If I start a petition to change the word “networking” to “interacting with other humans,” would you sign it? It would feel less scary, wouldn’t it? (Cue all the introverts shaking their heads, “no.”)
But networking does have a bad reputation because it conjures up images of stuffy, formal events where you talk and hand out business cards over bad coffee. There’s a sense of things feeling forced—awkward, perhaps.
This isn’t even an entirely fair idea, though. There are plenty of fun and creative networking events out there, and yet, most people in my world struggle to “network.”
I think it’s time for a rebrand.
Networking is talking to people.
Networking is telling other people what you do for work.
Networking is saying you’re open to new work and seeking opportunities.
And, networking is accepting help from other people.
Let’s explore some networking tips for freelancers so you can book your next gig.
How I got my best gig from an impromptu conversation
I employ a few techniques to get work as a freelance writer and editor—Upwork, cold pitching, and client referrals are the most successful options.
But I’ve recently gained some traction by—drumroll, please—talking to people. As in, chatting.
The best example of this is when I caught up with someone I used to work with at my church. She asked how work was going and I mentioned it was a little slow. She’s a well-connected person, so I asked if she could keep her ears open for any opportunities.
A few weeks later, I got an email introduction from her, connecting me to her friend who works at a non-profit.
The friend and I followed up together, and I started doing some ad-hoc editing work for their organization. Fast forward a few months, and they offered me a weekly retainer. It’s now consistent, engaging work for me with an organization whose mission I align with.
I didn’t seek out the work, and it didn’t just fall in my lap, either. It came about because:
- I spoke up about looking for new work opportunities.
- My friend connected me to her friend.
It’s a simple process, really. But it’s one we (and when I say we, I very much mean me too!) find hard, awkward, weird, scary…
Here’s the thing—I can’t control #2. That was all my friend, and I’m so grateful for her effort in it. I can only control #1. And #1 is what makes #2 possible.
So how do we do more of #1?
3 networking tips for freelancers: Connect, share, ask
Networking is making new professional connections to seek new opportunities. And, as I’ve already made the case—it doesn’t have to be so complicated.
Here are three steps to network as a freelancer:
1. Connect with people
Connecting with people can happen in any location, through a variety of means. It can be in-person convos with strangers, it can be comments on LinkedIn, it can be DMs via social media, it can be follow-up texts to friends, it can be cold outreach emails to companies… You get the point.
Connection can happen in so many ways, but you’ve got to take that first step to do it.
Two strategies to help make it easier:
- Forget about work and connect as people. You don’t need an agenda going into any potential connection. Start small and start organically—person to person. You don’t need to make an ask right away, you don’t need to talk shop. Focus on building relationships and getting to know them over the short term (a few messages back and forth) or the long term (in-person relationship-building).
- Find something in common to start the conversation. My go-to Upwork strategy is to always find common ground, especially if they’re also Canadian. I’ll start with, “Hey there! Great to see another Canadian here!” It’s simple, but it gets good results—they already know we have something in common.
2. Share with people
After you’ve connected with someone—after, after, AFTER you’ve shown your humanity and connected out of kindness and mutual interest—you can share more about what you do, what you’re looking for.
Be honest, be real, and offer some details about your work. “I’m a freelance content writer, mostly focusing on long-form articles. I usually develop my content from interviews with key people in an organization, ensuring the content is unique and engaging for readers.”
You can be open about looking for new opportunities or your ideal client. Share what’s been engaging or challenging. Talk about what you’re excited about in the future.
And then, reciprocate. Ask others to share about their work, too.
3. Ask for help
You’ve made a human-to-human connection (online or in person). You’ve mutually shared about your work lives. Next—ask for help.
Many of us freelancers hate asking for help. We feel like we’re putting others out, that people don’t actually want to help us, or any number of imposter syndrome- driven reasons for sticking to our own advice.
But, people like helping people! How would you react if someone came to you and asked for your input on an article or other area of your expertise? Flattered, I’d bet. And, after you’ve put in the work to build a real connection, this is a natural next step.
Plus, asking for help doesn’t have to be that big or complicated. It can sound like:
- “Can you keep your eyes open for any jobs that come up in your company?”
- “Who was that person you mentioned I should follow online?”
- “Please send that article over when you get a chance!”
- “Can you make an email introduction between so-and-so and myself?”
- “Any chance you’re free for a 30-minute chat next week? Coffee’s on me! I’d love to pick your brain about such-and-such.”
Remember, all you can do is your part—get out there, talk to people, share about your work, and ask for help.
The rest is out of your control. But you’ve done your part, and I know it’s going to yield results. Fellow freelancer—networking is just talking to people. And in exchange, you’ll feel more confident, learn about other professionals and their industries, and establish connections that may pay off big-time down the road.
You’ve got this 💪
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