Arr, me hearties! Send up the mainsail and draw in the anchor. All good Capt’ns, ship dogs, and wenches be casting off their harbor shackles for that thar high seas. Ahoy, matey!

Last Friday, September 19th, was International Talk Like A Pirate Day! This unique event created an opportunity for many people around the globe. For one day, differences were cast aside and a child-like freedom and joy-filled silliness reigned supreme across the world.

Did you take advantage of this jolly event to do something special?

I sure did! – Perth Pirates of PTUB

Thanks to the wonders of Plurk and Twitter, a group of Perthites got together at Little Creatures Brewery in Fremantle, Western Australia. We weren’t just the average Perthite computer geek however, we were PIRATE geeks.

From frocks to eye patches, tattoos to frills, and bandanas to booze, up to twenty men and women between twenty and forty years of age dressed for the high seas. This was one gathering more than merry enough to shiver me timbers. Thankfully, we didn’t raise too many eyebrows as even the staff had joined the fun of Talk Like A Pirate Day.

But what does a fun night out on the town really mean to freelancers?

Events, like Talk Like A Pirate Day, or upcoming Halloween, are opportunities to celebrate a social connection. For freelancers it is a fabulous excuse to connect in a diverse range of personal and professional capacities.

Pillage The Pirate Plunder

How can we get the most out of social celebrations?

• Send greeting cards or gifts.
• Remember:
  
• Keep your greetings short and simple.
• Personalize when possible.
• Acknowledge any greetings you receive.
• Organize or attend parties
• Remember:
  
• Get invitations out early.
• Respond to invitations swiftly.
• Plan in advance to increase likelihood of attendance.
• Send out an event reminder as it approaches.
• Add events to your schedule.
• Schedule a product launch
• Remember:
  
• Write High Seas Fiction or Maretine Non-Fiction? International Talk Like A Pirate Day might be your ideal launch date.
• Horror or Supernatural? Try Halloween
• Family and Children’s Books are great around Christmas
• Self-Help, Finance or Health at New Year’s
• Romance Novels for Valentine’s
• Books with religious foundations suit Easter.



• Write event specific content
• Remember:
  
• Publisher’s create their lists well in advance.
• Pitch or Query your time sensitive content early.
• Consider requesting a publication calendar.
• Theme your site, blog, office, etc.
• Remember:
  
• Keep any changes low key rather than dramatic.
• Follow standard Web Tips regarding font sizes, accessability, and color standards.
• Back up your original so you can switch back simply after the event.
• Sticky tape and paint are not friends.
• Host a themed contest
• Remember:
  
• Themed contests deserve themed prizes
• Carefully plan your deadlines
• Keep things simple.
• Consider, then share, the lesson
• Remember:
  
• Every experience offers an opportunity to learn.
• Not everyone learns the same lesson.
• It’s important to have fun regardless of the lesson.

Share The Rum With The Crew

There are a number of reasons these actions can reap rewards but the number one is that you’re getting your name, your brand, out there. Every time you put your name in front of a friend, client, editor, etc. you’re reminding them who you are and what you can do for them.

Often, freelancers spend extraordinary quantities of time in physical seclusion. Human’s flourish in social proximity. Being able to see, smell, touch, (and taste?), other people enhances the depth of relationships. Physical contact strengthens emotional bonds. These bonds lead to personal, and career, opportunities for the future.

Also, putting an image to a word is one of the most powerful memory tools available. A face to a name makes you more memorable. Your imprint on their mind means they are more likely to think of you for future business.

Finally, lets admit it, being social makes you more human. There are some ways you don’t want to be remembered; dancing on the table, or upchucking all over the shared nachos for example, but by letting your hair down you create a depth to the persona you’ve developed in your work environment online and off. You become human, and humans always appreciate knowing they aren’t the only imperfect being. Humans are more likely to hire or recommend other humans.

Find reasons to get out there and celebrate. Give of your time freely to social situations where you can have fun and be around people with whom you enjoy spending time. Share your contact details and make yourself available to these people. Be where people can know you. Be a friend!

Ultimately, getting into the social scene is great for your own sense of self, but it’s also fantastic for your business. Do you have other tips or ideas about ramping up your social networks to enhance your business prospects? Did you have a fun night out you want to share? Please, feel free to have your say in the comments! I’d love to hear from you!