Ways freelancers can diversify their income
Many people are drawn to freelancing because of the lifestyle and career freedom it affords. However, the lack of stability can be stressful.
During the pandemic and following economic uncertainty, some freelancers have watched their work shift or outright disappear, prompting an urgent need to find new ways to earn an income.
Even those who haven’t noticed a significant impact on their workload are facing an unclear future, unsure if the work will continue.
Seasoned freelancers have been preaching income stream diversification for many years. Having several revenue streams creates space for dry spells, losing anchor clients and even vacations.
In times of plenty, it’s easy to fall into the trap of coasting, pulling back on our marketing or delaying income diversification. Preparing for rainy days seems unthinkable when the sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky.
But now that the storm is here, it’s time to get creative.
Freelancer Checklist: 6 Tips to End the Year in Style
This article overviewing this year-end freelance checklist is written by Vanessa Chiasson, a freelance writer based in Ottawa who specializes in travel and human interest stories.
A freelancer’s work is never done, but towards the end of December, it sure does slow down.
Check off these 6 year-end freelancer checklist items before signing out on 2024
Year-end is an opportunity to rest, relax and reconnect with friends and family, and we usually have plenty of time to do this as most of our clients are also on holiday. But before you pop the cork on your New Year’s Eve champagne, ensure you’ve taken care of these small but essential year-end tasks.
Corral your receipts
If you’re like me, you probably have little stashes of business-related receipts hidden around your office, your house, and even your vehicle. Before they risk accidental elimination in a January deep clean, gather them up now and save them for tax time. Don’t forget to check the pockets of coats, crevices of backpacks, and little storage cubbies in your car.
Send e-cards to clients and collaborators
Isn’t it funny how some of our biggest and best clients are people we’ve never met, perhaps haven’t even spoken to on the phone? Yet freelancing success is heavily reliant on relationships! Consider sending your clients, collaborators, and other VIPs a simple, sincere, non-denominational seasonal card to express your appreciation. You might feel a bit funny about sending holiday-themed cards when you don’t know the recipients very well but a well-timed card is fun, festive, and appreciated by all.
Prepare a “how to work with me” post
Everyone’s aware that you offer photography classes on the side, right? And surely everyone knows that you edit resumes in addition to magazines? Maybe not. While you might feel that you’re constantly going on about your various business ventures and offerings, chances are that your social media audience is much less aware of this than you think. Consider drafting a “how to work with me in the New Year” post for LinkedIn and your most popular social networks to let people know you’re eager for connections and have much to offer.
Cancel auto-subscriptions you no longer need
Many programs and subscriptions auto-renew on January 1. Now’s the time to take stock. What is genuinely helpful in your personal and professional life, and what are you keeping out of a sense of guilt or obligation (or have forgotten about)? Would your pocketbook be happier if you finally axed that social media scheduler you never use? Would your work be easier if you stopped paying for a pro design program and instead invested in some new editing software?
Don’t forget about promotional rates that are about to expire on various subscriptions. I’ve found a simple message on the respective company’s online chat feature helps me save. I explain that I’m a freelancer and I want to know if there’s anything they can do to help me with their rates. There are often unpromoted coupon codes they can apply to your account.
Update privacy policies
Do you have a blog, a shop or anything else with some fine print at the bottom of your website? Chances are there’s a line buried there that alludes to the years your privacy policy is valid. It’s a little update but a good one to take care of before the calendar changes.
Take photos of your car’s odometer
What’s the last thing you should do this year? Snap a photo of your car’s odometer. A portion of all your vehicle-related expenses can be claimed on your taxes, but you have to document things carefully. Are 5% of your car kilometres related to your work? 25%? More? You’ll need to know how far you’ve driven in a given year to calculate that percentage, and this calculation begins and ends with your odometer reading.
