The Freelancer's Tea Break
The Freelance Teabreak is a weekly bitesize podcast for you to listen to while you're waiting for the kettle to boil! Full of tips, news and discussion for freelancers, The Freelancer's Teabreak is bought to you by Emma Cossey from www.FreelanceLifestyle.co.uk
info_outline
Part-Time Freelancing
10/15/2026
Part-Time Freelancing
This week, we dive into the topic of part time freelancing around a job. Pour yourself a cuppa! Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/43258683
info_outline
The gold in your client forms
10/08/2026
The gold in your client forms
Your onboarding forms might be the most underrated bit of marketing research you own. This week's episode is a quick admin prompt: dig out your client questionnaires and look at what people actually say when they explain why they chose you. I share what I discovered when I did this myself (spoiler: I'd been talking about the wrong thing on my sales page), plus some easy ways to spot the patterns, from good old-fashioned highlighters to AI and word clouds. Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/43193983
info_outline
I quit
10/01/2026
I quit
...I'm going back to having the podcast as audio only. In this episode, I share what I learned during my experiment to offer the podcast as a video format too. Follow me on Email: Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/42976008
info_outline
It's the final countdown
09/24/2026
It's the final countdown
The Freelance Business Lounge is going up in price from the 1st of October. Join now and stick at the current price! Join here: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/the-freelance-business-lounge
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/42992953
info_outline
Things you don't have to do as a freelancer
09/17/2026
Things you don't have to do as a freelancer
Ever caught yourself still playing by the old corporate rulebook, even though you left the 9 to 5 behind years ago? In this episode, Emma talks through the habits and expectations we carry over from employee life that freelancers simply don't have to keep. From unpaid "quick chats" that eat your lunch break to team-building days you never wanted to attend in the first place, this is your permission slip to stop doing the things nobody's actually paying you for. Timestamps: 0:00 Freelancer's Tea Break: Your Permission Slip to Drop Corporate Habits 0:42 Playing the Game as a Freelancer With ADHD 1:51 Unpaid Overtime: Why You Don't Have to Say Yes to Every Meeting 2:51 The Team-Building Bike Bar Story (You Had to Be There) 3:38 How to Charge Clients for Out-of-Hours Meetings 5:00 Ditch the 9 to 5: Working With Your Own Energy 5:55 Presenteeism, Networking, and Building the "Career Tree" 7:38 Turning Down Work Trips as a Freelance Mum 9:00 Your Freelance Permission Slip: Wrap Up and Community Links Check out the website: Follow me on Instagram: Email: Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership: Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/42938262
info_outline
You need freelance friends
09/10/2026
You need freelance friends
In this episode of The Freelancer’s Teabreak, I'm going to discuss the power of freelance friendships, and how to find your own freelance friendship circle 00:00 Welcome & Take a Break 01:19 Drains vs Radiators 02:14 Alicia's Story 04:39 The Freelance Business Lounge 05:17 Membership Details 09:02 Get Involved 10:16 Goodbye
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/42855210
info_outline
Five Truths About Freelancing in 2026
09/03/2026
Five Truths About Freelancing in 2026
Pour yourself a cuppa, it's time to chat about freelancing - and some of the biggest myths and truths out there! Hi, I'm Emma Cossey, and I'm a coach and mentor for freelancers. Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Join the free Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/42728415
info_outline
Summer Break: What Do You Want to Hear Next?
07/30/2026
Summer Break: What Do You Want to Hear Next?
