My So-Called Freelance Life - Michelle Goodman [27]
I’m on six email lists for West Coast writers and freelancers and see both freelance and long-term contract jobs listed every week—by other freelancers trying to help a client out, and by clients themselves. Since many of these lists have just a couple hundred to a couple thousand members, there’s less competition when you send in your resume. I’ve landed many a gig this way over the years, as have most freelancers I know.
Web communities, forums, and blogs for indie pros—Biznik, Mediabistro, Craftster, and FreelanceSwitch, to name a few—are also great places to meet freelance folks and pick up tricks of the trade. Some even feature job listings. I’ve listed a few favorites in the Resource Guide, too. And if you’ve got a spare hour or two, you might as well put your profile on Biznik, LinkedIn, or your online social network of choice. Joining a digital tribe makes approaching a freelance rock star with a question like “How did you make the leap from portrait photography to photojournalism?” about one hundred times easier.
Still, nothing helps friendships blossom like good old-fashioned face time, so you’ll also want to start frequenting the popular brick-and-mortar freelance haunts near you—soon, like before the seasons change. And you’ll want to conduct this hobnobbing at least once a month, especially while trying to fill your freelance schedule (and bank account). The easiest thing to do is check out some local happy hours, meetings, and talks hosted by your professional association or arts organization of choice—Women in Film, Weimaraner Walkers of Westchester, et cetera. Also see http://freelance.meetup.com to find (or create) a group of like-minded indies near you. Bring a friend as your wingwoman if you need support. If after one outing you’re left thinking These are definitely not my people, try another event or organize a freelancers’ happy hour of your own.
Don’t overlook the value of rubbing elbows with professionals outside your field. There’s something to be said for being the only caterer in a roomful of wedding planners. I know a software developer who gets a ton of referrals from the Graphic Artists Guild meetings she regularly attends, as well as a photographer who lands loads of work shooting same-sex weddings thanks to the LGBT business events she frequents.
As you venture out into the brave new freelance social circuit, don’t just look for people you can leech information, contacts, and work off of, and don’t expect handouts. Seasoned freelancers can smell a parasite a mile away. Bring your own sparkling wit, shimmering ideas, and innovative suggestions to the table, which, even if you’re a newbie, you’re bound to have. Take an interest in others, not just their Outlook address books. Repay favors any way you can. At the very least, buy an old salt a drink to show your appreciation for all the tips she’s given you.
Where the Clients Are
Like Rome, your big fat freelance network won’t be built in a day. Besides, it takes a lot more than charming the pants off other indie professionals to fill your freelance dance card. When it comes to jump-starting your client list, these are the tactics I’ve found work best:
TELL AUNT AGNES. If you haven’t already done so, your first step should be to tell your aunt Agnes, cousin Carl, roommate Ruby, dog walker Derek, and anyone else you’ve ever spent thirty seconds sucking the same air with about your new freelance life. What one email reading “Hi, everyone. Did I mention I’ve struck out on my own as a freelance fortune-teller/futurist/food stylist?” can’t cover, a brief face-to-face chat the next time you see the party in question, punctuated by the placement of your business card in her outstretched hand, can.
While friends can be a great source of freelance leads (“My boss was just saying yesterday we need to broaden our pool of freelance animators!