As a freelance writer, you probably understand the value of establishing connections with other experts in your field. Collaboration is the process of working with another person or group to accomplish a certain objective. It delivers excellent results when implemented correctly.
Research shows that companies that foster collaboration reap far-reaching benefits. While you may be flying solo, these benefits apply as well. Virtual communication tools like free virtual numbers can also make it easier to collaborate with other freelance writers and stay in touch with them, regardless of where they are located.
Considering that freelance writing is generally done solo, working together can be a game-changer. You’re often on your own, putting in hours at home without having someone to talk to about your job, assist you in getting things done, or offer support when things go rough.
In the freelance world, there are several forms of collaboration. Collaborating with another freelance writer, whether for a one-off project or on an ongoing basis, can be a very effective strategy for increasing productivity and success.
Why You Need to Collaborate With Other Freelance Writers
Freelancing is a common choice for those who value flexibility and independence in their professional lives. It’s true that freelancers have more freedom in choosing their projects and setting their schedules, but it’s also true that working independently is more challenging.
Freelancers develop networks for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they may need to work together on major projects or need assistance with specialized aspects of their businesses.
1. It expands your network
Technology exists to help freelancers find one another, share ideas, and collaborate without sacrificing their individuality. You can connect with freelance professionals worldwide by participating in social media groups, online forums, and networking platforms, thereby expanding your network.
2. It builds trusting relationships
If you’re a freelance writer, you’re always looking for more work, even if your schedule is already packed. You’ll have a greater chance of being contacted again the next time a marketing creative needs content help if you’ve previously worked in a team-lancing setting.
It’s a great way to form lasting relationships with other professionals, which is an invaluable asset to freelance writers.
3. It provides support and advice
Freelance writers have a wealth of experience and expertise that might benefit their peers and the larger writer community. This creates a valuable support system you can tap into at short notice.
Freelance work also gives people the chance to learn more about their own interests by working independently and with others.
4. It helps you become accountable
The key to successful collaboration is holding each participant accountable for their contributions. Given that, cooperation fails miserably if no one is held responsible for the behaviors that arise from the group. With this system in place, you’ll develop the discipline and accountability necessary to succeed in solo projects.
Challenges of Freelance Writer Collaboration
Despite its many benefits, collaboration must be properly executed to yield positive results. Here are some challenges you might encounter:
1. Finding co-writers in the same niche
Don’t give up so quickly; instead, leverage social media to locate industry pioneers to partner with. Make sure your next project is a good fit for you and your partner by developing a solid vetting process.
2. Building trust and transparency
Make sure everyone is on the same page before diving into the job. This entails settling on a fair division of labor and compensation (if necessary). It is a commonly overlooked issue that can derail your alliance.
Consider each other’s schedules and responsibilities. Everyone engaged should be putting in the same amount of effort, so don’t take advantage of your colleagues or expect them to perform more than their fair share.
3. Establishing clear communication channels
Keep the lines of communication open and clear. This is particularly crucial at the beginning phase of a project when misconceptions are most prone to arise. You can create a platform (with resources like an online whiteboard tool) to talk about an ongoing project where everyone can easily reach the other team members/collaborators.
4. Setting expectations and goals
If this is your first time collaborating with a freelancer, you might overlook misunderstandings until far into the job. Team members may have differing viewpoints regarding task requirements and timelines. This can affect the effectiveness of your alliance.
Yes, it’s impossible to account for everything. However, you can overcome these obstacles with upfront, clear expectations, strong communication, and open dialogue with your partners.
How to Start a Collaboration With Your Peers
As a freelancer, what does it take to work together? Meeting new individuals from around the world may require using online tools like email and social media or attending in-person events.
Regardless of your approach, make sure your goals are realistic and avoid letting your ego in. Working together isn’t about proving who’s the best; it’s about building relationships and improving freelance work.
A group of independent contractors might organize themselves into a formal agency, build a loosely knit professional network, or work together informally on a regular basis.
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Informal system
In the informal system, regular collaborators are kept in reserve for use as needed on certain tasks, like designing your freelance writing portfolio. There is no structure in place; success is determined solely by your ability to network with other professionals in your field.
In addition, your success depends on your partners contacting you when they have opportunities to work together. That is, there would need to be a plan in place, but not a rigid one.
Formal agency
A formal agency is a business that facilitates the contracting of freelance work by assembling a clientele, matching a freelancer’s abilities and prices with a project’s needs, and securing payment. This typically involves writing a freelance contract to establish a legal base.
Networks
A network is a step up from a casual partnership but not as official as an agency. In this system, freelancers form a pool of talented employees that offer help on anything from mundane tasks to building a writer’s website; the system is slightly less rigid than the formal option.
Start to Collaborate With Other Freelance Writers and Expand Your Services
Freelancing is a great way to learn new things and meet new people, and the possibilities are endless with collaboration.
Freelancers can easily find opportunities to network with each other. Look into freelancer communities on Facebook on a regional, national, and global scale. Participate in both in-person and online events hosted by your professional colleagues. Search LinkedIn and make contact with people whose careers intrigue you. (Apply the same effort to other platforms as well.)
Assuming everyone is on board with the plan and willing to put in the effort, it won’t be long before you’re reaping the benefits of collaborating with other freelance writers.
About the author
Grace Lau is the Director of Growth Content at Dialpad, an AI-powered cloud communication platform for better and easier team collaboration using products like the call waiting feature from Dialpad. She has over 10 years of experience in content writing and strategy. Currently, she is responsible for leading branded and editorial content strategies, partnering with SEO and Ops teams to build and nurture content. Here is her LinkedIn.
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