Linkedin Groups for Freelancers to Network
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Linkedin is an increasingly successful resource for contracted and freelance workers to network online with peers, as well as those interested in hiring them. In fact, we’ve started our own oDesk Group for freelancers on Linkedin. Here are 20 other great Linkedin groups in a variety of fields.
| GROUPS FOR FREELANCE WRITERS |
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LINK-EDS & WRITERS This group is for anyone who works with words, and it is owned by Phil Taylor, boasting over 9,000 members. |
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FREELANCE SUCCESS Jennie Phipps offers a newsletter and plenty of community for independent writers and editors. The associated web site can be found here. |
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FREELANCE WRITERS In this group, James Boone Dryden facilitates networking potential for all writers, journalists, columnists, etc. |
| GROUPS FOR FREELANCE DESIGNERS |
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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS PROFESSIONAL GROUP A global grouping of over 9,000, this one welcomes all LinkedIn professionals who have skills in design, desktop publisher, production art, etc., listed on their profile. It’s owned by Valerie Guerrero. |
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DESIGNERS TALK This group boasts a forum for design and development professionals, offering feedback on ideas and innovations. There are more than 7,000 in this group, owned by Nick Carter.(Web site here.) |
| GROUPS FOR FREELANCE SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS |
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LINKED .NET USERS GROUP Run by Inbar Gazit, and home to nearly 25,000 members, this is the home of designers, developers, architects, and so on. (Formerly known as the C# Professionals Group.) |
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.NET DEVELOPERS Noah Coad’s 13,000-plus members are all very into C#, VB NET, ASP NET, LINQ, etc. (See the related web site here.) |
| GROUPS FOR VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS |
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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO VIRTUAL ASSISTANT This group (EAtoVA), owned by Sydni Craig-Hart, is for those who want to share ideas, innovations and best practices for the business of virtual assistance. |
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS ASSOC. Cindy Opong owns this IVAA group, which is a non-profit group joining and educating virtual assistants. (Find out more here.) |
| GROUPS FOR FREELANCE CUSTOMER SERVICE & CALL CENTER PROFESSIONALS |
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CRM FOCUS EXPERT GROUP Specializing in all things customer service, call center and CRM, this group from Alex Gonzalez boasts around 5,000 members. |
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CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONALS Owned by Steven Zannos, this informal and growing network is centered on customer service and warranty management. |
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BEST PRACTICES IN CALL CENTERS WORLDWIDE This group, owned by Eric Zbikowski, is a global network for those who are interested in sharing call center best practices and insights. The related web site is MetricNet. |
| GROUPS FOR FREELANCE MARKETERS & PR PROFESSIONALS |
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E-MARKETING ASSOC. NETWORK A remarkable 117,000 people are in this group, owned by Robert Fleming and E-Marketing Assoc. Can you imagine what their annual conference is like? (And they do have one.) |
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E-COMMERCE NETWORK This marketing, strategy and project management group is owned by Olivier Luxon and has more than 12,000 international members. |
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MARKETING & PR INNOVATORS This group is all about best practices and buzz-worthy innovations. It’s owned by Gerald Haman and has more than 47,000 members.(Related site.) |
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SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Nearly 23,000 members make this social media marketing group, owned by Michael Crosson, a success. (Related site.) |
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PRO MARKETERS SEO, social media and other online marketing techniques dominate this group, which is over 30,000 strong. Owned by Dharmesh Shah of Pro Marketers. |
| OTHER FREELANCE GROUPS |
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CONSULTANTS NETWORK Nearly 69,000 members make this general freelancing and consultant group worth a look, regardless of your field. Owned by Larry Zeenny and related to FEACO. |
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OUTSOURCING & OFFSHORINGDr. Dan Bhide owns this 3,000-member group where ideas can be exchanged on everything from call centers to contract manufacturing and BPO. Find their web group here. |
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WORK@HOME COMMUNITY This smaller group is for those who want to share advice and tips from working out of a home office, whether they are self-employed or not. Owned by Robert Singletary. (Related site.) |
Daryl Mather
May 28th, 2009 at 12:40 am
You Missed Consulting Pulse at http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=45240
Thanks…
Tamara
May 28th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Ooh. You’re right, Daryl. You’ve got a great group there. Take note, freelancers, and check it out. I’m glad you’re the top comment, so people can see it.
As a side note, Daryl, see if you can get Linkedin to include your group in a search under the term “freelance.” I don’t believe it currently comes up under that term–though, correct me if I’m wrong. And I think it would get you more attention, since a lot of freelancers don’t consider themselves to be consultants.
I’m so glad you saw this and glad you listed your group! Off to join!
Mustafa
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Haven’t frequent at Linkedin but hope it will be beneficial.
Freelance For Money
July 5th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Awesome resource for freelancers thanks. I know you guys get busy but you need to keep on networking.
Walter Pollard
July 29th, 2009 at 11:29 am
I highly recommend Pro Marketers group. Very informative!
Chris Green
September 18th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Just found this freelance group too on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2309237
Tamara
September 18th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Thanks for more groups, guys. Keep them coming.