I try to make it my business to keep up with others in our industry. I read freelance writing blogs, participate in forums, and even have a special freelance writer/writing search set up in Twitter. This endeavor is, of course, like trying to keep kittens in a basket. There are a godzillion of us freelance writers out there with our ranks constantly expanding and contracting. There are also a lot of dabblers out there, too, but that’s a post for another day.

My point is that, that because there are a godzillion of us out there, we often find ourselves competing for clients, i.e. resources. Do you know what other group competes for resources? Penguins. But while penguins are competing for food, warmth and even space they are also sticking together and keeping one another warm. As freelancers, we should take a page out of the penguin’s book and realize that, while we are competing, we also need one another. (If you dress like I do, there’s a good chance you need fashion advice from our tuxedoed friends, too. )

I learned this lesson the hard way. I didn’t seek out other freelance writers at first. This wasn’t because I considered them (actually, you) my competition, but rather because I thought I could go it alone. How wrong I was. When I finally made like a penguin and sought out my flock, I learned quite a bit that contributed directly to my success as a freelancer. For example:

• I can and should charge more
• A blog is a great way to showcase my expertise
• Fellow freelance writers often offer some of the best job leads

Think of me as the lone penguin, that small, lonely – though dapper – chick who bumbled along helplessly until I found my flock and learned their lessons on the best way to catch tasty fish. Though we may compete for the juiciest clients, I wouldn’t give up my flock for all the squid in the world. After all, it would be mighty cold in the barren Antarctic wasteland without others of our kind to keep us company.

 (This post comes to you courtesy of my husband. I asked him what I should blog about while the Discovery Channel was on. He said, “Blog about penguins.” Viola.)