Networking Tips for Freelancers: Boost Your Business

Published on 1 August 2023 8 min read

Identify your networking goals
Use social media to your advantage
Attend industry events and conferences
Create and share value
Build a personal brand
Follow up and stay in touch
Leverage local networking groups
Seek opportunities to collaborate

Freelancing opens up a world of opportunities, but it also requires you to wear many hats. Among these, one of the most important is the 'networker' hat. As a freelancer, you're your own advocate, and networking plays a pivotal role in expanding your circle, landing lucrative gigs, and growing your business. Now, if you're wondering how to navigate the networking maze, you're in the right place. This blog provides some practical tips for networking in writing as a freelancer.

Identify your networking goals

Before you start connecting with others, it's important to know what you want to achieve. Having clear networking goals not only keeps you focused but also helps you find the right people to connect with. Here's how you can set your networking goals:

Define your needs: Think about what you lack in your freelance career. Maybe you need more clients, or you're looking for a mentor to guide you. Once you know what you need, you can target your networking efforts accordingly.
Set realistic goals: If you're new to networking, don't aim to meet 100 new people in a week. Start small. A good initial goal could be to connect with five fellow freelancers in your niche by the end of the month.
Consider your long-term plan: If you plan to specialize in a particular type of writing in the future, start networking with people in that field now. For instance, if you want to get into travel writing, connect with travel bloggers, magazine editors, and travel agencies.

Remember, networking isn't just about what you can gain. It's also about what you can give. So, while setting your goals, also think about the value you can provide to others. Maybe you have a knack for editing or a flair for catchy headlines. Use these skills to help others in your network and build strong, mutually beneficial relationships.

Identifying your networking goals is a key step in boosting your freelance writing business. So, take some time, sit down with a cup of coffee, and jot down your networking goals. And remember, networking isn't a one-time thing—it's a continuous process. So, keep refining your goals as your business grows and your needs change.

With your goals in hand, you're ready to take on the networking world! Next up, we'll dive into how to use social media to your advantage. So, stick around!

Nowadays, social media isn't just for sharing cute cat videos or mouth-watering food pictures. It's a powerful networking tool for freelancers. But how do you harness this tool effectively? Let's break it down:

Choose the right platforms: Not all social media platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to professional networking. LinkedIn is a no-brainer for connecting with other professionals. Twitter is great for joining conversations and showcasing your thoughts. Instagram shines for visual content creators. Choose the platforms that align with your freelance writing business.
Optimize your profiles: Your social media profile is your online business card. Make sure it's up-to-date and professional. Include a clear profile picture, a concise bio, and a link to your portfolio. Use keywords related to your freelance writing niche in your bio to get noticed in searches.
Engage, don't just broadcast: Social media is a two-way street. Don't just post about your work and achievements—engage with others. Comment on posts, share useful resources, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions.

Remember, the goal isn't to rack up thousands of followers overnight. It's about creating meaningful connections with individuals who can help your freelance business grow—and whom you can help in return. So, be authentic, be generous, and be consistent. Social media networking is a marathon, not a sprint. But with patience and persistence, it can yield dividends for your freelance writing business.

So, go ahead—dust off your LinkedIn profile, tweet about your latest blog post, or share a behind-the-scenes Instagram story of your writing process. Start leveraging social media to boost your freelance networking efforts today!

Next on our list of networking tips for freelancers is attending industry events and conferences, so stay tuned!

Attend industry events and conferences

Getting out there and meeting people face-to-face is one of the most effective networking techniques. Attending industry events and conferences can be a game changer for your freelance writing business. But how do you make the most of these events? Here are some pointers:

Do your homework: Before you attend any event, research the speakers, attendees, and the event's theme. This helps you identify who you want to meet, what questions to ask, and how to present yourself. You won't be caught off guard and can make the most of each interaction.
Have a game plan: Don’t just show up and hope for the best. Have a clear goal for what you want to achieve from the event. It could be meeting a specific person, learning about a new trend, or simply making a certain number of new contacts.
Be present and engaged: Listen more than you talk. Ask thoughtful questions. Show genuine interest in what others have to say. People are more likely to remember and want to connect with someone who makes them feel valued.

Don't forget to bring your business cards and follow up with the people you meet after the event. A simple email saying it was nice to meet them can go a long way in building a lasting relationship.

And remember—while these events are professional, they're also meant to be fun. So relax, be yourself, and enjoy the experience. Who knows? Your next big freelance writing opportunity could be just a handshake away!

Stay tuned for our next tip on how to create and share value as a freelancer.

