We meet monthly for a valuable exchange of information and breakfast or lunch. The group is made up of seasoned PR practitioners who have decided to make a go of it on their own. We have decades of experience in the agency, corporate and non-profit worlds. Most of us decided to work on our own in order to have more balance and control in our lives. During our monthly meetings, we discuss various business and ethical topics such as accounting, marketing, media relations, sticky client situations, proudest accomplishments and pitfalls to avoid.
Members alternate leading the meetings, and sometimes guest speakers address specific issues.
We have a wonderful networking system, refer business to each other, partner on larger projects and share priceless information. As with PR agencies, the specialties of the members of this group run the gamut, from those who only work on retainer accounts to those who only take on projects. Many, like myself, prefer to mix a few retainer accounts with special projects. The Freelancers Forum has members who specialize in technology, web site design, corporate writing, special events and health care. Most new attendees, like myself, start out questioning if they made the right decision to go it alone.