15 February 2010
by 
Freelancers live life behind the scenes, plugging away at a computer to craft masterful content, be it in writing or web design (or virtual assistance, PR, or marketing!) It is a solitary life, and your fellow freelancers deserve a little love, especially if they have made a difference in your life.
However, we can be so wrapped up in our own freelance career, that our dearest online friends may never know how much they mean to us! We are all rushing to meet deadlines and please our clients. How can we find time to connect with those who have supported us throughout our freelance career?
Make Yourself Available
If you want to support your fellow freelancers, you have to be present. Carve out some time each day to spend showing your freelance friends that you are there for them. Hang out on Twitter, Facebook, or Plurk and catch up on the day’s events. Socialize, laugh, and offer help when it is needed.
Don’t worry if you only have ten spare minutes at the end of your day. That is enough time to keep friendly connections kindled, as long as you make a regular effort. They will be more than happy to see you, and hear about your freelancing adventures! Camaraderie and support are the small things that keep us going, all throughout the year.
Connect The Freelance Dots
Bring together those freelancers in your online communities who need to meet each other. Have a writer friend who needs a custom website design? Introduce her to the web tech who designed your website. Do a few of your freelance friends need daily doses of inspiration and accountability? Partner them up and watch the creative sparks fly!
This step only requires paying attention to your friends’ needs and abilities. Put in a good word for each freelancer in the other’s ear, and give them a chance to get to know each other. The possibilities are endless – but don’t worry if they decide that they are not the right match for each other. Your attentive concern for their success will be noticed and appreciated.
Spread The Word
Do you know some rockstar freelancers? I bet we all do! Share their accomplishments and links with everyone in your social streams. A link love blog post or #FollowFriday tweet shows your appreciation and can bring unexpected opportunities to your friends – and you as well!
Some freelance people I couldn’t do without:
- Rebecca Laffar-Smith: Our lovely hostess here at Writer’s Round-About! Excellent writer and web tech, filled with Aussie charm.
- Michele Tune: Fellow WRA writer and Raw Foodie, she’s so busy writing yet takes time to help others succeed. A true freelance friend unlike any other!
- Amy Sey Brown: A crafty gal who is on her way to help others succeed in their own artistic endeavors. Plus she can brainstorm like a madwoman!
Of course, there are so many of you wildly successful freelancers who have made my life great, I couldn’t possibly list you all. But I want to take the time now to send out a big “Thank You!” for sending encouragement and support my way exactly when I need it the most.
A little love makes all the difference!
What are your favorite ways for sharing the freelance love? Who deserves a shout out and a big hug for all of their support “above and beyond the freelance call of duty”? Bring your best freelance love ideas to the table!
Photo Credit: Jessica.Garro
I LOVE this post, Kim!!
And the “Connect the Freelance Dots” is awesomeness!
Thank you SO much for your very kind words about me, and for the link love – you’re the bestest!
Like you said, there are lots of ways to share the love with freelancers who brighten our days – or nights.
I love sharing and encouraging via social media and email. I also try to link to others whenever possible and try to recognize their hard work. I write recommendations and testimonials. And I always, always try to let my freelance friends know that I am here to stay, to cheer them on and even keep them in my prayers.
The freelance circle is huge, yet feels so warm and inviting. I am so honored to be a part of it – and I couldn’t live without you either!!
Keep shining, Kim!!
Hugs,
Michele
.-= Michele shares: Recipe: Inside-Out (Coconut) Peanut Butter Cups =-.
Thanks Michele!
You have some great ideas for spreading the love as well. We’ve all got to work together, to cheer each other on and build up our success!
*hugs*
~Kimberlee
.-= Kimberlee Ferrell shares: Letting the Words Flow =-.
Great post Kimberlee!
It’s all about community & sharing… feels good to spread the love around & receive it as well:)
.-= clara shares: Today’s Recommendation! =-.
Aww, thank you for thinking of me, Kimberlee.
These are fantastic tips. It can be hard to be everything to everyone but one of the greatest ways to strengthen any relationship is to be available. I try to make myself available to anyone who needs help because my personal mission statement involves helping others learn and grow.
An advantage of “connecting the dots” is that you can also outsource some of your own work when you’re getting more than you can handle. And, by recommending friends and co-workers you’ll also find they recommend you to others when the opportunity arises.
There are so many people I like to acknowledge and thank. Sometimes I keep an gratitude journal where I can give thanks for the people in my life, even if only privately to myself (and my higher power). I shared some other ways to give love in my post earlier this month, “Build Your Working Relationships: Write Recommendations“