Joining a freelance community: What you need to know

By Maggie Zahm

Freelance communities seem to be popping up everywhere: in large metropolitan areas, on the web, even in your neighborhood Starbucks. What is the big trend all about, you ask? Kellie Frissell, a member of the Freelance Forum in Atlanta, Georgia and a seasoned freelance graphic designer, shared her experiences with Sologig Freelance in a recent interview.

“I can’t tell you how valuable these types of communities are, as well as the relationships that you form when you’re in them.”

The reason these freelance forums are rising in popularity is due to the fact that they are a great way to get advice and network with peers in various industries with a multitude of expertise. Forums provide the opportunity to participate in the community and stay up to date on the latest news, technology, or the latest marketing theory.

The Freelance Forum of which Frissell is a member is composed of writers, graphic designers and editors, along with videographers, photographers, web designers and marketing consultants. Frissell got involved with the Forum when a colleague invited her to a meeting, and as soon as she started going, she was hooked. “[The Forum] really helps you grow in your business. Our organization is geared toward helping others build their business in a healthy way, rather than by just snagging projects, although that is a definite side affect of being part of the Forum.” Frissell specifies, “You learn from other members’ mistakes, and you learn from their successes.”

People interested in becoming involved in a freelance community can choose to partake in a variety of ways. The Freelance Forum in Atlanta is an example of a community of freelancers and contract workers in a metropolitan area that gather once a month to learn about tricks and trends in the business. Members pay an $85 annual fee, and in return get great advice from guest speakers, a chance to network and a subscription to the monthly newsletter, as well as access to other valuable resources.

Another way that people participate in these types of communities is on the web. There are a multitude of sites that include chat rooms, discussion boards and networking opportunities where members can ask questions, post articles, and receive advice. Neighborhood freelance communities are also growing in popularity. More personal than online communities, these book-club types of meetings help participants to stay on task and get feedback on their work.

Frissell stresses that when considering joining a freelance community or when doing any type of freelance work you should “always keep your mind open to new opportunities.”

Kellie Frissell is a graphic designer specializing in both print and online advertising. Her portfolio includes an array of brochures, logos, magazine work and promotional material for bands. Kellie’s website, http://www.kfdp.com displays samples of her work and lists some of her recent clients.