In the fast-paced, unpredictable world of freelancing, it can be easy to get caught up and push beyond the usual limits. To discuss this issue further, TPi caught up with Cat Kevern, Director of Electric Cat Productions and NOWIE (The Network of Women in Events) along with Megan Johnstone-Mackie, a marketing specialist within the events sector, to discuss how freelancers might advocate for themselves and what strategies they can adopt to champion themselves as they move through the industry.
NOWIE 2.0 offers a full rebrand for the organisation, seeing it become invested more in community interest than ever before and specialising in gender equality and opportunities for women in the events industry.
With a report from LIVE (Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment) seeing 87% of its respondents reporting that freelancing provides their primary income, it is no secret that the industry relies on freelancers to continue to thrive. Freelancers are estimated to make up at least 72% of workers in the music industry, which is why the conversation around advocating for yourself is so crucial.
“Every industry relies heavily on freelancers, especially the live events space, and it’s so important to make sure that they’re looking after themselves properly,” Kevern commented. “I believe in the industry and life in general you get out what you put in, but that shouldn’t mean that you’re exploited for your hard work or overworked.”
When posed the question ‘What can freelancers do to advocate for themselves?’ both women emphasised the importance of community, with it being NOWIE’s number one pillar. “Building that support system around you is crucial,” Johnstone-Mackie commented. “Speaking to your contemporaries, those who work in the same industry, gives such a clear vision of what is expected of you and your employer – ensuring no grey area.”
“Confidence is probably the backbone of advocacy for yourself,” Kevern commented. “Not only in yourself but your abilities and morals. If you work for and with people with the same values as you, it doesn’t matter what obstacles you come across because you can overcome them with communication.”
The LIVE survey also discovered areas freelancers believe could be improved, including financial security, better pay, flexibility and work-life balance – all topics both Johnstone-Mackie and Kevern have been vocal about. “There has definitely been a level of uncertainty surrounding pay rates in the industry for the past couple of years, and as an industry we need much better transparency surrounding pay,” Kevern commented. “That includes advertising your rates early in the hiring process and paying invoices within a good timeframe.”
“Another big factor for me is knowing what boundaries and expectations an employer has in mind for me,” Johnstone-Mackie explained. “What are the rules if somebody doesn’t turn up to a meeting? What are the rules if somebody cancels on you at the last minute? It would benefit so many freelancers if this was made clear before starting each role – or if it was a standard industry-wide.”
“Advocacy begins with yourself,” Kevern told TPi. “This includes shouting about individual wins, instead of brushing them off. I think it’s always going to be hard to advocate for yourself and there is a line between boasting and championing yourself, but when you are open and able to talk about your experience, people appreciate it. People want to hear good things, so don’t be afraid of shouting about milestones in your career!”
Words: Alicia Pollitt
