Independence in the freelance economy is what many have traditionally considered to be the pinnacle of success (the ability to select projects, create your own schedule and develop a project that you can call your own). But in today’s fast paced freelance economy where more clients are seeking to find a solution for their needs through more complex and innovative ways of solving problems, competition may not be the key to sustained success. Collaboration may be the true secret to sustained success in the freelance economy.
“In the freelance economy, independence may open doors, but collaboration keeps them open.”
Freelancers across a variety of disciplines are beginning to see the benefit of collaborating with other freelancers. Whether it is a copywriter collaborating with a designer to develop an entire campaign, or a web developer partnering with a UX expert to develop a comprehensive digital experience, what were previously seen as competitors are now becoming collaborative allies. By doing so, freelancers are able to engage in projects that would be far greater in scope and ambition than any freelancer would be capable of handling individually.
Platforms such as Clitch provide freelancers with opportunities to collaborate and complement one another’s skills and expertise by connecting them with each other rather than competing with each other. Collaborations between freelancers typically begin when a common goal, mutual client, or common challenge is identified. Over time, these collaborations can blossom into professional networks that allow freelancers to grow faster and more sustainably.
One additional value that collaboration provides and that competition does not is the opportunity to learn from one another. Freelancers who work collaboratively with other freelancers expose themselves to new tools, perspectives, and ideas and are challenged to expand beyond their comfort zones and continue to develop as creatives and professionals.
Clients also recognize the benefits of collaboration over competition. Clients generally want to work with teams that are well organized, communicate effectively and produce high-quality, consistent results. When a team of experts present a united front, it creates confidence for the client and leads to repeated business, which is the foundation upon which any successful freelance career is developed.
The freelance economy was designed to be a collaborative economy built around the idea of shared ambitions. In an environment where connection is rewarded, it is clear that those who collaborate do not just survive but lead.