FAQs
Q: “I’m not a ‘freelancer.’ Is this group for me?”
A: Are you self-employed in the advertising/marketing industry? Then, YES! Whatever you call yourself, this is for you. Don’t let semantics get in the way of all the great benefits there are to be had. (Note: membership allows for up to 3 people in a small business, i.e., a husband/wife team working with an intern, or a growing company.)
Q: “Will my membership renew automatically?”
A: Your membership automatically renews after one year. You will be notified via email 7 days before you are charged. To see your expected renewal date, go to Account Details from your dashboard and scroll down to see “Date Joined” at the bottom right. Your renewal should take place on that date each year. You can cancel at any time by emailing [email protected].
Q: “I’m a company looking for a freelancer. Can you offer me a referral?”
A: Unfortunately, no. We are a not-for-profit professional trade organization. We don’t get paid to provide referrals, and we don’t feel comfortable playing favorites. However, we do offer a handy online member directory for you to easily search from to find the right person for your needs. Plus, we encourage you to come out to our annual Portfolio Showcase to find the right fit.
Q: “Is anyone welcome in this group?”
A: For the most part, yes. As long as you fit the bill of being self-employed in the advertising/marketing industry. We don’t review résumés or portfolios as part of the application process. Creativity is very subjective. It takes all kinds to make up this community. We are welcoming to all. Join today!
Q: “I’m not a freelancer (or self-employed), but I still want to come hang out with the cool kids. Am I eligible?”
A: Anyone is welcome to come hang out with us. You can attend any event as a non-member. Membership is limited to freelance members (individual, dual and trio) in the advertising/marketing industry. Associate memberships are also available to those in the industry who want to come network with this awesome collective of talent, companies such as: printers, paper vendors, headhunters, and the like. Students are also welcome to join.
Q: “If I join, can you guarantee I’ll get more work?”
A: No. But we can guarantee you’ll get more exposure. We are not a leads group, nor do we pretend to be. We can get you in front of the people and companies who are looking to hire freelance talent, but at the end of the day, there are no guarantees. Your best bet is to present yourself in the most positive light, have a completed and sharp-looking portfolio page, follow up with prospects from the Portfolio Showcase, and really just show up to FX events. Our members get so much work and so many referrals just from one another!
Q: “I’m new to freelancing. What should I charge?” — or — “I’m looking to hire a freelancer. What should I expect to be charged?"
A: There really is no set “going rate.” Some freelancers charge by the hour, some by the project, and even some by the day. A lot of it will depend on talent level, experience, skill, availability, and more. For freelancers, it’s best to ask your peers what they’re charging and adjust accordingly. For clients, it’s important to understand that you get what you pay for. Don’t necessarily discount someone because their hourly rate is much higher than, say, someone right out of school. At the end of the day, you may end up with a much higher quality product – and it may be more cost effective in the long run because they were able to finish it up quicker.
Q: “I’m not sure if freelancing is right for me. How do I know? And how do I get started?”
A: One of the biggest benefits of being a member is the mentorship you can gain. We have plenty of seasoned professionals in the community who are more than willing to share their experiences and what it takes to get started. Plus, FX programs are designed to help you succeed by learning what you need to know to be savvier businessmen and women.
Q: “I already know everything there is to succeed at freelancing. Do I really need FX?”
A: Well, with that attitude, no. We are a humble group of individuals who thrive on continuing education. Things change all the time! There are new industry trends emerging, tax laws changing, etc. But, if you think you know it all? Then, great! Come join us and help mentor the folks who don’t!
Q: “I’m new to the process of hiring a freelancer. What do I need to know going in?”
A: So glad you asked! We’ve put together this handy resource for you. Still got questions? Let us know!
Still got questions? We’ve got answers! Contact us today.