It's the last episode before a well-earned summer break! I'm swapping the mic for some quality time with my son before he starts secondary school, because some moments matter more than deadlines. There'll be no new episodes in August, but I'll be back in September, refreshed and ready to go. Before I go, I want to hear from you: video episodes or audio only? Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly? Any guests or topics you're dying to hear covered? Drop me a message on Instagram (), pop into the Facebook group or Discord, or email . I'm genuinely listening and can't wait to shape the next chapter with your ideas. Enjoy the summer, and see you in September! This episode has been lovingly edited by Alicia at The Admin Den (and the wonderful Sarah has brought you the blog and Youtube), helping busy podcasters like me sound their best without lifting a finger. Alicia Cornell is a Virtual Assistant and Business Support specialist, based in Berkshire with over 14 years experience in improving business systems to truly work for the people using them. Alicia founded The Admin Den to support mothers running small businesses because she's one herself, and she knows exactly what kind of chaos that particular combination brings. The Admin Den team offers hands-on VA support, email marketing, social media content and takes on specialist projects (including CRM integrations, automations and training sessions) for businesses that need an extra expert pair of hands allowing clients to spend less time on admin and more time on the parts of their business they love. Connect with Alicia! | | | | Get her free, printable which helps small business owners map out the school holidays without losing their business, or their mind, in the process. Timestamps: 0:00 Freelancers Tea Break: Welcome & Introduction 0:18 August Summer Break & Podcast Changes 0:31 Freelancing as a Parent: School Transitions 1:18 Access to Work Funding Cuts for Neurodivergent Freelancers 1:43 Future Format: Video Podcasts for Freelancers? 2:22 Community Feedback: What Freelancers Want 2:46 Thank You & See You in September Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41919255
info_outline
My iPhone Podcast Recording Hack
07/23/2026
My iPhone Podcast Recording Hack
Fancy starting a podcast but the thought of buying a mic, learning fancy software, and building a whole "studio" fills you with dread? Good news, you might already have everything you need in your pocket. This episode is a quick, happy little discovery about a hidden feature on the iPhone that could save you time, money, and a fair few headaches if you're thinking about recording audio. We're talking about the humble Voice Memos app and its secret weapon: Studio Voice, which cleans up your audio and strips out background noise like magic, plus a built-in transcript feature. Whether you're recording on the go, don't have space for a full tech setup, or just need a low-effort way to get your voice out into the world, this one's proof that great content doesn't need to be perfect, just real. A lovely little tip for anyone dipping their toes into podcasting. Timestamps: 0:00 Freelancers Tea Break: iPhone Podcasting Hack for Freelancers 0:17 iPhone 16 Voice Memos Studio Voice: Record Podcasts Without a Studio 0:42 How to Use iPhone Studio Voice & Transcripts for Podcasting 1:51 Why Imperfect Audio Wins: Authentic Podcasting for ADHD Freelancers 2:20 Accessible Freelancing: Podcast From Bed With Just Your Phone 3:09 Start Podcasting Today: iPhone Voice Memos Setup for Freelancers Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41919185
info_outline
Underpromise, Overdeliver: My Secret to Business Success
07/16/2026
Underpromise, Overdeliver: My Secret to Business Success
Quick one this week, but it might just be the best piece of freelance advice you'll ever get. Ever said "I'll have it to you by Friday" when nobody even asked for Friday, then spent the next few days low-key panicking? Yeah, us too. In this episode, we're talking about why that little habit of overpromising (and the scramble that follows) is quietly sabotaging your chances to actually impress your clients. The fix is refreshingly simple: underpromise, overdeliver. Give yourself a bit more wiggle room than you think you need, and suddenly you've got the breathing space to do brilliant work, hit deadlines early, and leave clients genuinely wowed instead of just... satisfied. It's a small mindset shift with a big knock-on effect, and one you can start using today. Short, sweet, and worth writing on a Post-it. Timestamps: 0:00 - My Best Freelance Advice Intro 0:25 - Find Your Freelance Community: Join Our Discord Server 0:44 - Under Promise Overdeliver: The Best Freelance Business Strategy 0:58 - Overpromising & Underdelivering: The Freelancer Trap to Avoid 1:55 - Give Yourself Wiggle Room: Deadline Tips for ADHD Freelancers 3:02 - How to Wow Clients: Managing Results & Expectations 3:16 - Final Takeaway: Build a Sustainable Freelance Career Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41919000
info_outline
How Much Do Other Freelancers Charge?
07/09/2026
How Much Do Other Freelancers Charge?
