If you missed it, here’s Part 1 of our live event replay: 7 Ways to Land Clients.

This episode is Part 2, and I’m joined by three of our Workgroup members share how they consistently book clients without cold pitching or chasing leads. We’re talking about the real strategies that work—building genuine relationships, growing your reputation, and showing up with visibility that gets noticed.

• Angela Kiszka shares how genuine relationships and clear positioning as a funnel strategist built her referral-fueled business, where clients come straight from name drops.
• Janelle Harlan reveals how podcast guesting and bundle collaborations led to multiple long-term clients (including a $50K retainer) by owning her niche in email and ActiveCampaign.
• Connie Hurlburt breaks down how relationship marketing with her network and follow-through keep her booked with repeat clients who trust her expertise.

Listen to learn more about:

• The power of relationships and reputation that bring in repeat clients
• Visibility opportunities that actually convert to paid projects
• Positioning and niching so people instantly know what you do
• The mindset shift from chasing clients to attracting them naturally

If you’re tired of chasing clients and ready to have them come to you, this episode will show you what’s possible when you build genuine relationships and step into visibility.

Enroll now: The Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School

Admin work is getting automated, but marketing? That’s in demand everywhere. UDMA School is the only program that teaches you the exact skills clients are searching for: email marketing, funnels, SEO, social media, and even AI tools. You’ll learn how to do the high-value work that pays $35, $45, even $50+ an hour, plus get live support and access to a network of clients who need your skills. Doors open October 23. Class starts October 30. Don’t stay stuck in low-paying admin work. Step into the skills businesses really need. >>Enroll here at udmaschool.com

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• Already doing client work? Join Our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. You’ll benefit from advanced trainings, member-only discounts, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply at marketersworkgroup.com
• Listen to Part 1: How to Land Freelance Clients Using Warm Leads, Directories, and Client Referrals #268

Connect with...

If you’ve ever walked away from a sales call thinking, “Ugh, I sounded so unsure of myself,” you’re not alone. Every freelancer has been there. But here’s the truth: your confidence is your most powerful marketing tool. And it shows up long before your proposal does.

In this quick solo episode, I’m breaking down what really makes or breaks a sales call: your self-belief. This conversation is inspired by my brilliant friend Sarah Ashman, who said, “The first sale is always to yourself.” I’m sharing the story behind her feedback on interviewing virtual assistants, where the biggest red flag wasn’t lack of skills—it was lack of confidence.

We’ll dig into why today’s market demands that you show up certain, grounded, and clear about your value.

Listen to learn more about:

• Why confidence is the foundation of every successful sales call strategy for virtual assistants
• What to say (and not say) on discovery calls that either builds trust or breaks it instantly
• How to rewire self-doubt so you stop underselling your skills
• The power of practicing with peers, mentors, and inside communities like the UDMA School
• How to show up as a confident partner & collaborator, not a nervous applicant

You can have all the marketing skills in the world, but if you don’t believe in yourself, no client will either. This episode is your reminder (and pep talk) to stop downplaying your value and start selling from a place of self-trust. You got this!

Join my FREE live Masterclass: 5 Keys to Building a Freelance Marketing Business You Actually Love

Calling all virtual assistants who are ready to lean into marketing services and charge what you're actually worth – If you're tired of admin tasks and want to use your skills to offer strategic marketing work, my free masterclass on October 23 is for you. I'm breaking down the 5 Keys to Building a Freelance Marketing Business that Pays Well, including how to transition from generalist to specialist. This is your roadmap. >>Save your seat here!

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• The Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School isn’t your average VA setup course. It’s the only program that teaches the real marketing skills clients actually pay for—email, funnels, SEO, social media, even AI. In just 16 weeks, you’ll go from “just a VA” to a confident digital marketing pro with a portfolio to prove it. Doors open October 23. Class starts October 30. Save your spot at udmaschool.com
• Discovery Calls for Virtual Assistants with Tracie Patterson #136

With this shifting economy, businesses aren’t just hiring task-doers—they’re hunting for problem solvers who understand strategy, systems, and results. Today I’m diving into the crossover skills that keep freelance service providers booked, referred, and recession-proof.

