The Guidebook

This week I'm joined by my new friend from LinkedIn Mara Watts. Mara is a mom of 3, a yoga instructor, a freelance writer, a plant mom, and full-time latte sipper. We cover loads of ground in this episode including: ✨ Tips for balancing freelance writing, and self-employed work with motherhood ✨ Overcoming rejection and asking for more from clients ✨ The importance of a strong portfolio ✨ The importance of movement and it's link to doing better work You can learn more about Mara at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mara's Portfolio Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

This week on the Guidebook Podcast I'm joined by my new friend Will Stevens. Will is a fractional leader and go-to-market specialist, who founded Gain Growth Consulting, a practice that simplifies strategy and develops execution plans for clients. Will also hosts his own podcast called Solopreneur Stories. In my chat with Will we cover a lot of ground, including: ✨ Wills transition from employee to self-employed ✨ Motivations behind his business & startup challenges ✨ Niching and identifying ideal clients ✨Getting over perfectionism and treating a business like an experiment You can learn more about Will at: Solopreneur Stories Podcast ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Anto. Sarah helps female founders in the tech industry to start their businesses and prepare for fundraising. As a passionate advocate for women in entrepreneurship, Sarah shares her wealth of experience and insights. From launching her startups to empowering other women, she's full of really interesting insights and takeaways from the world of tech startups. In this episode, we talk about: Tech startups and the parallels with solopreneurship Building sustainable long term viable businesses Digital nomad life in Europe You can learn more about Sarah at: Sarah's Website ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

This week in The Guidebook I'm joined by Monica Shaw. Monica is a freelance writer, mountain leader, blogger and SAAS business owner. I loved talking to Monica as she has so much going on at once and somehow finds time to work on them all. This is such an interesting conversation, diving into the mind of somebody who juggles multiple revenue streams. In this episode, we talk about: Monicas background and how she found herself launching a niche SAAS software aimed at writers. Her passion for the outdoors and how that led to her combining mountain guiding with blogging. Finding time to work on multiple revenue streams Setting prices and how to manage your time You can learn more about Monica at: Eat Sleep Wild ⁠Writers Residence ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

I'm joined this week by Marie Pier Tremblay. Marie is a life coach, bookworm, kinkster, and close friend of mine. She lives in Montreal, Canada, and after completing her dream of thru-hiking the PCT in 2019 she transitioned from freelance illustrator to full-time entrepreneur. Through her work as a coach and the host of the Self-Growth Nerds podcast, she empowers creative weirdos to carve their unapologetic paths. In this episode, we talk about: Building and reprioritizing self-care in your life The value of coaching 4 frameworks for changing the way you think Embracing freedom and designing your own life You can learn more about Marie at: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ Podcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠ Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

This week I'm chatting with Johanna Flashman. Johanna is a freelance writer, journalist, and SEO strategist in the outdoor industry. Rachel also runs the website The Freelance Outdoorswoman which shares stories of other freelancers in the outdoor industry. In this episode, we talk about: Johannas started as a freelancer, some of her early challenges and how they were overcome The challenges of finding clients and marketing yourself Imposter syndrome Switching from freelancing to full time employment You can learn more about Johanna at: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ Freelance Outdoors Woman Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠ Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

I'm talking to one of my favourite humans Rachel Ayotte, where we dive into our Pop Club community, her freelancing background, and our thoughts on mindset and self-care around the freelance lifestyle. In this episode, we talk about: Rachel's experience of Pop Club The importance of taking time off and self-care Saying no to work The best bits about freelancing Learn more about Rachel Ayotte on: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Learn more about Rachel and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠ Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

This week I'm chatting with Rachel Dilliplane. Another Rachel! Rachel is a voice-over artist and freelancer. Rachel is super funny, sharing her adventures on her TikTok along with her 2003 Ford E350 Shuttle Bus aks, the Rollsbud Motel. In this episode, we talk about: Comparisons between building a Van and building a business Balancing vanlife and adventure with building your business Her story of moving from her 9-5 to freelancing and how there's no one way to build a business The realities of living in a van, and the pros and cons of balancing vanlife, adventure, and work. You can find Rachel D. Online: ⁠Website⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Instagram TikTok Find Rachel M. Online: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

