It's Important to Be Social When Freelancing

The work as a freelancer encompasses many highs, one of them being the option of working alone. Another is the pleasure of being of service and a contributor to many different creative people and types of businesses. Yet it can be very lonely as well. Freelancing, as the title implies, means long hours of work and many responsibilities. It's hard to avoid long hours that turn into long days that are absorbed with completing projects on time and within scope. Often ideas will arise for services that you may not offer. Perhaps you lack a particular skill or simply not have the time. This is the opportune moment to think of working with others. Collaboration or "the act of working together with one or more people in order to achieve the same goal", with other freelancers is worthy of consideration. Just as your talents are highly specialized so are others. All service providers have a common goal, to achieve excellence for their clients. To that end working with others is a worthy undertaking.

It starts by understanding what your talents are. Network with others in your circle and discover how their talents stack up in relation to yours. Unspoken agreements can be reached and work can be shared. The results are a highly customized product or service. Toiling as a single force can be a boon to your bottom line and your clients' commerce. Whether it's a commitment to a big project that's ongoing or the polishing up of a small one, conjoined administrative responsibilities and clearly devised and equitable payouts can equal total success.

Competition is another good reason why freelancers should work in partnership. As a group you are forming a talent pool that may mimic a larger formal corporation which could mean a costlier contract for the client. As a group you comprise a broader cheaper skill base.

Build a network of associates. You have your circle of freelance friends so do others. Use a scalable and customizable web-based network like Google + that has as its networking scheme "Circles". This newest application is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Circles can be created bearing any chosen name to perform a myriad of functions, like creating a "Circle of Freelance Designers". From here the network can grow to include online chats and a means to share project news and collaborations. This is also a perfect place to leave feedback on each other. Great feedback from your peers for a job well done is priceless. In addition it can be a place to acquire needful backup for backlogged work and to free up needed time.

Remember to keep in mind some common sense approaches when networking with other freelancers. Think to collaborate with contractors that you trust and function well with. Having skills in common is a plus, but joining forces with other freelancers entails joined responsibilities as well. You must be prepared to step in and do your part or fill in when needed as well. Building a strong freelancing team can be very rewarding