The Online Business Manager role is exploding and for good reason. More entrepreneurs want leadership, strategy, and someone who can own operations instead of just checking off tasks. In this episode, we’re diving into how to become an OBM – a role that so many VAs and freelance service providers naturally grow into. And if you’ve been feeling tugged toward leadership or higher-value strategy work, Sarah Noked is here to shorten your learning curve. She breaks down everything from real pricing to red flags to the unsexy parts of the job.

Sarah Noked is the founder of OBM School, where she trains service providers to become skilled Online Business Managers. She also leads a thriving OBM agency that pairs entrepreneurs with the operational support they need to scale. Her CPD-accredited program is one of the most recognized paths for freelancers ready to level up into a true operations leader.

Listen to learn more about:

• How to become an OBM and how to know if you’re secretly already doing the work
• Real talk about OBM hourly and retainer pricing
• Why VAs burn out, and how the OBM role solves (and sometimes creates) different problems
• Red flags, green flags, and the actual responsibilities of the OBM role
• What kind of clients are the best fit for an OBM

If you realized you’re already doing half the OBM job, this episode will give you the trade secrets and next steps you need to fully claim that role.

Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup

Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our 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 here!

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• Grab Sarah’s FREE OBM Starter Kit*: for VAs or Online Service Professionals ready to be seen as an indispensable OBM. Discover the tools, tips, and tech to bring your OBM business to life.
• Already doing OBM-level work? Sarah’s OBM Accreditation course* is the premium, CPD-accredited certification program—six months of high-level coaching, digital badges, and the full OBM framework to help you step into the role with authority.
• Sarah also has a smaller course: OBM Accelerator* is the perfect starting point for service pros who want to explore the OBM role, build foundational skills, and launch an OBM business using a proven “business in a box” approach before diving into full accreditation.
• Looking to hire an Online Business Manager? Submit your job opp at hireaunicorn.com and I’ll share it with my Workgroup community of vetted freelance marketers. Or browse our

We hear the corporate escape stories all the time. What we don’t hear as often is what happens after. My guest built a stronger, smarter, and more aligned freelance marketing business on the other side of it.

That’s why I loved this conversation with Tyneshia Dise. She walked away from a high-pressure corporate sales role after hitting burnout, went back to school for a marketing degree, and slowly built her agency through networking, internships, referrals, and showing up online long before it felt comfortable. Today, she leads a team of four and runs her business with solid onboarding, real systems, clear communication, and regular client check-ins. And inside our Workgroup, she’s already booked 6 out of 10 discovery calls and landed a client that gave her a 4x ROI.

Tyneshia is the founder of The Innovative Design Group and a digital marketing strategist with 20 years in sales and marketing, specializing in helping service-based business owners refine their message, build standout websites, and create campaigns that drive measurable growth.

Listen to learn more about:

• How Tyneshia used her corporate sales background to build a thriving freelance marketing agency
• Why emotionally-driven messaging is the secret weapon behind stronger conversions
• How to improve your discovery calls using active listening & buyer insights
• What freelancers get wrong about DIY marketing and how to fix it
• The systems, onboarding, and client experience shifts that helped her scale

Tyneshia’s growth came from intention and experience. Tune in because her story is a powerful example of what’s possible when you mix skill, strategy, and community support.

Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup

Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our 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 here!

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• Grab Tyneshia’s Free Email Marketing Guide: If you want your emails to land, not just send, Tyneshia’s free 67-page e-book is a must. It teaches freelancers and VAs how to clarify their message, write emails that resonate, and build automations that feel personal, not robotic. Perfect for anyone managing client newsletters, funnels, or retention campaigns.

Connect with Tyneshia:

• Instagram: @innovativedesign_cle
• Facebook: The Innovative Design Group_CLE
• Website: https://theinnovativedesigngroup.com/

Connect with Emily:

• Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab
• Instagram:

Black Friday is around the corner, and if your product-based clients aren’t ready with their e-commerce marketing, it’s not too late. Progress over perfection is the name of the game.

In this episode, I’m joined by Business Strategist Carlyn Bushman to talk about e-commerce marketing, Shopify strategy, and how freelancers like you can confidently support product-based clients heading into Q4. We’re breaking down what’s actually working in today’s noisy e-com world, like using Shopify data, SMS campaigns, and smart AI tools, so you can bring real strategy to your clients.