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Webinar: The Freelancer Starter Kit
This is the Canadian Freelance Guild’s biggest event ever with six panelists and a moderator with a broad range of freelance skills, expertise, and experience: writers, authors, teachers, journalists, marketers, a magazine editor, a publisher, and an audio-video producer.
They’re gathering for a weekend workshop to show you what’s in the Freelancer Starter Kit: the basics you need to get a freelance career underway and keep it going.
Whether you’re thinking about a slow rollout or jumping in with both feet, someone here has been there, done that, and has either the T-shirt or the scars to prove it.
Our Presenters
- Mark Kearney, Author and Academic
- Jaclyn Law, Writer and Editor
- Caroline Topperman, Writer and Publisher
- Julie Barlow, Author and Journalist
- Robyn Roste, Author and Marketer
- Mihika Agarwal, Freelance Journalist
CFG Experts Workshop – The Freelancer Starter Kit
- Online: Saturday, November 30, 2024
- 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
- Free for CFG members; $5 for CMG, PMWG, TNG-CWA, CWA Canada Associates, and CBC Pensioners Association Members, $10 for FBCW, PMWG, SATW Canada, SCWES, TMAC, WFNB, WFNS, CFWF, CCFC members, and $20 for members of the general public
You can register for this webinar right here.
Learn more about the cost and benefits of membership in the CFG on this webpage.
The link to the Zoom webinar will be sent to you via email about half an hour before the start time.
Please check your spam or junk folders if you can’t find the email, and contact organizer@canadianfreelanceguild.ca if you haven’t received the link 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. This webinar will be recorded and posted to the CFG Video-On-Demand site. Once posted, all paid registrants will receive a link and instructions on how to view.
Webinar: Author Julie Barlow and Going Solo
Whether you’re only thinking about the freelance life, have already taken the plunge or were pushed into the deep end, ‘Going Solo’ can help you make sense of the murky waters that represent modern-day solopreneurs.
The subtitle of Julie’s newest book says it all: “Everything you need to start your business and succeed as your own boss!”
Come with your questions for Julie and take advantage of the lessons she’s learned over 30 years as a self-employed writer.
Our Presenters
Crystal Fletcher, president of All About Canadian Books (AACB).
Julie Barlow, author of Going Solo: Everything You Need to Start Your Business and Succeed as Your Own Boss
CFG Books and AACB Present: Author Julie Barlow and ‘Going Solo’
- Online: Thursday, November 28, 2024
- 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time
- Free for CFG members; $5 for members of the general public
You can register for this webinar right here.
Learn more about the cost and benefits of membership in the CFG on this webpage.
The link to the Zoom webinar will be sent to you via email about half an hour before the start time.
Please check your spam or junk folders if you can’t find the email, and contact organizer@canadianfreelanceguild.ca if you haven’t received the link 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. This webinar will be recorded and posted to the CFG Video-On-Demand site. Once posted, all paid registrants will receive a link and instructions on how to view.
What to Expect On a Press Trip: 8 Tips
This article about what to expect on a press trip is written by Vanessa Chiasson, a freelance writer based in Ottawa who specializes in travel and human interest stories.
When I return from a press trip, everyone is eager to hear what adventures I had during my work as a travel writer.
I’m only too happy to oblige!
I love talking about the time I was taught how to pour a proper pint of Guinness by the company’s head brewmaster in Dublin, that time I flew first class to Istanbul when Turkish Airlines introduced a new connection to Montreal, and the incredible meal I had while sitting on the floor of a meat-smoking room in Swedish Lapland.
This is why I love my job and why so many freelancers are eager to join press trips. They’re incredible opportunities to connect with people, places, and stories you normally couldn’t otherwise access or afford. And, let’s face it, they’re a nice perk of the job.
Then there’s the other side of the experience. There are tough days, disorganized hosts, punishing schedules, and frustrating travel companions. Press trips are exhausting, unforgettable, overwhelming, and occasionally dull, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Here Are 8 Tips for What to Expect On a Press Trip
If you’d like to explore this in your career as a freelancer, this is what you should know about press trips.