We’re seeing many businesses cutting costs, hiring fewer employees, and leaning hard on contractors who can do more with less. The ones who can think strategically, wear multiple hats, and understand how marketing actually connects across platforms are the ones clients never let go.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the five key crossover skills I discovered after analyzing over 3,000 freelance jobs inside my Digital Marketer’s Workgroup.

Listen to learn more about:

• Why “jack of all trades” is your advantage and helps you rise above the competition in a lean team era
• How to position yourself as a problem solver (not a “button pusher”)
• Ways to use these skills to move up the freelance ladder, from general assistant to marketing manager or even fractional CMO
• Marketing your unique crossover skills to get hired for outcomes, not just tasks

Freelancers who can connect the dots will always stay booked. This episode will help you shift how you market yourself, raise your rates, and step into your next-level role as an indispensable marketing partner.

Sponsored by the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School

Admin work is getting automated—but marketing? That’s in demand everywhere. UDMA School is the only program that teaches you the exact skills clients are searching for: email marketing, funnels, SEO, social media, and even AI tools. You’ll learn how to do the high-value work that pays $35, $45, even $50+ an hour, plus get live support and access to a network of clients who need your skills. Doors open October 23, class starts October 30. Don’t stay stuck in low-paying admin work. Step into the skills businesses really need. >>Save your spot at udmaschool.com

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• FREE live training: 7 Ways to Land Clients as a Freelancer. Join us on October 15 to learn real strategies freelancers are using right now to book clients, market their skills, and grow their businesses. No more guessing how to land clients. Grab your seat here!
• Got a burning question about freelancing, digital marketing, or navigating this wild business journey? Ask Emily here: https://www.speakpipe.com/unicornsunite
• Join Our Digital Marketer's Workgroup: a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every...

Freelancers get stuck between wanting to look professional and protecting their pricing power. Welcome back to another Ask Emily Anything episode — my mini-series where I tackle your real freelancer questions. Today’s question came in a DM from Adam, who’s in corporate strategic communications, and he asked a good one: “When quoting a price for a potential client, do you prefer giving one total figure or itemized pricing?”

Listen to learn more about:

• The psychology behind pricing and why showing “too much math” can backfire
• How to balance transparency and authority so you can educate your clients without giving them negotiation ammo
• Structuring your proposals for clarity and confidence (including the exact phrasing I use when presenting pricing)
• When itemized pricing actually makes sense, and a few exceptions to the rule

If you’ve ever struggled with proposals, worried about sounding too expensive, or wondered how transparent you should be, tune in. I’m sharing what works in the real world and how to stop clients from treating your proposal like a takeout menu.

Because remember: you’re not selling tasks, you’re offering a strategic solution. The right clients will always say yes to value.

Sponsored by the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School

Admin work is getting automated—but marketing? That’s in demand everywhere. UDMA School is the only program that teaches you the exact skills clients are searching for: email marketing, funnels, SEO, social media, and even AI tools. You’ll learn how to do the high-value work that pays $35, $45, even $50+ an hour, plus get live support and access to a network of clients who need your skills. Doors open October 23, class starts October 30. Don’t stay stuck in low-paying admin work. Step into the skills businesses really need. >>Save your spot at udmaschool.com

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• FREE live training: 7 Ways to Land Clients as a Freelancer. Join us on October 15 to learn real strategies freelancers are using right now to book clients, market their skills, and grow their businesses. No more guessing how to land clients. Grab your seat here!
• Got a burning question about freelancing, digital marketing, or navigating this wild business journey? Ask Emily Anything here: https://www.speakpipe.com/unicornsunite
• Join Our Digital Marketer's Workgroup: a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you'll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads.

Using AI in client work can save you time, spark ideas, and help you finally get ahead on that never-ending to-do list. But the wrong approach can blur boundaries, create awkward conversations, or even chip away at your clients’ trust.

