2025•36 min
Afton Brazzoni, founder of Scribe National, moved from a scarcity mindset to building a business that feels sustainable, intentional, and fully her own. From launching a content agency to experimenting with coaching, Afton opens up about the fears that almost held her back – and the mindset shifts that helped her move forward.In this episode of The Guidebook Podcast, we cover:- Scaling from freelancer to agency owner- Letting go of perfectionism and control- The emotional side of launching and p...
Apr 08, 2025•37 min
Whether you're just getting started freelancing or you're already a few years in, this Ask Me Anything (AMA) is packed with real talk, actionable tips, and honest answers to your biggest questions. We talked about:✅ Pricing your services with confidence✅ Staying motivated (even when clients ghost you)✅ What's really changing for freelancers in 2025✅ How to use AI without underpricing yourself✅ Building your freelance website and portfolio…and so much more. Resources from this workshop: Join Pop ...
Mar 27, 2025•36 min
In my conversation with Claire Hill, I’m exploring how busyness gets mistaken for productivity and how reclaiming your time starts with mindset. We’re diving into her Kickstart Formula (https://www.clairehill.uk/kickstart) for prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and overcoming procrastination, reinforcing that self-trust and rest are just as important as action. Take Back Your Time: → Prioritize with Purpose – Claire’s Kickstart Formula helps you structure tasks and eliminate distractions. →...
Mar 21, 2025•59 min
Lizzie Davey has been a freelance writer for 11 years. She transitioned from a low-paying marketing job to freelancing. Like every new freelancer, she started out navigating chaos but eventually found her niche in e-commerce tech. In this episode, we’re talking about: - the power of networking- LinkedIn engagement- authenticity- building a personal brand- getting clientsThrough adaptability, financial transparency, and prioritizing well-being, we highlight the evolving nature of freelancing and ...
Mar 01, 2025•49 min
In case you missed it, I'm kicking off a free live bootcamp: Get Started Freelancing. If you’re thinking about freelancing but don’t know where to start... 😵💫 You’re not alone! I’ve coached over 200 freelancers, and the biggest hurdle is just getting started.That’s why I’m running a free live bootcamp to help you launch your digital marketing freelance biz — step by step. And yep, it's actually free. The first live workshop kicks off next week, so here’s what you need to know: ⚡️ It's Flexibl...
Feb 24, 2025•6 min
Marketing yourself feels weird? Let’s fix that.In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the mindset shifts that make getting clients *way* easier. Spoiler: it’s not about “selling yourself.” Instead, we’re talking about: 📗 the numbers game📗 how to build real relationships📗 why persistence pays off (yes, even when people ignore you).I’ll also share my shoe store analogy (a.k.a. how to approach potential clients with patience, empathy, and a strategy that actually works). If marketing has felt f...
Feb 20, 2025•20 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Jessie Andrew of Inkpot Creative is our guest this week! Jessie is one half of Inkpot Creative’s full-time team. They’re a branding and web design studio for photographers who’ve really nailed down their offerings to enable streamlined scheduling, clear packages and pricing, hiring two part time employees, and selling even during slow seasons. We touched on 4 main topics: Streamlining your service offerings Hiring part time employees Traveling as an entrepreneur Trial and Error...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 7
My sister Erin joins me to share her journey from freelancing in the yachting world to becoming a commercial seaplane pilot. We compare how her experiences freelancing in hospitality were different from mine in digital marketing. She opens up about managing emotions and mindset during career transitions and offers practical tips for breaking into yachting or aviation: network like a pro, build versatile skills, and always know your worth. Takeaways: Freelancing requires networking and building r...
Jan 09, 2025•55 min•Season 5Ep. 6
This episode, we’re chatting with Steven Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Trio SEO. He shares his journey from being a college student to running a successful SEO agency. We talk about: Steven’s work mindset Treating business as an experiment The transition from college to entrepreneurship Scaling a business requires reinvestment and dedication. Listening to your body & avoiding burnout Data analysis for making informed business decisions. Driving content creation with excitement and engagem...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Michelle went from B2B SaaS marketer to freelance copywriter and marketing coach. She knows the importance of authentic networking, the time it takes to build client relationships, and the need for empathy in marketing. That’s why we talked about: - misconceptions of success in the online space - the challenges of personal health in business - the significance of rest periods in entrepreneurship - awareness and problem-solving in personal growth - redefining success on your own terms - corporate...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Anna Burgess Yang went from product manager at a tech company to full-time freelance content marketer. She shares: - how she automates parts of her workflow - the tools she uses - how she analyzes data to improve her marketing strategies - the challenges of balancing freelancing with family life - the transition from corporate to freelance work - AI Tune in to hear our favorite strategies for freelancers and solopreneurs, who want to leverage automations and AI for content repurposing, optimizin...