Join me, as I sit down with Austin L. Church, a seasoned writer, marketing consultant, and business coach. Having weathered the storm of a layoff from a marketing agency in 2009 Austin now shares invaluable insights with freelancers and consultants. In this episode, we talk about: Austin's Morning Marketing Habit 6 Levers that will propel your business growth Austin's beliefs on work-life balance His new book, available now called Free Money You can find Austin Online: Website LinkedIn X Find Rachel Online: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠ Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

This week, I'm joined by my dear friend Sarah Collie. Sarah is a Virginia-based freelance writer for sustainable outdoor brands and horticulture companies. You'll often find Sarah hiking, planning next year's garden, or snuggling her puppy. In this episode, we talk about: Starting a freelance writing business with NO experience Living an intentional and flexible life because of your freelance writing business Learning your limitations and finding a balance within the freedom freelancing offers Wanna join us in Pop Club? You can join here. (or learn more here). You can find Sarah Online: Linkedin ⁠Instagram Find Rachel Online: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

Your money mindset is foundational to your business. Your money mindset has been cultivated over your entire lifetime. Growing up in a capitalist society, everything has contributed to your mindset – From how your parents handled money to the community you grew up in. A good money mindset can mean making a thriving living as a freelance writer. Leaving your mindset unkempt can lead to a struggling business. It's time to heal your money mindset and create a solid foundation for your business. In this episode, we take a deep dive into my Money Mindset Workbook. I go over my favorite lesson about money from my Life Coach, Marie Pier Tremblay of Self-Growth Nerds – go check out her podcast too! And I share strategies for changing your money mindset. Get the Money Mindset Workbook - it's free! Come back to this workbook every 6-12 months to stay on top of your ever-changing mindset. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

This week, I have Megan Kitzmiller Bradley on the show! Megan attended Camp Moxie, my bootcamp for new freelance writers in 2021. At the time, she still had a full time job and started her biz as a side hustle during the bootcamp. Since then, she’s launched her own freelance writing business earning $70k in her first year! She’s also been able to take off an entire month for her wedding and make her work schedule flexible so she can do the things she loves during the day.  Camp Moxie is currently on sale for $200 off as a part of my biggest sale ever. You can join through November 30th to snag that special sale price! Once enrollment closes on November 30th, we won’t be opening Camp Moxie again until next year.  Camp Moxie is a 5-month bootcamp for new freelance writers. For the first three months you’ll go through a course with your cohort. Each chapter of the course is made up of video lessons with transcripts, workbooks, and homework to help you launch your business. In the last 8 weeks of the program, you’ll get your first client! Throughout the bootcamp, we’ll have group coaching calls every other week so you can get live support from me and get all your questions answered!  Links: GET $200 OFF CAMP MOXIE More info about Camp Moxie Get the discount codes for my BIGGEST SALE EVER – Up to 60% off of my entire shop! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

Jenni Gritters is a business coach for freelancers, a mostly retired journalist, and a mom of two. You might recognize her from the podcast she used to host, The Writer’s Co-op. Now, she’s helping freelancers build agile businesses while occasionally writing product reviews for Wirecutter, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and more. She’s an avid adventurer with a three-and-a-half-year-old and a one-year-old.  Jenni has repeatedly amazed me with her ability to make her business work for her. She’s taken two maternity leaves while freelancing and consistently works 4-hour workweeks, capping her office time to six hours daily.  In this episode, we talk about: Jenni's journey to full-time freelancing and freelancer coaching How she intentionally makes business decisions the type of coaching she provides mindset tips You can find Jenni Online: Instagram Website Find Rachel Online: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Free Resources & Courses --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

5 months ago, Nick Lafferty quit what seemed like the perfect job for him to start his own business. Nick is a growth marketing consultant and creator of Early Exit Club a newsletter and community for solopreneurs.  We met back when he worked at Loom. He actually hired me as a freelance content writer there. We’ve stayed in touch ever since and it’s been so fun growing together. In this episode we cover:  What it felt like for Nick to leave his job (one that was seemingly perfect for him) How Nick got to $20k revenue months How to know it’s the “right” time to take the leap into solopreneurship How to turn a layoff into a new career (and triple your income) Here are some things we mentioned in the episode: Early Exit Club You Need a Budget (YNAB) Find Nick Online: Sign up for Nick's free newsletter (Early Exit Club) Follow Nick on LinkedIn Early Exit Club Products Nick's Website Find Rachel Online: Instagram LinkedIn Website Free Resources & Courses --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