How much should you actually be charging as a freelancer? Spoiler: there's no magic number, but there are some brilliant guides out there to help you stop plucking figures out of thin air. This episode is your cheat sheet to finding out what other freelancers are really charging, so you can stop guessing and start pricing with confidence. We're rounding up the best places to snoop on industry rates, from YunoJuno's annual guides to LondonFreelance.org's brilliantly nosy "what I was actually paid" submissions, plus IPSE, Reddit's Freelance UK threads, and a handy calculator to get you started. There's also a timely nudge about the gender pay gap in freelancing (yes, it's a thing here too) and why doing a bit of local research matters just as much as national averages. Come for the numbers, stay for the confidence boost, and if you've still got questions, the community's waiting for you on Discord (link below to join). Links from the episode: , , , , and Timestamps: 0:00 How Much Do Freelancers Earn? Podcast Introduction 0:21 Freelance Pricing: Why There's No 'Perfect' Rate 0:40 Freelance Rate Guides: Where to Find Reliable Data 0:57 YunoJuno Industry Guide: Freelance Rates by Sector 1:25 LondonFreelance.org: Anonymous Freelance Pay Reports 2:08 IPSE: not-for-profit membership association dedicated to the self-employed. 2:30 Reddit: Freelancer Community Resources 2:41 Freelance Gender Pay Gap: Why Women Charge Less 3:22 How to Research Freelance Rates in Your Area 3:42 Freelance Rate Calculator: How Much Should You Charge? 4:04 Join the Freelancer Community (neurodivergent friendly!) Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41918300
info_outline
Freelance Realities: Not Just the Glossy Highlights
07/02/2026
Freelance Realities: Not Just the Glossy Highlights
Ever feel like everyone else got the "how to freelance successfully" manual and you're just winging it? This week's episode is here to tell you: you're not alone, and that glossy six-figure freelance life you see on social media is mostly smoke and mirrors. In this episode, I get honest about what freelancing actually looks like right now: quiet quarters, wobbly income, and all. Inside, you'll get practical, no-fluff tips for riding the ups and downs: how to spot your own seasonal patterns, simple automations to make saving painless, and gentle reminders to keep marketing yourself even when business is booming. Whether you're just starting out or you've been freelancing for years, this one's a warm, reassuring pep talk with your feet firmly on the ground, plus a peek inside the Freelance Business Lounge if you fancy some proper community and support along the way. It includes twice-weekly calls, Tuesday accountability, Voxer support, and bundled courses/trainings all for £30/month. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction: Freelancing Reality for ADHD & Neurodivergent Freelancers 0:54 Social Media vs Real Freelancing: The Truth About Freelance Life 1:50 Freelance Income Dropping? Why You're Not Alone in 2024 2:10 AI & Freelance Jobs: Impact on Copywriters & Graphic Designers 3:27 How to Plan Your Freelance Income Calendar Year Round 5:12 Pivoting Your Freelance Business When Old Strategies Stop Working 5:58 Why Inconsistent Freelance Income Is Normal (And How to Handle It) 7:02 ADHD Freelancer Money Tips: Automation, Savings & Pension 8:08 How to Keep Marketing When Freelance Work Is Slow 9:30 Freelance Business Lounge: Community for Freelancers Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41917930
info_outline
Freelancers: Watch Out for Scammy Discovery Calls (Quick Warning & What to Do)
06/25/2026
Freelancers: Watch Out for Scammy Discovery Calls (Quick Warning & What to Do)
In this quick episode, I’m sharing a warning about scammy discovery call bookings that freelancers are increasingly running into now that we rely on booking links. I’ve heard of calls being booked where the other person turns up just to hard sell to the freelancer, and a recent example from my team involved repeated bookings, a document that wouldn’t open, and a prompt asking for an email address, lots of red flags! If something feels off, I recommend Googling the person’s email address or name, checking LinkedIn, and looking for reports on places like Reddit or spam-flagging sites (especially for phone numbers). These situations are rare, but it’s worth being cautious, asking extra questions before the call, and sharing any scam trends you’ve noticed. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Topic 00:15 Discovery Call Scam Setup 00:44 Hard Sell Call Trap 01:02 Team Member Red Flags 01:36 Quick Vetting Steps 02:08 Stay Cautious and Follow Up 02:34 More Scams to Cover 03:07 Wrap Up and Goodbye Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41451085
info_outline
Tax-Free Childcare & Summer Holiday Survival Tips for Freelancers (UK)
06/18/2026
Tax-Free Childcare & Summer Holiday Survival Tips for Freelancers (UK)
