Why You Should Turn Your Freelance Network Into a ‘Go Team’

Throughout my 25-year career, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with an array of exceptional talents—writers, graphic designers, web developers, digital marketers, and many others. These connections have not only shaped my professional journey but have also underscored the value of a strong freelance network as I moved into other roles or freelanced full-time. Not only did they keep me afloat when I was looking for projects, but I’ve also continually turned to several key players when I needed to deepen my bench for complex projects.

This natural progression from individual effort to collaborative synergy is not just about staying afloat; it’s about propelling forward. The creation of a freelance network marks the transition into a realm where combined skills and shared vision revolutionize the very nature of freelancing.

Transform freelancing into a team sport

The archetype of the freelancer as an isolated entity is being replaced by a more vibrant vision: the freelance network. This emerging framework is composed of skilled professionals who band together to form synergistic teams, transcending the capabilities of any single individual. They function like a quasi-agency, each bringing their unique expertise to the table to craft solutions that are both innovative and comprehensive.

This evolution is in direct response to the market’s growing complexity, where projects often demand a diverse array of skills. Freelance networks offer a collective resource that can tackle these challenges with agility and depth, marking a significant shift in how freelancers operate and succeed.

The advantages of building an agile freelance network

Creating a robust freelance network is like forming an all-star team, with each member’s specializations contributing to a well-rounded skill set. Such networks act as incubators for ambition, enabling freelancers to bid on and win sizable, multifaceted projects. This collaborative approach meets client expectations and expands upon them, often exceeding the envisioned scope and delivering a richer final product.

Surpass individual capabilities

The value of a comprehensive freelance network extends far beyond individual capability. When clients are introduced to a handpicked collective of trusted professionals, the efficiency of project workflows is significantly enhanced. Each network member’s reliability and quality of work reinforce the others’ contributions, creating a chain of trust that clients quickly come to appreciate and depend upon. This trust is the currency of the freelance world, and a strong network becomes a bank from which freelancers can make substantial withdrawals. It signals to clients that they are not just hiring a lone freelancer but engaging with a vetted, cohesive team ready to spring into action.

Maintain strategic readiness

The “always ready” stance is perhaps the most strategic advantage of a curated freelance network. In an economy where client needs are as diverse as they are immediate, having a network means freelancers can pivot swiftly to meet these needs without the frantic scramble for resources. Whether it’s a last-minute campaign that requires a graphic designer or a video project that needs an experienced editor, the network is primed to respond. This readiness is not just about having warm bodies to fill roles; it’s about having the right talent on standby, ensuring that the quality of work is uncompromised by the urgency of demand. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive, turning potential chaos into coordinated harmony — and in doing so, freelancers solidify their reputation as indispensable partners in their clients’ successes.

12 steps to follow for a winning freelance team

Building a freelance network of talent, especially for a content writer, involves strategic planning, active networking, and relationship management. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help a content writer create a strong network:

1. Define your network goals.

• Understand what you want to achieve with your network. This could range from expanding service offerings to ensuring project readiness.
• Determine the kinds of skills and expertise that will complement your content writing services.

2. Identify potential network members.

• List the types of professionals you need, like graphic designers, SEO experts, or web developers.
• Research potential collaborators by reviewing their portfolios, client testimonials, and work history.

3. Attend industry events.

• Participate in conferences, workshops, and seminars related to your field.
• Use these events to meet potential collaborators in person and establish initial contact.

4. Leverage online platforms.

• Use LinkedIn, Upwork, and other professional networks to connect with potential collaborators.
• Join online forums and groups where professionals in your target fields are active.

5. Initiate collaboration on small projects.

• Start with small, low-risk projects to test the working dynamics with potential network members.
• Assess the quality of work, reliability, and communication style during these initial collaborations.

6. Build relationships.

• Foster relationships with collaborators beyond projects. Get to know their goals, strengths, and interests.
• Share knowledge, resources, and leads. This mutual exchange strengthens the relationship.

7. Create a communication strategy.

• Establish clear communication channels and norms for collaboration.
• Use tools like Slack, Trello, or Monday for project management and communication.

8. Develop a shared portfolio.

• Collaborate on a portfolio that showcases the collective skills of your network.
• Highlight successful projects and the diverse capabilities of the group.

9. Implement a referral system.

• Encourage mutual referrals within your network to help each other find new clients and projects.
• Ensure that every member understands the value and expertise of the other members to make informed referrals.

10. Promote your network.

• Market your network’s collective services to potential clients.
• Consider creating a website or a joint marketing campaign to promote the network’s services.

11. Regularly evaluate and adjust.

• Regularly review the network’s performance and the value it brings to your business.
• Be open to bringing in new talent or parting ways with collaborators if goals are not being met.

12. Invest in professional development.

• Encourage continuous learning and sharing of best practices within the network.
• Attend training sessions together or share resources to stay updated on industry trends.

Remember, building a freelance network is not a one-off task but an ongoing process that involves nurturing professional relationships and adapting to the changing needs of the market. The key is to remain committed to mutual growth and support within the network.

The future is networked freelancing

For freelancers, building and nurturing a network should be seen not as a sideline activity but as a core business strategy. It’s an investment in your career, with dividends paid in the form of opportunities, partnerships, and the kind of career resilience that stands the test of time. In the networked world of freelancing, we are moving away from the narrative of the solitary freelancer and towards a future where our collective strength is the source of our greatest achievements.

Ready to put yourself out there? Register with Contently to set up your profile and portfolio.