Freelancers Union Alliance
To bring together groups of independent workers to share ideas and resources, coordinate activities and help build a national movement of independent workers.
Meeting Resources
Every month, we’ll post resources that you can use to strengthen your groups. To start off, we’ve provided a bunch of general tips for running a successful group. If you have specific questions you’d like us to address, post them on the discussion boards. If you have ideas to help other groups, feel free to add to this page yourself.
Here are answers to some getting-started questions.
How should I recruit new group members?
Hit the streets. Post flyers in local venues where freelancers congregate. Your local coffee shop is probably a good bet, but let’s be honest; you know your community way better than we do. Where do you learn about local events?
The internet is also a great place to recruit people with similar interests. Post a message on Yahoo, Google or Facebook groups with similar interests. And once you get people to your meeting, make sure you keep track of them. Use a sign-in sheet to collect names, email addresses, and ask what they want to get out of the group. Start a mailing list to keep people updated about upcoming meetings. Encourage them to bring friends.
Where should I have my group meet?
While Starbucks might be the most obvious choice, you didn’t become a freelancer because you think inside the box. For some less traditional venues:
What should we do at our meetings?
All work and no fun makes a meeting dull. The point of these groups is to get to know people with common interests. And what better way to bond with folks than through a little merriment? Maybe every third or fourth meeting you could mix it up a little:
Now that I have a place for my meeting and I know people will have fun, how do I ensure that we’re getting something out of it?
Great question! There are so many ways that freelancers can help each other out, act as resources and learn from each other. Here are just a few things your group can do to share knowledge and resources:
There are also a whole lot of other things I’d like to learn more about. Where can I post questions?
We’d love to know how to better support you. If there’s a topic you’d like to learn more about, start a discussion thread. There’s a good chance that one of your fellow organizers or the Freelancers Union staff can offer some help.
Why are we doing this?
Here are answers to some getting-started questions.
How should I recruit new group members?
Hit the streets. Post flyers in local venues where freelancers congregate. Your local coffee shop is probably a good bet, but let’s be honest; you know your community way better than we do. Where do you learn about local events?
The internet is also a great place to recruit people with similar interests. Post a message on Yahoo, Google or Facebook groups with similar interests. And once you get people to your meeting, make sure you keep track of them. Use a sign-in sheet to collect names, email addresses, and ask what they want to get out of the group. Start a mailing list to keep people updated about upcoming meetings. Encourage them to bring friends.
Where should I have my group meet?
While Starbucks might be the most obvious choice, you didn’t become a freelancer because you think inside the box. For some less traditional venues:
- If you live in a temperate climate, head outside to a local park or a cool rooftop bar.
- If your group is organized by profession, go with it. Graphic designers dig Internet cafes. Photographers can mingle in galleries. And writers could congregate in a public library or local bookstore.
- Most importantly, find a place that’s close to public transportation or has accessible parking. If you plan it, they will come.
What should we do at our meetings?
All work and no fun makes a meeting dull. The point of these groups is to get to know people with common interests. And what better way to bond with folks than through a little merriment? Maybe every third or fourth meeting you could mix it up a little:
- Go bowling
- Try roller skating
- Have a cookie exchange (or substitute cocktails if you’re up for it)
- Try your hand at poker
- Have a chocolate or wine tasting
Now that I have a place for my meeting and I know people will have fun, how do I ensure that we’re getting something out of it?
Great question! There are so many ways that freelancers can help each other out, act as resources and learn from each other. Here are just a few things your group can do to share knowledge and resources:
- Talk about a group-purchasing plan. Let’s say you’re all costumers and you could really use a fancy new sewing machine. Rather than all buying one individually, go in on it together.
- Create a referral list. One of you may know a really great contract lawyer, while someone else might have a great financial planner or small business accountant. You can create your own referral page in the “Resources” section of the Alliance
- Ask members share a copy of their business plan. Play musical business plans or some variation. Use it as a learning experience and an opportunity for critique and growth. You can even ask members to put their business plans on your “Resources” page ahead of time so everyone can be ready for discussion at the meeting.
- Create a mailing list, and encourage your members to use it. That way not only will everyone be able to keep the conversation going between meetings, but they will also know how to find a graphic designer or a wedding photographer when they need one.
- Hand out a questionnaire to gauge attendees’ reactions to the event. Feedback will help you plan your next event and make it more successful.
- Encourage people to trade their services through bartering. If a massage therapist is in need of a website and a web designer is feeling a little tense, put them in touch.
- Plan a larger event. Maybe your group could sponsor a networking event for freelancers in your area. Or you could bring in a speaker to teach local freelancers about tax preparation tips or financial management. The Freelancers Union organizes lots of these events in New York, and we’d be happy to help you plan yours.
There are also a whole lot of other things I’d like to learn more about. Where can I post questions?
We’d love to know how to better support you. If there’s a topic you’d like to learn more about, start a discussion thread. There’s a good chance that one of your fellow organizers or the Freelancers Union staff can offer some help.
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