Network Freelancing: Do’s and Don’ts

Network freelancing can seem like a lot of work, and that is true.

Networking while being a freelancer can make anyone feel like they never signed up for two jobs.

However, networking and freelancing go together for several reasons.

“Network freelancing” refers to using online platforms and networks to connect with clients and other freelancers.

The benefits of network freelancing include access to a larger pool of potential clients, the ability to collaborate with other freelancers on projects, and the ability to work remotely.

Additionally, these platforms often provide tools and resources to help freelancers manage their workload and finances.

Online networks enable new opportunities for freelancers, allowing them to gain exposure, build their brand, and grow their business.

This article explains network freelancing dos and don’ts, helping freelancers understand networking and scale their business.

Dos of Network Freelancers

Here are some things freelancers need to consider doing to be able to successfully network.

1. Building a strong online presence

Building a strong online presence is crucial for freelancers.

It allows them to market their skills and services to a wider audience and attract new clients.

To strengthen your online presence, create a professional website, maintain an active social media presence, and build a personal brand.

A professional website allows freelancers to showcase their portfolios, list their services, and provide information about their experience and qualifications.

Include testimonials from previous clients and a contact form on your website for potential clients to reach out.

Market your services and connect with potential clients using social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Consistently create and share high-quality content to establish yourself as a thought leader and attract new clients.

In addition to a website and social media, freelancers should also focus on building a personal brand.

Craft a unique brand message, choose a consistent visual style, and stay true to your brand values.

A strong personal brand can help freelancers stand out in a crowded market and attract clients looking for specific expertise.

In summary, a professional website, active social media, and a strong personal brand help freelancers attract clients and grow their business.

Read: The Future of Freelancing: Emerging Trends and Opportunities in the Gig Economy

2. Building real-life relationships

Building relationships is an essential part of being a successful freelancer.

Strong, positive client relationships increase satisfaction and encourage repeat business for future projects.

Additionally, having a good reputation and a strong network of contacts can help you find new clients and opportunities.

One way to build client relationships is to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget consistently.

This will help establish trust and demonstrate your competence.

You should also be responsive and easy to communicate with, which can help foster a good working relationship.

Another way to build relationships is to network and connect with other professionals in your field actively.

This can include attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and participating in online forums or groups related to your work.

These connections can be a valuable source of information and may lead to new clients and opportunities.

Building relationships takes time and effort, but it is essential to growing a successful freelance business.

Provide value to clients, be easy to work with, and network to build a sustainable career and more opportunities.

3. Providing value

Providing value is a crucial aspect of being a successful freelancer.

It refers to the benefit or utility a freelancer offers clients through their work.

This can include delivering high-quality work on time, offering expertise in a particular field, or providing excellent customer service.

One way freelancers can provide value is by understanding their clients’ needs and goals and then tailoring their work to meet those needs.

This could involve going above and beyond what is expected in the project’s scope or being proactive in identifying potential issues and addressing them before they become problems.

Another way to provide value is to strive to improve one’s skills and knowledge continuously.

This not only makes freelancers more capable of handling more complex or demanding projects.

But it also makes them more valuable to potential clients as it demonstrates that they are invested in their work and stay updated with the latest developments in their field.

Additionally, freelancers should be able to communicate effectively with their clients and be transparent, honest, and timely.

This helps build trust and ensure clients are satisfied with the work delivered.

Overall, providing value is not only important for building strong client relationships but also for gaining a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy freelancer, which is essential for long-term success in the industry.

4. Following up and maintaining relationships in network freelancing

For freelancers, following up and maintaining client relationships is essential for securing repeat business and building a positive reputation in the industry.

This can be achieved through various methods, such as promptly responding to client inquiries, delivering projects on time, and proactively reaching out to clients to check in on their satisfaction with completed work.

Additionally, freelancers can maintain relationships by building a professional online presence through networking platforms and social media, which can help attract new clients and showcase a freelancer’s skills and past work.

Freelancers can establish long-lasting relationships with clients and grow their businesses by being responsive, reliable, and professional.

It’s also important for freelancers to be responsive, willing to communicate effectively with clients, and ready to address any issues that may arise during a project.

