I remember trading Facebook messages with you on this, Chris. I have long thought of creating a local freelancers organization to share resources and perhaps even workspace. Your proposal takes the idea to a whole new level — very well done! I hope Roanoke seizes on your proposal. To promote our area as a “haven for freelancers” is smart. Let’s get all the creative talent we can get here. Let them build friendships, energize the community, and launch new businesses. Roanoke is a great place to live. It is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Freelancers and independent contractors who live here know that already. Those who have clients in big cities outside this area can earn a New York wage on a Roanoke budget. The export of our talent, in a time when knowledge workers can live anywhere and get the job done, is a fantastic opportunity. This initiative would be an amazing self-promotion tool for Roanoke.

I think the idea that you have is an outstanding one. As a professional who works both as a freelancer and a coporately paid employee, I have been on both sides of the fence. I prefer the stability of the paycheck and the benefits from the employer but, as a single mother, I enjoy the flexibility of working for myself. Truth be told, if I had no one else depending on my income, I would be in business for myself on a full time basis.

As someone who has run varying levels of businesses, most all online, I understand what it takes to get one going. I believe that many of us are born with the entrpreneurial mindset, but that doesn’t mean someone who doesn’t think in that manner shouldn’t be able to have the ability to take a good idea and run with it. My saving grace with many of my ventures is that I am a marketing/sales person, and that makes a world of difference. Those that don’t have the marketing and sales background see it as a huge road block.

The ideas that you presented are all out there, however, you’ve found a way to implement them into a one-stop-shop, so to speak, which is very appealing to me. Even as a part-time freelancer, I would be very interested in participating in something like this especially for the networking aspect. While I refrained from networking locally (I didn’t WANT to meet with people or have them come to my home) in the past, I’ve found in the past few months the huge benefit there is to knowing people on a local level. I’ve taken my network offline and it’s been very fruitful for me.

Going forward, I would love to know how I can support your efforts with this idea. I think the City should step up and encourage those who are freelancing whether it’s because they are forced to or because they want to. Anyone who starts their own business is a risk taker, someone who’s rises to a challenge. For someone to start a business in Roanoke, especially a local establishment, is someone who believes in Roanoke and believes that the people here want their particular product or service.

Great idea, Chris and I applaud your willingness to step up to the plate and go to bat for those of us who love what we do and for those of us who just want a chance at success, no matter how we personally define it.

Again, please count on me for support in your efforts, regardless of what that support is. (Unless it’s monetary. That I can’t help much with… :D )

Heather

Good Luck

We need a collaborative support mechanism in our area. It is an area where people come not for the job availability, but for the size, safeness, schools, location, etc. It also seems to be a place that is rather transient for most because the cost of living is low, pay is low, and as mentioned, the younger population wants to move onward and upward with more opportunities and better paying positions. The older population wants to retire and enjoy Roanoke Valley’s slower pace of live and population numbers. The other challenge newcomers face is our laws i.e. being an At Will state. This doesn’t help matters any.

Those of us with creative talents want to share; we’re people-oriented and full of colorful adventure. We accept people for who they are, not what they do or how much they make. The mindset is acceptance and exploration of life and what it has to offer. We need more people in this area who share this mindset….and we need to keep them here. If we don’t draw them here, they’ll go to more alluring areas such as Asheville or Richmond. We all need to hold onto that piece of furniture before we take our first steps as pre-toddlers. Those “supports” is what gave us the encoragement to take the first steps (nevermind the open arms and beaming faces of the parents).

As we grow in our aspirations we still need those support mechanisms. They should be close by, easy to find and hold onto as we take our first steps into the world as Entrepreneurs. Once we have the foundations and confidence to proceed…..watch out! We just might change the face of Roanoke!

I’d like to be an intrigal part of this. Please keep me informed as you move forward with this.
Cathy Dick
Final Touch Designs (Home Staging, Redesign, Organizing services)
http://www.final-touchdesigns.com