Stop Gatekeeping Content

When I was younger, I did freelance videography. New to the business world, I didn’t understand the concept of partnerships. I was defensive, not open to collaborations, and protected my work like a lion over his pack. Essentially, I was gatekeeping my content.

Gatekeeping is the concept of controlling and limiting something. You can gatekeep in all aspects of life — a job, at home, friends, and even online.

My ignorance came from a point of self-consciousness. I wanted others to believe my work was special. I wanted to be chosen to shoot the next web video for a business. I wanted to film the next local event.

Young and immature, I had the wrong perspective on freelancing.

Now that I have several more years added to my portfolio, I realized that I am no longer gatekeeping content. I LOVE working with others. Unfortunately, as time passes, it is harder to rise to the top of the algorithms as a writer, videographer, photographer, etc.

On the flip side, there is an abundance of new freelancers to learn from. I’ve taken advice from people with 2k followers, all the way up to 70k followers. There’s always going to be somebody who figured it out before me — and I am okay with that.

Whether you are trying to carve a niche for yourself or get a paid gig doing what you love — don’t be close-minded with collaboration. Networking and building references to your work are more important.

Something, or someone, will find your work if they find it as special as you do. Keep trying to connect in every way possible. You can connect via social media, in-person meetups, seminars — whatever — just be passionate about why you can add value to the collaboration. In the end, you’ll be glad you didn’t gatekeep your content.