Freelance For Money

Effective Networking for Freelancers [part 2]

Posted on 09. Mar, 2010 by Chris Green in Money

(Click here for Part 1 of Effective Networking for Freelancers)

With the importance role that networking plays for freelancers, the question then becomes where do we network? As far as events and organizations go, networking can be done in two ways. One approach is to register and attend events organized by industry associations for the industry to which the you belongs. For instance, if you are a copywriter, find and join international, regional and local copywriters associations. Given the dynamic and fluid nature of the freelancer’s job description, there are times when there might not be an industry association that completely represents what you do. When faced with that kind of scenario, you can look for associations that are closest to representing your area of work.

The second approach is to join the industry associations that your clients belong to. This is probably the more effective of the two since you get to interact with a large number of potential clients and there is a likelihood of getting positive responses from at least some participants as long as you present yourself effectively. Such workshops and conferences organized by these associations provide a highly accurate form of marketing where you are able to access a sizeable number of clients and compares well with other forms of advertising such as posters and brochures where a lot of energy might be expended in marketing yourself to people that might not really need your business service.

But just attending the events is not enough. How you carry yourself holds the key to whether your networking is effective or whether it backfires and, in one swoop, ruins your reputation in the industry. One tip is to arrive early (10-15 minutes for instance) for any meeting or event. This is not only a good show of professionalism but also allows adequate time to talk to the attendees before the sessions kick off. As you interact with other people in attendance, you must be careful not to fall into the trap of selling yourself too hard. Looking like you are only in the event to network, even though it might be true, might not set well with others. Carrying yourself with confidence as opposed to appearing desperate is one way to win the trust of a future business associate. Take time to listen to everyone you interact with before introducing what you do. Chances are that they are the ones that will ask what you do.

Tags: freelance copywriting, freelance design, freelance networking