9 Networking Tips for Freelancers

9 Networking Tips for Freelancers9 Networking Tips for FreelancersWhile many freelance workers have a solid group of repeat customers, that might not be enough to keep them busy and make aya the bills get paid. And that means they should always- always- be networking.Unfortunately, networking doesnt come easily to some freelancers, especially if they chose that career path because theyre not highly social creatures.If youre in that boat, or you are otherwise struggling to find new clients, here are nine networking tips for freelancers that may help you meet the right people at the right times.1. Commit to building your network.Successful networking starts with getting yourself in the right mindset. You know you have to do it, so decide now that you will devote a certain segment of every day to building connections, either online or face-to-face. Then hold yourself to that schedule, keeping track of what works and what doesnt.2. Start with your family and friends.Theres no need, at fi rst, to jump way outside your comfort zone as you build your networking skills. Focus first on making sure your friends and family members are aware of exactly what you do and what kinds of jobs you can handle. Encourage them to spread the word among their own networks. Youll be surprised how much business can come your way through this simple step.3. Contact past clients.If you completed several jobs for a particular group or company, they obviously liked what you were doing. Why not reach out to them and see if they have recommendations for other potential clients? You could even offer a finders fee in return for any help they provide. This is a great example of leveraging the network you already have.4. Look for opportunities to help.By giving assistance to others, you create a community of people who will also want to help you. Overall, giving not asking is the basis of good networking, says an article from Torque. One of the best ways to get new business is to be generous with your help. Supporting others to succeed is one of the best ways to get noticed for your skills and abilities (as well as your friendly personality).5. Join groups online.With minimal effort, you can find groups of other freelancers online with whom you have much in common. (Hint LinkedIn and Facebook are great places to start your search.) Be active in your virtual conversations, learning from others experiences and offering your own bits of wisdom when possible. Again, offer help to them, and it will come back to you.6. Seek role models.While youre communicating in those groups, look for specific individuals with whom youd like to connect more closely. If youre part of a particular online community, try connecting with someone a few paces ahead of you whose work and successes you admire, recommends The Write Life. If youre starting totally from scratch, look for someone in your chosen niche. Once youve found that person, read everything they post and learn all you can.7. Attend loc al networking events.You cant depend entirely on virtual attachments if you want to succeed. Youll have to meet people in person, too. Fortunately, its not hard to find events in most communities that offer those opportunities. Search carefully and choose those most likely to fit your needs.8. Go to trade shows.Sometimes, a change of scenery will boost your networking opportunities. The Upwork blog suggests focusing on trade shows. You dont have to have just one niche, but targeting a specific industry is a great way to get to know players in that space that can connect you to all kinds of work. Instead of going to networking eventsgo to trade shows and vendor events in your industry. Youll connect with tons of potential clients, get talking points for leads, and get an ahead of the game look at whats hot in the industries you love most.9. Always follow up on your networking efforts.This advice comes from an article by TheSelfEmployed.com. Whether its sending out a couple of emails or using social media channels to approach prospects in a more informal way, be timely with your follow-up- as other freelancers will be competing for the work youre interested in securing. A quick and enthusiastic approach to follow-up can turn potential prospects into paying clients- which is the end goal.Even if you follow these networking tips, you may still be uncomfortable as you try to build your community. But remember a little discomfort is preferable to an inability to make ends meet.Searching for freelance work?Browse Open Freelance Jobs