The Freelancer's Teabreak

In the first episode of 2026, I discuss a reflective approach to setting personal and professional goals for the new year on The Freelancers Tea Break. I share my achievements from the previous year, including completing my ILM 7 diploma and writing a book titled 'The Freelance Lifestyle.' This episode emphasises an experimental and low-pressure strategy for goal setting, focusing on starting or s...

Hello and welcome to a special episode of The Freelancers Tea Break! I'm Emma Cossey, and as this is our last podcast episode of the year, I'm doing things a bit differently. Today, I'm conducting my own annual performance review as a freelancer. From attendance and punctuality to goals, organisation, and communication, join me as I reflect on the past year, celebrate achievements, and identify ar...

In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey, a coach and mentor for freelancers, discusses the importance of reflecting on and celebrating freelance wins. She categorises these wins into three main areas: boundary wins, skills and growth wins, and client and money wins. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break  00:20 Reflecting on the Year: Wins and Challenges  00:54 Ce...

Welcome back to the Freelancer Tea Break! I'm Emma Cossey, your coach and mentor for freelancers. In this short episode, I share some essential admin tasks to wrap up the year and start January clearheaded. Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome to the Freelancer Tea Break  00:38 Review Your Invoices  01:38 Update Your Out of Office  02:56 Review Your Terms and Conditions  03:53 Analyse Your Client List  04:5...

Freelancing can get lonely , especially as the days get darker. This week, I'm sharing simple ways to stay connected, even if you're an introvert who loves working from the sofa (hi 👋). Try relaxed networking (like netwalking or coffee meetups) Explore local coworking spaces or apps like Reef Arrange casual coffee catch-ups Join online freelance communities (like my Facebook & Discord groups!) Ju...

This week on The Freelancer's Tea Break , I'm tackling a surprisingly common dilemma: I f a client wants you to use specific software, who should foot the bill? Here's the gist: If they require it (and you won't use it elsewhere) — they should pay. If it's a tool you'll use across clients — it's likely worth investing in yourself. Always agree on who owns the content created in that software! A qu...

This week on The Freelancer's Tea Break , I'm sharing 3 ADHD-friendly time hacks that actually work (and honestly, they'll help anyone feeling frazzled right now): 🧠 Don't just read and leave,   read and schedule! ⏳ Stop giving yourself all day! Shorter time blocks = more done 👯‍♀️ Body doubling + accountability = focus magic Perfect listen while you make a cuppa. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to T...

As freelancers, we want to help our clients succeed - but where's the line between great service and doing too much? In this week's episode of The Freelancer's Tea Break , I'm chatting about: ☕ Setting healthy boundaries (and sticking to them!) 📋 Onboarding with clear expectations 🔁 Regular check-ins to keep things on track You can't fix your client's whole business — and you shouldn't have to!...

In this bite-sized episode of  The Freelancers Tea Break , we're tackling one of the biggest freelance icks: when a client says,  "You're too expensive." Emma shares a viral LinkedIn post exploring why that phrase hits differently, and how a simple shift in language can change the entire dynamic. It's not about your rates being too high; it's about whether they value your work.  Tune in for a quic...

Welcome to another episode of The Freelancers Tea Break with Emma Cossey, a coach and mentor for freelancers. In this episode, Emma delves into the common question of why freelancers charge higher hourly rates than employees. She explains that freelancers have to cover additional costs such as holiday pay, sick leave, pension contributions, office space, and equipment expenses, which employees typ...

Welcome back to The Freelancers Tea Break! In this episode, we dive into indispensable tools that can help freelancers with ADHD or anyone else looking to boost productivity.  Learn how Emma leverages AI for processes using ChatGPT, organises her business with Notion, manages inbox chaos with Sunsama, and more. Discover tools like OneTab for browser management, BePresent for limiting phone usage,...

Reflect and Revitalise: Preparing for Quarter Four as a Freelancer. In this episode of 'The Freelancers Tea Break', coach and mentor Emma Cossey discusses the importance of reflecting and planning for the last quarter of the year.  Emma provides practical questions to help freelancers set realistic goals, manage their workload, and ensure they end the year feeling accomplished rather than burnt ou...

