There are many benefits to being a freelancer – you are your own boss and you call the shots. I’ve been freelancing for nearly ten years now and while I love the freedom to do what I want, when I want, there is one thing that certainly lacks when you work by yourself: a social aspect.
I’m not talking about hanging out with your friends on the weekend – I am talking about networking as a freelancer. Unless someone is a freelancer themselves, it’s sometimes hard for the people around us to understand the daily highs and lows that come with the territory. For that reason, networking as a freelancer is important not only from a business perspective, but as an outlet to talk about owning a business, working with clients, learning new tips and marketing techniques, and everything else that goes along with being a freelancer.
If you’re new to the idea of networking and don’t know where to start, here are some helpful tips that will improve your social life as well as possibly bring in more work:
- Look for local events – Whether you live in a major city or not, there are usually events going on throughout the year that you can attend. Look for networking opportunities through conferences, workshops or other activities, such as city mixers. Another way to network is to go to events where your potential clients go – this helps you learn about their industry and business needs, which are key aspects if you want to work with them. One advantage to networking with potential clients as opposed to joining other freelance network opportunities is there will likely be less competition for you as you chat and meet with business owners.
- Have business cards – Of course, when you attend a networking event you are going to want to have a way for potential clients or customers to contact you. Easily design and order business cards from websites such as moo.com, vistaprint.com or any number of other companies and pass them out at social events or mixers. Despite the advances in technology, the business card still seems to be an essential for getting your name out there.
- Get active – If you don’t have many chances to attend events, look to the internet to get more social and connect with like-minded freelancers or potential clients. Visit your favorite blogs, websites or forums and post regularly with quality content – eventually you will get recognized by the client or potential clients as being experienced in a given topic. As a freelance writer, you want to be perceived as professional and knowledgeable – getting socially active online is one way to do it.
There is no right or wrong way when it comes to networking as a freelancer. What works for me might not always work for you, but the key is to get out there and try different things to see how it helps your business. Working from home keeps freelancers limited to a certain extent when it comes to having contact with others, as we would in an office setting. For that reason, freelance writers need to take extra steps in becoming more socially active!