Liz is a freelance marketing consultant, business coach for freelance writers, and the founder of MACE writing. She’s been freelancing since 2006.  She’s done so many cool things, like traveling to all 7 continents, living abroad, and becoming a mom.  Liz has been popping’ off on LinkedIn, and I know y’all are gonna love our conversation because it’s chock full of juicy mindset moments that will help you thrive as a freelancer.  We talk about:  The freedom, fulfillment, and flexibility that freelancing offers What happens when your business can run on autopilot, but you want control The mental rollercoasters of freelancing are overthinking, the challenge of your first year, separating your self-worth from your work, taking risks, and how much you change year to year.  AI & freelance writing: we answer your questions like Is AI going to eliminate freelance writers? And How do you use AI?  Lastly, Liz gives advice to new freelancers who want to get started.  You can find Liz online:  LinkedIn Website 1:1 Coaching Resources For a limited time, you can also get your hands on all of her paid resources for freelance writers through her The Ultimate Copywriter’s Super Stack with a major discount!  The whole bundle is just $49 for all resources, and it includes Liz’s three e-books: -Asked and Answered (Series 1) -Asked and Answered (Series 2) -Find Your Floor It comes with a whole bundle of resources for copywriters from other educators, too.  You can find Rachel online:  Instagram LinkedIn Website 1:1 coaching Follow the Guidebook on Instagram!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

This is part 2 of a two-part series with Shelbi! Go back and listen to part 1 from last week if you haven't already. Shelbi is a freelance writer, book nerd, and world traveler. She’s traveled with friends and solo both internationally and around the US.In this episode, we talk about travel and money as freelancers: - How to afford travel multiple times a year - Traveling with friends - Traveling while working - Traveling solo - Travel hacking basics - How to make friends while traveling - Getting out of debt - What freelancers should actually have in their savings accounts Find Shelbi Online: Instagram Substack (newsletter) Website Learn more about Pop Club and join Shelbi and me in our online community for freelancers! Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. Tools, Apps, Resources, and Products from this episode: We aren't sponsored in any way by any of these entities. These are just things we love to use and mentioned in this episode! Our fave travel backpack Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) FareDrop & The Daily Drop How I manage my money Hostelworld Skiplagged --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

Shelbi is a freelance writer, book nerd, and world traveler. She’s traveled with friends and solo both internationally and around the US. We talked for TWO HOURS, so I’ve split our casual conversation up into TWO episodes! The second episode will air next week. In this episode, we talk about:   How Shelbi got started freelancing Our opinions on low-paying freelance work What really gets our goat How she budgets for travel (she visited 4 other countries this year and took 4 domestic trips too!) On the next episode we take a deep dive into travel, budgeting, and her tips for freelancers who want to travel – you’re not going to want to miss it.  Find Shelbi Online: Instagram Website Substack (newsletter) Learn more about Pop Club and join Shelbi and me in our online community for freelancers! Disclaimer: We talk about money in this episode. This is not financial advice; we are not financial experts. If you need help with your finances please find a credible, licensed professional to help you! We’re just talking about our experiences and what worked for us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

Polly Clover joins us today to talk about: That time she bought a one-way ticket to teach English as a foreign language How she became a freelance writer Why she finally quit being a teacher The honesty that turned her from freelance writer to SEO expert How to LEARN Her new SEO Blogging Course How she DOUBLED her rates This episode is chock full of expert tips you can apply to your freelance career right now! Find Polly Online: Instagram Website Get Polly's SEO Blogging Course & Resources Try Pop Club for 30 Days for free Join us for our pitch parties! More Info Add our Free Community events to your calendar --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

This week we're talking to Jackie “Dirt Nap” Lastinger, founder of The Girls Trip Adventure Co. The Girls Trip Adventure Co. empowers & connects women through outdoor adventure & travel! It’s a space for women to dip their foot into the world of backpacking and other activities with no pressure or judgment. Their next trips include: the Trans Catalina Trail, Channel Islands NP, and Alaska! Find Jackie on Instagram: @jackieoutside @thegirlstripadventureco --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support

Ash Czarnota from Alpine Start Creative joins us today on the pod. She's a small business owner, freelance writer, thru-hiker, and fan of failing forward! Our freeform conversation talks about: what it was like to start her biz (spoiler: she flew by the seat of her pants) how she saved for, prepped her biz for, and went on a thruhike of the PCT what coming home from a thruhike to diving back into work felt like pro tips for new freelancers You can find Ash online: LinkedIn Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theguidebook/support