So we cannot ignore the job cuts around the world, and we have to think about reducing our overheads what ever size business we are.

However, as a freelancer, you should think about the time now and the opportunities times like these offer. Times to enhance develop, collaborate, and push forward innovation. Some of the best innovations are done during times of economic downturn.

Innovation can be done cheaply, picture this – two geeks in a garage, wearing sweaters, trying to get an online experiment to work on an old macbook.

‘Innovation inspires, educates and entertains societies’

That’s the amazing thing about being based in Brighton, UK. It’s all about small groups of people working collaboratively at co-working locations across the city or at events like barcamp.

However, I want to think in terms of a revolution, rather than a downturn.

As good things usually come out the end of revolutions like this, the Industrial revolution, the Internet revolution, now this financial revolution - we don’t actually know what will come out of this – I feel this is why a lot of people are worried.

I hope the ‘downturn’ doesn’t mean that peoples creative taps are turned off. We are currently in a time of radical change, now is a chance to connect with people who you may not have done with before.

How can you connect and innovate in a downturn?

• Co-working places – Find out if your town or city has shared office space, if not start one up. Co-working is a great idea for individuals and companies looking to save on costs, and also be in a position to grow your business through networking opportunities learn more >>
• Bootstrapping – A business is one sure-fire way to build a sustainable business under these circumstances. By bootstrapping, you can be more open to ideas, and also responsive to market and technological changes, if you are small you can move direction quickly, and if you get it wrong you’ve got less chance of losing vast amounts of money learn more >>
• Idea marketplaces are where your ideas from weekend projects and bootstrapped efforts can be offered to larger organisations and companies that want to add your innovative ideas to their list of services. This is also an excellent way of getting noticed by your peers, and competitors so fantastic for your reputation/brand.

How to ‘bulletproof’ you business in a downturn?
Freelancing is not an easy option. That’s why I love it, it’s a challenge that the freelance, and larger business community face together. Freelancing means fluctuating fortunes, financial roller-coaster rides, and a constant fight for success. Listen to your customers, show that you care, and once the storm is over you will be able to smile and reflect about what you have learnt along the way.

As a freelancer approach large companies to see if they have any work that you can help them with, find out the name of the marketing or sales contact, and send them an email: “I appreciate you may have in-house designers, however if you are overworked or need fresh ideas – we have a creative team that.., all at lower costs..” or an html email newsletter showcasing what you services you can provide. This is a cost-effective way of marketing, and also gaining valuable contacts and potential clients in your industry.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 at and is filed under business, clients, ethical, web services, work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.