Nov 14, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Alexa Phillips, founder and chief brand architect of Bright Eyes Creative, shares her journey from a passion for journalism and fashion to establishing her own brand architecture business. She’s on a mission to empower other creatives to monetize their talents. We talked about: → the future of creative entrepreneurship → Alexa’s journey as a creative entrepreneur → the resurgence of magazines → Alexa’s AI hot-take →growing up with entrepreneurial parents → pivoting in business → business vs. emp...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Kara Perez, founder of Bravely Go, talks about her journey from struggling with debt to becoming a financial educator and author. She also shares her experiences as a digital nomad, the challenges of balancing content creation with personal life, and the journey of writing her book on money and sustainability. We discuss: → the importance of financial literacy & community → the challenges of building a personal brand → the realities of entrepreneurship → practical money management tips for f...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 1
In the last episode of season 4, I chat with Maari Casey. Maari is an ad agency art director turned freelancer turned entrepreneur. In this episode with Maari, we chat about: ✨ The benefits on personal life of entrepreneurship ✨ Money Mindset ✨ The abundance of opportunities for freelancers You can learn more about Maari at: LinkedIn Uncompany Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: Instagram LinkedIn ...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Overcoming Fear: 5 Barriers Holding You Back from Major Life Transitions - with Marie-Pier Tremblay This week we have a special surprise! Me and Marie from Self Growth Nerds are doing a collab podcast episode! Marie is a former designer and illustrator turned certified coach, who discovered the transformative power of pursuing her wildest dreams after completing the Pacific Crest Trail. In this episode, we dive deep into: → The 5 telltale symptoms of living out of alignment with your true self →...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 15
On this weeks episode of the Guidebook podcast, I'm talking to Wudan Yan from the Writers Co Op . In this episode with Wudan, we chat about: ✨ The twists and turns that her career took before she got to where she is now. ✨ What kind of journalism work she currently does. ✨ Wudan's new business venture, which is a fact checking agency and so much more. You can learn more about Wudan at: LinkedIn The Writers Co-op Wudan's own website Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on:...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 14
This week, we are talking to Melanie, a freelance writer and editor, and the host of two podcasts: The Deliberate Freelancer and Association Station. In my episode with Melanie, we chat about: ✨ Travel and solo travel ✨ Melanie's journey from journalist to freelancer ✨ In's and outs of how to start a podcast You can learn more about Melanie at: LinkedIn MelEdits Deliberate Freelancer Podcast Association Station Podcast Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: In...
Jun 19, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 13
My chat with Daniel has to be one of the most energetic conversations on the Guidebook Podcast. And with the guests I've had so far, that's a big claim. I had a blast chatting with Daniel Brenneman, co-founder of Empathy Marketing Co, an agency helping you find marketing clarity through the power of emotional marketing. In my episode with Daniel, we chat about: ✨ The power of genuine connection in business ✨ Aligning with your true mission and letting your brand personality shine ✨ Using storyte...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode, I chat with Ray Slater Berry, founder of DSLX, a tech content agency on a mission to empower diverse and minority group writers to write. In this episode, we chat about: ✨ Getting started freelance writing ✨ Beach volleyball and fiction writing ✨ Starting an agency and business with a partner ✨ Balancing work and passion You can learn more about Ray at: LinkedIn Rays Writer Academy DSLX Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: Instagram...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 11
This week I'm joined by my new friend from LinkedIn Mara Watts. Mara is a mom of 3, a yoga instructor, a freelance writer, a plant mom, and full-time latte sipper. We cover loads of ground in this episode including: ✨ Tips for balancing freelance writing, and self-employed work with motherhood ✨ Overcoming rejection and asking for more from clients ✨ The importance of a strong portfolio ✨ The importance of movement and it's link to doing better work You can learn more about Mara at: LinkedIn...
