Freelancers - Get Out!

I'm too tired to write another self-promotion idea today. I think I'll take a break, if that's okay.

Instead, I wanted to share an interesting article I read. This chick wrote about being a freelance designer and about how important it is to socialize. As a freelancer, we get stuck behind the computer for days at a time without much social interaction. I really enjoyed her thoughts on how to break the silence and mingle. I've attached the article below.

The Importance of Socializing for Freelancers
Kristen Fischer

I had a client meeting last week with a new prospect. As I put on my khaki pants, blouse and boots—my “dressy” outfit—I groaned at the thought of meeting the guy. Sure, I want to develop my business more. Network. Get more clients and all that jazz. But at the time, it just seemed like so much work. I’m so accustomed to being holed up in my home office alone.

“Why can’t this dude just be like everyone else and give me a call and look at my work online?” I grumbled to my husband. He, on the other hand, deals with people in person every day, and wishes he didn’t have to. The grass is always greener, isn’t it?

But after listening to myself, I realized that I get behind the computer for so long and forget the value of a face-to-face meeting. That kind of forced interaction can seem like a chore unless you exercise the social muscle every now and then. Not only is it good to meet clients to do business, but it’s good to interact with others.

So I did. And it went great. After a successful discussion and an almost 100% secured client, I left Starbucks elated—not only because I had a great cup of tea, either. I was glowing because talking to someone felt so good. Not having a cubicle or a corporate cafeteria at my disposal anymore, I sometimes don’t remember how much I loved the contact that came with a full-time corporate job.
FreshBooks

I had forgotten how valuable meeting a prospective or existing client is. That feeling of getting out there was great. It was so easy for me to talk and present myself, I wondered why I even labeled myself a homebody to begin with. I was a natural at face-to-face consultations, I thought to myself. Why didn’t I do them more?

As a copywriter, most of my work is conducted over the computer or phone. Every few months I have to get in my car and am happy to write off the gasoline cost to get to a client. Afterwards, I always have this energized feeling and the yearning to go on more consults. The other part of a good client meeting is that feeling that you’re generating the business. Because some of my work comes from job boards on the Internet, the act of submitting my resume and getting the gig can be a little dry. In other words, sometimes it’s cool to “work it” a little more for a gig.

After returning home, charged up and excited to be out of yoga pants, T-shirts and flip-flops, I realized how important socializing is. Even if it’s not work related, it’s vital to get out sometimes. Here are some tips to help you get un-holed up and get out there.

Set up more meetings in person. Have the advantage of a client nearby? Pick your favorite coffeehouse or go to their office. In my opinion, having a latte is better then melting under fluorescent light, but it may do you good to see an office—it reminds you how cool it was to break out of one. (For freelancers who work full-time in an office, I recommend the coffeehouse.) Point is, “selling yourself” in a consultation gives you great practice and should always be practiced.

Take a break—outside. I’m a big believer in fresh air. So whether it’s warm or cool out, take a short walk. Better yet, bring your laptop into the sun if you have to work. I’m kind of lucky to have a cat that always wants to hang out in the backyard. I feel unproductive if I just watch her, so I bring out the computer and start working on my latest project. I get nice breezes and find it really breaks up the day. While it’s not the most interactive tip (unless I talk to a neighbor or say “hi” to a stranger on a walk) getting outside helps.

Make appointments—with friends. Just as you would set up a time to have dinner with a pal, why not hang out with a buddy who is home during the day? I have a few acquaintances that have weekdays off. Others are home with the kids. It’s a great way to get out of the house. Meet up somewhere or just go to their house (or have them over to yours) to socialize.

Make friends—even online. I must admit—as I’ve gotten older, I have lost touch with plenty of buddies. That’s why I love the Internet. Even when I’m too busy to get out—or just don’t feel like it—I have interaction daily with online pals via blogs, forums and IM. It’s a great way to connect with people that live on their computers as much as I do. In most cases, my online friends are always on if I need to blab!

Take the afternoon off. Yes, I said it. No matter what you do with that time, I find that I am more prone to talk to others during the day. If I give myself the night off, I rarely want to go out. That’s why getting some morning work done, and then taking the afternoon off, helps. I work some evenings anyway, so when work allots it, I work a morning and night. Heck, some days I just work mornings!

Skip the email. When it comes to work, it’s sometimes nice to talk on the phone. Again, I’m not a big phone person, but I do sometimes make an extra effort to pick up the phone and call a client every now and then. Email can take a long time to go through and you’re not guaranteed a quick answer if you need it. Taking the extra two minutes to ask my client how they are and get the answer I need on a project question keeps me visible to the client. I rarely call just to gab, though—I know my clients are busy and I want to appear the same way. But there’s nothing wrong with touching base via phone rather than email. It gives me the human touch, if you will.

Human, as I am sometimes not. As I need to be reminded to be.

So whether or not it’s for work or just to talk to another living thing, it’s vital to get out sometimes. After all, your office will always be there waiting for you with the splendor of a filled inbox and packed voicemail. Let it wait for a while.

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