Founded in 1995 by Sara Horowitz, the Freelancers Union is an organization that helps one in three working Americans. Why one in three? Well... that's because there are one in three Americans who are independent workers, which equals roughly 42 million people. The Freelancers Union helps those who make up the independent market: lawyers, babysitters, artists, musicians, and contract workers. If your goal is to become a freelance photographer, regardless of full time or part time, this is an organization that you should check out and become very familiar with.
If you choose to join the Freelancers Union - membership is free by the way - there are many perks that come along with it. One of the key aspects to note about the Freelancers Union is that they can help you find "Benefits": Insurance, Freelancers Medical, Retirement, Discounts, Contract Creator and Client Scorecard. The Freelancers Medical actually has their own website with a lot if information to check out, please click "here" for details. Planning for your retirement is also an important as a freelancer! The Freelancers Union can help you set up a 401K Plan. Everyone is interested in saving a little money here and there; the "Discounts" section of their website is also very helpful!
All of the information offered within the "Benefits" section of their website is helpful although for my personal freelance photography business, I have used the Freelancers Union's "Contract Creator" the most. It is extremely important to always have a contract for each of your clients, regardless of the relationship you have with them. This section of their website helps you to write your own contract and make sure that all the important "legal matters" are addressed for the benefits of both parties:
To start with, you would want to fill out the Basic Information about your business and your client: name, address, phone numbers, etc. The section titled "Scope of Work" is a very important section that address the exact work that will be completed and when it will be completed by. Naturally, the "Payment" section should also be filled out with information regarding fees, expenses and late payment penalties. There are also the "Conditions" and "Disputes" sections that should be addressed and finally, the "Agreement" portion of the contract where signatures from both parties are placed.
The Freelancers Union constantly offers free advice as well on their "Blog". Advice can very from how to get more clients to how to use social media in an effective manner. The advice is not always based around one's business but also based around one's physical and mental health. It's no secret that freelancers spend a lot of time alone (being self-employed and all)... why not touch up on some ways to help cope with that?
So... what are you waiting for? Join the Freelancers Union today!
01. "Freelancers Union :: A Federation of the Unaffiliated." Freelancers Union. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.
02. "Freelancers Medical: The Patient Is the Center." Freelancers Medical Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.
03. "Freelancers Union :: A Federation of the Unaffiliated - Pages from Freelancers Union." Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.