Welcome to week 20 of 2021 and to this edition of #TWIF!
We cover the importance of having a network, talk about mental health, and take a look at how to build a strong remote company.
There is a great event coming up, and an excellent read for you, matey!
The importance of a network
It’s not who you know, it’s who knows YOU!
In our earlier editions we’ve mentioned that no freelancer is an island, and no one, self-employed or not, should have to navigate the working world alone. This has been an ongoing conversation between the freelancer communities we speak to…
Our friend Ed Goodman, who established Freelance Heroes five years ago, started this community after he witnessed a conversation between two freelance photographers.
Ed noticed that there was an obvious and definite lack of help from the one – who clearly felt any tips divulged to his ‘competition’ would put him at a disadvantage going forward.
As freelancers, if we’re not there for one another to share, help and inform, how can we ever improve our own skills and take the industry forward? Who will take it forward if it’s every (wo)man for themselves?
Freelance Heroes now has a community of twelve thousand freelancers, a network of like-minded independent workers who gather in a safe environment where questions and help can be asked for without fear of judgement.
As a solo-preneur it’s impossible to perform all the tasks on a project single-handedly – be sure to have a community in place and call on them when needed.
Let’s talk about mental health
The greatest wealth is health
We’re just about midway throughout the year. How is your mental health thus far?
Here are some tips to help:
- Take care of the basics
- Get 7 – 9 hours of sleep in – shut electronics off one hour before bed.
- Satisfy your hunger pangs – distraction free.
- Move your body – even low impact movement is good.
- Try disconnecting a bit from virtual socialising
- Good ‘ol fashioned postcards – they do still exist.
- Volunteer and do something rewarding – the need is great out there.
- Socialise at a safe distance – take advantage of the warmer weather and take it outdoors.
- Talk it out
- Speak to someone in your local community or your networking community – don’t be shy.
- A quick search may reveal many a support system to reach out to for mental health, depression or anxiety.
- Why not start your own support group – your experience can help someone.
- Stick to what works for you
- Once you’ve found the balance of activities and outlets that work for you – keep at it!
- Stick to your routine and keep talking to people. This certainly is an upward trend post-Covid, be less afraid to talk about how you’re feeling, and more open to listening to others.
Read our very own blog post here on how to keep that work/ life balance as a freelancer.
Build a strong remote company
Digitisation has made the world closer and less remote
There are benefits to remote business for both employers and employees.
Employers gain access to a wider talent pool, because remote employees can be sourced from the best candidates across the world.
There are also cost savings. There is no need for large head offices, with the concomitant costs of furniture, rent and utilities. Even if employees require some assistance, this will be well below the costs of corporate suites.
Employees have the flexibility to work at the times when they are the most productive, which means greater production for the organisation.
Digitisation has made the world closer and less remote, so though physically companies may span the globe, it is now possible to conduct business everywhere as if everyone was nearby.
Read our full blog post on how to build a strong remote company here.
Events lineup
Leave inspired
The Business of Stories with Susan Payton
Tue, May 25 · 12:00 PM UK Time
Most people are so close to their business they don’t know how to talk about it, in a way that is super clear and compelling. Problem is, if customers are confused about what you offer, they’ll go elsewhere, to somebody who can say it clearly.
If that happens, your own marketing is working against you. Susan uses a powerful framework, called StoryBrand, to help companies understand what customers are looking for, so they can talk about what they do in a way that ensures their customers listen.
Once you have a clear message, your marketing starts working for you, your team members are converted into a powerful sales force and your customers become raving fans with a message that spreads.
RSVP here.
Book review
From a book to a movement
By Sam Conniff and Alex Barker
Don’t forget!
Thank Freelance; it’s Friday
Join Ed Goodman from Freelance Heroes weekly on a Friday for the latest edition of T.F.I.F.
Address popular freelancer questions and network with your peers.
Join via Facebook and on YouTube and watch the replay – you can also subscribe to get an alert every week.
