In a significant move towards transforming the freelance ecosystem in Japan, Sollective K.K., a company headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has launched the Sollective Guild. This new community replaces the previous Sollective networking platform, aiming to find comprehensive solutions to the challenges businesses face through the expertise of highly skilled freelancers. Under the leadership of CEO Erika Iwai, the Guild is designed not just as a space for individual freelancers, but as a collective that advocates for the interests of freelancers as a whole.
Historically, Sollective has operated a strict evaluation platform where only the top freelancers, referred to as "Sollective Certified Pros," are presented to corporations. Through this process, these freelancers have been part of a community aiming for mutual growth. However, as discussions unfolded within the community, it became evident that there was a pressing need to redefine the perception of skilled freelancers in Japan, where traditional employment norms remain strong.
In a society where permanent employment is still valued, viewing freelancers as "reliable business partners" or "external experts" has not become mainstream. The prevalent misconceptions about freelancers—particularly regarding their skills and reliability—continue to serve as barriers to businesses that could benefit from external expertise. These misunderstandings not only hinder the recognition of these skilled professionals but also restrict the advantages that companies could otherwise gain from utilizing their services.
The Sollective Guild aims to address and correct these misconceptions, evolving from a focus on individual achievements to a collective structural transformation in how freelancers are regarded in the business world. The Guild symbolizes a cooperative alliance, reminiscent of traditional guilds formed by craftsmen and merchants, which seek to protect their interests collectively. Members of the Guild will actively engage in initiatives that enhance the visibility and value of certified freelancers within corporate environments, thus prioritizing the overall welfare of freelancers. This communal approach ensures that as the freelance community thrives, individual members will also reap the benefits.
Participation in the Guild remains exclusive to those freelancers who pass the same rigorous evaluation criteria as the Sollective Certified Pros. Many of these individuals have impressive backgrounds, having significantly contributed to core business operations such as new business developments, product innovations, and branding strategies.
Central to the Guild’s ethos are five guiding principles: "Bring Opportunities," "Help Colleagues," "Share Knowledge," "Uphold Value," and "Proactively Communicate." These principles are already being put into action, and the Guild plans to announce its achievements and activities as they unfold, showcasing a united front of skilled freelancers dedicated to advancing their field.
The establishment of the Sollective Guild represents a pivotal step toward a future where highly skilled freelancers are recognized as indispensable partners in the corporate sector. This initiative aims to further propel the evolution of the freelance ecosystem in Japan, cultivating a work environment that fully embraces this new wave of talent.
About Sollective K.K.
Sollective K.K. is dedicated to proving the value of freelancers, enabling companies to solve their challenges with the expertise of highly skilled independent professionals. The company focuses on transforming workplace dynamics and organizational structures with a wide range of services, including a thorough vetting platform exclusively for highly skilled freelancers and SaaS-based business tools. With a dual-language service offering in English and Japanese, Sollective leverages a diverse pool of global talent to enhance the freelancer experience in Japan.
Company Name: Sollective K.K.
CEO: Erika Iwai, Co-Founder
Location: 2F Libport Shinagawa, 1-8-15 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Founded: January 2020
Service Website:
sollective.jp
Corporate Site:
sollective.co.jp
Contact: info@sollective.jp