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Frequently
Asked Questions
How
many [name your specialty] are in the Freelance Forum?
Let's cut to the chase. You're really wondering,
(A) A. How many potential competitors are in the group?
(B) Will joining make it
easier for them to compete against me?
(C) Can I get work out of
this thing?
(A) Most of us are into Words (freelance writers and editors) and Visuals (freelance graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, and web developers). But we also have lots of Facilitators (print brokers, project managers, and consultants). It's a diverse mix of freelance marketing creatives. Chances are there are several more of "you" in the group.
(B) But that's really a plus. The Freelance Forum is a great place to find collaborators and build supportive relationships with other Atlanta freelance creative professionals. Like the "forums" of old, we're just the place to speak your mind - or share your knowledge and experiences with other freelancers. And don't worry about rubbing shoulders with competitors. It's probably the most noncompetitive professional group and networking organization in Atlanta you'll find. And then all members are expected to abide by our Professional Guidelines and Bylaws.
(C) And work? It's there - if you're active. Members who attend meetings and volunteer to support the group seem to garner more subcontract or referral work than folks who pay their dues and then disappear into the woodwork. The Find a Freelancer database also helps you fatten your client roster.
Why should I join?
When you're a solo operation, you're the talent, management, sales, and bookkeeping staff all rolled into one seriously overloaded package. Wouldn't it be nice to be part of an organization that helps Atlanta freelance creative professionals meet the challenge? The Freelance Forum does it with programs on how to run a business and with collective marketing efforts like
the Find a Freelancer database.
Collectively, we're a resource, a knowledge bank, and a ready-made
talent pool for each other and for clients.
Can't
I just pay the $15 visitor fee and come when I want?
Sure. But you won't get a listing in Find a Freelancer. You won't receive our special emails with job announcements and project leads. And you won't gain the benefits of the best support network for Atlanta freelance creative professionals. Visit a few times, and you've pretty much paid the cost of an annual membership (which is a deductible business expense, by the way).
Do you
have to be a freelancer to join?
Nope. In fact, The Freelance Forum is a great place to learn the ins and outs of working solo. If you're a student, moonlighter, or a full-time wage slave looking for a career adjustment, you can still join.
What if I freelance
with a partner?
You and your partner are welcome as long as you are both working in the same business and from the same business address. The dues for business partners are really a bargain. Because we're a support organization for freelance creative professionals in Atlanta, our bylaws limit membership to companies and sole proprietorships with just one or two owners. On occasion members have staffed up with employees and outgrown The Freelance Forum. Far from being outcasts, these alumni sometimes show up at our monthly programs as guests and program speakers.
What if I'm a student?
You can join for less and receive all the benefits of membership if you're a full-time student. Not that we don't trust you, but please include a photocopy of your current student ID.
How is the
membership year measured?
It's based on your anniversary. If you join in June, your membership is good until the following June. You'll be invited to renew a couple of months before your membership anniversary.
Can
I be a member even if I don't live in the Atlanta area?
Absolutely. Our programs and networking events take place in Atlanta, Georgia, but you're welcome to join the organization to gain a listing in our Find a Freelancer database.
What are your meetings
like?
"Meeting" sounds almost too formal for one of our gatherings. We normally meet on the first Thursday of the month-although we sometimes fudge the date when it lands on or near a holiday. Sign-in starts at 6:15 p.m. It's then on to networking (and food) until almost 7 p.m. At that point, our fearless leaders enforce order, make a few announcements, and introduce the program. During the program, we allow lots of time for Q&A. (That's a big part of the reason you're there, after all.) Things usually wrap around 8:15 p.m., but many folks hang around for a half hour to chat with the speakers and other members.
Click here to apply to join!
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