In this edition of OOOO, we are pleased to bring to you four diverse and thought provoking articles, and some practical tips. We thank you for your contributions and once again invite you to submit any articles that you wish to share with your fellow EMWA members.

At the EMWA Conference in Spring 2016, we introduced the Freelance Business Forum (FBF) to the concept of informal local get-togethers as an opportunity for freelancers to interact and network with others with similar and related interests in close proximity. This idea has already made solid ground in the UK and freelancers based there are meeting regularly. In her article on local get-togethers in the UK, Corinne Swainger, with inputs from fellow UK freelancers, relates how this came about and how relatively simple it can be to organise such gatherings. We think these pointers and tips would be very useful for others who wish to set up such events in their region. It is also very heartening to see that some of our freelancers are now taking the initiative to facilitate local networking in other countries such as France and Germany. Carola Krause and Paul Wafula, two of our members based in Germany recently organised a local get-together in Berlin and in their article they share their experience of what was clearly a wonderful evening.

Freelancing as a profession is growing Europe-wide and increasing numbers mean that, the ‘solopreneurs’, require adequate representation when it comes to policies and guidelines relating to self-employment framed at a national and regional level. So, what are the issues? Continuing the theme from his article in the previous edition of OOOO, Marco Torregrossa, the Secretary-General of the European Forum of Independent Professionals, advances a discussion about how our numbers are making a statement at the European level when legislation regarding labour markets is being drafted.

As professionals, we value our work, give our best to our clients, and expect a suitable remuneration in return. However, as in any business, negotiating the rates for our services is a constant concern requiring careful consideration. In bringing to you an article by IPSE on negotiating pay rates, we hope to give you that extra leverage when next your clients say, “We’d like you to do this project for us. Please send us a quotation.”

As the holiday season approaches, we’d like to wish you all a very enjoyable and relaxing time and a Happy New Year. Finally, we hope that you will continue to provide us with articles and suggestions in order that we may continue to further the freelance cause.

Happy reading