The Guidebook

Marketing yourself feels weird? Let’s fix that.In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the mindset shifts that make getting clients *way* easier. Spoiler: it’s not about “selling yourself.” Instead, we’re talking about: 📗 the numbers game📗 how to build real relationships📗 why persistence pays off (yes, even when people ignore you).I’ll also share my shoe store analogy (a.k.a. how to approach potential clients with patience, empathy, and a strategy that actually works). If marketing has felt frustrating or overwhelming, this episode is for you.RESOURCES: 🆓 The Get Clients Guidebook: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/getclientsguidebook🗓️ How to Get Freelance Clients Workshop (free): https://lu.ma/7o2dqu6o🤝 Get Clients on LinkedIn (done for you): https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/get-clients-on-linkedin-done-for-youFind Rachel Online:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzerNewsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz

Jessie Andrew of Inkpot Creative is our guest this week! Jessie is one half of Inkpot Creative’s full-time team. They’re a branding and web design studio for photographers who’ve really nailed down their offerings to enable streamlined scheduling, clear packages and pricing, hiring two part time employees, and selling even during slow seasons. We touched on 4 main topics: Streamlining your service offerings Hiring part time employees Traveling as an entrepreneur Trial and Error

My sister Erin joins me to share her journey from freelancing in the yachting world to becoming a commercial seaplane pilot. We compare how her experiences freelancing in hospitality were different from mine in digital marketing. She opens up about managing emotions and mindset during career transitions and offers practical tips for breaking into yachting or aviation: network like a pro, build versatile skills, and always know your worth. Takeaways: Freelancing requires networking and building relationships. Success comes from attention to detail and providing excellent service. Running a business is not for everyone Having emotional support and managing your emotions is crucial during career changes Find Erin Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinkayla LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinkaylameltzer/ Newsletter: https://patchaero.substack.com/ Aviation Bows: https://www.patchaero.com/shop Find Rachel Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rachelhmeltzer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz

This episode, we’re chatting with Steven Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Trio SEO. He shares his journey from being a college student to running a successful SEO agency. We talk about: Steven’s work mindset Treating business as an experiment The transition from college to entrepreneurship Scaling a business requires reinvestment and dedication. Listening to your body & avoiding burnout Data analysis for making informed business decisions. Driving content creation with excitement and engagement. AI Hot Take: Freelance Writing & SEO SEO – a long-term game Adapting to industry changes as an entrepreneur Find Steven Online: TrioSEO Website: https://trioseo.com/ Steven’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schneis/ TrioSEO company LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/trioseo TrioSEO’s SEO SOPS: http://trioseo.com/sops TrioSEO’s SEO Case Study: http://trioseo.com/freeeup 🌟 Free Bonus for Listeners: 3 free articles when you sign up for a monthly TrioSEO package and mention this podcast, a $1200 value. Learn more about TrioSEO: https://trioseo.com/social/ Find Rachel Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rachelhmeltzer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz

Michelle went from B2B SaaS marketer to freelance copywriter and marketing coach.  She knows the importance of authentic networking, the time it takes to build client relationships, and the need for empathy in marketing.  That’s why we talked about:  - misconceptions of success in the online space - the challenges of personal health in business - the significance of rest periods in entrepreneurship - awareness and problem-solving in personal growth - redefining success on your own terms - corporate burnout - the power of community in supporting solopreneurs And, of course, we share our tips for simplifying marketing:  - how to systematize content creation while maintaining a sense of personal expression - authenticity in marketing - creative expression in content creation - the significance of personal connections in marketing strategies - collaboration among creatives - the power of effective headlines in marketing - simplifying tools for productivity We’re really emphasizing experimentation in finding your voice and the need to let go of societal expectations surrounding success. Find Michelle Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekjhsu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.elleshe Threads: https://www.threads.net/@its.elleshe Substack: https://itselleshe.substack.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@its.elleshe Find Rachel Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rachelhmeltzer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz

Anna Burgess Yang went from product manager at a tech company to full-time freelance content marketer. She shares: - how she automates parts of her workflow - the tools she uses - how she analyzes data to improve her marketing strategies - the challenges of balancing freelancing with family life - the transition from corporate to freelance work - AI Tune in to hear our favorite strategies for freelancers and solopreneurs, who want to leverage automations and AI for content repurposing, optimizing your workflow, and Anna’s essential tools for managing freelance work. Bonus: we also touch on pricing strategies and finding a niche. Find Anna Online: - Start Here: https://start.annabyang.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabyang/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw13DMHt9QLa5SxUHw0uQ_Xg - Anna's Resources for Freelancers: https://annabyang.gumroad.com/ Find Rachel Online: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/ - Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rachelhmeltzer - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer - Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz

