Freedom and flexibility are just some of the many upsides of freelance life, but as client deliverables usually come first, something that might end up a little lower down on your priority list is maintaining your own learning.
A traditional job comes with a line manager, personal objectives and a training budget, but as with all things in self-employment, managing your L&D sits squarely on your shoulders. The good news is that there are many options, and many can be done quickly and cost-effectively.
Here are ten ways to continue your learning that won’t break the bank.
1. Get feedback
Ask for feedback from those you’ve worked with. That could be your client, broader team members or suppliers, and you can ask during your project or as part of the wrap up process. As well as helping you understand your development needs, you’ll show the people you’re working with that you want to do the best job you can.
2. Reading and listening
Learning from books, podcasts, email newsletters, and online articles will help you keep up to date with the latest industry trends and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Many industry publications allow some content to be accessed before a paywall, or you may wish to invest in specific subscriptions.
3. Build your network
Invest time in to nurturing your network. Think about the knowledge that you have that you could share, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Attend industry events, trade associations and online forums to keep in touch with industry friends and make new ones. Use LinkedIn introduce yourself to those you’d like to meet in future.
5. Bag a buddy
Many industry membership groups offer buddy schemes to provide a new way to meet people as well as provide peer support. Matching criteria differ between the groups – it may be shared interests, specific learning objectives, complimentary skillsets or location. They are great for informal learning and social interaction.
6. Get a mentor
Mentors bring deep experience that you can draw upon to support your development towards specific goals and the brand experience sector is blessed with several formal free mentoring schemes. Informal mentors can be equally valuable, just make sure that expectations are clear for you both from the outset.
7. Work with a coach
You’ll need to put a little budget behind this one, but the value of one-to-one coaching is huge. A coach will provide a safe space to share your thoughts, help you build an actionable learning plan and be an accountability partner that motivates you towards agreed goals. There are different types of coaches so choose the one that aligns best to your learning needs.
8. Online learning
Free webinars and online ‘ask me anything’ sessions provide a great learning resource, often combining thought leaders with technical experts. Watch live if you want to make use of the Q&A or watch back later at 1.5x speed if you’re short on time. If you use a particular technology platform in your job, many offer free online academies where you can gain recognised certifications.
9. In-person learning
Industry conferences and trade shows are great for learning as well as networking. Those that charge may offer discounts to freelancers or free places for those considered buyers. You’ll often find a combination of keynotes, panels, breakouts and workshops so you can find a format that suits your preferred learning style.
10. Courses and qualifications
You’ll need the time and money but pick the right course and you can expect to gain skills and knowledge that will help you win new work and boost your earnings. Most courses mix structured teaching and independent study, with options available in-person, online and residential, and extended or compressed timelines.
If you’re an independent brand experience expert, the Rise at Five collective is open for member applications. Drop us a line, we’d love to connect.