In this episode of The Freelancer’s Tea Break, I’m reflecting on my son nearing the end of primary school and sharing practical ways I’ve managed childcare while freelancing, especially over the long summer holidays. I explain how UK tax-free childcare works (pay £8 in, get £2 topped up) and remind you it can help beyond nursery, including some after-school and summer clubs (depending on who accepts it). I also talk about how things get easier as kids get older, and share other support options that have helped me, including help from family (while acknowledging it’s a privilege), swapping childcare with friends, using outdoors clubs, and looking into workspaces that offer childcare or gyms with crèches. I also stress the importance of balancing childcare with your partner and invite tips for the secondary school transition, especially for neurodivergent children. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Life Update 00:31 Tax Free Childcare Basics 02:07 Summer Holiday Juggle 03:11 When Kids Get Older 05:02 Practical Support Options 05:23 Family Help and Privilege 07:08 Swaps With Friends 07:57 Workspaces With Childcare 09:15 Partnering and Sharing Load 10:13 Recap and Next Transition 11:16 Community Links and Goodbye Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41451080
info_outline
How to Respond When Someone Asks You to Work for Free (Without Feeling Awkward)
06/11/2026
How to Respond When Someone Asks You to Work for Free (Without Feeling Awkward)
In this episode, I’m talking through what to do when someone asks you to work for free, whether it’s an unpaid “test project”, spec work, or a talk with no budget. I share why you can (and should) feel confident declining, plus a few polite scripts you can use. If you do want to offer something, I cover alternatives like directing people to your portfolio/testimonials, creating a short free resource that builds your mailing list, offering a paid taster or paid spec work, or agreeing a clear skill swap. I also explain when free appearances can be more like PR/marketing (such as podcasts or local networking talks), and why “exposure” rarely pays, especially without anything agreed in writing, even for unpaid work. Timestamps: 00:00 Why Free Work Requests Happen 01:05 Just Say No 01:39 Polite Declines and Freebies 03:19 Handling Spec Work 04:23 When Free Has Payoff 06:17 Get It in Writing 06:28 Skill Swaps Done Right 08:03 Exposure Myths and Boundaries 08:58 PR vs Free Consulting 09:48 Wrap Up and TLDR Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41451065
info_outline
Tiny Ways To Outsource (without feeling overwhelmed)
06/04/2026
Tiny Ways To Outsource (without feeling overwhelmed)
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, consistency was always the challenge, so having someone to do the last bit really helped) This post will walk you through tiny, practical ways to outsource, especially if you’re nervous about it, plus how to do it in a way that still feels safe and in control. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:18 Why Outsourcing Feels Scary 1:15 How I Started Small (My Outsourcing Story) 3:39 Building Up: Social Media & Beyond 4:49 A message from a member of the Freelance Business Lounge 5:23 Things You Can Start Outsourcing Today 7:58 Tips for Safely Handing Over Access 8:24 Why It's Worth It Connect with Sharon from my membership: or look at her . You can also download her freebie Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41451050
info_outline
Freelance Service Funnels: DIY, DWY and DFY (Revisited)
05/28/2026
Freelance Service Funnels: DIY, DWY and DFY (Revisited)
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 Was Originally About 1:14 - DIY vs Done With You vs Done For You Overview 2:59 - Do It Yourself Explained 3:46 - Done With You Explained 4:56 - Done For You Explained 6:55 - My Own Service Examples: Membership, Coaching & Half-Day Offerings Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41396425
info_outline
3 Ways I’m Finding New Clients in May 2026
05/21/2026
3 Ways I’m Finding New Clients in May 2026
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 trick to stay consistent Action steps: ✓ Audit your website SEO, especially if your site has been through multiple redesigns over the years ✓ Check your Google Business profile is up to date (photos, contact info, and recent posts!) ✓ If you're product-based, make sure your product photos are on Google Business ✓ Try LinkedIn games as a low-pressure way to build a daily habit on the platform ✓ Look into tools like Lime to track your LinkedIn activity without needing a rigid strategy ✓ Don't underestimate AI search, optimising for it can bring in warm leads passively Resources mentioned: | Subscribe for more quick, actionable freelance tips you can enjoy during a tea break! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Freelance Client Acquisition Strategies for May 0:20 – How to Find Freelance Clients: Monthly Marketing Mix Overview 1:05 – AI SEO for Freelancers: How to Get Found by AI Search Tools Like Copilot 2:06 – How AI SEO Generated a New Client Within Weeks 2:38 – Why SEO + Social Media Work Together for Freelance Business Growth 3:05 – Google My Business for Freelancers: How to Optimise Your Listing 3:49 – LinkedIn Marketing for Freelancers: Simple Strategy to Stay Consistent 4:47 – Recap: Top 3 Client Attraction Strategies for Freelancers This Month Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41047105
info_outline
Can You Claim Universal Credit While Freelancing?
