1. Home
  2. »
  3. Ecosystem
  4. »
  5. Freelance Communities: How to Choose One?

Freelance Communities: How to Choose One?

We share 10 points to consider before joining one
Elina Jutelyte
| April 27, 2021
Elina Jutelyte
April 27, 2021
freelance-communities

10 important things to consider before joining freelance communities

2020 saw a surge in freelance communities being formed. Being associated with a community is important, however, there are a few things every freelancer needs to know. I decided to write this article after having numerous conversations with freelancers about communities. Mostly hearing their complaints, I realized that we need to clarify this subject. One says there are too many of them right now. Another says that they don’t know which one to choose. Someone else said that they don’t believe in the missions of the communities. It is a very intricate topic and it may cause a couple of questions or remarks from the public, but my main message below is this: watch out for organizations that are masking themselves as free communities to pursue their personal commercial goals. I may also be speaking against myself right now, as Freelance Business is a free community. We don’t charge freelancers to join us, instead, we are working with partners to raise the funds needed for other activities. We’ve deliberately refused to create a membership organization. Freelance Business, even if it is called a community, is by nature the producer of freelance events and masterclasses, which turned out to be global, and we are working hard towards shedding light on the freelance economy matters, recognizing all the players. Now, since I clarified this from the beginning, let me share a little guide that may help you to look at things a bit more realistically. Here is what you need to consider when you are engaged with a community.

1. Mission of the organization

Ask organization leaders about how they started and why they do what they do. Quite often such communities are being formed via social media channels first, which are developed with one goal – to monetize them later. Nothing against monetizing the networks. Just filter appeals of such networks that ask you to ‘help them grow’ for free. If this is a freelancer community, their first concern should be how to help their members grow and make more money. Some networks camouflaged under not-for-profit status to carry the message of ”advocating for community”, but have they done any advocating in reality? Before giving them your time and money, look at their past record.

2. Do these freelancing sites promote free freelance work?

The goal of every community, in my opinion, should be to strengthen freelance work. The moment freelance communities start recruiting freelancers and not paying them for the jobs they’ve completed it’s a sign to go away (read ‘RUN AWAY’ as fast as you can). Every single-freelance-pro would say that you should not do your work for free. Neither for a rainbow future that these organizations promise, nor because they are so nice to you. You can do pro-bono work to gain experience or to support a well-defined mission, but then it should be very short-term. We have seen organizations engaging the freelancing workforce to do ‘community’ work for their own personal commercial interest.

I can get a rotten tomato now: at Freelance Business we work with all our speakers for free. Let me explain one delicate moment here. We don’t pay a speaker honorarium for several reasons.

We give a stage to starting freelancers and established experts.

To be fair we need to keep the standard for everyone.

Our events are free to attend.

Once we start making money on attendees or generate enough sponsorship funds to cover event and office operations, it will be fair to pay speakers too.

Speaking exposure helps freelancers and freelance economy players to gain more visibility

Therefore, we encourage inexperienced speakers to join as well to test their efforts in public speaking. Although I still find this uncomfortable, I hope it illustrates the difference between engaging freelancers long-term in your community growth and giving them extra exposure at an event.

3. Do these freelancing communities present a clear business model?

The business model is not a complicated thing to explain. Freelance communities are either making money on their members, partners, or both. An unclear business model does not promise anything good out of it.

4. Can they explain how they see the freelance economy in the next five years and why they do what they do?

No? Run away!

5. Are Facebook groups freelance communities?

Depends. If you find what you are looking for, great, stick to it. It is mostly a communication channel that at the end of the day will be monetized by their admin. I bet you might have heard ‘we run this community for free’ and then ask you to do something in return.

6. Are you being asked to dedicate your time, finances, etc to a bigger goal?

Ask for their track record first to estimate their ability to deliver on that big fat goal they promised. Are you being involved in this project as an equal partner? You may end up spending your precious time working for someone for free. Go look for clients that will pay you instead.

7. Who is in the lead?

Check who is running this organization. Does it involve a person who can earn a good living and lead by example? Is it a successful entrepreneur or an opportunist taking advantage of the fast-growing freelance economy?

8. Do they promote fair freelancing business practices?

See #2.

9. Is it an inclusive organization?

I have heard stories of freelancers being kicked off communities just because of the personal preferences of the community owners. I understand the rules of engagement have to exist but do not accept people’s labeling and personal misinterpretations.

10. Does this organization provide you…

…with connections you are looking for, the experience you are lacking, support that you are needing? Then forget all the above and enjoy. 🙂

Category

Recent Posts

The List of Freelance Events 2024

The List of Freelance Events 2024

Freelancers may work independently, but they still want to be part of a community. Here is where freelance events come in. Both digital and live, the tradition of friendly and educational events for the freelance community has existed long before the Covid-19 pandemic...

The List and a Comparison of Freelance Communities

The List and a Comparison of Freelance Communities

Throughout history, humans have naturally gravitated towards forming groups. From the earliest civilizations to modern times, the desire to belong has been ingrained in our social fabric. Group affiliation not only ensures safety, as seen in ancient tribes providing...

How To Grow A Freelance Business: Community, Advice and Support

How To Grow A Freelance Business: Community, Advice and Support

Elina Jutelyte, Founder of Freelance Business, sat down with Travis Bennett, COO of Doerscircle to talk about the organisation's remarkable growth and to learn what attracts freelancers to Doerscircle. The growth of Doerscircle's community for freelancers highlights...

Elina Jutelyte

Elina Jutelyte

Elina has founded the Freelance Business with the mission to help freelancers to run their freelance business smarter, find assignments, and connect them with job givers. The Freelance Business Community started with a live event in Brussels in 2018 and grew to the largest global Freelance Business Conference in 2020. Freelance Business runs free quality events for freelancers and works with freelance business partners to support the activities.

You might also like

The List and a Comparison of Freelance Communities

The List and a Comparison of Freelance Communities

The article provides a comprehensive overview of more than 30 diverse freelance communities catering to professionals worldwide. Each community is meticulously detailed, outlining its name, description, offered services, membership fees, geographical focus, and unique features. From lobbying organizations advocating for freelancer rights to educational platforms providing resources and networking opportunities, the spectrum of offerings is vast.

How To Grow A Freelance Business: Community, Advice and Support

How To Grow A Freelance Business: Community, Advice and Support

Delve into the dynamic world of Doerscircle with an in-depth exploration of its COO, Travis Bennett. Uncover the secrets behind Doerscircle’s extraordinary growth, skyrocketing to an impressive 60,000 members. Discover the common challenges compelling individuals to join this thriving community. Learn about the exclusive benefits offered by Doerscircle Premium membership. Plus, get an insider’s look at the ambitious expansion plans set to propel Doerscircle into the future. Don’t miss the chance to unravel the success story and future endeavors of this innovative platform

Unlock Your Earning Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to Freelance Fees Benchmark

Unlock Your Earning Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to Freelance Fees Benchmark

For graphic designers, artists, copywriters, and all freelancers, setting your freelance rates is a crucial aspect of your business strategy. It’s a common practice to assess your freelance market and consider benchmarking your prices against others. Many freelance business experts often emphasize the importance of aligning your rates with industry benchmarks. However, the reality is not always as straightforward as it seems. In this article, we’ll explore the complexities surrounding the elusive concept of the freelance fee benchmark and why it is not always recommended to consult with any benchmark reports out there.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This