1. Press trips (also called FAM or familiarisation trips) are either done with a group or individually.
Group trip itineraries are organized by the hosts who issue the invitation. All expenses are paid, save for personal costs (like souvenirs) and occasional exceptions (alcohol isn’t always included.) You save a lot of time and effort when someone else does all the research and arrangements, but you may be stuck with activities and schedules you don’t love. Group trips usually have a supportive, congenial atmosphere, but you always run the risk of travelling with someone you dislike.
2. Individual trips are generally more flexible and focused on your work and interests.
You are responsible for pitching your trip to the tourism board and researching your itinerary, which takes time and energy. You are always “on” and responsible for everything. Your entire costs might be covered, or you may simply get just a few discounts and meal vouchers, but either way, you can expect some paperwork.
I like a mix of both. I appreciate being around colleagues and not being responsible for the schedule. Still, I also enjoy hitting the open road on my own and being in charge of the music, the coffee breaks, and how much time I want to spend at the museum. Regardless of what kind of press trip you’re on, here are some things that always matter.
3. Discuss expectations.
What do your hosts want in return for hosting you? If you’re a blogger, how many posts are expected? Social media stars must clarify how many videos they’ll produce and when. Freelance writers need to have a discussion about who they hope to pitch. (I’m increasingly asked to confirm media assignments before press trips, which I find impossible as itineraries often change and experiences aren’t as expected. Feel free to tell this to prospective press trip hosts and offer up your portfolio as proof that you deliver). Itineraries and travel tickets should arrive well in advance of a trip. They rarely do. Be patient but firm. You need to know the information in advance to plot possible storylines.
If you must choose between paying for something and getting reimbursed or having the host book and pay, choose the latter. Choosing your own flights might sound more straightforward, but it’s not so much fun when you’re still chasing down reimbursement six months later.
4. Punctuality matters.
Be on time when the van departs. Call ahead when stuck in traffic.
5. Organization matters, too.
Pack light. Bring extra memory cards, backup batteries, power banks, pens, and business cards. Keep receipts in a ziplock bag.
6. Attitude really matters.
Say thank you to your hosts, the waitress, the hotel clerk, and everyone else. Bring cash to tip housekeeping.
7. Press trip food can be funny.
Sometimes, your menu differs from what everyone else has to choose from in the restaurant. It might be a spectacular gourmet tasting menu or a limited offer to keep you within a specific budget. Some press trips come with the expectation of sharing food with everyone at the table. Occasionally, what sounds like a short, simple meal can become exhausting when you’re suddenly joined by the property’s head of sales and the town’s deputy mayor. And every now and then, there’s no food at all. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve been on a food tour without food, and I’ve learned to travel with granola bars.
8. Finally, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for what you need before and during your trip.
If you’d like to photograph a chef or grab drone footage of a farm, let your hosts know. The goal of the trip is to introduce you to the people, places, and experiences you need to pursue a story and good communication is essential to making that happen.
You may also like
- Here’s the Number 1 Secret to Getting Invited on Press Trips
- Live webinar: The Business of Travel Media (January 9, 2025)
Webinar: Are You Year-End Ready?
Love it or hate it, your financial year-end is coming to a close. Getting and staying ahead of this annual business deadline is critical if you want to keep the Canada Revenue Agency off your back.
Our Experts Panel is here to help.
Are You Year-End Ready?
- Online: Thursday, November 21, 2024
- 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time
- $5 for CFG members, CMG, CBC and CWA partners; $10 for CFWF, FBCW, SCWES, TMAC, WFNB and WFNS partners; $20 for members of the general public
You can register for this webinar right here.
Learn more about the cost and benefits of membership in the CFG on this webpage.
The link to the Zoom webinar will be sent to you via email about half an hour before the start time.
Please check your spam or junk folders if you can’t find the email, and contact organizer@canadianfreelanceguild.ca if you haven’t received the link 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. This webinar will be recorded and posted to the CFG Video-On-Demand site. Once posted, all paid registrants will receive a link and instructions on how to view.
Questions to help you reflect and plan for 2025
There are all sorts of positive reasons to spend time reflecting on your business, asking questions and planning.
Things like reducing anxiety, improving clarity and encouraging creativity. But making the time to work on your business instead of in your business? Sometimes more difficult than it seems.
A while back I purchased a self-paced digital course and one of the first tasks was to film a three-minute video outlining things like why I was taking the course, where I was at in my freelance business and tasks I was struggling with.
My first instinct was to skip the video and jump into the actual coursework but I did end up quickly recording something and moving on.
Recently, I was cleaning up some digital files and ran across the video so I stopped and watched it. Even though I felt like I hadn’t made as much progress as I had wanted to from the course, once I saw the video I realized I have come a long way. I felt encouraged and motivated to keep going—things I wouldn’t have felt if I hadn’t taken those three minutes to talk about where I was at and where I wanted to go.
If this seems like the kind of thing your freelance business could benefit from, here are some prompts to help you reflect and plan.
Read the rest of this post »
Webinar: Getting Canadian Government Contracts
Governments operate on an April to March budget year. Now is the time to access the largest employer in Canada: the federal government. Provincial and municipal governments can also be lucrative clients. With their tendency to spend whatever is left over in their budgets as the end of March approaches, it’s important to set yourself up as a supplier well in advance.
There is no path to overnight success. Adding any level of government to your client list means understanding what’s involved, and planning ahead.
Getting Canadian Government Contracts
- Online: Thursday, November 7, 2024
- 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time
- $5 for CFG members, CMG, CBC and CWA partners; $10 for CFWF, FBCW, SCWES, TMAC, WFNB and WFNS partners; $20 for members of the general public
You can register for this webinar right here.
Learn more about the cost and benefits of membership in the CFG on this webpage.
The link to the Zoom webinar will be sent to you via email about half an hour before the start time.
Please check your spam or junk folders if you can’t find the email, and contact organizer@canadianfreelanceguild.ca if you haven’t received the link 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. This webinar will be recorded and posted to the CFG Video-On-Demand site. Once posted, all paid registrants will receive a link and instructions on how to view.
Here’s the Number 1 Secret to Getting Invited on Press Trips
This article about getting invited on press trips is written by Vanessa Chiasson, a freelance writer based in Ottawa who specializes in travel and human interest stories.
Have you ever wondered how to get invited on press trips?
Before I embark on any trip as a travel writer, I always hear the same question from family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and even near strangers: Do I have room in my luggage for them to tag along?
I understand the jealousy (heck, it’s a big reason I love being a travel writer!), but for my colleagues, there’s no need for it. They can go on press trips themselves! However, many people don’t know how to start this process.
How do you get on lists? What can you do to connect with tourism boards? Can you go on press trips when you aren’t a travel writer?
The primary purpose of a press trip is to allow a journalist to gain access to the people, places, and information they need to pursue a story.
When a tourism board is hosting, the focus is naturally on travel. However, there’s no reason a freelancer specializing in food, wine, small businesses, ecology, weddings and more can’t be a part of them, as the secondary purpose of a press trip is that it allows destinations the chance to push their priorities.
Do they hope to have more newlyweds visiting their fancy hotels for a honeymoon, or are they eager to welcome bus tours to their museums? Are they keen to showcase their region as a fantastic getaway for music lovers, history buffs, or bird watchers? You might just be the kind of freelancer they need.
Here’s the #1 secret for getting invited on press trips from a professional travel writer
The secret to getting on a press trip isn’t how good of a writer or photographer you are.
The secret for getting invited on press trips also doesn’t lie in securing a juicy assignment.
