When I started out as a freelancer, I knew my existing network would be important in terms of getting referrals and finding client work.
There are so many other things you’re discovering for the first time when learning to set up and run your own business.
You’re figuring many of these new things out on your own so finding a supportive community of peers to connect with makes you feel less exposed and alone
Look for relevant communities
As a marketing and communications specialist, with recent sector experience in the tech space, I started within my existing industry circles.
I’m a member of the Chartered Institute for Marketing which organise events and webinars.
Finding a supportive community of peers to connect with makes you feel less exposed and alone
I joined various Slack communities, some which I’ve learnt are more relevant to me than others.
Through LinkedIn I discovered a new Tech Cluster which hosts monthly meet ups looking at ways to drive economic growth and skills development in digital and AI in my city. It’s facilitated by the chamber of commerce and has provided a great opportunity to connect with people with common interests as part of a collective initiative.
As a female business owner I’ve engaged with the female founder communities and events.
These include supportive environments with facilitated networking over a cuppa in small groups which is much less intimidating when meeting so many new people at once.
It was a very inclusive environment championing female entrepreneurs, and although I’m glad I went, I didn’t feel that I found my tribe.
The value of peer-support
The greatest value I’ve found from joining communities is finding a space where I can learn from my peers' experiences.
I’ve recently joined an online community of freelance strategists, Outside Perspective, which has felt like the strongest fit to my client offering.
Communities provide a good way to build your confidence and grow your business through meeting with prospective clients as well as finding potential collaborators.
It’s an active community and I’ve found the posts and comments both supportive and insightful, from people like me for people like me.
Communities like this offer a safe space to ask questions, seek advice and tap into the wider group’s experiences which has been highly valuable.
Networks and communities provide a good way to build your confidence and grow your business through meeting with prospective clients as well as finding potential collaborators.
It’s been a journey of discovery and I’m still exploring new communities.
I made the promise to myself to say yes to new opportunities, even if the idea of attending a big event and meeting lots of strangers is out of my comfort zone!
You need to be open to trying new things to see if it’s the right fit.
Louise's advice to freelancers looking for communities
- Be open-minded and try different networks and communities. Not all of them will be relevant, but you need to get involved to find your fit.
- Try a mix of both in-person and online communities. They each bring different qualities, especially if working solo for the first time is new to you.
- Sharpen your elevator pitch so you get comfortable introducing yourself to new people.
- Be an active contributor so you can give back to the community too.
