The Freelance Business Workshop
Your Path to Financial and Emotional Sustainability
Presented by the Institute for Independent Journalists
Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CT
Columbia College Chicago
1104 S Wabash, Chicago, IL 60605
This full-day workshop will help freelancers develop a sustainable independent journalism practice. While geared toward people with a few years of experience, even long-time entrepreneurs will learn skills to level up.
Topics Include:
- The 3 P’s model of structuring a freelance portfolio and what to negotiate for in addition to higher pay.
- Effective networking, recruiting anchor clients, identifying your brand and niche, and when to say no.
- A range of organization, time management, and mental health strategies
Schedule
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 (8 am to 5 pm CT)
8:00 - 9:00 am
Registration and Breakfast
Grab your name badge, meet other freelancers, and settle in for a day of learning and community! We’ll provide coffee and a light snack.
Workshop Presenters:
Kelly Glass, deputy manager editor of Stacker
Katherine Reynolds Lewis, author, and founder of the Institute for Independent Journalists
Sylvia A. Harvey (SAH), journalist, speaker, and author of The Shadow System
Shernay Williams, independent video journalist
9:00 - 11:15 am
Session 1: Principles for Sustainable Freelancing
Learn the 3 P’s model© of freelance gigs and the importance of hourly rates. Review an income-expenses statement, and adapt a budget to use in your freelance practice. Learn about the options for business formation and organization and time management strategies. Make a plan for setting goals, tracking income and time, paying taxes, and being accountable to yourself.
11:30 - 12:45 pm
Session 2: Your Brand and Your Network
Learn the importance of cultivating relationships with peers and potential clients. Discuss brand identity and marketing strategies. Compare effective networking and excessive self-promotion. Create a Venn diagram of your interests, your experience and the market, as you identify potential anchor clients. Hear about supports and strategies for maintaining mental health and work discipline. Understand the importance of turning down work and practice several ways to say no.
12:45 - 1:30 pm
Lunch and Networking
Lunch is included in your workshop registration, as long as you RSVP before July 29. If you miss the sign up deadline, please bring a lunch or grab carry out from a nearby restaurant.
Email info@theiij.com if you’re not sure whether you’re confirmed for lunch.
1:30 - 1:35 pm
MacArthur Foundation Remarks
Diana Lu, senior program officer for the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation will welcome the editors’ panel and address workshop attendees.
1:35 - 3:00 pm
Session 3: Editors Panel
Hear from editors who assign to freelance journalists, including what they’re looking for in a pitch, how to become a go-to contributor, strategies for deepening your relationship with a client, managing conflict, and more. Speakers include editors for the New York Times and Chicago area publications.
Nikita Stewart, real estate editor, the New York Times
Norman Parish, deputy managing editor, the Chicago Sun-Times
Katie Scarlett Brandt, editor-in-chief, Chicago Health Magazine
Jasmine Browley, business editor, Essence Magazine
Meena Thiruvengadam, independent journalist (moderator)
3:15 - 4:30 pm
Session 4: Freelance Systems for Success
This session will be a practical, hands on approach to setting up your freelance practice for emotional and financial sustainability. You’ll adapt a new client checklist for your particular needs and risk level, set goals for insurance, retirement savings, tax compliance and tax support. Identify several key contract terms and common red flags to include in contract review. Evaluate your current motivation strategies, high-low discipline hours and needs for rest, connection and fun. Review sample client proposals, pitch letters, and contracts. Draft a business plan at granular and annual levels.
4:30 - 5:00 pm
Wrap-Up Networking
Finish the day by sharing contact information with new colleagues and setting up any systems that will help cement your day of learning.
“This experience was one of the most impactful, educational courses I've ever taken in my career (and I've sat through a lot of them!) … such meaningful encouragement.”
Testimonials
“The entire workshop was wonderful, but session 4 -- particularly the sections on scheduling work and rest and creating habits and systems -- were enlightening and empowering. I left feeling excited about freelancing and put some gems on post-its that I now look at every day when starting my workday.”
“Understanding the essentials of a contract and practicing negotiation skills were crucial parts of this seminar for me. I was pretty oblivious before this. Now, I feel confident that I can stand up for myself when pursuing a project.”
Thank you to our sponsors!
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O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism
Marquette University
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MacArthur Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation