The Power of Community When You Work For Yourself
March 15, 2021If 2020 taught us anything, it’s about the power of community.
When I worked at a design agency, I got immediate feedback on projects, vented about my workload over lunch, and engaged in fun conversations anytime I took a few steps over to my coworker’s desk.
It’s not the same experience when you’re a solo business owner. Feedback takes longer to receive from clients, schedules don’t always line up, and the lack of people and conversations, especially for more extroverted types like me, can feel isolating.
When you work for yourself, a space to vent, brainstorm, and connect with others as you’d do around the water cooler or coffee pot in an office isn’t a luxury… it’s a necessity.
But what do you do when you don’t have that? You create it. And that’s exactly what I did.
Whether you create one on your own or join someone else’s, here are 4 powerful reasons having a community when you work for yourself is so valuable.
1. Your community connects you with like-minded people
Shoutout to my amazing, talented, badass friends (all who I met on Instagram!): Saba Hamidi, Madelyne Adams, and Lynn Cipollone
No matter what people say about the platform, I think Instagram is the shit. Through it, I’ve built friendships and found a community of like-minded creatives. I met my coach, mural and coaching clients, friends in my area (and beyond), and people I outsource to through Instagram.
I love Instagram because it’s a strong, accessible way to connect with others. You can just send a DM to someone (or vice versa). It feels approachable and intimate in a way you don’t often experience online.
But Instagram itself isn’t what’s powerful. What is? When you’re part of a community of people who have something in common with each other. Maybe you have the same type of dog, are also a plant lover, love bread and cheese, paint murals for work, or have an affinity for the National Park Service. Whatever it is, that connection is key.
Before I became a coach, I joined the Baltimore Graphic Designers Facebook Group as an admin with my friend and fellow designer, Jamie Wheeler. There wasn’t an organized community for graphic designers in Baltimore to talk about design and running a graphic design business. It was a similar story when I started the Baltimore Letters Facebook Group with two industry friends (shout-out to Mike Ecker and Amanda DiGiondomenico!).
The group was community-driven, focused on connecting creatives who were into murals and hand lettering, and driving like-minded people together. We got to nerd out because the group was centered around a specific niche but included a diverse group of people with different backgrounds and perspectives.
Whether you talk about pricing your latest offer, how your business runs on the backend, or what accountant we use, a community of like-minded people is a safe place to ask questions, get answers, and feel understood.
2. Your community cheers you on
A huge pro of having a community is you always have people to celebrate and lift you up. Imposter syndrome is more common than you think, so it’s nice to know your community is there to cheer you on and make you feel supported… like you have someone in your corner.
Does everything you create make you feel “not enough?” Frustrated that you don’t know what you don’t know? Are you convinced you have to be perfect to be successful? You’re not alone.
Many designers feel this way. But if you don’t have a community to lean on, you may not know this is a common experience! That’s why the ability to collaborate and connect with other creatives in your field, share ideas, get a better sense of how to price your work, exchange business tips, and even co-work together shouldn’t be taken for granted.
That sense of togetherness and unity is crucial. If you have support in the inevitable moments you feel overwhelmed, confused, or frustrated, you can get through anything.
3. Your community refers you
Networking looks a little different when you work for yourself. One of the main ways I built my community was by connecting with people on Instagram. It started with putting “Let’s meet up for coffee if you want to connect!” in my bio and soon, everyone I’ve ever coached or who’s bought my course can say they found me on Instagram.
Not a fan of the platform? I get it. Facebook Groups and Slack Channels are other powerful ways to network. Facebook Groups are great for getting feedback and asking questions because it's a more broad and interactive exchange. Slack Channels are especially good for passing along job opportunities and sharing resources like proposal templates, pricing models, and the latest must-read business book.
Next time work dries up and you think about sending another cold email, remember to reach out to your community first. They can save you a lot of time and headaches by presenting you with a qualified lead who’s ready to sing your praises (and pay you appropriately).
4. Your community keeps you going
Instagram and coffee meetups have been life savers for me to not feel so alone as a small biz owner!
Full transparency, there were many moments in my career when I felt like quitting. I wouldn’t have survived without meeting people who did what I did (and were successful enough to still be doing it). That’s why I wholeheartedly believe in the power of community.
When you’re finding your space in the world, especially as a designer or business newbie, a supportive community gives you a place to be real and authentic. And if you haven’t found the right one, let me tell you about one you can join...
The new Holy Fuck Pricing community on Facebook
As a 4/6 Splenic Projector, I can see how my human design allowed me to be successful in building strong relationships with other people in the design and creative community in Baltimore and beyond. My 4 line is all about collaborating and building community – I love to bring people together! My 6 line is about reflecting back on past experiences, seeing the bigger picture, and stepping into my power as a role model.
Part of my past experience has to do with money being a taboo subject. The whole movement behind Holy Fuck Pricing is to create a sense of safety and security for ourselves around money so we can move into a more abundant mindset as designers, business owners, and humans.
The Holy Fuck Pricing Facebook Group is a safe space for designers and creatives to discuss money, pricing, and value. This community is designed to empower you to feel comfortable talking about money, share your pricing struggles with other creatives, and do the mindset work required so you can charge your Holy Fuck Pricing.
Want to get in on the free community? I can’t wait to see you in there!
Sharing to Pinterest? Here’s a few images:
