The Freelancer's Teabreak

Emma Cossey from The Freelance Lifestyle

The Freelancer's Teabreak is the short and sweet podcast you can enjoy while you make a cuppa, full of tips, tricks and advice for freelancers.

  1. 3d ago

    Are freelancers faithfuls or traitors?

    This episode is sponsored by The Admin Den. I've worked with Alicia for a few years now, and I'm proud to work with her to bring you these episodes! You can find out more about The Admin Den here https://theadminden.co.uk/teabreak or follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theadminden  Ever felt like you were playing a part at work, saying one thing while thinking another? This week I'm pouring a cuppa and drawing a very simplified (but heartfelt) link between The Traitors, the corporate world and the freelance life. It involves James Acaster, a blindfold, and the difference between feeling like a Traitor and feeling like a Faithful. Spoiler warning: I talk about the celebrity series two finale, so pause here if you haven't watched it yet. Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome to the Freelancer's Tea Break 0:40 James Acaster, The Traitors and why I'm talking about it 1:30 Playing the game ethically and authentically 2:15 Why I felt like a Traitor in the corporate world 3:00 Going freelance and feeling like a Faithful 3:40 Navigating the grey areas of running a business 4:10 Why being a Faithful is less exhausting 4:45 Over to you and what's coming next week Check out the website: www.freelancelifestyle.co.uk Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/emmacossey Email: hello@emmacossey.com Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/ Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business: https://link.amazon/B01qhTzb3

  2. Oct 29

    Do You Need a CRM? Client Systems for Freelancers with Jo Shock

    After years of very gentle bullying, I finally got Jo Shock onto the podcast! Jo has been the magic behind my business for over a decade, and she's the person everyone in the Freelance Business Lounge gets sent to the moment anyone mentions systems and CRMs. In this episode, we're talking all things CRM: what they actually are, when you need one, what to look for, and how to avoid getting dazzled by shiny software. If you've ever lost track of a lead in your inbox or wondered whether a spreadsheet is still cutting it, this one's for you. Timestamps: 0:00 Meet Jo, the magic behind my business 1:00 Jo's journey from editor to VA to systems specialist 2:15 Why everyone in the Lounge says "talk to Jo" 3:00 What is a CRM? 4:55 Taking the mental load off 5:20 When do you actually need a CRM? 6:50 The basics every CRM needs 8:15 The hidden bonus: useful client data 9:00 Starting with free tools 9:40 All-in-one tools vs specialist tools 11:15 Why your software should feel nice to use 12:05 Automations without losing the human touch 13:15 Don't forget the ICO data protection fee 14:00 Ready-made vs build-your-own CRMs 15:30 Bespoke services, packages and bolt-ons 18:20 Why Jo sent me back to LinkedIn 18:50 Jo's free resources 19:55 Building up from a basic system 21:45 Getting your tools to talk to each other 23:10 Where to find Jo 23:55 Jo's top tip: start with your process 24:25 The lure of shiny things Find Jo at Streamlines Virtual Support: streamlinesvirtual.com, where you can also sign up for her newsletter and grab her free resources. And connect with Jo Shock on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-shock.  The Speedy Client Management Software Audit: resources.streamlinesvirtual.com/client-management-software-audit   Streamline Your Client Admin & Care checklist: https://resources.streamlinesvirtual.com/your-client-management-checklist   Her newsletter: https://resources.streamlinesvirtual.com/sign-up   My stuff Check out the website: www.freelancelifestyle.co.uk Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/emmacossey Email: hello@emmacossey.com Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/ Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: www.freelancelifestyle.co.uk/Discord Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business: https://link.amazon/B01qhTzb3

  3. Sep 17 ·  Video

    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: www.freelancelifestyle.co.uk Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/emmacossey Email: hello@emmacossey.com Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/ Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business: https://link.amazon/B01qhTzb3

About

The Freelancer's Teabreak is the short and sweet podcast you can enjoy while you make a cuppa, full of tips, tricks and advice for freelancers.