The Guidebook – Details, episodes & analysis

Whether you're just getting started freelancing or you're already a few years in, this Ask Me Anything (AMA) is packed with real talk, actionable tips, and honest answers to your biggest questions.

We talked about:
✅ How to get freelance clients without relying on Upwork
✅ The exact follow-up system Rachel uses on LinkedIn
✅ What to include in your contract to protect your time and income
✅ How to price your services using the baseline/goal/reach model
✅ The pros and cons of cold pitching on LinkedIn vs Instagram
…and so much more.

I'm Rachel Meltzer — business coach for freelancers and founder of Pop Club, a supportive, strategy-filled membership for freelancers at all stages. These office hours are normally exclusive to my paid clients, but I'm offering them free during the Get Started Freelancing Bootcamp. Come hang out, take notes, and get unstuck.

👀 Want more support?

→ Join Pop Club: https://meltzerseltzer.com/pop-club
→ Sign up for the Get Started Freelancing Bootcamp: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/get-started-freelancing
→ Book a 1:1 Coaching Intensive: https://meltzerseltzer.com/1-1-coaching
→ Explore Done-For-You Notion Websites: https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/website-done-for-you
→ Check out my Free Resource Library: https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/the-freelance-resource-library-frl

🛠️ Resources mentioned in this video:
→ Rates Calculator: https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/shop-all/rates-calculator
→ Client Tracker (Notion): https://meltzerseltzer.com/free-notion-templates/ideal-clients-tracker
→ Packages Workbook: https://pop-club.circle.so/c/freelance-resource-library-365155/sections/331772/lessons/1230651
→ Freelance Resource Library: https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/the-freelance-resource-library-frl
→ Pop Club Membership: https://meltzerseltzer.com/pop-club
→ LinkedIn Profile Critique: https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/linkedin-profile-critiques

🎥 Replays of past workshops: https://meltzerseltzer.com/get-started-freelancing/get-started-freelancing-lessons

Afton Brazzoni, founder of Scribe National, moved from a scarcity mindset to building a business that feels sustainable, intentional, and fully her own. From launching a content agency to experimenting with coaching, Afton opens up about the fears that almost held her back – and the mindset shifts that helped her move forward.In this episode of The Guidebook Podcast, we cover:- Scaling from freelancer to agency owner- Letting go of perfectionism and control- The emotional side of launching and pivoting- How mindset coaching created clarity and confidence- Finding balance between ambition and enoughnessIf you’ve ever thought one wrong move could ruin everything – this episode is for you.Find Afton Online:→ Website: https://www.scribenational.ca/→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftonbrazzoni/→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aftonaikens/Find Rachel Online:→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/→ 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