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How to Network Strategically as a Freelancer

Friday, May 29, 2009

http://theprofitablefreelancer.com/site/personaldevelopment/how-to-network-strategically-as-a-freelancer
The Profitable Freelancer

As a freelancer, networking can be one of your most powerful prospecting ingredients—if you do it properly. In fact, some of the most successful freelancers I know built their businesses entirely through networking. And for me, networking has been a big driver of new leads and great clients....

#1: Focus Your Efforts

First off, it’s essential to focus your efforts. Going to every networking breakfast and joining every “leads club” in town is counterproductive—and completely insane! You’ll be spreading yourself too thin.

Instead, stick to a couple of organizations and get involved as much as possible in each one. Begin your search by selecting no more than six organizations. Attend a few of their events and meetings, and see which ones you truly like. Focus on organizations that are loaded with potential prospects in your chosen specialty, if you have one.

At a minimum, concentrate on organizations whose members truly understand the value of your services and could potentially hire you. Once you have a really good feel for each of these organizations and the type of people who attend its meetings and events, narrow your list to no more than two or three (sometimes one organization is all you need) and become a member.

For me, getting involved in the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) has been a smart decision. Because my target market is software and technology, this is a prospect-rich audience. Plus, membership and involvement in TAG gives me exposure in my local market.

Now, I could (and should) pick another group to diversify my networking efforts. But I’m happy with my TAG involvement for now, which says a lot about the value of joining an organization for the quality of its members and not just the size of its membership.