How to build a supportive community as a freelancer
Starting your own business as a sole trader is an exciting time – you’re finally your own boss calling the shots, enjoying the flexibility of setting your own hours, pursuing what you’re truly passionate about and making a living from it. What’s not to love?
But this new found freedom comes with way more responsibility – everything starts and stops with you as you navigate leading a small business. Last year, when I left my full-time job to start freelancing in graphic design and murals, I quickly found myself wearing all the hats. While juggling tasks to launch my business, I was working largely by myself and with very few other people around who understood my work.
I truly missed those everyday interactions with my old co-workers and simply seeing humans in person on a regular basis. At the same time, I was in a new season where I needed to bounce ideas off folks who were facing the same things in building a small business. So, I began seeking friendships with fellow freelancers to fill the gap and refuel my social tank.
THREE REASONS WHY I LOVE FRIENDSHIPS WITH OTHER FREELANCERS:
1. You receive moral support and advice from people who get you. There’s nothing quite like connecting with a community of people who understand and empathise with you effortlessly. These are the people who speak your language when other people in your life want to help, but just can’t relate to what you’re going through on a work level. It’s so worth investing in friendships like these as they become a safety net when you’re still learning the ropes and needing extra encouragement. These folks know your wins and struggles deeply because they’ve been there before.
2. It could combat feelings of isolation and boost your mood. As social beings, we’re wired for interaction and human connection. Who doesn’t love the warm and fuzzy feelings you get after popping in on a close friend for a yarn? Being intentional and approachable to making friendships is key, however, it’s also wise to trust your gut when you meet other freelancers that you don’t really vibe with or drain your energy. Sometimes it’s a quality over quantity game, and that’s OK!
3. It could increase referrals for your business. Networking with other freelancers in your field is a valuable resource when it comes to client referrals for your business. Yes, technically they’re your competition, but it doesn’t have to be catty. Building that genuine trust and rapport with your community creates an opportunity for others to know what you offer and what you’re like, which can lead to some brilliant word of mouth referrals down the track.
There have been countless moments where I’ve turned down potential clients because I have been too busy or because I’m just not the right fit for the role. However, I’ve referred those clients onto other designers or muralists who would be way more effective for the job, purely because I know them and know the fantastic work they produce, and just really want to see them win.
Discovering your community can be slow and difficult at first, especially if you’re the introverted type (like me!) and constantly putting yourself out there can feel more painful than life-giving. Here are a few ways I’ve personally found my community in my own time and pace:
Researched and attended conferences, events and meet-ups aimed at my industry or passions,
Signed up for online masterclasses and courses,
Visited co-working spaces,
Followed other artists, muralists and designers I admire and engaged in conversation or comments on their posts,
Actively reached out to other local muralists and designers for a coffee and a chat,
Opened conversations with other followers in my social media posts,
Hosted my own small group meet-ups with other creatives in the area.
Aside from connecting with people who share similar interests and values as you, finding a community and investing in friendships with other freelancers can be an incredibly rewarding part of your success as a business owner and a welcome boost to your well-being.
If you’re feeling a little lost floating around in the freelance world, why not drop me a line and say hi? As the old saying goes, we’re better together.
