{"id":3648,"date":"2021-02-16T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-16T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/six-non-intimidating-tips-for-freelance-networking\/"},"modified":"2026-03-11T11:19:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T10:19:43","slug":"tips-for-freelance-networking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/tips-for-freelance-networking\/","title":{"rendered":"Nine Non-Intimidating Tips for Freelance Networking"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Networking: a simple word, which, weirdly enough, stresses out a lot of freelancers. Freelance networking can be frustrating but it\u2019s also extremely important. Having the right contacts can open doors that otherwise remain closed, especially to a freelancer. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connecting with potential clients and anybody who might be interested in your work can help you call upon those connections when the need arises. The lone wolf aspect of freelancing can make it tough to form those relationships, but it doesn\u2019t have to be as difficult as it sounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What exactly is the secret to proper networking that will help you in your freelance career<\/a>? Here are nine non-intimidating tips, tricks and suggestions for freelance networking that you can use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Start small <\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Don’t leave out fellow freelancers<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Contribute to freelancer content<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Professional online networks<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Go to local events<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Always keep a business card in hand<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Be genuine<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Think about your body language<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Follow up<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"Tips<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    1) Start small<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Approaching strangers can be a daunting aspect so it\u2019s best to start with the people that you know<\/strong>. Begin slowly with your friends <\/strong>and relatives <\/strong>and then when you\u2019re a little more comfortable with the idea of networking, move on to your alumni network<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The people you already know will know other people who\u2019ll know other people and so on. Stick around with the people you know and ask them for an introduction to the people you are looking to meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    Join our freelancer community today!
    Create your profile in just 2 minutes and start attracting new clients.<\/p>\n\n\n

    Sign up for free<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    2) Don\u2019t leave out fellow freelancers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A general tip that applies to both online and offline freelance networking is not leaving other freelancers out. As you\u2019re building your network, help out fellow freelancers<\/strong> if you can. Sure, connections with companies and potential big clients might seem more productive and lucrative, but hanging out with the freelancer crowd can prove to be just as effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Think of it as having good, reliable colleagues<\/strong>. If the workload is too much, the project too big or just too difficult, freelancers need others that they can count on. Make yourself to be that other person. By lending a hand, you can then count on them for help later down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You may also consider getting in touch with just two or three freelancers with complementary skills or ones who work in a parallel industry. The idea is that they refer clients to you, and in return you\u2019ll refer clients to them. You can discuss referral fees if it makes sense, but the point is that someone may need you for one part of a project, and need someone else\u2019s skills for the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re an IT freelancer, consider reaching out to the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Graphic designers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In front of every technical project, there\u2019s a visual component. Developers, programmers, and UX experts make perfect partners to graphic or web designers. Get to know some freelance designers and see how you can help each other. BONUS: Have a designer you trust that you can recommend every time you start a new project\u2013like an app or website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Leaders at IT companies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Whether you freelance because you\u2019re in between full-time jobs, or because you prefer to work for yourself, you can still benefit from IT firms. Sometimes they outsource work that would put them over capacity, or that isn\u2019t a fit for their niche. Guess who could be on the receiving end of that work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    IT freelancers with complementary skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Android dev, meet iOS dev. AngularJS expert, meet MongoDB pro. You speak Python, but your client needs someone who speaks Java. Back-end developers and programmers should get to know business intelligence consultants, site architects and project managers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    IT freelancers with the same skills as you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You might be thinking: \u201cWhat? No! We\u2019re competing for the same jobs!\u201d It might seem counter-intuitive, but you should be open to partnering with the competition. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n