The Freelancer's Teabreak

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...

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, o...

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 suc...

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 plan...

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 chann...

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...

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 ...

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 (...

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 buil...

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 t...

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 ...

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 short...

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 be...

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 client...

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
• Whe...

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 discus...

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...

Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, this week I'm diving into a vital snippet from my book, The Freelance Lifestyle, focusing on future-proofing your business. From considering unexpected life changes to planning for long-term shifts like parenthood or caring for others, I'll guide you through creating a worst-case scenario document and practical steps to safeguard your freelance career. Plus, ...

Welcome back to The Freelancers Tea Break! In this episode, I'm thrilled to share a snippet from the introduction of my newly launched book, 'The Freelance Lifestyle.' We'll dive into what freelancing really means, the flexibility it offers, and the responsibilities it entails. Perfect for both new and seasoned freelancers, this episode will give you a comprehensive overview of freelancing. Stay tuned for more snippets from the boo...