I'm just amazed at the wide range of topics and quality of speakers at PIC meetings during 2012.  

PIC members picked up tips on organizing their files and computers, time management and productivity, email marketing, branding, RFPs, and using LinkedIn. Because panels are always popular with PIC members, at a meeting earlier this year we had several successful independents tell us how they got to where they are now.

We'd like to hear from you if you implemented any ideas you heard from our speakers. Whether it's by adopting a new marketing technique, organizing your business and your life or by using social media, we're always interested in seeing how your business has improved because of what you learned at PIC.

Many of our members tell us they joined PIC because of the networking opportunities. The bi-monthly networking opportunities are a great way to get to know people better. Who knows? You could meet someone to collaborate with you on a project or someone who tells you about a new freelance opportunity. 

While we're on the subject of networking, come to our first event of the New Year on January 9th to learn from Donna Messer, The Queen of Networking. She'll help us learn to build relationships with the people we meet by helping them first, rather than asking them to help us right away.

Let us know if you've heard a good speaker who can provide practical helpful advice for indies by contacting Pat Davies at patriciadavies@rogers.com.

On behalf of the PIC Executive, have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! 

Elizabeth Trew

Director, Communications

elizabethtrewcommunications@bell.net

A warm welcome to PIC on a cool October evening

By Heather West  

I was thrilled to receive the invitation for the PIC informal networking evening when it arrived in my inbox in September. The stars were aligned I guess, because it coincided perfectly with my departure from the corporate world and my foray into freelance writing and consulting.

I've had the pleasure of attending a few of the PIC professional development sessions, so I was keen for the opportunity to meet some of my new acquaintances under less formal circumstances -and the promise of sharing ideas, experiences and challenges was too great for this newbie to ignore.

It was a small gathering this time, but that worked nicely in my favour. Most of the people in attendance had many years of freelance experience under their belts, some spanning into the double digits. They all made me feel very welcome and were quick to offer support if I need it as I get up and running - believe me, I'll definitely be taking them up on that offer!

The conversation was very relaxed. They shared stories about their latest opportunities and I offered up information about my area of focus and some of the activities I'd undertaken in the few short weeks that I'd officially been in business.

The group was diverse in terms of areas of specialty, but that made the discussion even more interesting and, when it came right down to it, there really were a lot of common issues and opportunities to discuss. We learned a bit more about each other outside of work and shared stories of working from home with small children, teenagers and university-aged children who are setting out on their own adventures.

For the price of a meal, I learned a bit more about what to expect as I launch my business and I got to know some of my independent colleagues a little bit better. It was a wonderful way to spend a dreary October evening.

If you're sorry you missed this event, don't worry. PIC offers the same opportunities for informal networking again in February, April and June 2013.