Sunnyside News

It may have been a cold and wet February morning, but, warming coffee in hand, I was absolutely thrilled to be on my way to London to attend the “How to Set up, Survive and Thrive as a Freelancer course” run by Museum Freelance. GWR did their very best to scupper my plans but the train did eventually get to London – I really don’t miss commuting one bit.

I had been looking forward to this course since I booked it in October, and I can honestly say it really didn’t disappoint. Christina and Marge are incredibly knowledgeable about freelancing in the cultural sector. They are both very warm, engaging and really generous with the amount of information they provided in one day. The course offered a one-stop-shop for those new to freelancing or the freelance-curious. Covering topics as diverse as finance and tax; finding your own USP; getting clients and understanding client briefs; learning how to say no; pricing your time, and above all – thinking like a business. The course was packed with useful real-life examples too.

The level of detail in their handouts was second to none. It will take me quite some time to get through the content and put it all into practice. The course really is a beginners guide to freelancing in the cultural sector. It was without a doubt the most useful workshop I’ve ever been on – great value for money.

Future events

I’m really looking forward to attending their Museum Freelance Conference on Thursday 14th March 2019 at the Manchester Art Gallery. I attended their very first conference in 2017 and found it hugely insightful and motivating.

Their next freelance course date has just been released – Monday 24 June 2019 in London – sign up to their newsletter to be the first to know when booking opens.

Please note: I have not been paid by Museum Freelance to say these lovely things about them, I believe in shouting from the rooftops about something when I think it’s worthwhile and value for money. So, if you are a freelancer or freelance-curious in the cultural sector I recommend you give them a try, you’ll be so glad you did.

Sunnyside News

Absolutely, what have you got to lose? I had the opportunity to apply for a bursary when I made the decision to go freelance at the end of last year. The Arts Marketing Association (AMA) offer a number of bursaries for their various events throughout the year and I definitely recommend that you put your hat in the ring.

I applied for an AMA bursary which covered just over half the cost of the conference fee of their Digital Marketing Day (DMD). The conference took place on 5 December 2018 at the British Museum in London. The application process was incredibly straightforward, and I was delighted to be awarded the bursary. Check out my blog post about my experience on their website.

I definitely recommend applying for a bursary to attend events. I will certainly be looking out for bursaries offered by the AMA and other organisations in the future. For a new business and a freelancer, it’s a cost-effective way to further your knowledge, network and achieve your professional goals.

Sunnyside News

So, I’ve done it, I’ve finally gone freelance, yes, I’m officially a freelance marketer. I’ve been wanting to do this for years, but something always got in the way. Join me on my journey through the exciting (but ever so slightly scary) world of self-employment.

In this blog, I will be offering hints and tips on the world of a freelancer and self-employment as well as marketing and small business tips and how-tos. If this appeals to you stay tuned and subscribe to my newsletter – Sunnyside Views. I’ve got so many things planned and I can’t wait to share them with you.

“Feel the fear and do it anyway.

SUSAN JEFFERS