The Freelancer's Teabreak

Emma Cossey from The Freelance Lifestyle
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 4D AGO

    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regular content works so well AI SEO, what it is and why it's becoming a real discovery channel for freelancers How an outdated Google Business profile could be costing you visibility (guilty as charged!)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: Sam from Create Better Things (AI SEO) | Lime (LinkedIn tool) 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 Instagram Follow me on Bluesky 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. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    5 min

  2. MAY 14

    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 Government Universal Credit Information ✓ 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: Government Universal Credit Information |  FreeAgent (affiliate link)| Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business ⚠️ 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 Instagram Follow me on Bluesky 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. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

    8 min

  3. MAY 7

    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: Sally Farrant's pricing calculator  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 Instagram Follow me on Bluesky 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. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    7 min

  4. APR 30

    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: Berkshire Mummies Directory , The Freelancer Magazine Directory and IPSE (referral link for 10% off) Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky 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. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    10 min

  5. APR 16

    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: katherine@buildingbalanceservices.com Website https://linktr.ee/buildingbalanceservices Instagram @building.balance.services Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572865856121 Abi Moore's (Brand Photography and Marketing) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abimooreuk/  Follow Emma on Instagram Follow Emma on Bluesky 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. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    39 min

  6. APR 9

    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: Tools I Love Emma's Podcast Editing VA: Alicia Cornell, The Admin Den and her Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and newsletter Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky 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. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    9 min

  7. APR 2

    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: Harriet's Making Tax Digital advice Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky 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. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    10 min

  8. MAR 26

    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 Instagram Follow me on Bluesky 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. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    9 min
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4.8
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Emma Cossey from The Freelance Lifestyle
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    288
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Freelancer's Teabreak