Carlyn Bushman is the founder of Carlyn Bushman Consulting and the powerhouse behind POP Academy—a no-fluff, all-strategy learning hub for product-based business owners who want to scale smart and stay profitable. With a background in corporate leadership and deep expertise in business strategy, she’s obsessed with helping founders ditch the guesswork, master their numbers, and finally build the business they’ve been dreaming about with practical tools, real talk, and data that actually drives growth.

Listen to learn more about:

• How to use Shopify analytics and Sidekick AI to plan smarter Q4 promotions
• Why SMS marketing is outperforming email (and how to start small)
• Real talk on omni-channel marketing and what “being everywhere” actually means
• Tips for creating multiple day-of promos for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday
• How freelance marketers can support e-commerce clients with data-driven strategy and execution

This episode gives you the exact tools, talking points, and tactics to confidently show up for your product-based clients and turn their data into measurable sales growth.

Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup

Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our 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 here!

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• Grab Carlyn’s FREE Grant Resource List here. Carlyn took care of the research, so you can focus on applying. Get access to grant opportunities up to $100,000 covering startup support, industry-specific capital, and opportunities for creatives, women-owned brands, and beyond. Grants are added weekly, so bookmark it and keep it on hand to reference all year long!
• Watch our video in Carlyn’s Founder Series: Marketing That's Actually Working in 2025 with Emily Reagan
• The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick

Connect with Carlyn:

• Instagram: @carlynbushmanconsulting
• Facebook: CMB Brands
• Website:

If you haven’t listened yet, here are Part 1 and Part 2 of our replay: 7 Ways to Land Clients.

Landing clients as a freelancer starts with visibility that feels genuine. When you show up with purpose, speak your clients’ language, and stay consistent, opportunities start finding you.

This is Part 3 of our live event 7 Ways to Land Clients, featuring freelance marketers from our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup. They’re sharing exactly how they position themselves online with Facebook groups, lead follow-ups, and peer referrals—without the burnout or “pick me” energy.

• Brittany Gardner shares how showing up consistently in Facebook groups led to a 1,766% ROI, steady word-of-mouth referrals, and clients who now come to her.
• Liz Cruz breaks down her strategy for following up with warm leads and positioning herself as the go-to expert, resulting in over $10K in booked client work in a single month.
• Keri McDonnell brings insight into building long-term relationships and staying visible in the right communities, proving the power of genuine connection and consistency.

Listen to learn more about:

• How to show up in Facebook groups and attract clients without sounding desperate
• The “long-game” strategy that turns community engagement into steady referrals
• Following up with warm leads and position yourself as the obvious choice
• The secret to client retention and referrals through professionalism and consistency

If you’re ready to stop chasing clients and start attracting them, this episode shows you the proven, human-centered way to do it.

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. 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

Connect with...

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...

Wondering how to get freelance clients without cold DMs, awkward pitches, or job board burnout? Welcome to Part 1 of our live event replay: 7 Ways to Land Clients. A panel of talented freelancers joins me to share the real strategies that helped them attract clients through warm leads, online directories, and word-of-mouth referrals.

My guest speakers are Workgroup members who’ve mastered the art of visibility and positioning. They break down how they built trust, refined their messaging, and leveraged relationships to create steady, high-quality client pipelines.

• Katie Fisher shares how our Workgroup directory & a Kajabi certification led to multiple high-value projects and affiliate income.
• Robyn Stoney walks us through her 27x ROI warm lead strategy using personalized, short pitch emails that actually get replies.
• Stacy Covitz and Esai Arasi add insight into how to get freelance clients by nurturing relationships that lead to more referrals.

Listen to learn more about:

• How to get freelance clients through specialized directories
• The importance of positioning, proof, and why your marketing assets matter
• How to combat the “trust recession” with testimonials, case studies, and portfolios
• How to turn a warm lead into a retainer client
• How to grow through referrals, community, and client results

This isn’t theory — it’s what’s working right now for real freelancers inside our community. Listen in and get inspired to position yourself where the clients are already looking.

FREE Live Masterclass: How to Build a Freelance Marketing Business You Actually Love

Calling all virtual assistants and marketing pros ready to stop doing random admin work and start offering strategic marketing services clients happily pay $35–$150/hour for. Join us for my free masterclass “How to Build a Freelance Marketing Business You Actually Love (And Pays Well)” on October 23.

You’ll learn how to package your strengths, position yourself like a pro, and finally step into work that lights you up. >>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

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...