The single most-asked question and biggest barrier I've heard to getting into freelancing is: where do I find the jobs?
We went into marketing so we wouldn't have to do sales. And now that our own marketing business is the most appealing option - for whatever reason - we're begrudgingly adding sales to our repertoire of skills.
But it feels like it goes further than that: like, where do you even find the people to sell to?
While a lot of things about freelance marketing in ag are a little different than "regular" freelancing, I'd argue that it always comes back to one thing: your network. Almost none of my own freelance work has been a formally posted position. The work has come through referrals and connections that I've been building on since college (10?! years ago).
Lucky for you, we are in the age of remote and contract work, and it's entirely possible to find work without a decade's worth of connections. Here are a few places meant for making some great connections and finding freelance marketing jobs in the ag world:
Get Freelancing Community: A job board is only part of the benefits of this platform. It's an off-social media group that includes personal/professional development, a direct line to peers in similar lines of work, and a job board. The job board is curated by the members, whether they're looking for a one-off subcontractor, on-going support, or simply passing an opportunity along.
Directory of the West: This is a one-of-a-kind spot for ag freelancers to list their businesses. It's incredibly user-friendly for those who hire freelancers to be able to focus in on the exact skill they're looking for. For either a monthly or a yearly fee, you own a profile that includes your areas of expertise, links back to your own site or portfolio, and a rating system. The best part: Of the West is consistently marketing the platform, so you always have visibility to companies and businesses looking to hire freelancers.
Facebook Groups: There are some groups meant for ag communicators, where all types of jobs frequently fill the feed. But there are also shared interest groups where members trust each other to make great recommendations for building a website or designing a logo. Check out Professional Agricultural Communicators, Exchange by Dairy Girl Network, or search for local makers or hobby groups that also match your interests.
Never underestimate the value of a connection you're making, even if it's not leading to a job that will pay you tomorrow. Don't be afraid to answer questions, make referrals of your own and take advantage of every small way to demonstrate your expertise.
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