The Guidebook

Hosted by Rachel Meltzer

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2025

Language

About the show

This is the Guidebook. We’re sharing tips for freelancers, raw conversations with risk-takers, how to become a digital nomad, and the emotions behind it all. On the show, Rachel Meltzer shares everything she's learned in the past five years of freelancing and living nomadically – showing you how you can work to live instead of living to work. She's interviewing some of her favorite digital nomads and entrepreneurs to help you unlock your bravest self. We’re unveiling the challenges and joys of adventure to inspire you to TAKE THE RISK.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 26, 202536 min

Freelance Office Hours: Pricing, Contracts, and Getting Clients in 2025

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

April 8, 202537 min

Afton Brazzoni trades scarcity for mindset-driven growth

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

March 27, 202536 min

I Answered Freelancers’ Biggest Questions (Pricing, Clients, Mindset & More)

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:✅ Pricing your services with confidence✅ Staying motivated (even when clients ghost you)✅ What's really changing for freelancers in 2025✅ How to use AI without underpricing yourself✅ Building your freelance website and portfolio…and so much more.Resources from this workshop:Join Pop ClubSign up for the Get Started Freelancing BootcampBook a 1:1 Coaching IntensiveExplore Done-For-You Notion WebsitesCheck out my Free Resource LibraryReplays of past workshopsGet on the calendar for upcoming FREE eventsConnect with Rachel Online:LinkedInYouTubeNewsletter

March 21, 202559 min

Take back your time with Claire Hill

In my conversation with Claire Hill, I’m exploring how busyness gets mistaken for productivity and how reclaiming your time starts with mindset. We’re diving into her Kickstart Formula (https://www.clairehill.uk/kickstart) for prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and overcoming procrastination, reinforcing that self-trust and rest are just as important as action.Take Back Your Time:→ Prioritize with Purpose – Claire’s Kickstart Formula helps you structure tasks and eliminate distractions.→ Set Boundaries with Confidence – Break free from people-pleasing and redefine success on your terms.→ Work with Your Brain, Not Against It – Leverage dopamine and mindset shifts to stay motivated without burnout.By shifting from busyness to intentionality, we’re creating space for what truly matters. Taking back your time isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually moves you forward.Find Claire Online:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamclairehill/?originalSubdomain=ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamclairehill/Website: https://www.clairehill.uk/Find Rachel Online:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzerNewsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizzRead the show notes: https://meltzerseltzer.com/the-guidebook-podcast/take-back-your-time-with-claire-hill

March 1, 202548 min

Lizzie Davey is Redefining Freelance Success

Lizzie Davey has been a freelance writer for 11 years. She transitioned from a low-paying marketing job to freelancing. Like every new freelancer, she started out navigating chaos but eventually found her niche in e-commerce tech. In this episode, we’re talking about: - the power of networking- LinkedIn engagement- authenticity- building a personal brand- getting clientsThrough adaptability, financial transparency, and prioritizing well-being, we highlight the evolving nature of freelancing and the importance of redefining success over time.Find Lizzie Online:Website: https://freelancemagic.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-davey-4a85b575/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freelancemagic.coTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freelancemagicFind Rachel Online:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzerNewsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz

February 24, 20255 min

Introducing: Get Started Freelancing

In case you missed it, I'm kicking off a free live bootcamp: Get Started Freelancing.If you’re thinking about freelancing but don’t know where to start... 😵‍💫 You’re not alone! I’ve coached over 200 freelancers, and the biggest hurdle is just getting started.That’s why I’m running a free live bootcamp to help you launch your digital marketing freelance biz — step by step. And yep, it's actually free.The first live workshop kicks off next week, so here’s what you need to know:⚡️ It's Flexible & Free: Join Anytime!✅ You can join anytime – don’t stress if you can’t make it live! Every session will have a free replay so you can catch up whenever you’re ready.- Join for Free Here → https://lnkd.in/e4wwS5q9- Bookmark the Replays → https://lnkd.in/eCdZYx4M 📓 Grab Your Free Workbooks – these will help you take notes, brainstorm, and build your freelance business as we go. - Get the Workbooks → https://lnkd.in/eryA9Jde📚 What We’ll Cover in the BootcampEach workshop is designed to take you from "Where do I start?" to "I’m running a real freelance business!" Here’s the roadmap: 1️⃣ Find Your Niche – Define your niche in a way that works for you 2️⃣ Pick Your Services – A simple framework (and a fun pop quiz!) to choose what you offer 3️⃣ Create Your Portfolio – No experience? No problem. You’ll learn how to showcase your skills 4️⃣ Business Setup – Everything you need to know to set up your business (U.S.-focused) 5️⃣ Set Your Rates – We’ll create a pricing strategy that works for you and your clients 6️⃣ Get Clients – Three different strategies for landing your first (or next!) freelance clients🗓️ The first session is coming up! RSVP so you don't miss it: https://lnkd.in/eyPGKzud👋 I'd love to see you in there! But no pressure – it's not for everyone! 🚀 Learn more about the Free Bootcamp → https://meltzerseltzer.com/get-starte...📩 Join the Email Notifications → https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/...📗 Grab the Free Workbooks → https://meltzerseltzer.com/get-starte...🎧 Listen to the Podcast → https://meltzerseltzer.com/the-guideb...📰 Subscribe to the Newsletter → https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/...🔗 Connect on LinkedIn → / rmeltzer

February 20, 2025Episode 820 min

Solocast: How to stop “selling yourself”

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

January 16, 2025Episode 71 hr 3 min

Inkpot Creative Streamlined to Scale

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

January 9, 2025Episode 655 min

Erin Meltzer: from stewardess to pilot

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

December 5, 2024Episode 51 hr 3 min

Steven Schneider knows SEO

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