Christmas cake and contacts

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