A community for independent consultants and experienced freelancers. Being independent doesn’t mean being alone.
Being independent can feel isolating
As an independent consultant or experienced freelancer, we often don't have a strong community that understands what we do.
Maybe you've experienced this first hand.
If you have a hard day, who can you talk to about it?
"Oh, you poor thing, not having a boss and getting to make your own hours. You've got no room to complain... let me tell you what MY jerk boss did to ME!"
If you have a great month who can you talk to about it?
"You made more money this month than I do in six? Shut up, I don’t want to talk to you."
Your friends don't understand exactly what it is that you do.
"Don't you just hang out in coffee shops all day? You're home all day, why don't you just take care of the errands since you're not doing anything..."
Grow with a community of your peers
What if you had a community of your peers to talk to, people who understand the unique challenges that you go through as a business owner?
What about when you have questions about running your business? Where are you supposed to go? What if you were able to talk with a community of freelancers and consultants and get answers to your questions.
What if you could just be around people who understand you?
Presenting, Freelance Camp
You're invited to join Freelance Camp, a community made up if freelancer and consultants, just like you.
I grew up with forums and bulletin boards.
It was so helpful to have a place I could check once a day, catch up on the threads, leave a reply or three, and then log out for a day or two.
The value in having a community that understands you is huge. Having people you can bounce ideas off of, celebrate a new client project with, and share in the challenges of freelancing... the value really can't be overstated.
The biggest growth for my business was when I joined a community of freelancers and consultants:
- We shared information with each other
- We answered each other's’ questions
- We helped each other write emails
- We shared in the joys and the pains of being independent business owners
"What do people have to say about Freelance Camp?"
Here are kind words from a few of our members:
Every week we have a community video call where we talk about life and business and that's been very energizing for me.
Being someone who is alone almost all the time during work and wanting to interact with more fellow freelance colleagues, I had zero hesitation to joining Freelance Camp.
On top of providing a much-needed sense of community in an often very isolating profession, being part of Freelance Camp has increased my network substantially, gotten me work, helped me find mastermind groups, and sparked ideas for new services.
I like how well everyone treats each other in Camp and how positive the vibe is. Every week we have a community video call where we talk about life and business and that's been very energizing for me.
This is my favorite online community! I've already invited at least 10 people to join.
David Colgan
Owner, Less Boring Solutions
www.lessboring.com
A great community... all wanting to help each other, no matter where we are in the world or in the stage of our business
This is a great community of like-minded people, all wanting to help each other no matter where we are in the world or in the stage of our business. I find it helpful to be part of a community of people facing the same challenges as me and openly sharing their experiences (good or bad). I especially enjoy the Campfire call.
I would recommend Freelance Camp to others! As a matter of fact, I have done it a couple of times already.
Mauro Chojrin
Founder, Leeway IT Consulting
“How do I know this is for me?”
Are you an independent business owner? Are you a freelancer or consultant? Are you looking to get questions answered about growing your freelance or consulting business? Are you just looking for some fellow freelancers or consultants for friends?
Then Freelance Camp is your place. We are of the same tribe.
“Is this a Facebook group? A forum?”
Freelance Camp is, first and foremost, a Community. It isn't a Facebook Group and it isn't a Slack. It's a Discourse Forum.
“Are there community events?”
Yes! The community has worked together to launch a number of community events.
he Book Club. Our Book Club meets every ~8 weeks to read a book as a group and then have a discussion.
The weekly Campfire video calls. The community wanted a way to chat, catch up, and say "heya!" face to face at the end of the week. So now every week, the community gets together for a "Campfire" video call. It's a casual chat with your friends around the world. You can even drink a glass of wine or two.
The “Lunch and Learn” presentations. Every other month, a member of the community (or an outside expert) steps up and is a guest expert and presents on a topic relating to freelancing or consulting. So far we've had presentations on LinkedIn Outreach, Sales Calls, Writing Proposals, Effective Testimonials, and more. All the videos are saved in a library, so when you join Camp, you can catch up on the previous Lunch and Learns.
“What freelancing/consulting experience level is this for?”
Freelance Camp is perfect if you're an independent consultant or an experienced freelancer who wants to work with better clients.
Freelance Camp is a community where you can ask questions, share answers, and connect with new friends and colleagues as you continue to grow your business.
Want in?
To keep the community and discussion at a high quality, there is an annual membership fee to participate in Freelance Camp: $100.
To apply to Freelance Camp, fill out this application form below. You'll hear back from me (Kai) within a few days
And remember, fellow freelancer, you are no longer alone!
— Kai Davis, Freelance Camp Community Organizer
HERE ARE SOME MORE WONDERFUL WORDS FROM CAMPERS:
"When you work independently, you can lack a sounding board..."
I wondered whether Freelance Camp would be relevant to me given I am UK-based — whether other members would be facing similar challenges.
I've asked a few questions on the forum and had some really helpful responses that have enabled me to think through the issue I was facing. When you work independently, you can lack a sounding board and Freelance Camp provides this. Getting alternative perspectives is refreshing.
I also like to find out about the resources that others are using — helps keep my thinking up to date.
I don't always have time to participate as much as I'd like, but I find I can get a great deal of value from dipping in and out.
I'd definitely recommend Freelance Camp. Whether you're starting out, or have been freelancing for a while and want to boost your income, you'll get plenty of ideas and support.
Karen Young
Ethos Metrics
"It's one of my favorite places to visit during the work week..."
I was concerned that perhaps I didn't have the experience or approach as a freelancer to participate and add value in the forum. I'm a little different than many others in Freelance Camp in that I'm running a small-sized "boutique" firm.
It turned out that my hesitation was completely unwarranted. I've learned much from everyone here at Freelance Camp, regardless of the size or specialization of their work. It's one of my favorite places to visit during the work week — and I always feel welcome.
I like that the forum has grown thoughtfully with carefully vetted membership — this is led to a strong sense of community that I believe serves the forum well.
I enjoy being a part of a safe discussion forum where we're all focused on personal and professional success. We've gotten tired of working for others and have built our own niche as business owners and freelancers. Everyone brings their own unique perspective and personality to the discussion.
I would highly recommend Freelance Camp to others. Whether you're just branching out on your own, or you're an experienced freelancer or consultant with a decade or more under your belt, this is a highly valuable community — come join us!
Bryan Strawser
Principal & CEO, Bryghtpath LLC
"We have various interests and are in different fields of work, but still share a common goal..."
I thought people would have a way clearer idea than me about what they are doing thus being out of my league to discuss and share.
Turns out there are people from all parts of the spectrum and I feel I can not only benefit from the community by taking advice, but I can really contribute by being helpful to others who need my unique point of view.
The thing I like most about Freelance Camp is the weekly Campfires. I also like that we have various interests and are in different fields of work, but still share a common goal.
I would recommend Freelance Camp because many freelancers I know would benefit from a positive model to get them out of the business obstacles they are hitting their heads in. I believe there are enough people in Camp who can help with advice for crossing over or sidestepping the obstacles altogether.
Rumen Dimitrov
Shopify CRO Consultant from Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
"An inclusive community where freelancers discuss important business topics as well as just hang out..."
As my time is limited, my main hesitation before joining was that I would not be able to participate in the Freelance Camp discussions.
Freelance Camp turned out to be an inclusive community where freelancers discuss important business topics as well as just hang out.
I appreciate the in-depth discussions with like-minded people about everything from business ideas to managing customers. I’ve also found good tips on helpful educational content. What I especially like is the civil and respectful tone in every discussion.
It goes without saying that Freelance Camp is a very useful community for consultants and freelancers alike.
LJ Nissen
Owner, Coquilles Consulting