Tiny Ways To Outsource (without feeling overwhelmed)
The Freelancer's Tea Break
If the idea of outsourcing in your business feels scary, you’re not alone. For a lot of freelancers and small business owners, “outsourcing” can sound like handing over everything (your inbox, your accounts, your social media, your systems) and trusting someone else with the things you’ve been doing solo for years. Grips laptop nervously to chest The good news is, you don’t have to start big. In fact, you’re much more likely to succeed (and actually enjoy the process) if you start with one small, contained task that removes stress and creates consistency. (And for me,...
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Freelance Service Funnels: DIY, DWY and DFY (Revisited)
The Freelancer's Tea Break
In this episode, I'm diving into something I talk about a lot with my coaching clients: the three levels of services you can offer: DIY (Do it Yourself), DWY (Done With You), and (DFY) Done For You. Whether you're thinking about adding passive income, building a membership, or just wondering how to price and structure what you do, this one's for you. I also share a quick update on why this episode looks a little different than planned, turns out we all need to pivot sometimes! Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome 0:19 - Why This Episode Changed (Tool Shutdown) 0:45 - What the Episode...
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3 Ways I’m Finding New Clients in May 2026
The Freelancer's Tea Break
Ever wonder what an experienced freelancer actually does to find new clients each month? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own client attraction strategy for May, including the thing that got me my first AI-referred client within weeks. What we cover: Why having a "pick and mix" of marketing activities alongside your regular content works so well AI SEO, what it is and why it's becoming a real discovery channel for freelancers How an outdated Google Business profile could be costing you visibility (guilty as charged!) Using LinkedIn without burning out, including a sneaky...
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Can You Claim Universal Credit While Freelancing?
The Freelancer's Tea Break
Thinking about going freelance but worried about losing your Universal Credit? Good news, you don't have to choose. In this episode, I'm breaking down how Universal Credit actually works for self-employed people, and why it might be more flexible than you think. What we cover: Why Universal Credit isn't just for employed people, freelancers can claim too The Minimum Income Floor explained (and why it probably won't affect you straight away) The 12-month startup period and how it gives you breathing room to build your client base How to report your income and expenses monthly through your UC...
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Following up After Discovery Calls
The Freelancer's Tea Break
Does following up after a discovery call make you cringe? You're not alone, but done right, a follow-up can actually feel like a gift to your potential client. In this episode, I'm sharing three simple strategies to check in without feeling pushy, salesy, or awkward. What we cover: Why follow-ups feel icky — and why they don't have to Setting expectations during the discovery call so follow-ups feel natural Keeping your check-in email short, simple, and stress-free (and saving it as a template!) The "magic email" from community member Sally Farrant that gets responses fast Action steps:...
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Should I Join a Directory?
The Freelancer's Tea Break
Should you invest in a freelancer directory? In this episode of the Freelancers Tea Break, host Emma Cossey breaks down the pros and cons of joining directories as a freelancer from boosting your SEO and local visibility to knowing when your money is better spent elsewhere. In this episode, you'll learn: Why directories can be especially valuable when you're new to freelancing Which directories have been worth the investment (and which haven't) What to look for in a good directory listing How to figure out if your ideal clients are actually searching directories Key questions to ask before...
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From Full-Time to Fractional Freedom with Katherine Pearse (Nee Hall)
The Freelancer's Tea Break
In this episode of the Freelancer's Teabreak, Emma Cossey chats with Katherine Pearse (nee Hall), fractional CFO, systemic coach, and movement facilitator, about what it actually means to go fractional. Katherine breaks down how a fractional CFO differs from a consultant, interim, or part-time hire, and why that distinction matters. She shares the journey that led her from full-time finance leadership through a major merger to building a multi-dimensional business that blends numbers, intuition, and embodied practice. They also explore the growing trend of fractional working, the rise of the...
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Haggle Your Subscriptions (Rewind)
The Freelancer's Tea Break
Feeling overwhelmed by rising subscription costs? In this rewind episode of the Freelancers Tea Break, host Emma Cossey shares practical, actionable tips to help freelancers and small business owners cut down on their software expenses without sacrificing the tools that keep their businesses running. In this episode, you'll learn: How to audit your subscriptions and assess their return on investment Why some of your existing tools may already do the job of others How to haggle with software providers for better deals Where to find voucher codes and cashback opportunities How affiliate...
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Your Q2 To-Do List
The Freelancer's Tea Break
In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, host Emma Cossey shares her essential quarter two to-do list for freelancers. In this episode, you'll learn: What Making Tax Digital means for freelancers and how to prepare for it How to set up your bookkeeping systems and stay on top of your finances for the new tax year Why now is the perfect time to reflect on your quarter one goals How to set meaningful quarter two goals that go beyond just the numbers Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:35 Making Tax Digital — What You Need to Know 3:14 Organising Your Receipts & Folders 4:12 Building...
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My WFH Desk Essentials
The Freelancer's Tea Break
In this episode, I share my essential desk items that actually matter for freelancers, no aesthetic fluff, just practical tools that boost productivity: Water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your workday Second screen: Reduce overwhelm and boost productivity with dual monitors Desk snacks: Keep trail mix, protein bars, or grapes handy to avoid blood sugar crashes Stream Deck: Game-changing productivity tool for creating shortcuts (even has a free mobile app to try first!) 💡 My Pro Tips: Prep your lunch the night before to ensure you actually stop and eat You don't need fancy expensive...
info_outlineSometimes, I come away from recording a podcast episode with a long list of things to do. This was one of those episodes! Molly Scanlan joined me this week to chat about sustainability, our online carbon use and small tweaks we can do to improve our business online in a sustainable way.
Molly Scanlan
Molly builds low carbon, privacy-friendly websites for social enterprises and non-evil small businesses. If your current website no longer fits you, or is a shonky DIY job you're embarrassed to show people, she can sort it out. She used to be a teacher, so everything can be explained as if you're a 6 year old.
Website: https://www.mollygetsitdone.com/signup/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scanlanmolly/
Mentioned Websites
Fathom (Affliate Link): https://usefathom.com/ref/AQXGUO
Website Carbon: https://www.websitecarbon.com/
Digital Beacon: https://digitalbeacon.co/
Below Radar: https://belowradar.co.uk/
Surveillance Capitalism: https://shoshanazuboff.com/book/
Follow me on Instagram
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.