Creating and sharing value is another essential tip for networking in writing as a freelancer. So, you're probably wondering, "What does that even mean?" Well, it's simpler than it sounds. Here's how you do it:

Offer helpful tips: How about sharing a writing tip or a resource you find useful? This could be a book, a website, or even a productivity tool. This not only shows your expertise but also your willingness to help others.
Share your work: Don't be shy to share your latest piece of writing. It's a great way to showcase your talent, get feedback, and engage with other writers. Who knows, someone might be looking for a writer with your exact style and skills.
Give genuine compliments: If you read something you like, tell the writer. A little bit of encouragement can make someone's day and help to build a positive relationship.

Remember, the goal is not to sell but to build relationships. When you create and share value, you're showing that you're not just in it for yourself. You're a part of a community, and you're willing to contribute to that community. And guess what? People are more likely to want to work with someone who's a team player. So go ahead, start sharing!

Next up, we'll talk about how to build a personal brand as a freelancer.

Build a personal brand

Let's get right to it, shall we? Building a personal brand is no longer a 'nice-to-have'. It's a 'must-have' for any freelancer. It's your ticket to standing out in the sea of freelancers and grabbing the right attention. Here's how you can start:

Discover your uniqueness: What makes you different from other writers? Maybe it's your unique writing style, or your expertise in a specific niche. Find that thing, and own it. It's your secret weapon.
Tell your story: People love a good story, and your personal journey is no exception. It gives your audience a chance to connect with you on a deeper level. So, share your journey, your struggles, your victories, and your lessons learned.
Consistency is key: Once you've defined your brand, stay consistent. Use the same tone, colors, and style across all your platforms. It helps people recognize and remember you.

Think of your brand as a promise to your clients. It's not just about what you do, but how you do it. And when you deliver on that promise consistently, you build trust. And trust, my friend, is the foundation of any successful networking relationship.

Now, let's move on to the next tip for networking as a freelancer: staying in touch and following up.

Follow up and stay in touch

Building a network isn't just about making new contacts—it's about maintaining them too. You've made the connection, now it's time to nurture it. Here's how:

Keep them in the loop: Share updates about your work, new skills you've learned, or interesting articles you've read. It keeps the conversation going and gives you a reason to reach out.
Remember the little things: Simple gestures like wishing them on their birthdays or work anniversaries can go a long way. It shows that you value them as individuals, not just as professional contacts.
Be there for them: Networking is a two-way street. Offer your help when they need it, be it for a project or for some advice. It's a great way to strengthen the relationship.

Remember, people like to work with people they know and trust. So, don't wait for a year to pass before reaching out to your contacts. Keep the conversation going, show genuine interest, and be consistent. That's how you keep your network strong and thriving.

Next up, let's look at how you can leverage local networking groups—a great way to expand your network and find potential collaborators.

Leverage local networking groups

Local networking groups are like a gold mine for freelancers. They are filled with like-minded individuals, potential clients, and opportunities waiting to be discovered. So how do you make the most out of these groups?

Find the right group: Not all networking groups are created equal. Some might be more relevant to your field than others. Research and find the ones where you're likely to meet people who are interested in what you do.
Show up regularly: Just joining a group is not enough. Make it a point to attend meetups regularly. The more visible you are, the more people will remember you.
Be active: Don't just be a wallflower. Participate in discussions, ask questions, share your experiences. This is a great way to showcase your knowledge and expertise.

Networking groups are not just about taking, they're also about giving. Share your insights, help others, be a valuable member of the group. When you do that, people are more likely to help and support you in return.

Now that we've covered local networking groups, let's move on to another powerful strategy—seeking opportunities to collaborate. Stay tuned!

Seek opportunities to collaborate

Collaborating with others can be a game-changer in your freelance writing career. It's not always about competition, sometimes it's about collaboration. So how can you seek out these opportunities?

Reach out to fellow writers: There are plenty of other writers in your field who might be interested in collaborating. It could be co-writing a blog post, working on a project together, or even starting a podcast. Don't be afraid to reach out and propose a collaboration.
Join writing projects: There are many collaborative writing projects out there. Whether it's a book, an anthology, or a blog series, these projects can help you connect with other writers and expand your network.
Offer your expertise: If you're an expert in a certain field, offer to contribute your knowledge to a collaborative project. This not only helps the project but also positions you as an authority in your field.

Remember, collaboration is a two-way street. It's not just about what you can get out of it, but also what you can contribute. When you approach collaborations with a giving mindset, you'll find that opportunities will start to come your way.

So that's it for collaboration. Up next, we're going to talk about how to identify your networking goals. But that's a story for another day, so stay tuned!

If you're eager to learn more about networking and boosting your freelance business, don't miss Jasmine MacPhee's workshop, 'The Freelancing Fundamentals To Make You Flourish.' This workshop is designed to help freelancers build a solid foundation for their business, including essential networking tips and strategies to help you stand out from the crowd and connect with potential clients.