Join us in this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break as we delve into the cosy vibes of autumn and how to adapt your workspace for maximum comfort. We'll discuss the benefits of candles, blankets, and cosy fabrics, as well as essential routines for maintaining productivity and well-being during the shorter daylight hours. Tune in for tips on making your desk space delightful, recommendations for c...

In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey shares simple but effective follow-up strategies to help you stay top of mind with clients. From regular check-ins and friendly newsletters to personalised follow-ups after discovery calls, you'll learn how to build stronger client relationships and keep the work flowing. Emma also touches on how to stay visible in a changing market (yes, e...

In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey unpacks the 'Freelance Client Funnel', four key ways to attract clients in a world where AI is changing the game. We'll dive into social media, networking, referrals, and pitching, with practical tips like sticking to one social platform, networking without the awkward small talk, building strong referrals, and writing pitches that actually...

In this episode of The Freelancers TeaBreak, Emma Cossey dives into why tracking where your clients actually come from is the secret to smarter marketing and better results. From simple spreadsheets to CRMs like Dubsado and Notion—and even handy tools like Chatra—Emma shares practical ways to track your client sources. You'll also learn how to use that data to boost your discovery call conversions...

Feeling frustrated with freelancing this year? You're not alone. This September in The Freelancers Tea Break, we're talking about how to refresh your services so they actually fit today's market and still keep you ahead of the AI curve. We'll cover how to spot what's still selling, what's been swallowed up by tech, and how to repackage your skills so clients 'get it' (and buy it). Plus, why it mat...

AI can be really useful for freeing up time as a business owner. But one thing it is taking away is our creativity, whether that's in creating content and copy, or brainstorming. And losing creativity can really take the joy out of things Want help brainstorming how you can use AI without losing the sparkle? My coaching packages include Voxer support to walk you through it: https://freelancelifest...

Looking back, I'd absolutely still go freelance — but there are some things I wouldn't do again. Today I talk about what I'd do differently with what I know now. If you're starting out (or re-starting), check out my 30 Days To Go Freelance Kit – it's got everything I wish I'd had: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/30-days-to-go-freelance   00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break  00:29 Refle...

Lost your spark? You're not broken. Freelance motivation dips are normal — especially in summer. Here's what I do when the fire fizzles out. I talk about this loads inside the Freelance Business Lounge — come join us if you need motivation, accountability or a boost. In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break podcast, Emma Cossey, a UK-based freelance coach and ADHD mentor, explores strategies f...

Worried you'll scare off clients if you raise your rates? You're not alone — but there's a simple shift that makes it way less scary. If this made you think 'I should really do this' — I've got templates in my Tricky Client Conversations Toolkit: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/the-tricky-client-emergency-toolkit   00:00 Introduction to Freelancers Tea Break  00:03 Why You Should Raise Your R...

August can feel like tumbleweed season for freelancers… but there are clients out there. Here are 5 quick ways to find them without spamming LinkedIn. Need help getting visible? Check out my Finding Clients bundle: https://freelancelifestyle.co.uk/5-ways-to-find-your-next-client/   00:00 Introduction to the Freelancers Tea Book  00:27 Challenges of Finding Clients in August  01:10 Reconnecting wit...

Navigating Freelancing in Uncertain Times: Connection, AI, and Adaptation  In this episode of Freelancer's Teabreak podcast, Emma Cossey, a coach for freelancers, discusses the current complex landscape for freelancers and small business owners in the UK. She touches on the impact of AI, the shift from educational to storytelling content, and the importance of connection and networking. Emma also...

In this episode of Freelancers Teabreak, discover practical tips for preparing your freelance business for the summer holidays. Learn how to batch content, boost sales in July, manage childcare costs, and communicate effectively with clients to enjoy a more relaxed and flexible August. Perfect for freelancers looking to balance work and downtime while still staying productive. Tune in and get read...

Welcome to The Freelancers Teabreak with Emma Cossey! In this episode, Emma explores the concept of 'amber flags' for freelancers. Distinct from red and green flags, amber flags signal uncertain potential in clients that could swing either way depending on the freelancer's response.  Emma shares practical examples of amber flags such as clients seeking discounts, having unclear project scopes, or...