In our last issue, we talked about Networking and its importance and surely by now you'll be excited to learn how you can improve your network and move a stage higher than just regular freelancing. As a freelancer, your network is perhaps your most important tool for obtaining work because it allows you to create and validate a reputation.

There are a number of ways to network effectively, including online and offline and in this issue we will be looking at the ways to improve your network effectively. 

Ways to Effectively improve your Network as a Freelancer 

To Start Off, Why Network?

Fundamentally, you need a network. Most people prefer to work with someone they know, or who has been recommended by an organization or a person that they trust: that is, someone from within their network. It therefore makes sense that a large amount of your work is likely to come from within your network, either from your existing contacts, or as you expand it actively through work and networking activities.

Your existing network consists of your friends, family, acquaintances, and probably a large number of people who have worked with you over the years. They all know you, and many of them are familiar with your work. They might well be prepared to recommend you to other people.

On the other hand, Your future network might well include some or all of:

Other freelancers, whom you have met at freelancing events, co-working spaces, or on freelancer forums

Potential and actual clients, who are prepared to both use your services and recommend you to others; and

Providers of freelance work and networking opportunities, such as design centres, editing services, or freelance pools.

All these can potentially be useful and build your reputation and/or provide you with work. They may also be invaluable in providing information. It is therefore a good idea to make sure that you know people’s names, and a little bit about them, and preferably have some contact information, so that you can follow up an initial contact.

Although there are many ways to effectively improve your network, here are 5 highlighted tips we have picked out for you to improve your network effectively;

Tip #1 - Start Close to Home

There’s no need, at first, to jump way outside your comfort zone as you build your networking skills. Focus first on making sure your friends and family members know exactly what you do and what kinds of jobs you can handle. Encourage them to spread the word among their networks. 

Tip #2 - Contact Past Clients

If you completed several jobs for a particular group or company and had a positive working relationship, they obviously liked what you were doing. Why not reach out to them and see if they have recommendations for other potential clients? This works particularly well and is a quick way of getting work orders…

Tip #3 - Lend a Helping Hand

One of the common misconceptions about professional networking is that it’s all about what your connections can do for you. And though that is, in many regards, the purpose of a professional network, it’s not the only purpose.

As you’re building and maintaining your network, help out your connections, even if they can’t do anything for you right now. By lending your assistance and support now, you’re creating a community of people who will want to help you down the road.

Tip #4 - Use Social Media

Let us sound this warning clearly: Don’t neglect virtual networking opportunities!

You can find groups of other freelancers online with whom you have much in common. Be active in your virtual conversations, learning from others’ experiences and offering your own bits of wisdom when possible..

Tip #5 - Attend Local Events

Before the pandemic, you could not depend entirely on the internet for networking and freelance success. Obviously, things are a little different right now, so attending in-person events is probably out of the question. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go local with virtual events.

In Conclusion, FOLLOW UP - Don’t let all of your hard work go to waste! Make sure you’re following up with your network in a timely manner.

Always learn to C.W.I - Connect With Intent

Networking doesn’t come easy to everyone, but it’s necessary for career growth and success—especially if you’re a freelancer.

Hope you found these tips helpful, let us know if you have any questions on Freelancing. Also look forward to our next issue as we will be talking on the forms/types of Networking and how to build each form. See you next time  and have a stellar week Black Freelancers…

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