The best gift for solopreneurs isn't what you think
Let's dive into the small things that can make a big difference for anyone who works for themselves.
As Christmas approaches, it's natural to think about gifts. But this year, I'm reflecting on a different type of giving – one that's especially meaningful for those of us carving our own paths as freelancers or solo entrepreneurs.
Over the past few months, I've chatted with various business starters, and many of them shared a surprising observation: support often comes from unexpected places, not always from our closest friends or family. I found this curious.
Maybe our friends prefer to keep business and personal life separate, or perhaps they don't fully grasp the sheer effort of getting a business off the ground, especially when it's a one-person company.
Small Actions, Big Impacts
This holiday season, why not consider alternative gifts for your entrepreneurial friends?
A quick 'like',
a thoughtful comment,
a share or repost,
talking and recommending their work
Even better:
introducing them to a potential client
buying their services.
Perle expressed this beautifully in this post:
It’s those small gestures that can make a world of difference.
A Different Kind of Thank You
Reflecting on this a few months back, I sent out thank-you notes to those who had supported my work online – liking, sharing, and discussing it.
The responses were unexpected and uplifting, often from people I've met through platforms like LinkedIn. It reminded me that support often comes from where we least expect it.
So, as we head into this season of giving, let's think about how we can support our entrepreneurial friends in simple yet powerful ways.
Like a simple 'thank you' that can go a long way.
Like sharing this newsletter ☺️
The shortcut
Let's also talk about reimagining our approach to Christmas gifts. In my family, we've switched things up a bit in recent years. We now do a Secret Santa - it's a sweet change from the usual gift overload.
Each of us gets to focus on one special gift for one person. And since we're scattered across different countries, we use the SecretSantaApp (this isn't an ad, just a handy tip!) for random assignments.
It's a small but meaningful shift towards more thoughtful giving. 🎁🌍
P.S.: If you don't celebrate Christmas, the same principle applies to any other festivity, such as Hanukkah, Eid al-Fitr, Diwali, or Kwanzaa.
Interesting opportunities for you
Again this week we saved you some hours by combing through numerous job boards, slack channels and other places to find 25 freelance gigs in the climate and social impact space. Here they are:
Research & Design
Design & Policy Researcher - Interrobang
Researcher - Association of Charitable Foundations
Product Designer - Interrobang
Motion Designer - Artemis Ward
Graphic Designer - We Vote
Tech
Web Developer - Interrobang
Ops
Project Lead - Sustainable Mobility - Engineers without Borders UK
Project Manager - Transformational service Blood Cancer UK
Project Manager - ZAKKI
Freelance Contract/Procurement Manager - Oak National Academy
Comms & Engagement
Social Media & Community Manager - Remote Rebellion
Mentor for AI & Community - Friends of the Earth
Marketing Specialist - Power Dot
Content Marketing Specialist - Pachama
Integrated Marketing Manager - Taproot
Digital Marketing Manager - Taproot
Event Consultant - Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Digital Specialist - IRIS (The International Resource for Impact and Story)
Sustainability experts
Sustainability consultant supply chains - Netflix
Other
Consultants for various positions - Farmgro Africa
Advancement Specialist - Black Fox Philantropy
Consultant to facilitating the implementation of the new CFCI Guidance Note - Unicef
Consultant for Content of One Million Opportunities - Brazil Unicef
Consultant Climate Change, Sanitation and Water for All - Unicef
☕️ If you found this valuable and want to say thanks, buy me a coffee ☕️
♥️ If you found an exciting opportunity and want to share it with the community, click here.
What’s happening behind the scene?
This past week, after the big launch, I felt exhausted. So, I took extra naps and went on more walks. Of course, my inner capitalist felt guilty resting. But hey, that inner voice will calm down sooner or later. What is your experience with rest
Seeing the first few applications roll in has been super exciting. I also received some questions, so I’m going to run a couple of 'Explore IMMA' sessions, and I designed this quiz (still in beta) to help you figure out if IMMA is what you're looking for right now.
Even what looks like a small job can mushroom into something huge. Take setting up payments for IMMA - last week alone, I chatted with four accountants. It's moments like these that remind me just how crucial a solid network of go-to experts is. That's the kind of community I'm building with our Grow membership. Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s call for experts. 👀
Talk soon, I’ll be in your inbox with more insights and opportunities next week.
Lilli