7 ways a creative community can help your freelance business thrive
No matter what stage of the freelance biz journey you're in, there is always another challenge on the horizon. With a solid crew by your side, it’s so much easier to overcome any hurdles.
Cool Wow Collective offers a Virtual Coworking Club membership that’s all about supporting freelancers through connection and support. If you’re new to the #coowowcrew, or simply curious about what’s inside the club, here is the 411 on the membership plus 7 ways to make the most out of this club (or any creative community’s) collective power.
#1 Promote: create a winning directory listing
When you join the Virtual Coworking Club you have the opportunity to show the world who you are through a directory listing. Include a picture of yourself (smiley, colour, to camera images are best), and a couple of paragraphs about you and one rockstar testimonial. If you’re a visually creative type you can even add a portfolio to your site to showcase your great work. Make it count! And when you do get new leads, ask them how they found you. Or even better, track your referrals from Cool Wow Collective (or any other directory) with Google Analytics to see if they’re helping your biz grow.
#2 Commit: show up to coworking or group sessions
This is where the magic happens. Routine, regularity and having a smiley group of pals to cheer you on and work alongside is KEY to beating freelancer loneliness (more about beating the freelancer blues here). The Virtual Coworking Club run two sessions a week; Tuesday morning 9-11:30am and Thursday afternoon 2-4:30pm. Show up as you are, that may mean you dress up for the gang or stay in your pyjamas - we don’t care, it’s about boosting productivity and getting your important work done. Get involved and share ideas or simply listen. If you’re feeling a little low, use the collective energy of the group to bring you up and get you out of a funk (it works)!
#3 Connect: introduce yourself
Facebook is where we hang between coworking sessions. Make sure you share an #introduction post with your strengths and what you can help people with. Share your Instagram (or preferred social media) handle here too. Get to know others in the crew and say hello with a friendly comment on their intro posts too. The cool thing about memberships is each person has made a commitment and an intention to invest in themselves and their business. Open up and see what magic happens.
#4 Meet: explore & attend events
Many creative communities offer meetups in person, nothing beats meeting people face to face (if safe and possible to do so). At Cool Wow, from time to time you’ll see in-person hangouts like coworking, lunches, coffee hangs, nature walks...maybe even a cheeky SUP or surf lesson! It’s all about connecting with like-minded babes and building rock-solid relationships at the same time. We also curate an events guide collecting good events from all over the internet—watch out for this one in the monthly newsletter.
#5 Learn: soak up any masterclasses or resources
Many memberships offer education as one of the key perks. In the first week of every month (maybe except January...cos well, holiday mode), Cool Wow host a members-only masterclass on topics relating to branding, marketing, mindset and the freelance experience. Find out what’s coming up in the events tab in the members-only Facebook group.
We record every masterclass for members and have them stashed in a secret link so you can catch up on topics you’ve missed. These are all designed to move you through your freelancer journey with confidence. We have some incredible guest speakers on rotation and in the past, have delved into topics including:
“Alignment & opportunity” plus how to keep calm in the chaos with business coach Kaylene Langford.
“How to use Instagram to actually book more clients” with marketing educator Emily Osmond.
“How to find your magic” including a rad life audit with life strategist and astrologer Kristy Gray.
“Pay me what I’m worth” including how to price yourself as a freelancer—with me, Haley Berryman.
#6 Support: share your highs, lows and the in-betweens
Wins are way more fun when celebrated together. Share the good stuff with this kind-hearted community at our coworking sessions or in the Facebook group. Our coworking sessions offer breaks between focus sessions to talk, share and troubleshoot. Every week new opportunities are shared and connections made simply by putting it out there. Like having a coach, having a community you trust and can lean upon is a shortcut to personal and professional growth.
#7 Grow: say yes to opportunities
If you are offered a social media promotion, guest blog spot or some other exposure, dive in. Cool Wow offers bonus marketing perks to members including Instagram posts and interviews on the blog. We love to share your story and help get you in front of people who need your expertise. The interviews are a chance for you to tell your story and build your personal brand. It will build your confidence and may help you land that dream client. So keep your eyes peeled and prepare to say yes!
Conclusion
While virtual coworking and productivity are at the heart of this membership, you can see there are many other ways to leverage the community, build connection and grow your freelance biz. If it sounds like something you might like to get in on too, learn more here and apply to join us in the next round. If you’re still not sure if this community is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions. And if you’re already part of the crew, get busy making the most of these membership opportunities right away.
Over to you!
What is your favourite part of the membership (or any membership community you’ve been a part of) so far?
Try Virtual Coworking with Cool Wow Collective for free
Cool Wow Collective opens doors to the Virtual Coworking Club twice a year. Give virtual coworking a try for free and experience the benefits to your productivity. Find upcoming dates for free coworking and register here >.