This was Freelancers in Belgium Day 2020
Last Friday, NedWorks was a guest sponsor of Freelancers in Belgium Day 2020. Jenny Björklöf, founder of the Freelancers in Belgium community, organized the event with the help of Partnership Manager Jessie Govaert. Freelancers from across Belgium gathered at the ING Marnix building in Brussels. They were given the opportunity to learn from various experts, attend workshops, and network with other freelancers to their heart's content. Were you unable to attend? Don't worry! We listed the most important events and insights for you.
The Future is Freelance
Following an energising coffee, Marleen Deleu, CEO of The Flex Academy and Director Trends & Insights of NextConomy, welcomed the freelance community. She spoke briefly about the future that freelancers can expect: according to Deleu, the number of freelancers will only continue to grow. This will also increase competition between freelancers. The take-away message? Freelancers need to distinguish themselves and continue to grow!
Time is money.
After a few inspiring first words, four freelance experts revealed their secrets. Specialists on duty, Anthony Stabourlos (Strategic Marketeer), Linda A. Thompson (Freelance Journalist), Ralitza Soultanova (Photographer) and Adrien Willems (Freelance ICT Strategy Consultant), answered questions from the audience with enthusiasm. According to the experts, it is key to create a good work-life balance. You are not supposed to work harder and more, but work smarter, because time is money. Take this golden tip to heart: networking is the key to success! Talk to fellow freelancers, make contacts, attend networking events, and stand out from the crowd. How? By always delivering the best quality that you can deliver.
During the workshops, Anthony Stabourlos gave another Q&A session on digital marketing. His core message: don't underestimate yourself! If your client wants to lower your price, you do not have to continue to work with that partner. Your expertise is your rate.
The key to success
Finally, Clo Willaerts revealed her key to success. According to the Digital Marketing Expert, talent, focus and perseverance are the Holy Trinity of success. As a freelancer you have to think about your own company and continue to innovate. However, it is important that if you innovate, you do so from a safe space. That's why you should spend 70% of your budget on what you were already doing before. Why? Because existing customers do not like change. Invest about twenty percent in digital media. With the remaining ten percent you can innovate and invest in something crazy. But above all: get up, show up, and never give up!
Jannike Marien is a Digital Marketing Intern at NedWorks. She keeps digital professionals up to date with her stories about Digital Marketing.
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