Helpful Strategies to Make Connections, Friends, and Network Remotely
Why and how to find a community as a freelancer
As rewarding as freelancing is, it can also be lonely. It’s easy to go hours, sometimes days, without seeing or talking to other people.
This can feel isolating and isn’t good for productivity or well-being. I’ve especially felt this since moving to the US from the UK and losing the network of friends I had built in the UK.
Not only is finding community essential for being a successful freelancer, social connections are also important for a longer lifespan and better health.
Fortunately, there are many ways to find community as a freelancer.
Community is important for freelancers because it:
Creates a sense of belonging
Lets you give and receive support in times of needs
Empowers you to meet your goals
Helps you learn from other freelancers
Offers helpful resources to grow your freelance business
How to find community as a freelancer:
There are many freelance communities, which are groups of like-minded people. Joining these groups is an easy way to find community, make connections, and network.
Most freelance communities are virtual groups you can join online, while there may also be some local groups in your city.
Where to find freelance communities:
There are many options, whether you prefer an online group, an in-person community, or both. The best ways to find freelance communities include:
Membership groups: Free or paid online groups offer different features, like freelancer resources, chat forums, and virtual coworking (i.e., Superpath and Being Freelance).
Social media: Facebook groups like Digital Nomads and Freelancing Females are ideal for communicating with other freelancers. LinkedIn is also an excellent platform for building a freelance community.
Coworking spaces: A local coworking space is ideal for meeting people in person. Take advantage of various workspaces, networking events, and other perks. You can also join a virtual coworking space like Focusmate.
Freelancers Union: This is a non-profit organization that has many resources for freelancers, including support with healthcare coverage, planning for retirement, and training events
Local meetups: Platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite share local experiences where you can get together with fellow entrepreneurs. You can even create your own event on Meetup to meet other freelancers.
Making time for freelance communities:
As freelancers, it can be difficult to prioritize certain tasks. Use these tips to help you effectively join and prioritize a community:
Think about what kind of community atmosphere and resources you’re interested in
Join one or two communities to start to avoid overextending yourself
Know it’s okay to try multiple communities out until you find one that suits you best
Schedule time for your community just as you would client work
We hope these tips were helpful for you because having a community is important for your success and well-being.
To learn more, read about finding the best freelance communities for support and making connections.
Nomad Favourites
Check out our favourite books, podcasts, videos, and products this month.
There’s No Right Way to Meditate by Yumi Sakugawa
I really enjoyed reading this book in the new year. It’s a quick graphic novel about the author’s journey toward embracing a regular meditation practice and how it has impacted every aspect of her life, particularly her creativity.
I’ve always struggled to meditate, but after reading this, I learned that I already do have meditative practices that I didn’t recognize because meditation is actually very personal to you. In my case, finding out that taking long and mindful walks can be a transformative ritual was really heartening, and I’m excited to implement some of the other practical tips in this book.
Wingspan
Speaking of meditation, who knew a card game about birds could be so relaxing? We’ve spent endless hours playing this strategy game and learned a lot about birds in the process. You can play it with others, or by yourself, online, or you can enjoy how beautiful the physical board game is with the boxed set.
Hobonichi Techno Planner
I’m guessing most people are more organized than me and already have their planner for the year if they use one. But just in case you don’t, this is the one I’m going for this year. I love the extra pages to write thoughts, write down your favourite words of the year, and the various timetables. Last year I got a very similar Muji one, which is a lot cheaper and is also great!
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