Getting invited on press trips is all about value.
Tourism boards and destination marketing organizations put a lot of time, energy, and resources into hosting journalists. They want to see a return on their investment. What is considered an acceptable return varies tremendously, but there is an easy way to find out. Ask!
If you’re eager to be part of a press trip to Montreal, Lake Placid, or Belize, poke around on the media section of the respective tourism board websites (you’ll often find a tiny link in the footer).
What are they emphasizing? Is it nature? Family adventure? Luxury dining? What kind of stories have they shared online? Are they proudly showing off content about their microbreweries or their historical societies? Do they care about juicy print bylines (great for an established freelancer eager to enjoy more travel)? Are they keen on making a splash online with gorgeous images (perfect for an Insta-famous photographer)? Do they prefer to organize group press trips and send out invitations, or do they host journalists individually and want you to approach them?
Send a letter of introduction and ASK.
How to get started when you’re new to press trips
While there are no hard or fast rules about who to contact first, the easiest and most successful way to start is to connect with the tourism board in your backyard. It all comes back to that value proposition. If you’re just beginning, you’ll unlikely be invited on an all-expenses paid trip to tour Bordeaux’s wineries—unlikely, but not impossible.
However, it’s much more probable that a nearby tourism board is willing to invite you to the opening of a swanky cocktail bar. There’s little risky investment on their behalf. So, do some research.
Who represents your region? Are you dealing with a tourism board or perhaps a PR firm that handles things on their behalf? What are their priorities? Do they have a media list so you get announcements about special events? There are always locally-focused activities (like hotel openings, new food trails, and art exhibitions) packed with home-grown talent, and you should be there!
True, it’s not a full press trip but it’s a hosted travel event and an excellent way to make connections. Don’t be shy about sharing the resulting content you produce, and start building that relationship. Tourism board employees swap recommendations with their colleagues just like we do!
Conferences are another excellent opportunity to connect with the tourism board representatives who host press trips. Some popular options are:
- The Travel Media Association of Canada
- TBEX
- IMM (The International Media Marketplace)
- The Women In Travel Summit
- The Society of American Travel Writers
Registration rules vary from first come, first served to stringent membership requirements. Each conference provides an opportunity for casual networking as well as structured “speed dating”-style appointments. I always prefer conferences, networking events and personal recommendations over lists and social media groups that promise to alert you to press trip opportunities. These can be helpful for understanding the landscape but rarely result in trips.
Finally, don’t take rejection personally. All tourism boards receive more requests for press trip assistance than they can accommodate in any given year. You can do plenty of research and have plenty of value to offer but still be turned down. As freelancers, we know our work is about building relationships with our sources, editors, and publishers. Making the connections needed to get press trip invitations is no different.
Other travel writing articles you may like
- The state of the travel writing industry
- Travel writing tips from writer and editor Jennifer Bain
- Turning Your Holiday into a Travel Writing Opportunity
Webinar: Working the Conference Circuit
Conferences are among the very best resources for freelancers, but only if you take the time to understand the conference circuit and how to put that understanding into practice.
Our experts panel will lead you through the pros and cons of the conference circuit, the ways you can benefit from choosing the right conferences, and how to connect with the various players you’ll need to make your efforts pay off.
Working the Conference Circuit
- Online: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
- 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time
- $5 for CFG members, CMG, CBC and CWA partners; $10 for CFWF, FBCW, SCWES, TMAC, WFNB and WFNS partners; $20 for members of the general public
You can register for this webinar right here.
Learn more about the cost and benefits of membership in the CFG on this webpage.
The link to the Zoom webinar will be sent to you via email about half an hour before the start time.
Please check your spam or junk folders if you can’t find the email, and contact organizer@canadianfreelanceguild.ca if you haven’t received the link 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. This webinar will be recorded and posted to the CFG Video-On-Demand site. Once posted, all paid registrants will receive a link and instructions on how to view.
