If you’re self-employed, don’t be shy. Use the Christmas bash as a means to mince pies and more work

When it comes to celebrations at this time of year anyone who isn’t employed in a permanent position may well find their social diary a little lacklustre as far as work Christmas parties are concerned. Being freelance myself, I’m inundated with invites to pub gatherings with friends and family get-togethers over a plate of home made mince pies, but as far as work shindigs go, my letter box has been fairly bereft of invites.

Having said that, my situation has improved considerably compared to a few years ago when I first became self-employed. I hadn’t quite learnt the art of persistence, you see (so vital for any freelancer). Call it British politeness if you like, but I just wasn’t pushy enough when it came to making employers aware of my existence. Now, I’m sure, they think, ‘Oh no, not that damn woman again. Quick, send her an invite to shut her up.’

Create your own social whirl
Gemma Wilder, 26, who’s been running her own desktop publishing business for the last five years has a very active social life, but used to groan constantly that she wasn’t invited to work dos. She did find a way of improving the status quo though. She says, ‘I do realise that funds can often be tight and employers should think of their permanent staff first, but I work for these companies all year round. So I threw a big party myself, invited many of the staff from the company’s I work for and from that time on I was flavour of the month – no, the year. Networking is important if you’re self-employed and it doesn’t have to stop outside working hours.’

The trend is catching on and now over 30% of the UK workforce is self-employed. This figure accounts for all industry sectors, including entertainment and the media, construction and caring professions.

Next page: getting in to party

Because so many of us are now seeking professional independence, does this mean we’re missing out on the camaraderie of the bustling workplace five days a week? Jenny Moss, a 28-year-old knitwear designer doesn’t think so. ‘Not at all, there are loads of good points about being self-employed, but when it comes to getting involved in things it’s just a matter of reminding people that you’re there. If you’re not in front of their faces all the time they’ll forget you exist.’

Get your foot in the door
If, however, your social calendar is emptier than Santa's sack after Christmas, here are a few ways to get those invites rolling in:

1. Remind people that you’re there - network, network, network. Shrinking violets aren’t great company at parties.
   
   
2. Why not be downright cheeky and ask if you’re invited? I did this once and it worked very well. No boss likes looking as if they’re a meanie – especially at Christmas time. Anyway, employers expect freelancers to have the gift of the gab and the hide of a large elephant, so don’t be shy, play on it.
   
   
3. Being self-employed means you have to be a good sales person. You sell your talent, so why not sell yourself? (no, not literally!) and head straight for the person who’s arranging the do? Swallow your pride and swathe them in compliments and Christmas cards. You’ve got nothing to lose.
   
   
4. Particularly for those who work at home, it’s vital that you practise your social skills and avoid becoming a recluse. Make connections with the people you work for – even if it’s just an idle chat on the phone. Build up friendship and the invites should increase.
   
   
5. Prove that self-employed people aren’t weird and are actually good company by arranging a lunch meeting or evening drinks in a place near your company’s office. (Try to refrain from lewd jokes as familiarity can breed contempt on the first encounter.) The more approachable you are, the more likely it is that you’ll be included in future social gatherings.
   
   
6. You shouldn’t make a nuisance of yourself, but a bit of friendly networking never went amiss. In any company, their marketing or sales department are the ones who win the business and keep the cogs turning. If you’re self-employed you’re selling a ‘product’ too – yourself.

Find out more about how to network