In this Ask Emily Anything episode, listener Danielle brings up a timely question: “As AI tools become part of everyday marketing work, what ethical considerations should we keep in mind, and when should we disclose AI use to clients?”

Listen to learn more about:

• How to talk to clients about AI and explain where it fits in your process
• AI content ethics for marketing freelancers & the simple rule of thumb for when to disclose
• Smart contract and intake form language to protect yourself and your clients
• How to use AI tools to streamline your work while keeping your human creativity front and center

If you’ve been side-eyeing AI and wondering how to use it responsibly, this episode’s for you. Tune in for the real-world do’s, don’ts, and gray areas of using AI in client work straight from a freelancer’s perspective on maintaining trust and your strong reputation.

Sponsored by the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School

Admin work is getting automated—but marketing? That’s in demand everywhere. UDMA School is the only program that teaches you the exact skills clients are searching for: email marketing, funnels, SEO, social media, and even AI tools. You’ll learn how to do the high-value work that pays $35, $45, even $50+ an hour, plus get live support and access to a network of clients who need your skills. Doors open October 23, class starts October 30. Don’t stay stuck in low-paying admin work. Step into the skills businesses really need. >>Save your spot at udmaschool.com

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• FREE live training: 7 Ways to Land Clients as a Freelancer. Join us on October 15 to learn real strategies freelancers are using right now to book clients, market their skills, and grow their businesses. No more guessing how to land clients. Grab your seat here!
• Got a burning question about freelancing, digital marketing, or navigating this wild business journey? Ask Emily Anything! Leave a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/unicornsunite
• Join Our Digital Marketer's Workgroup: a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you'll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads.

A client you admire tells you you’re not worth your rate… Ouch, right? That kind of feedback can rock your confidence and make you question everything, especially when you’re trying to grow your freelance business. But here’s the truth: no one else gets to decide your worth.

In this Ask Emily Anything episode, I’m answering a powerful listener question from Nai, an operations assistant, who asked: “How do you keep momentum and show up confidently after receiving discouraging feedback from someone you look up to?”

Listen to learn more about:

• The truth about negative feedback and why it’s about THEIR lens, not your worth
• Practical ways to articulate your value so you attract clients who happily pay your rate
• What to do when outcomes and client expectations don’t match up
• Using this situation as a learning moment, not a confidence killer

If you’ve ever felt knocked down by a client, a mentor, or even your own inner critic, this episode will give you the pep talk, strategy, and encouragement you need to stand tall. Keep building the business YOU want!

Sponsored by the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School

Admin work is getting automated—but marketing? That’s in demand everywhere. UDMA School is the only program that teaches you the exact skills clients are searching for: email marketing, funnels, SEO, social media, and even AI tools. You’ll learn how to do the high-value work that pays $35, $45, even $50+ an hour, plus get live support and access to a network of clients who need your skills. Doors open October 23, class starts October 30. Don’t stay stuck in low-paying admin work. Step into the skills businesses really need. >>Save your spot at udmaschool.com

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• FREE live training: 7 Ways to Land Clients as a Freelancer. Join us on October 15 to learn real strategies freelancers are using right now to book clients, market their skills, and grow their businesses. No more guessing how to land clients. Grab your seat here!
• Got a burning question about freelancing, digital marketing, or navigating this wild business journey? Ask Emily Anything! Leave a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/unicornsunite
• Join Our Digital Marketer's Workgroup: a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you'll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply at

Are you still thinking like a “grateful doer” instead of the boss of your business? If you’ve ever felt stuck in the freelancer-to-CEO mindset shift, this episode is for you. In this Ask Emily Anything episode, listener Candice asks a question so many of us freelancers secretly struggle with: How do you actually make the transition in your brain from service provider to boss?

It’s not just about raising your rates or slapping “CEO” in your bio. You have to own your expertise, set boundaries, and finally treat your freelance business like a business. I share my real journey (the rock bottoms, a-ha moments, and gradual pivots) that helped me shift out of the employee mindset, stop undervaluing my time, and step into my role as a confident business owner.

