There are so many reasons to give back to your community if you are a freelancer. First and foremost, it’s the right thing to do. None of us achieves success solely on the basis of our hard work. We all have people who helped us personally and professionally at different stages of our journey.
As a freelancer, your flexible schedule often gives you the time to give to others. Secondary to this, when you spend time giving back to others, you create networking opportunities within your community. This can certainly help your business.
Now the important part. What should you do? Here are six ways that you can give back to both your professional and personal communities.
1. Become a mentor
You have a lot to offer. If you’ve built the skills needed to start your own freelancing business, you certainly have what it takes to reach out to others who are just getting started in your field. Consider joining a professional association that allows you to participate in mentorship programs.
If that’s not an option, look to your local community. Freelancers are skilled entrepreneurs and that is precisely the kind of people that various organizations are seeking for their mentorship programs. Consider offering your expertise to a local educational institution, co-working space, community center or any other organization hosting regular professional events.
2. Offer your professional services for free
One of the best ways to give back is to find opportunities to match your skill set with a need in your community. If you’re an accountant, offer to handle taxes for a local non profit. If you’re a web designer, provide those services to charities that you believe in.
Don’t forget about up and coming businesses either. Small businesses build successful communities. That benefits your freelance business as well. Consider offering discounted services to local businesses that are working to gain traction.
3. Contribute your knowledge to your field
Where do people in your field go to learn more? What resources do they use? Where do they turn for advice or inspiration? What role can you play in all of this? Consider doing one or more of the following:
- Start a blog to provide others in your field with advice and insights
- Contribute to social media discussions related to your field. GrowthHackers.com, for instance, regularly host AMA sessions with experts.
- Teach an online MBA in accounting or some other class or give a presentation at an industry event.
- Write articles for industry relevant publications.
4. Build on your skills to become a valuable volunteer
When you look for volunteer work, don’t forget about your secondary skills (communications, computer skills, general business knowledge, fundraising, etc.). These can be quite valuable to a variety of organizations.
For instance, Jennifer Charles, Ph.D., notes that volunteers in line of work with autistic children are generally encouraged to have some prior psychological knowledge and a general degree of familiarity with her therapy methods. “However, by no means will we pass on help from someone’s inexperienced. On the contrary, when a volunteer comes to us with a solid base of general useful skills and a willingness to learn, we can always work out a way for applying their expertise in the best way possible.”
The bottom line: even if you don’t have highly specific skills that may be associated with a certain niche, don’t be shy to still reach out.
5. Spend your money wisely
Chances are, you spend at least some money each month in support of your business. You likely pay for internet service to stay connected with your clients, purchase premium or professional grade software packages, purchase business services, etc. Every time you spend money on products or services, your dollars are essentially an endorsement of the business that provides those to you.
Research companies before you spend your hard earned money. Then, prioritize doing business with companies that operate ethically, treat customers well and engage in practices that you can support.
6. Talk about what you care about
If you find a cause that really ignites your passion, let people know. If you have a social responsibility statement on your website (you should!), start there. Use it to share about the causes that are important to you and what you do to support them. Not only will this portray you in a positive light, it can also give your chosen cause a bit of publicity as well.
Giving back is personally and professionally rewarding. It’s also the perfect way to celebrate your successes by helping others. To get the most out of this process, check out the seven tips listed above.
