How to build your freelance network
By Carrie M. King →Strong connections are key to a successful freelance career. How can you make the most of your community and build up a powerful network as a freelancer? Let’s take a look.
We get it. Networking is scary. The word alone conjures images of name tags and tepid handshakes and 30-second elevator pitches, but there’s more to networking than awkward transactional events. You don’t need special access or to be on a stage or to get to know the most influential people in the room to build a strong network—though, of course, you can if that’s your jam.
The real secret to networking is that anyone can do it. You don’t need to be well-known, or highly experienced, or even extroverted. You just need to be yourself, pay attention to topics and people that genuinely interest you, and be willing to put yourself out there, at least a little. Like all the best things, start small and build from there.
Need a few pointers to get you started? We’ve got a few.
1. Talk to people you already know
They say charity begins at home but so does community. Whether or not you know it, you already have a network. You’ve got friends, family, current or former classmates and teachers, friends of friends, social media contacts, neighbors, local organizations, fellow dog-walkers… you get the idea.
No matter who you are, you already know some folks who might be able to open doors you can’t yet see. To do that however, they need to know exactly what you’re looking for. So if you’re starting out as a freelancer or looking for a new project, tell people you know and talk about your work. Being straightforward about what you need will get you further than you think!
2. Reach out to former employers, clients, or co-workers
Workplaces naturally provide professional connections that will develop in different ways over the course of your career. As a freelancer, maintaining some of those connections can be valuable as you build up your project portfolio and client network. Let your former employers, clients, and colleagues know that you’ve started a freelance business and tell them exactly what kind of projects you’re looking for. Be direct, friendly, and concise, and support them in return if you can. Once you’re ready, renting a desk in a co-working space is another great way to build up your freelance contacts–and it gets you out of the house! Win-win.
3. Attend events
If you’ve already told everyone from your former boss to your current postman that you’re a freelancer, it’s time to step things up a notch. Yes, you now need to speak to people you don’t know. This is simpler than it sounds. You already know what you’re interested in so find in-person events that are relevant to you and go along. Bring a friend if you need moral support and don’t feel pressured to glad-hand everyone in the room. Just turn up, see what the event has to offer, avoid using your phone as a shield, and make some easy small talk with the person next to you in the coat queue.
The more events you go to, the easier it will be to a) discern which ones actually benefit you and b) talk to other attendees. Just being seen out and about at industry-relevant events can have untold benefits. Don’t feel disheartened if you go to a bad event or don’t feel that you gained anything from it. The important thing is that you went.
4. Use LinkedIn and other social media wisely
No matter your feelings on social media, online networks are now part of the fabric of our lives. While I’ll complain about LinkedIn to anyone who’ll listen, building my freelance career would have been much harder without it. There’s professional value in any social media platform if you’re smart about how you use it.
LinkedIn, specifically, can be a great online representation of your professional life and at best, is a fantastic way to build your network and find new projects. Put time into building your profile and share posts that reflect who you are and what you need from your professional network. The strongest LinkedIn presences are often the ones that sound most like themselves, so stand out from the crowd of people writing identikit posts according to the latest trend, and say something that feels like you.
If you’re reaching out to new contacts, always write a short, concise message to introduce yourself and be respectful. And, as always, tell your network about your work and what kind of projects you’re looking for. It really works!
5. Be genuine, be grateful, and be supportive
Any community of people depends on the personalities and the reciprocity at the heart of it. Your network is fundamentally a series of relationships, and as with any relationship, the best ones are a balance of give and take. If someone helps you out or sends work your way, always say thank you, and try to return the favor in some way at some point. Support those around you and you’re more likely to be supported in return. Respect your expertise and the value that you bring to your network. It’s better because you’re part of it.
Read more: 10 common problems you’ll face as a freelancer (and how to solve them).
Building a nourishing professional network takes time, but putting effort into your community, telling people directly what you need, giving back when you can, and being yourself as much as possible, will pay dividends in the long run. As a freelancer, you are your own company and every project you do will build on its brand. Be good to work with, be reliable, and produce good work, and before you know it, your network will be building itself.
