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Collaboration over competition: How freelancers benefit from building a supportive community

Collaboration over competition: How freelancers benefit from building a supportive community

Following up on last week's edition about ethics, in which I addressed ethical considerations toward your peers, let's talk about collaboration over competition.


As freelancers, it’s common to feel like we’re constantly competing for clients and projects. However, shifting your mindset from competition to collaboration can open up new opportunities and help you build a stronger, more supportive community.


Freelancing is not just about landing the next job – it’s about making an impact in healthcare and elevating the standards of our profession together.

Building a community of freelance medical writers and translators is essential for success, and collaboration can benefit you both personally and professionally.


COLLABORATION MEANS MORE WORK, NOT LESS

Many freelancers fear that by collaborating or sharing resources, they might be giving away opportunities. However, the healthcare industry is vast, and there is more than enough work to go around. As the demand for medical writing and translation continues to grow, freelancers who work together can help meet these needs more effectively.


Collaboration with your peers isn’t about losing work – it’s about gaining trust and expanding your network. Referring clients or partnering with other freelancers can strengthen your professional relationships and lead to more opportunities in the long run.


YOU CAN'T BE AN EXPERT IN EVERY NICHE

By collaborating with other freelancers who have complementary expertise, you can focus on your strengths and refer clients to trusted colleagues for projects outside your specialty.


This approach allows you to develop a reputation as a focused expert while still offering clients access to a broader range of services through your network. Specializing helps you increase the quality of your work, and collaboration ensures clients get the right person for the job, whether it’s you or someone you recommend.


SHARING RESOURCES SAVES TIME

Freelancers often work alone, handling everything from client management to project execution. But you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Sharing resources with your peers – such as terminology databases, software tools, or helpful industry platforms – can save valuable time and improve the quality of your work.


Collaborating to share insights and tools benefits everyone. It helps you avoid duplicating efforts, keeps you informed of industry trends, and allows you to focus on delivering the best results to your clients.


A RISING TIDE LIFTS ALL BOATS

One of the biggest advantages of building a community is that success is not a zero-sum game. When we support one another – through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, or mentoring – we raise the standard of the entire field.


Helping others improve their skills doesn’t diminish your own expertise. Instead, it strengthens the profession as a whole, leading to better work, higher standards, and a more respected industry. The more we support each other, the stronger our profession becomes.


BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, NOT RIVALRIES

Fostering relationships with fellow freelancers is a critical part of long-term success. Attending industry conferences, engaging with others on professional platforms, and reaching out to peers can help build a network that supports you when you need it most.

Instead of seeing your peers as competitors, think of them as collaborators. Building relationships based on mutual respect and trust will lead to referrals, partnerships, and a reliable support system.


WE THRIVE TOGETHER

Rather than viewing your peers as competition, see them as allies in creating a supportive, thriving network of medical writers and translators that elevates the industry for all.


Freelancing doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. The relationships you build with other freelancers open the door to new opportunities, better client outcomes, and a more fulfilling career. When we lift each other up, everyone wins.

If you're looking for tailored guidance to boost your medical translation career,
I'd love to support you on your journey.

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For those who thrive in collaborative settings, the Group Mentoring program offers an opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, build meaningful relationships, and enhance your marketing, networking, and business skills in a supportive group environment. 

While the program is currently not accepting registrations, a waiting list is available if you'd like to join the next round.

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Perfect for those who value flexibility and a personalized approach, the Individual Mentoring packages allow you to focus on specific areas of development – whether you're just starting, refining your skills, or aiming to expand your business and client base. With options for one, three, or five sessions, you can choose the level of support that best fits your needs.

Plus, don't forget that subscribers of the Perspectives on Medical Translation & Writing newsletter enjoy a 20% discount on both mentoring settings!

Every translated document and crafted piece is a step towards a healthcare world where language does not limit access to quality care.

Together, we're working towards an environment where accurate, clear, and culturally sensitive information is available to all, making "lost in translation" a thing of the past.

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Perspectives on Medical Translation & Writing, a newsletter dedicated to professionals navigating the world of medical translation and writing.

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© 2025 Ana Sofia Correia. All rights reserved. Portugal.

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