What I Learned from The Freelancer Fair 2016

On November 19, Saturday, I attended The Freelancer Fair 2016, which was held at The Tent in Acacia Estates, Ususan, Taguig. Organized by Manila Workshops, this event comprised many informative talks and workshops for freelancers and small businesses.

At the main expo hall, participants were welcomed by many booths and stalls from various sponsors. What excited me, however, were the premium talks that I’ve been raring to attend.

Premium Talks

From 10 AM to 5:30 PM, three industry leaders facilitated discussions on three hot topics: digital marketing, content creation, and design thinking.

Marketing Track

For the Marketing Track, Rey Baguio of Zarangola Media discussed how to prepare digital marketing plans and what the field looks like at present.

My key takeaway from this talk is that digital marketing is no longer optional. Any SMB or freelancer worth their salt should have an idea on how to use digital marketing for the benefit of their enterprises. As Mr. Baguio said, digital marketing is a beast that should be tamed.

Content Track

Next, Ana Santos of Writer’s Block Philippines talked about how to create effective content that will sell and get the message across. In addition, she emphasized the importance of thinking as a creative entrepreneur rather than a freelancer.

Personally, I found Ms. Santos’ talk to be inspiring and relevant. Aside from giving us tips on how to improve our writing, she shared interesting stories and anecdotes on how she transitioned from having a lucrative career in banking to becoming an independent journalist.

In addition, Ms. Santos emphasized the importance of establishing one’s “digital reputation” and how to maintain one’s credibility. She also reminded the group that we should market ourselves and hone our skill in writing.

Design Track

Finally, Philip Smithson, Director of On-Off Design & Technology, covered the basics of user experience and design thinking in a productive mini-workshop.

Talks at the Freelancer Fair Expo Area

At the expo area, other talks were held simultaneously for the rest of the participants. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend any of the talks, as I spent the day in Casa Real for the premium event.

Here is a list of all the talks presented by thought leaders and influencers:

• Building Alliances: Freelancing in the Philippines with Evan Tan, Freelancing Advocate
• Keynote Speaker: Government’s Role in Building Alliances with Freelancers with Monchito Ibrahim of DICT
• 7 Steps to a Successful Freelance Business with Marvin De Leon of Freelance Blend
• How to Stand Out: Branding 101 with Fitz Villafuerte of 199jobs.com
• Art of Pricing with Francis Guintu
• How to Get International Clients with CJ Maturino of Online Filipino Freelancers
• Government Benefits for Freelancers with Dandy Victa of Manila Service Review
• 7 Tools that Multiply your Freelance Earnings with Genesis Reonico of OnlineJobsUniversity.com
• Business Correspondences and Maintaining Key Relationships, a panel discussion with Charlie Aquino of Sophie Creatives and Pau Lagura of RIS Philippines

Sponsors and Partners

The Freelancer Fair was presented in partnership with some of the biggest names in the freelancing industry:

• The Department of Information and Communications Technology
• Manila Workshops
• OnlineJobsUniversity.com
• Freelancing.ph
• Freelance Blend
• Tycoon.ph
• Zarangola Media
• Online Filipino Freelancers
• The Virtual Nomad Podcast
• Bloggers ng Pinas
• Raket.ph
• Work-in-Freedom
• Graphic Artists Philippines

To learn more about Manila Workshops, the organization behind this event, connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on the Freelancer Fair and any upcoming workshops, visit Manila Workshops’ official website.