Freelancer In Focus for November 2007 - Francis Newman

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Address: London Email: francis@message-matters.com Website: http://www.message-matters.com Area of Expertise: Copywriter and marketeer

Description How have you found working freelance? What are the highs and lows, the frustrations and bonuses? Well, I’ve never referred to myself as a freelancer. From day one, I marketed myself as a small business owner. It gave me the advantage of being able to go into big companies and win projects I wouldn’t get as a freelancer. Big companies tend to see freelancers as outsourced employees and won’t offer them the juicier projects. I enjoy the way I work and wouldn’t have it any other way. Learning about different businesses gives me a big buzz. I discover how they operate, generate business and get to know all about their products and services. Every client and project is different, so the challenges of coming up with the right ideas and strategy is never the same. I like knowing that I’m contributing to their success. As a designer and copywriter, it’s essential the words and images work as an integrated message. I love the satisfied smile that comes when it all comes together. As with living, there are always highs and lows. Obvious highs are winning business and getting referrals. Typical lows are waiting to get paid and chasing for money. But you can minimise your financial risk by asking for money upfront. Freelancers don’t like doing this, but I’ve never been refused. Running my own business has been a great education. I’ve learnt a lot about business and people. I like learning about new technology and ways of doing things. But the biggest ‘high’ has been the people I’ve along the way. Building your own network of trusted colleagues and friends is essential. But it’s more than just about securing work. It’s about helping each other and meeting regularly for a chat over coffee. That’s why I started my own networking club: www.pitstop-for-business.com Has Freelancers in the UK helped you?  We’d like to think so but how? Absolutely! I’ve had many enquiries over the years and I’m currently working for a firm of management consultants that spotted me on the Freelancers in the UK site. I like the way in which the opportunities are delivered by email. They’re not spewed out by robotic autoresponders. Instead they’re delicately spun from Kate’s own keyboard. What are the biggest challenges for you for 2008? I’ve been working on an information-based product for the last few years. It’s likely to combine book publishing and web-based media. Still working on content and how best to deliver it. I’ll certainly be pushing it forward next year. Balancing this with my continued workflow will certainly present a big challenge. What’s your favourite food and drink, and why? I like cheese on toast if I’m busy and want something quick. I don’t eat meat, so tend to go for veggie curries, salads and stews. Also enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes. I don’t drink much alcohol, but do like a pint of ‘real’ ale in nice country pub after a long walk. My favourite places include the Surrey Hills, Brecon Beacons and Lake District. The nearest London equivalent is the Flask in Highgate Village.They do great food and have a good selection of fine ales. Highgate is a special place for me. I do most of my poetry writing in Caffe Nero on a Saturday afternoon. Highgate is a wonderful haven  and home to one of London’s finest parks – Waterlow Park.