I was thrilled by the freedom and endless possibilities until I realized that one crucial element was missing—community
Freelancing can be solitary without the companionship of co-workers, but I’ve discovered a way to make it enjoyable
With a bit of effort, I’ve managed to recreate a sense of belonging. Building my freelance community has been instrumental in my success as a freelancer. It serves as a reminder that I’m not alone in facing challenges such as dealing with difficult clients and receiving rate inquiries. Additionally, it offers me valuable ideas and advice to enhance my business, connects me with new opportunities, and fosters personal connections with other freelancers
Here are seven tips for networking and building a community of freelancers
Step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences
People need to know who you are and what you offer. Since you’re not top of mind for anyone except yourself, you must remind people about your services as frequently as possible
I’ve come up with a concise idea that effectively communicates my work, the clients I serve, my methods, and what distinguishes me. I keep this idea in a note on my phone for quick reference whenever I introduce myself in a new Slack channel, re-introduce myself to my followers on social media, send cold pitches to potential clients, or answer the question, “What do you do?” at networking events
Find and follow other freelancers
Building a community involves forging connections, so I started following other freelancers in my niche, which encompasses digital marketing and production services
The advantage of this approach is that it helps you establish a network of potential clients who can refer work to you, especially if it’s for a service you don’t provide. As a result, whenever a client approaches me seeking a freelancer who offers a specific service, I have a comprehensive network of individuals from whom I can draw
Engage with social media platforms
More than having a social media profile and following other freelancers, you must engage with them. Some ways include
Participate in Twitter Chats and Spaces: Participating in Twitter Chats and Spaces can help you find more freelancers to add to your network and get advice on running your business
Engage with other people’s content: If you want people to follow you, you must like, comment, and share their content. Leave thoughtful replies and provide value to the overall conversation
Join groups and follow hashtags: Join freelance groups on LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with other freelancers in your niche or geographic location. Also, specific hashtags such as #FreelanceTwitter help you find other freelancers to follow and engage with
Join Slack or Discord communities to connect with others
Slack and Discord have also become popular for freelancers to find communities of like-minded people to join. To find the right channels, consider where your ideal client spends time. Target different industries you want to work in (food and beverage, e-commerce, technology, etc.), types of work (content, video production, UX/UI, etc.), or your geographic region to find the right groups to join
Join freelance membership communities
There are several paid membership communities for freelancers that you can sign up for. These organizations offer resources to help freelancers grow their businesses, master their craft, find opportunities, and connect with others. In addition, most have their community function, whether on Slack, Discord, or native on their website, for other freelancers to connect and mingle
Take the conversation offline
While connecting online is great, so is connecting with fellow freelancers offline. Whether it’s in-person meetup groups, networking events, coffee dates, lunch, or a Zoom call, make an effort to connect one-on-one with other freelancers. Take the initiative, DM your social media connections, and schedule a 30-minute chat. It’s a great way to put a face (or voice) to a name and can go a long way to building a stronger and more personal connection
Join a co-working space
If you yearn for more in-person interactions, consider joining a co-working space. Co-working spaces offer excellent opportunities to connect with local business owners and other professionals in your area
You’ll have the chance to meet fellow freelancers, potential clients, and intriguing entrepreneurs. Additionally, it encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and establish a clear boundary between work and personal life
Just because you’re a freelancer doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of having work friends. With a bit of effort, you can build a vibrant community both online and offline, making your freelance journey a more fulfilling and less lonely experience
Join us in the freelance community atOpen Production Group Group! Create your portfolio today and become a part of our dynamic community
