New Website, Getting More Work, Freelancing Seminar

Hey there!

I launched a new version of my website this week, so I hope you can take a look. The image below shows a comparison between the old version and the new one. I don’t think any of us can really did into these numbers, but we all know an “A” is better than a “D”!

As someone who is both a freelancer and a producer, I’ve struggled in the past to have a website that meets multiple audiences, and I think this version is the best one yet, in that regard. I don’t use jargon on any pages not geared towards a producer or someone who would be hiring me as a freelancer. But skills, full day rates, half day rates, travel- all that stuff is on the freelance page. If you don’t get it, that page isn’t for you. There’s plenty of other pages on the website for everyone else!

I’ve also added a way for people to sign up for the newsletters that best suit their relationship with me, and/or video, so if you also wear another hat, take a look (it’s on the top right of each page), and choose any of the other newsletters. I send out one of each of the kinds of newsletters monthly. So if you sign up for the producers’ newsletter, for example, you’d get two newsletters from me per month, rather than just this one.

If the answer is yes, then I’d like to get to know you better. I have a database of freelancers that I keep for just that occasion when another producer calls me and says, “Do you know any….?” And it’s for my own purposes, too.

As a producer myself, I use this database to find talent for my own jobs. But your entry in my database is only as good as the info you provide me. What’s helpful? A short description of what gear you use for the jobs you most get booked for, your rate card (or a link to it), and if you’ve got a booking system or link, that’s great too. What should I know about you so that I can get you more work?

Send an email to [email protected] so we can follow up with you to update your info in the database. We’re not selling any info here, we’re just adding to the video ecosystem by finding more gigs for our fellow freelancers. The more info you share, the better the chance I can help getting you matched up with work and clients that are right for you.

Mark your calendar! On January 10, at 6:30 pm, I’ll be presenting for Women in Film and Video in a virtual seminar on “Successful Freelancing”. You should feel free to share the registration link with others that might be interested- particularly folks who will be graduating from college this spring, and are considering freelancing. It’s only $15 for WIFV members and students.

Here’s the description:

Are you considering leaving a full-time job to go freelance? Or you’re new to freelancing and feel like “you don’t know what you don’t know”? Being a freelancer means you are a small business owner, and there’s more to it than just waiting for the phone to ring, grabbing some gaff tape, and heading out the door. No matter what area you intend to freelance in, there are financial considerations, process considerations, and time management considerations. Sharon Sobel took her freelance leap in 2003, and hasn’t looked back. She’ll share what every freelancer should know (and do!) before taking the freelance leap – it’s not for everyone.

I’m working on the presentation in December, so please reply back to this email if there are specific topics you think I should address in the presentation.