05/14/2026
Can You Claim Universal Credit While Freelancing?
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 Journal What counts as an allowable business expense Why your work coach is your biggest ally, and their limitations too Action steps: ✓ Check your eligibility on ✓ Keep track of money actually received, not just invoiced ✓ Log your allowable expenses monthly (equipment, software, travel, home working costs and more) ✓ Consider a tool like FreeAgent to prepare for Making Tax Digital ✓ Ask your work coach about your startup period and whether the Minimum Income Floor applies to you Resources mentioned: | | Order my book: ⚠️ Recorded April 2026: always double-check current rules on gov.uk as these can change. Subscribe for more quick, actionable freelance tips you can enjoy during a tea break! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 0:19 – Can Freelancers Claim Universal Credit? (Overview) 0:55 – Universal Credit Eligibility for Self-Employed People 2:09 – What Is the Minimum Income Floor and How Does It Affect You? 3:24 – The 12-Month Startup Period: How to Qualify and What It Means 5:00 – How to Report Your Income and Expenses to Universal Credit 7:00 – Universal Credit as a Tool to Grow Your Freelance Business Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41047075
info_outline
Following up After Discovery Calls
05/07/2026
Following up After Discovery Calls
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: ✓ Mention your follow-up plan at the end of your discovery call ✓ Draft a simple one or two-line check-in email and save it as a template ✓ Offer Voxer as an alternative for clients who prefer voice messages over email ✓ Use Sally's closing email if you've heard nothing after your first two follow-ups ✓ Don't assume silence means no, a warm lead often just needs a nudge! Subscribe for more quick, actionable freelance tips you can enjoy during a tea break! Resources mentioned: Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:20 Why Following Up Feels Icky (And Why It Shouldn't) 1:18 Tip 1: Set the Expectation During the Discovery Call 2:34 Tip 2: Keep Your Follow-Up Email Short & Simple 3:30 Tip 3: The 'Are We Done?' Email Template 4:03 The Template in Action 5:17 Recap: 3 Ways to Follow Up Without the Ick 6:27 Community & Where to Find Emma Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/41047065
info_outline
Should I Join a Directory?
04/30/2026
Should I Join a Directory?
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 signing up, including ratings, competition, and promotion How to calculate whether a directory will give you a return on investment Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:38 - Why directories are great for new freelancers 1:45 - Directories that have been worth it 3:53 - What to look for in a good directory 4:58 - Considering the cost and extras 5:43 - Will your ideal clients find you there? 7:06 - Ratings, competition & asking around 8:45 - Calculating your return on investment Directories I use: , and Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/40557050
info_outline
From Full-Time to Fractional Freedom with Katherine Pearse (Nee Hall)
04/16/2026
From Full-Time to Fractional Freedom with Katherine Pearse (Nee Hall)
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 "multipotentialite" professional, and why showing up as your full self is not just good for your wellbeing, it's good for business. Whether you're thinking about going fractional, already working that way, or just trying to understand what the term actually means, this episode is packed with insight, warmth, and a few Cinderella references. Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome & Introduction 3:33 Meet Katherine Pearse: Business, Finance & Beyond 3:43 Defining Fractional: What It Is (and What It's Not) 5:25 Fractional vs Consultant vs Interim: The Key Differences 16:04 How Katherine's Career Led Her to Go Fractional 17:49 Fractional in the Wild: Perceptions & Misconceptions 21:10 Selling Solutions, Not Labels 21:14 From Full-Time to Fractional: Why People Are Making the Move 22:44 The Three Pillars: Fractional CFO, Systemic Coaching & Movement 23:27 Finance, Human Behaviour & Why They're Inseparable 33:46 Key Takeaway: Show Up as Your Full Self 35:29 How to Work with Katherine & Where to Find Her Katherine's Details: At Building Balance Services Limited, they believe true growth requires looking beyond the balance sheet. They empower businesses with a unique, three-pillar approach: Fractional CFO services provide the data-backed financial strategy for sound decisions; Systemic Coaching delves into the unseen organisational dynamics and intuition; and Embodied Business uses mindful movement to reconnect you with your body's creativity. They help you make decisions that are both financially smart and deeply aligned. Name: Katherine Pearse (nee Hall) Email: Website Instagram Facebook Abi Moore's (Brand Photography and Marketing) Instagram: Follow Emma on Follow Emma on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/40557025
info_outline
Haggle Your Subscriptions (Rewind)
04/09/2026
Haggle Your Subscriptions (Rewind)
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 programmes can offset your subscription costs Alicia, Emma's Podcast VA's, simple system for tracking and budgeting annual subscriptions so you're never caught off guard Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome & Introduction 2:22 - Why We're Revisiting This Topic 6:30 - The Subscription Cost Problem 3:30 - Tip 1: Review What You Actually Need 4:33 - Tip 2: Consolidate Overlapping Tools 5:18 - Tip 3: Haggle for Better Deals 6:26 - Voucher Codes & Cashback 7:13 - Use Affiliate Programmes 8:31 - Bonus: Tracking Your Subscriptions Links from episode: Emma's Podcast Editing VA: and her , , and Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/40557010
info_outline
Your Q2 To-Do List
04/02/2026
Your Q2 To-Do List
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 Good Financial Habits 5:11 Reflecting on Your Q1 Goals 6:17 Setting Your Q2 Goals 8:12 Recap & Final Thoughts Episode Links: Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/40557000
info_outline
My WFH Desk Essentials
03/26/2026
My WFH Desk Essentials
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 tech, I worked on Chromebooks for years Treat your brain like a plant: keep it fed and watered What are YOUR desk must-haves? Drop a comment below! Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:18 Number 1: Water Bottle - Stay Hydrated 2:21 Number 2: Second Screen Setup 4:05 Number 3: Desk Snacks & Lunch Tips 4:49 Number 4: Stream Deck for Shortcuts 7:28 Recap: The Four Essentials 8:50 Your Desk Must-Haves? Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/40297345
info_outline
Why AI Can’t Replace Coaching
03/19/2026
Why AI Can’t Replace Coaching
Can AI really replace human coaches and freelancers? In this episode, I break down why coaching, and many freelance services, require the irreplaceable human touch. Key Points Covered: Why coaches facilitate rather than prescribe solutions The importance of body language, tone, and non-verbal cues How lived experience trumps algorithmic responses The ethics and values alignment you can't get from AI Why accountability works better with humans How this applies to other freelance services (graphic design, social media management, photography) AI is a tool for information, not transformation. Real coaching, and most freelance work, requires empathy, adaptability, and genuine human connection that algorithms simply can't replicate. Work With Me: Explore Voxer accountability packages Traditional 1-on-1 coaching (Zoom or in-person in Berkshire) - £30/month with 2 group calls per week Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:26 - Why do we need coaches when we have AI? 2:15 - AI gives information vs coaching helps you process 4:24 - AI lacks lived experience and ethical considerations 6:29 - Human accountability and empathy matter 8:11 - Why AI can't replace creative freelance work 9:22 - Coaching packages and membership info Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/40297125
info_outline
Can Potential Freelance Clients Find You?