Listen to learn more about:

• How to recognize the difference between being a freelancer-for-hire vs. a self-employed business owner
• The importance of tracking your time, setting boundaries, and stopping scope creep before it eats your profit
• The “competence-confidence loop” that fuels your ability to raise rates, say no, and step into your CEO power
• How to reconnect with WHY you left corporate in the first place—and use that fire to fuel your boss mindset

If you’ve been wondering how to stop playing small and finally embrace your role as the boss of your freelance business, you’ll want to hit play on this one. I hope it’ll flip the switch you’ve been waiting for.

Sponsored by the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School

Admin work is getting automated—but marketing? That’s in demand everywhere. UDMA School is the only program that teaches you the exact skills clients are searching for: email marketing, funnels, SEO, social media, and even AI tools. You’ll learn how to do the high-value work that pays $35, $45, even $50+ an hour, plus get live support and access to a network of clients who need your skills. Doors open October 23, class starts October 30. Don’t stay stuck in low-paying admin work. Step into the skills businesses really need. >>Save your spot at udmaschool.com

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• Got a burning question about freelancing, digital marketing, or navigating this wild business journey? Ask Emily Anything! Leave a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/unicornsunite
• Join Our Digital Marketer's Workgroup: a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you'll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply at marketersworkgroup.com

Question Submitted by Candice:

• Instagram:

I’ve got some tough love for you today: it’s 2025, and you can’t afford to not have a website. Clients are vetting freelancers harder than ever, and your site is the first thing that tells them whether you’re worth the investment. The goal isn’t just to throw one together; it’s to have a website that books clients.

That’s why I invited Brand & Web Designer, Alyssa Downey, to join me in this episode. We’re walking you through the essentials of creating a website that isn’t just pretty but strategic, accessible, and designed to convert. Alyssa even echoes exactly what Laura Jawad teaches for SEO in episode #259: search engines and clients need to clearly understand what you do before they’ll take action. Creativity matters, but clarity comes first.

Alyssa is the owner of Amp’d Designs®, helping businesses get noticed through bold, unforgettable Branding & Web Design that’s deeply rooted in strategy and business goals (and looks stunning, too). With over a decade of design experience, a BFA in Communications Design from Pratt Institute, and a background as an NYC art director, Alyssa brings both the strategy and the artistry. She’s also the founder of Make Your Design Matter®, where she empowers self-employed designers to grow thriving, confident businesses.

Listen to learn more about:

• The number one most common website pitfall that’s costing you conversions
• Website accessibility essentials that make your site usable for all visitors
• Two or three quick design tweaks that instantly make your website look more professional
• What to focus on if you’re just starting and don’t have a website yet
• The must-have homepage elements that build trust and help you land better clients

If you’ve been procrastinating on your website (or wondering why the one you have isn’t booking clients), this episode is your wake-up call. Alyssa and I are giving you the practical steps to finally build a website that books clients. Tune in, take notes, and cross “launch my website” off your to-do list once and for all.

Sponsored by the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School

Admin work is getting automated—but marketing? That’s in demand everywhere. UDMA School is the only program that teaches you the exact skills clients are searching for: email marketing, funnels, SEO, social media, and even AI tools. You’ll learn how to do the high-value work that pays $35, $45, even $50+ an hour, plus get live support and access to a network of clients who need your skills. Doors open October 23, class starts October 30. Don’t stay stuck in low-paying admin work. Step into the skills businesses really need. >>Save your spot at udmaschool.com

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• Alyssa will be joining our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup to do live website audits in December. It’s your chance to get professional eyes on your site and walk away with actionable tweaks to make it truly client-ready. When you join the Workgroup, you’ll also plug into a tight-knit community of freelancers where you get behind-the-scenes conversations, real-time support, and troubleshooting every solo marketer needs. Plus, you’ll score advanced trainings,...