68. When (and how) to trust your intuition (with Helen Pamely)

68. When (and how) to trust your intuition (with Helen Pamely)

Author: Louise Shanahan July 22, 2022 Duration: 15:58

Do you follow your gut instincts when making business decisions? Or do you prefer poring over logical lists of pros and cons?

Intuition and logic might not be as far apart as you think. On today's episode, Helen Pamely, a former city law firm partner turned wellness coach, helps us figure out how to tune in to our intuition and why it can be such a powerful guide in business. We cover:

  • What is "intuition" and how do we know what it's telling us?
  • Is intuition something you're born with or can it be learned?
  • How do we tell the difference between gut instinct about red flags and a fear that's holding us back?
  • How to explain intuitive decisions to clients who may be looking for concrete data.

Get bonus content, reflections, resources and more "15 Minute Actions" in the 15 Minute Freelancer newsletter: 15minutefreelancer.substack.com

Say hi to Helen:

LinkedIn: Helen Pamely
Instagram: @helenpamely
Website: https://www.helenpamely.com/

Say hi to Louise:

Louise Shanahan is a freelance health and medical copywriter and a big fan of finding your freelance niche. She's on a mission to help others build a freelance business that feels easy and works for them – in weekly snack-sized bites.

LinkedIn: Louise Shanahan
Twitter: @LouiseShanahan_
Website: thecopyprescription.com

Leave me a voice note on memo.fm/15/

Support the podcast! If you find this episode helpful and you'd like to show your appreciation, consider leaving a tip over at ko-fi.com/15minutefreelancer. Donations help cover the cost of running the podcast and are very much appreciated.


Ever feel like building a business for yourself is a full-time job in itself, before you’ve even landed a client? 15 Minute Freelancer cuts through the overwhelm with manageable, actionable advice designed to fit around a busy schedule. Hosted by freelance health copywriter Louise Shanahan, each episode draws directly from her own journey and the real, sometimes messy, realities of working for yourself. You’ll hear honest behind-the-scenes stories about pricing, difficult clients, and finding focus, alongside straightforward strategies for the nuts and bolts of running a sustainable operation. The aim is to move beyond generic hustle-culture advice and focus on what actually works, helping you shape a freelance career that supports the life you want, not one that consumes it. This isn't about theory; it's about practical steps you can implement almost immediately. Tune in for a candid, snack-sized conversation that feels more like a chat with a knowledgeable friend than a business lecture. Whether you're just considering the leap or are years into your freelance path, this podcast offers a refreshingly realistic perspective on entrepreneurship.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 93

15 Minute Freelancer
Podcast Episodes
22. Should you hire a virtual assistant? (with Caroline Marshall) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:34
At a certain point in your freelance career, you realise you can't do it all. Nor should you! Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) is one way to take the pressure off and let an expert take care of your admin and business man…
21. Stress-free accounting with Martin Brooks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:30
On today's show... what your accountant wishes you knew!Louise is joined by Martin Brooks, an accountant with expert knowledge of freelance and small business accounts. He shares: 3 things to prioritise when it comes to…
20: Choosing your business name with Mark Grainger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:02
What should you call your freelance business? Should you use your own name or operate under a brand name? On today's episode, Louise chats to fellow copywriter Mark Grainger, who has used both at various points in his bu…
19. Monkey brain metrics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:43
What's your barometer of freelance success? Do you find yourself distracted by how many followers you have on Twitter or the size of your email list? Do you have a sneaky peek at what other freelancers' say they're earni…
18. How to ask for (and use!) better client testimonials [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:06
Ever feel awkward about asking a client for a testimonial? Never quite sure what to do with them when they arrive? In today's episode, we're going to fix that! You'll get:tips on how to make asking for testimonials as pa…
17. How to make faster freelancing decisions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:52
One of the best bits about working for yourself is that you get to make all the decisions. But that's also one of the biggest challenges! From choosing a business name to figuring out how to reply to that awkward client…
16. Break free of the feast or famine cycle for good [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:00
One of the big challenges facing many freelancers is the feast or famine cycle. You're either way too busy and stressed out, or your inbox looks like someone cancelled your account without telling you. Navigating these u…
15. Is it time to raise your rates?! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:29
When you don't have a boss to give you a promotion or a pay rise, you have to create your own career ladder! This episode looks at why you should raise your freelance rates, different ways to give yourself a pay bump (no…
14. Is online marketing a cult? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:32
Is online marketing a pyramid scheme? A cult? Today, Louise looks at the darker side of the online marketing world and what it means for freelancers. Listen up for the three ways this harms freelancers and what we can do…
13. Anatomy of a (cringe-free) sales call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:56
Feel awkward about sales calls? Lots of freelancers (new and experienced!) dread getting on calls with prospective clients. In today's episode, Louise breaks down how she prepares for 'chemistry calls' with tips for what…