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It’s National Freelancer’s Day! #NFD. I've decided to mark the day by sharing a few (probably) unknown facts about me/my freelancing career, some reflections about freelance life & a few pics from the archive [epic thread] #NFD #MuseumFreelance 1/
I started my business aged 29. I’d only been working in the sector for 7 years. You don’t need to have been in a senior leadership role or had years of experience to go freelance. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 2/
When I went freelance during the financial crash of 2008 and subsequent recession I thought I’d probably only last three months. I’ve been freelancing 12 years this September. So there’s hope yet for anyone new to freelancing during the current crisis. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 3/
My first freelance contract was with @ContactMcr, supporting their press and PR work. I’d never worked in a theatre before. I said yes and worried about it when I turned up. I loved it. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 4/
This is what my first website looked like in 2008. It looked rather snazzy at the time. But things have moved on since then. Read a behind the scenes about my rebrand last year thanks to @studiodbd here >> https://bit.ly/3eeCwSz #NFD #MuseumFreelance 5/
I love freelancing but it isn’t for everyone. The best advice anyone gave me ( @CarolineNewns) is to ‘think like a business’. It’s stayed with me ever since & is integral to how I work, from negotiating rates through to chasing late payment. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 6/
When I went freelance 75% of my work was marketing and press work. Now it’s 75% evaluation and research. It’s important to adapt to what the market needs. And invest in your CPD so you’re able to. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 7/
I celebrated my 5th year in freelancing (2013) with supporters, clients and freelancers at @thisisgorilla gin bar in Manchester. The fab @thecafeteria designed a brilliant #marge5 campaign and I had a cocktail named after me for the night. Fancy.
#NFD #MuseumFreelance 8/
#NFD #MuseumFreelance 8/
Imposter syndrome never goes away. I’m constantly questioning whether my work is good enough or stacks up against others doing similar things. I know I'm not alone. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 9/
Client testimonials can help your confidence. Collect & share them. Here’s one of my faves from @jezdolan ‘WOW!!!!!!!! Marge, this is a BRILLIANT piece of work. More, better, and even more fantabulosa that I could have expected. Thanks. You're a star!” #NFD #MuseumFreelance 10/
The largest contract I’ve won to date was worth £40,000. The smallest was £150. Note the word contract - make sure you get one, whatever size the piece of work is. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 11/
A low point in my freelance career was having to pull out of a project. It’s only happened once but it was necessary for both parties to make any headway and I left on good terms. I still think about it. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 12/
A high point so far was successfully lobbying with @museumfreelance and other freelance community managers for Government support during Covid-19 – although we're still working hard behind the scenes to fight for those who’ve fallen through the cracks. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 13/
Working with associates has been both brilliant and crucial to remaining in business. I would be nowhere without my go-to gang of @christinalister @emmajaneparsons @jtullock @steveslack @cmailhac and Helen Corkery #NFD #MuseumFreelance 14/
I got Lyme disease in 2017 which caused havoc to my health. I wrote this at the time > https://bit.ly/2UU3UOk It made me focus on my wellbeing & I got a business coach - a revelation & welcome addition to my ‘company of one’ (thank you @simonseligman). #NFD #MuseumFreelance 15/
It’s rare but so welcome when clients say thank you or treat you as part of a team. This snippet from a longer message from @jenny_peachey @CarnegieUKTrust is a perfect example “I cannot express the value that you add to our team and this programme.”
#NFD #MuseumFreelance 16/
#NFD #MuseumFreelance 16/
My favourite project to date was working on @scottishbktrust Digital Storytellers in Residence, working with five library services across Scotland. I miss @ChrisLeslie2 & fellow freelancers @sbeenie @mashcinema @TaylorMcInroy @pjbristow, Mark & Rebecca. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 17/
Working at the Silverstone British Grand Prix consulting with motorsport fans about the planned (and now open) Silverstone Experience comes a close second. Here’s a photo of the research stand we had over the weekend, with archive items for fans to view. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 18/
I launched my 2nd business last year - Marge Bradshaw Photography working for family, cultural and corporate clients >> https://bit.ly/37E1BE8 I also produce my own work. I'm over at @margebphoto. And yes, that’s my married name. #NFD #MuseumFreelance 19/
If you’ve got to the end of this thread, well done! You can find out more about me & my work in museums, libraries, archives, galleries & heritage sites at http://margeainsley.co.uk . DM’s are open today for any q's from fellow freelancers or organisations! #NFD #MuseumFreelance 20/
