We love hearing about what our coworkers are up to. This week we had a chat with the awesome Joe Seager.
We had a chat about his various businesses, what he’s been up to, and the world of Freelancing.
Joe is a passionate and hardworking individual and all-round great person that we LOVE having as part of the Society1 Community. Read on to see what he’s been up to:
Society1: Tell us a bit about you and what you do:
JS: Born and raised in North Yorkshire, I moved to Cumbria for university where I did a three years Media Production degree. I’ve worked in radio, TV, and made a number of short films in my time. I kind of fell into a social media role as no one was doing it at the corporate job I had. It then became a full time role and after a bit of freelancing on the side for a music festival, and I realised that working for myself was the avenue I wanted to go down. That was 12 years ago. Whilst there have been ups and downs, I wouldn’t go back and work in the corporate world. I’ve got to the point where I’m more than happy for my small businesses to stay small, providing a professional service to clients and allowing me to have a decent work life balance.
Society1: What is your favourite thing about being based in Preston?
JS: After over a decade of working from home, I didn’t realise how much I’d enjoy being back in the city. Living one train stop away from Preston gives me a short commute before feeling alive in the hustle and bustle of the city. I enjoy taking an actual lunch break with purpose – with for a walk or to get something to eat. A pint after work is also good as there are some great pubs and bars to choose from. I love to stop and sit in Winckley Square for a few minutes if I’m going to be early for my train. The closeness of Avenham park to the city is something probably taken for granted.
Society1: You run several diverse businesses – which is your favourite?
JS: I run Oop North Media, which is my day-in-day-out social media and marketing business. I recently rebranded this away form simply using my name, to try and pull together all the skills I have picked up over the years, including video editing and content writing. I also have Thriftychap which is a money blog, having grown organically over the last 7 years or so. Then there is That Socks, an online odd socks company that sells mainly on Notonthehighstreet. I’ve also had a couple of other ventures over the years.
My favourite depends on the time of year. I love packing socks for Christmas gifts, for example. Working with different clients through Oop North Media makes every day interesting. They all have different wants and needs. I could be creating content for weddings one minute, then focusing on funerals an hour later.
Society1: As a seasoned Freelancer, what advice do you have for other freelancers?
JS: This is something I mentioned when I spoke at the Preston Freelancer Meet-Up a few months back (don’t make me do it again!). I finished the talk with five key points to help current and potential freelancers, but the one that seemed to resonate with people the most is to embrace the quiet times. It’s difficult to see quiet times as a good thing because we all need to make an income. However, they can be great for self-care and self-development. It gives you opportunity to push at some doors and give things a go. Things will pick up, so use that time you have been gifted for something positive.
Society1: Last question, we have to ask, what’s your favourite thing about working from Society1?
JS: People, community & coffee. I try and get into Society1 twice a month, usually on days there is something going on event-wise. The breakfast socials and freelancer meet ups are fantastic and there is a great group of people attending on a regular basis. It was also great to attend an actual Christmas party! I’ve met many people who I now consider friends and my introverted self feels comfortable surrounded by like-minded creative individuals. The new coffee machine is ace and I’m pretty sure Brendan and I could spend the entire day talking about cricket! I’ve only been a member of S1 for about 6 months but it’s been hands-down one of the best things I’ve done for my business.
Thanks for chatting to us, Joe!
Be sure to follow Joe on social media to keep up with everything he does. He’s taking on new clients too!
Instagram: @oopnorthmedia
Linkedin: Joseph Seager
Other blogs from Society1:
Society1 People: Lindsay Wright
Society1 People: Anna Wood
Preston People – Fika Digital
Virtual Office Membership at Society1: A Professional Business Address in Preston
Dedicated Desk Membership at Society1: Your Own Workspace in Preston
Flexi Membership: Coworking That Fits Around Your Schedule | Society1 Plans