Alexa Phillips, founder and chief brand architect of Bright Eyes Creative, shares her journey from a passion for journalism and fashion to establishing her own brand architecture business. She’s on a mission to empower other creatives to monetize their talents. We talked about: → the future of creative entrepreneurship → Alexa’s journey as a creative entrepreneur → the resurgence of magazines → Alexa’s AI hot-take →growing up with entrepreneurial parents → pivoting in business → business vs. employee mindset → all things branding Find Rachel Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rachelhmeltzer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz Find Alexa Online: Newsletter: https://creativesanonymous.beehiiv.com/subscribe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-c-phillips/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brighteyescreative/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@alexacphillips Website: https://www.brighteyescreative.co/ Full Show Notes + Transcript: https://meltzerseltzer.com/the-guidebook-podcast/alexa-phillips-architects-brands

Kara Perez, founder of Bravely Go, talks about her journey from struggling with debt to becoming a financial educator and author. She also shares her experiences as a digital nomad, the challenges of balancing content creation with personal life, and the journey of writing her book on money and sustainability. We discuss: → the importance of financial literacy & community → the challenges of building a personal brand → the realities of entrepreneurship → practical money management tips for freelancers & digital nomads Learn more in the Show Notes: https://meltzerseltzer.com/the-guidebook-podcast/kara-perez-makes-wealth-building-brave-sustainable Find Kara Online: Book: Green Money: https://bravelygo.co/green-money-book/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bravelygo?fan_landing=true Website: https://bravelygo.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/webravelygo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25XC65sCC7A9jdx7wRIGfA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551753828310567 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@webravelygo?lang=en Find Rachel Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rachelhmeltzer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz

In the last episode of season 4, I chat with Maari Casey. Maari is an ad agency art director turned freelancer turned entrepreneur. In this episode with Maari, we chat about: ✨ The benefits on personal life of entrepreneurship ✨ Money Mindset ✨ The abundance of opportunities for freelancers You can learn more about Maari at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Uncompany Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Overcoming Fear: 5 Barriers Holding You Back from Major Life Transitions - with Marie-Pier Tremblay This week we have a special surprise! Me and Marie from Self Growth Nerds are doing a collab podcast episode!  Marie is a former designer and illustrator turned certified coach, who discovered the transformative power of pursuing her wildest dreams after completing the Pacific Crest Trail. In this episode, we dive deep into: → The 5 telltale symptoms of living out of alignment with your true self → The 5 biggest fears holding you back from making a change (and how to reframe them) → The life-changing benefits of pursuing your truth Practical tools to help you overcome self-doubt and lead a more meaningful life Marie shares her personal journey of transformation, including writing a book, starting a podcast, changing careers, doubling her income, and embracing her authentic self. Learn how you too can make bold changes without freaking out! Join us for a The Brave New Path retreat! Book your spot at selfgrowthnerds.com/retreat ⚡️ Limited spots available - sign up before September 1st! Whether you're feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or simply curious about what more life has to offer, this episode will inspire you to take that first step towards the life you truly desire. Tune in and discover how to align your actions with your deepest values for a more vibrant, authentic existence.

On this weeks episode of the Guidebook podcast, I'm talking to Wudan Yan from the Writers Co Op. In this episode with Wudan, we chat about: ✨ The twists and turns that her career took before she got to where she is now. ✨ What kind of journalism work she currently does. ✨ Wudan's new business venture, which is a fact checking agency and so much more. You can learn more about Wudan at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Writers Co-op ⁠Wudan's own website Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week, we are talking to Melanie, a freelance writer and editor, and the host of two podcasts: The Deliberate Freelancer and Association Station. In my episode with Melanie, we chat about: ✨ Travel and solo travel ✨ Melanie's journey from journalist to freelancer ✨ In's and outs of how to start a podcast You can learn more about Melanie at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MelEdits Deliberate Freelancer Podcast Association Station Podcast Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

My chat with Daniel has to be one of the most energetic conversations on the Guidebook Podcast. And with the guests I've had so far, that's a big claim. I had a blast chatting with Daniel Brenneman, co-founder of Empathy Marketing Co, an agency helping you find marketing clarity through the power of emotional marketing. In my episode with Daniel, we chat about: ✨ The power of genuine connection in business ✨ Aligning with your true mission and letting your brand personality shine ✨ Using storytelling and video to connect ✨ The importance of soft skills in marketing, and more. You can learn more about Daniel at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Empathy Marketing Co. Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, I chat with Ray Slater Berry, founder of DSLX, a tech content agency on a mission to empower diverse and minority group writers to write. In this episode, we chat about: ✨ Getting started freelance writing ✨ Beach volleyball and fiction writing ✨ Starting an agency and business with a partner ✨ Balancing work and passion You can learn more about Ray at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Rays Writer Academy DSLX Learn more about Rachel Meltzer and Pop Club on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources & Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.