There is a comforting myth in our industry that good work simply finds good people. Sometimes it does. More often, it finds people who are good, reliable, easy to work with and, crucially, visible when the next call sheet is being built. For freelancers from the production world, staying visible is a challenge. It often gets pushed to the back burner. When we meet PSA members face-to-face, one question comes up again and again: how do I get the work I want?
Marketing yourself doesn’t mean being someone you’re not. No one is suggesting a ring light, motivational videos or to start calling yourself a ‘thought leader’. In our world, it’s simpler. People need to know what you do, what you’ve done, your availability and why they can trust you. Our Co-Chair Liz Madden puts it plainly: “Work doesn’t just come to you. You get out what you put in. It’s not rocket science, but easily forgotten when travelling, loading-in, invoicing, chasing information and trying to have a life around it all.”
A sensible starting point is LinkedIn. Not because it’s perfect, but because clients, production managers, suppliers, agencies and colleagues are already there. Connect with people you have worked with and stay visible. Share a project, or a throwback to a job you are proud of. Tag clients and colleagues where appropriate. Say what your actual role was. “Great to be part of it” is fine, but “site coordinator across build and show days” or “audio systems tech for the main room” tells much more. Availability matters too. A simple post saying you have dates free or want more corporate, festival, touring or warehouse prep work, might land in front of someone who needs exactly that.
Commenting on other people’s posts also helps. Support colleagues and remain part of the conversation. Visibility is not just shouting about yourself; it is showing up.
LinkedIn is only one example. Be part of the spaces where the right people are. At the PSA, we are first and foremost a people organisation. Our 2,500+ membership are largely freelancers and independent professionals across public, commercial and corporate events, in the UK and beyond. That gives us a clear view of how much this industry depends on skilled people, and how often opportunity still travels through trust, reputation and recommendation. That does not mean leaving your career to chance. Keep a folder of photos, credits and testimonials from projects, subject to confidentiality, of course.
When you are flat out, capture the material and post it later. Set a reminder and keep your profile current. Not just when it’s quiet. Doing good work will always matter. Doing good work and helping people remember is even better.