03/12/2026
Can Potential Freelance Clients Find You?
How easy is it for potential clients to find you online? In this episode, I'm challenging you to audit your discoverability across multiple platforms and search tools. What we cover: SEO basics and why showing up in search results matters How AI tools are becoming a new discovery channel for freelancers Leveraging YouTube (both long-form and Shorts) to build connections The power of podcast SEO for attracting ideal clients Social media SEO strategies for TikTok, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn Action steps: Test your search terms on multiple search engines Check your website analytics for incoming search terms Ask AI tools how to improve your visibility in their recommendations Optimise your YouTube content with tools like VidIQ Consider guesting on podcasts or starting your own Use strategic keywords in your social media content Resources mentioned: Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:21 - How easy is it for potential clients to find you? 0:52 - Google & search engine SEO 1:37 - AI SEO & discoverability through AI tools 2:13 - YouTube as a search platform 3:19 - Podcast SEO 4:02 - Social media SEO (TikTok, Instagram, Threads) 4:42 - Next steps for improving discoverability 5:08 - Closing & call to action Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/40296875
info_outline
Are You Proactive or Reactive When Finding Freelance Clients?
03/05/2026
Are You Proactive or Reactive When Finding Freelance Clients?
The freelance landscape has changed significantly in the last two years, making client acquisition tougher than ever. In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey shares why shifting from reactive to proactive strategies is essential for finding clients in today's market. In this episode, you'll learn: Why referrals alone aren't enough anymore The difference between looking for clients vs. finding clients Where to find quality freelance opportunities (and where to avoid) How to be more visible and tell people what you actually do Practical networking strategies that don't feel salesy Why platforms like Threads and LinkedIn are worth your time (and why Facebook groups might not be) Key takeaway: If you're struggling to find clients, ask yourself: Are you actively telling people how you can help them, or are you waiting for opportunities to appear? Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:34 - Why finding clients is harder now 1:14 - The problem with relying on referrals 2:03 - Being proactive vs reactive in client search 3:31 - Where to find clients (and where NOT to look) 5:40 - Making yourself visible on social media 6:17 - Using Threads and pitching yourself 7:55 - The power of in-person networking 9:59 - Action steps: Looking vs finding clients 10:24 - Free resources and community Free Resources Mentioned: and Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/40296680
info_outline
Freelance vs Fractional: What's the Difference?
02/26/2026
Freelance vs Fractional: What's the Difference?
This week on The Freelancer’s Tea Break, I dive into the debate between freelancing and the term 'fractional'. Is it just a fancy rebrand for part-time work, or does it represent a distinct role, especially in the B2B space? I explore the nuances and implications of these terms, their impact on positioning and pricing, and whether this trend is reshaping how we view flexible work roles. Share your thoughts and join the discussion! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:17 Freelancing vs Fractional: An Emerging Trend 01:44 Understanding Fractional Work 03:07 Freelancing and Fractional: Overlaps and Distinctions 05:34 The Future of Fractional Work 07:20 Engage with the Community Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/39945110
info_outline
Is Freelancing Dead? Or Has It Just Rebranded?
02/19/2026
Is Freelancing Dead? Or Has It Just Rebranded?
In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, we dive into the controversial topic of whether the term 'freelance' is still appropriate and valuable. We explore the various reasons why the term may have lost some of its value, including the gig economy and terminology shifts in B2B vs. B2C contexts. We also discuss the challenges and perceptions surrounding freelancing, plus the importance of recognizing freelancing as a legitimate career path. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on what term best describes your self-employed journey. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:08 The Controversy of the Term 'Freelance' 00:50 Challenges and Perceptions of Freelancing 03:03 Freelancing in the B2B vs B2C World 05:25 The Evolution and Future of Freelancing 06:30 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: Order my book:
/episode/index/show/freelancelifestyle/id/39945080