Networking 101 for Freelancers
How to build a strong professional network, grow your business and make friends.
Working as a solopreneur can be tough without a network of people supporting you. Some people hear the word networking and might run to the hills in fear. But don’t run away. Networking though it can require effort and will take time away from day-to-day work is an important aspect of your business and also can help with your mental health. Networking is working - but can be fun. Here’s how it has helped me with my business.
Networking in person is good for my energy levels. Being away from the desk and having conversations in real life. This is not me but I do actually have this cat top!
As a freelancer, networking can be a powerful tool to help you grow your business and hopefully find new clients. Here is a guide that could help you:
Attend events and conferences related to your industry. This will help you connect with potential clients and build relationships with other freelancers in your field.
Join online groups related to your industry. This will help you connect with other freelancers and potential clients who may be looking for your services.
Use social media to your advantage. Connect with potential clients, share your work, and engage with other freelancers in your industry.
Have a Zoom cuppa with freelancers only if you feel comfortable and have built a relationship with people online. You will be surprised how much you can get to know each other. Also, you could do a collab with another freelancer. A copywriter and a designer could create the dream team for a client.
Reach out to your network and let them know you’re available for work. They may have connections or know of someone who is looking for your services.
Attend local events area do an online search to see what is local to you. Also check if your area has any enterprise events taking place, often libraries have a list or local information.
Online meet ups have a great reach in meeting other freelancers locally or across the globe
Networking can help your business in many ways, including:
Finding new clients: by networking, you can find new clients who may be interested in your services.
Building Relationships: networking allows you to build relationships with other professionals in your industry, which can lead to future work opportunities.
Learning About New Opportunities: through networking, you may learn about new opportunities in your industry that you wouldn’t have otherwise known about.
Staying Up to Date: by networking, you can stay up to date on industry trends and best practices.
“Networking is marketing. Marketing yourself, your uniqueness, what you stand for.”
Guest appearance on a podcast
There are hundreds of podcasts out there. Listen to the ones that are in your niche or ones that you would like to appear on.
I have been on a few. I didn’t pitch to them but there is nothing stopping you from doing it.
I’ve spoken to Louise Shannahan on the ‘15 minute freelancer’ on improving your skills.
I spoke on a live podcast with Steve Pugh from Roadmap MBA - we discussed lots of topics including how mistakes turn into opportunities. You can see it on Youtube.
Jenny Halliday on “Freelancer Feels’ with Sophie Cross - talking about Freelancer magazine. and recently Danielle Clarke on social media and marketing yourself as a freelancer on her podcast ‘Build Better Brands’
Being a guest on a podcast is an excellent way to share your knowledge and let people get to know you. Or you could start your own.
Groups and networking events that I have attended
I love to network; I love to get out and meet people. I even talk to people at the bus stop... they actually reply back. I know in London!
I am not necessarily going just to find new clients but to meet other freelancers like me. People I can collaborate with, learn with, support and grow with.
Local small business events. Check with your local area and see what is on offer.
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
Digital Women Live -a one day conference. Great place to find out about new tech, catch up with friends and network. Image credit @Mooie Fee
Networking is working
I know as a freelancer you wear many hats - you are the marketing department, finance, and human resources etc plus do your day job. It is a lot - so try networking and see how other freelancers work. You might make a friend who could become your co-mentor or someone to collaborate with on a project.
Overall, networking for me is essential for my business and my well-being.
By attending events, joining online groups, using social media, attending meetups, and reaching out to your network. you can connect with potential clients and build relationships with other professionals in your industry.
Do you have any events that you have attended recently? Contact me - I’d like to know.
Also if you have a podcast I’m open to being a guest - I like to talk about design, freelancing and having your own business. Hit the button below.
*full transparency. This is an affiliate link and I will get some money if you join.
Hi! Thanks for reading!
My name is Angela Lyons and I am the founder and graphic designer at Lyons Creative. I specialise in both print and digital design, I aim to help businesses enhance their visual appeal by creating compelling and distinct designs.
If you are a freelancer after some advice - I’m happy to have a Zoom cuppa.
If you are interested in learning more about my services and how I can assist your business, please feel free to contact me via direct message, and we can discuss your design needs further.
Hit the button below!