Building trust is key, and it can be achieved by clearly understanding the client’s needs and expectations, which is possible with a clear contract and timeline.

This can help establish a positive working relationship and ensure the client is satisfaction with the final product.

Furthermore, freelancers should also be willing to go above and beyond to meet client needs and expectations.

This can be achieved by providing exceptional customer service and being open to feedback and suggestions.

In summary, freelancers need to be proactive and responsive in maintaining client relationships, be reliable and professional, establish trust, build a professional online presence, and provide exceptional customer service.

This can help them secure repeat business and build a positive reputation in the industry.

Read: From Side Hustle to Full-Time: How to Make the Jump to Freelancing

Don’ts of Network Freelancing

We have learned what freelancers should do when it comes to networking.

However, knowing what not to do is just as important.

Here are the dos and do n’ts of freelance networking.

1. Being too pushy or aggressive

Being too pushy or aggressive is a major “don’t” for freelancers, as it can alienate potential clients and damage a freelancer’s reputation in the industry.

Moreover, being pushy means applying too much pressure on clients to make a decision or take a particular course of action, and it can make clients feel uncomfortable and resentful.

Clients want to feel in control and respected, and if they sense that a freelancer is being pushy, they may choose to work with someone else.

Furthermore, freelancers should avoid being aggressive in their communication and behavior, which can also be off-putting to clients.

Aggressiveness can be defined as being harsh or intimidating in one’s approach, and it can create a hostile or unfriendly environment.

Clients want to feel comfortable and at ease when working with a freelancer, and if they sense that the freelancer is being aggressive, they may choose to work with someone else.

It’s also essential for freelancers to be aware that this type of behavior may not only damage their relationship with current clients but also cause them to get negative feedback or be blacklisted from future opportunities.

Therefore, freelancers should strive to be professional, respectful, and understanding in all client interactions.

This can be achieved by actively listening to clients’ needs and concerns, responding to client inquiries promptly, and being responsive and adaptable to client feedback.

Additionally, freelancers should avoid being too pushy in promoting their services and instead focus on building long-term relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

By taking a more measured and professional approach, freelancers can build strong, lasting relationships with clients and establish a positive reputation in the industry.

Read: The Benefits and Challenges of Having a Freelancing Niche

2. Neglecting online presence

Neglecting one’s online presence is a common mistake that freelancers should avoid when trying to network and build their business.

An online presence is essentially the image and reputation that a freelancer has on the internet, and it can significantly impact the success of a freelancer’s business.

Neglecting an online presence, on the other hand, is an important no-no when it comes to network freelancing.

It can make it harder for freelancers to be found and make new contacts.

For instance, if a freelancer doesn’t have a website or a professional profile on LinkedIn, it can be more difficult for potential clients to learn about their services and qualifications.

3. Lack of authenticity

Being authentic is crucial for freelancers who want to network, as it helps build trust and establish credibility with potential clients and collaborators.

When freelancers are not authentic, they risk damaging their reputation and losing potential opportunities.

For example, if a freelancer exaggerates their skills or experience, they may land a job they are not qualified to complete, leading to poor performance and negative feedback.

Additionally, if a freelancer is not authentic in their communication with potential clients or collaborators, they may struggle to establish strong relationships, as trust and transparency are key components of successful partnerships.

Furthermore, not being authentic can also make freelancers appear inauthentic and untrustworthy in front of their peers, which could lead them to miss out on future collaboration or partnership opportunities.

It may also cause them to lose existing professional relationships as well as potential new connections.

In short, being authentic is critical for freelancers, as it allows them to establish credibility, build trust, and create strong relationships—all of which are essential for success in the competitive world of freelance work.

Not being authentic can hurt a freelancer’s chances of getting a job and their reputation and long-term career prospects.

Read: The Intersection of Freelancing and Social Entrepreneurship

Conclusion

Be genuine and authentic in your interactions, and focus on building relationships rather than immediately trying to sell your services.

Create a strong online presence and make an effort to stay connected with your network.

By doing so, freelancers will establish credibility and trust, which will help them find new opportunities and build sustainable careers.

Network freelancing will work just fine.

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