May 29, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 10
This week on the Guidebook Podcast I'm joined by my new friend Will Stevens. Will is a fractional leader and go-to-market specialist, who founded Gain Growth Consulting, a practice that simplifies strategy and develops execution plans for clients. Will also hosts his own podcast called Solopreneur Stories . In my chat with Will we cover a lot of ground, including: ✨ Wills transition from employee to self-employed ✨ Motivations behind his business & startup challenges ✨ Niching and identifyin...
May 08, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 9
This week we have Blair Sharp on the podcast. She's a mum, wife, and writer from Minnesota, who specializes in mental health, parenting, and wellness content, regularly shares her insights on LinkedIn, and writes a newsletter called Hey Freelancer to motivate others to build their dream businesses. In this episode, we talk about: Pros and cons of working a 9-5 compared to freelancing Learning from and collaborating with competetors LinkedIn strategies ADHD and how it impacts both work and person...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Anto. Sarah helps female founders in the tech industry to start their businesses and prepare for fundraising. As a passionate advocate for women in entrepreneurship, Sarah shares her wealth of experience and insights. From launching her startups to empowering other women, she's full of really interesting insights and takeaways from the world of tech startups. In this episode, we talk about: Tech startups and the parallels with solopreneurship Building susta...
Apr 24, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 8
This week in The Guidebook I'm joined by Monica Shaw. Monica is a freelance writer, mountain leader, blogger and SAAS business owner. I loved talking to Monica as she has so much going on at once and somehow finds time to work on them all. This is such an interesting conversation, diving into the mind of somebody who juggles multiple revenue streams. In this episode, we talk about: Monicas background and how she found herself launching a niche SAAS software aimed at writers. Her passion for the ...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 7
I'm joined this week by Marie Pier Tremblay. Marie is a life coach, bookworm, kinkster, and close friend of mine. She lives in Montreal, Canada, and after completing her dream of thru-hiking the PCT in 2019 she transitioned from freelance illustrator to full-time entrepreneur. Through her work as a coach and the host of the Self-Growth Nerds podcast, she empowers creative weirdos to carve their unapologetic paths. In this episode, we talk about: Building and reprioritizing self-care in your life...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 6
This week I'm chatting with Johanna Flashman. Johanna is a freelance writer, journalist, and SEO strategist in the outdoor industry. Rachel also runs the website The Freelance Outdoorswoman which shares stories of other freelancers in the outdoor industry. In this episode, we talk about: Johannas started as a freelancer, some of her early challenges and how they were overcome The challenges of finding clients and marketing yourself Imposter syndrome Switching from freelancing to full time employ...
Apr 03, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 5
I'm talking to one of my favourite humans Rachel Ayotte, where we dive into our Pop Club community, her freelancing background, and our thoughts on mindset and self-care around the freelance lifestyle. In this episode, we talk about: Rachel's experience of Pop Club The importance of taking time off and self-care Saying no to work The best bits about freelancing Learn more about Rachel Ayotte on: LinkedIn Learn more about Rachel and Pop Club on: Instagram LinkedIn We...
Mar 27, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 4
This week I'm chatting with Rachel Dilliplane. Another Rachel! Rachel is a voice-over artist and freelancer. Rachel is super funny, sharing her adventures on her TikTok along with her 2003 Ford E350 Shuttle Bus aks, the Rollsbud Motel. In this episode, we talk about: Comparisons between building a Van and building a business Balancing vanlife and adventure with building your business Her story of moving from her 9-5 to freelancing and how there's no one way to build a business The realities of l...
Mar 20, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Join me, as I sit down with Austin L. Church , a seasoned writer, marketing consultant, and business coach. Having weathered the storm of a layoff from a marketing agency in 2009 Austin now shares invaluable insights with freelancers and consultants. In this episode, we talk about: Austin's Morning Marketing Habit 6 Levers that will propel your business growth Austin's beliefs on work-life balance His new book, available now called Free Money You can find Austin Online: Website LinkedIn X Find R...
Mar 13, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 1
