Freelance Jungle news: How to freelance during lockdown, pandemics and the weirdness of the world generally
Hello
Welcome to the July Freelance Jungle email.
This is a really weird winter. I don’t know how to describe the sepia tones of the world right now. Melbourne is in lockdown, Sydney is bound to follow. And yet, we’re expected to put our best business foot forward and get it on.
How can we reconcile the difference in a world where the unimaginable things all keep yelling “surprise!” and popping up at each turn?
Anyway, you’re not here for that. But if you do need a chat, you know where to find me.
Content to help you freelance
How to make incremental progress with your freelancing without getting overwhelmed.
(Re)defining what freelance growth and success means to you.
The A to Z of freelancing is a wee bit of fun (and a little help too).
Workplace stress management ideas for in-house, at home and more.
How to trick yourself into being motivated.
Ace your local SEO with Kate Toon (a summary plus seminar).
I am also starting a special drop of content to help navigate the latest lockdown via the website for Patreon members next week. Sign up here to receive it.
Events a-plenty
Wednesday Crafternoons (need to be in the Freelance Jungle to access this)
Not So Casual Friday
https://zoom.us/j/759271972
Freelance Jungle Stress Down
https://zoom.us/j/161866632
Get your Gong on
What would happen if you put businesses affected by COVID-19 in a blender with a bunch of enthusiastic Illawarra freelancers and took them to a virtual matchmaking event? It would look something like Get Your Gong on.
We’re aiming to matchmake the local freelance talent with all kinds of local businesses and operations in a special event.
Illawarra freelancers, register to be a freelance support.
Illawarra businesses, register to participate here.
Read more about it on the blog. And check out why it matters to freelancers.
This project has been made possible with the generous support of Wollongong City Council under the Quick Response Grants program.
Instant replays
Want to market yourself to your town? Dive into local SEO with Kate Toon. (Patreon only)
We can’t eat air: Say no to chronic underpayment, late payment and exposure dollar. This special presentation includes Monica Davidson (Creative Plus Business), Holly Shoebridge (Oceans Accounting and Advisory), Grant McCall (Rounded.com.au) and Nicole Leedham (Freelance Jungle). – FREE
Uncover how to tiger tame difficult clients with me. (Patreon only)
Feeling the pressure? Let RU OK Ambassador Craig Mack help you through. FREE
Do you need to change your business up? I show you how to Pivot under Pressure. (Patreon only)
Tim Hanslow drops in to talk about acing life as an accidental community manager. (Patreon only)
Want to ace your grant writing endeavours? Martina Donkers shows you how. (Patreon only)
Housekeeping
As of July 1st, GST has hit Patreon. Here’s what you need to know.
I am trying to educate the industry on what to consider when hiring freelancers.
Inclusiveness in business
We’re experiencing a massive culture shift.
Here’s why Black Lives Matter to the Freelance Jungle and where you can get educated on the background, need for, and where to support it in Australia.
Your free business listing
The free Freelance Jungle directory has been updated to reflect business owner pride. You can now nominate your business as Indigenous owned and operated, Disability owned and operated, and LGBTQIA+ owned and operated.
We’ve also added postcode search so people wanting to find you in the local area can do so. It is in testing stages, so if you find bugs, please let us know. We know we have one with some mobiles not being able to access postcode search for example.
And we’ve removed the need for a header photo, so you can focus on your profile photo or logo being prominent. It’s a great time to refresh your profile (or set one up).
Celebrating freelance creativity
I have been running I made this Thursday (IMT) in the main Freelance Jungle group weekly. It gives freelancers the opportunity to show off what they have been doing for clients, creativity, and generally. I love the mix of what we see come through.
Freelancers producing courses and other learning opportunities, engaged in art and creativity, indulging hobbies, and even getting vocal about the issues that matter.
Want to be featured? Head to the Freelance Jungle Facebook Group and look for the IMT tag or search for #IMT in the group.
Other stuff to read
Coronavirus will lead to a rise in escapist restaurant interiors. Creative Victoria has released tailored guidelines to help arts and cultural organisations and venues prepare to reopen. Are we working more under COVID-19? Take a look at what industries JobKeeper is keeping afloat. How to block out the noise of the neighbourhood when working from home. Don’t hide the work you do under a bushel. Get in there! 5 Ways Companies Can Treat Social Media Managers Better (Beyond Paying Them More). Documenting pandemics through art.
Call out
TO INDIGENOUS AND POC MEMBERS:
If you are a POC identified, especially Indigenous Australian, and you want to help us make the freelance experience reflective of your challenges, please get in touch via the Facebook page ADMIN INBOX or via email.
To support the Freelance Jungle, head to the Patreon.
Want to get a plan together? Book in for coaching.
Oh, and let’s connect at the Freelance Jungle.
Take care of you… you’re the only you you’ve got!
Rebekah