FFJ Guest Voices: Community networking
And a new podcast series!
In our Guest Voices slot, we’re on the look out for diverse and different takes, advice, tips and projects. If you have an interesting (and practical) idea there is a Google form for your pitches here.
This week our newsletter is by Evelyn Dom, a Belgian freelance multimedia journalist, currently based in London, who is doing some work experience with us at the moment. She reflects on her leap into freelancing this year and how joining a local freelance networking group was the best decision of 2023.
Two months ago, I had the privilege of being the passenger princess on a road trip from Munich to Milan with two of my friends. I did what any passenger princess would do (aside from romanticising my life while staring out the window with Noah Kahan blaring from the speakers): overthink what I’m doing with my life. After what seemed like hours of pondering, I hit a moment of realisation, I yell out to the front: “That’s it, you guys. I’m going to become a freelancer”.
But after a delayed flight, a late train ride home from London Gatwick, and the reality of an early shift the next morning, the euphoria wears off and I start to think, how am I going to do this? My determination and motivation are met with the fear of going solo, managing a freelance role with a current full time position, handling tax filings, creating invoices, seeking and maintaining clients. There were so many barriers I had to overcome.
The next day, I was scrolling through Facebook and stumbled across a post in The London Lonely Girls Club, a community for women in London looking to build their network and create friendships. It was from a fellow freelancer and business owner suggesting the idea of creating a networking group because working from home could get lonely sometimes. I immediately sent her a private message, expressing my keen interest in joining this group. It was one of the best decisions I could have made as an emerging freelancer.
By joining this group, the freelance world suddenly seemed a whole lot less intimidating to me. Our group is a mixed bag, it consists of seasoned freelancers with years of experience alongside newer freelancers like myself, who have only just started out. This group offers me inspiration, resources, and most importantly, a sense of community.
Creating a networking group can be a great way to make new connections and widen your professional network. Our networking group consists of women from various occupations, which is what makes our group so diverse. This variety allows for collaboration on projects with some peers, while also providing opportunities to outsource work to others within the group. In my experience, a networking group is great opportunity to find like-minded individuals, while simultaneously creating a collective pool of skills and resources.
One of the most highlighted freelancing perks is ‘freedom’, and the ability to work from home and abide by your own schedule. But staring at the same four walls can get a little treacherous at times, and a little lonely. I never thought I’d admit this, but the novelty of working in sweatpants wears off, and there are moments where you yearn for a switch to smart casual wear and the sense of belonging in a professional community. This is exactly why we meet up twice a week in different co-working spaces in London. A networking group can be a great opportunity to create a physical communal space, similar to that of an office environment.
This brings me to my next point: productivity. It is no secret that a change in scenery boosts productivity. It is also true that different spaces lend themselves to different work. Some days I prefer to work from home. I am currently writing this newsletter entry at my desk in my living room. With the flat to myself, and the big windows to my left and right offering lots of natural light, the space is ideal to get in the zone for an uninterrupted writing session. But other days I will crave social interaction and community. My networking group provides me with inspiration, and the presence of other individuals focusing around me acts contagiously on my own productivity.
Last, and certainly not least, networking groups aren’t just about work, they’re also incredibly fun. We mix up our productive moments of focused work with chat, banter and snack breaks, which allows us to connect on a more personal level. A networking group can go beyond creating professional connections, and can lead to wholesome friendships based on mutual interests.
Are you interested in starting a networking group in your local community? Facebook is a great platform to find existing communities or build your own. From there, you can choose to create a smaller group for a more streamlined communication approach (eg, on WhatsApp), to facilitate communication and manage logistics for your first event.
Happy networking everyone!
Have you started a local networking group or are interested in doing so. Let us know what works for you and what you get out of it at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
New podcast series on specialisms
It’s series 12 of the podcast and this time we’re doing a deep dive into specialisms, chatting to those who have formed a successful niche all about their work. To kick us off we have court reporter Charlie Moloney talking about how to cover Crown Court trials, how the commissioning process works and just how fast your shorthand needs to be. Charlie also talks about media law and how to challenge your right to report.
Pre-order your Journo Resources Yearbook
Our friends over at Journo Resources have launched pre-orders for their 2024 limited edition yearbook. Purchase now and you get 100-page magazine delivered in January. Full of exclusive features and exercises. ‘You'll find inspiration, a space to take time out, and help to push your career in journalism and media forward’.
The proceeds from every copy go directly to supporting the next round of Journo Resources fellowships, helping people of all ages kickstart their careers. Jem and the team do such great work so if you can support them please do!
Triumph of the week
Managing to meet up for the FFJ Christmas jolly
That feeling when
You’re limping towards the holidays but still have some deadlines to hit
We love to hear your feedback on everything we do, so feel free to drop us an email anytime at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
Bye for now!
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