Freelancing is often assumed to be a solo adventure. While there’s a lot to be said about working alone and being in charge of your career, sometimes there is strength in numbers. I was surprised when I first heard about freelancers working together. But when I saw it in action myself, it was really neat! Let’s take a look.

Do freelancers have to work alone?

For one reason or another, freelancers have earned the accurate titles of solopreneurs. They do everything themselves and focus on building a business around their greatest resource — them. But, freelancers don’t necessarily have to work alone. There is no freelancer rulebook or anything like that.

I haven’t had many experiences where I have worked with other freelancers. Still, those few opportunities were invigorating and a welcome interruption to the standard schedule. Much of my enjoyment and fascination came from the unique way freelancers joined forces. It helped remind me that there is a freelancing community, even if it is hard to see sometimes.

How can freelancers work together?

What does it actually look like when freelancers come together? Is it cloak and dagger? Is it veiled threats and slitted eyes? No, of course not. What fun would that be? Well, maybe it would be a little bit of fun. The reality is much more…suburban. Here are some real examples!

• Trading projects back and forth: Sometimes, a project may be outside your wheelhouse. But you know another freelancer that can do it perfectly. With permission from the client, you can pass the project over to them and have them take it on themselves! This is an excellent use of resources and time all around.

• Offering complementary services: If you spend time around the literal or virtual water cooler, you know other freelancers who offer similar services. Some examples include freelance writers and editors. Or freelance web designers and graphic artists. If you have a client who needs both services, you can join forces that impress the client with your full-service approach!

• Creating a relay system: When things are busy, you can use teamwork to get things done faster without compromising quality. If two or more freelancers work together, each can take on a different part of the project. For example, let’s say the goal is to write a 5,000-word article. One freelancer could research. The next can write the draft. A third can edit the draft. Then, all three freelancers can make final corrections and submit them for approval.

Why can’t we be friends?

See what I mean about how neat it is for freelancers to work together as allies? There is a sense of professionalism and community encouragement in a situation like that. Whether you only do this once throughout your freelance career or several times a year, it brings the warm and fuzzies for all the right reasons.

What do you think about freelancers working as teammates? Did any of these joint projects surprise you? What are your own experiences with freelancers working together?