How to Network as a Freelancer

90.99% of all my freelance work has come from referrals. Ok so that's not an exact figure, but it's close. I've landed one client from a cold email and another through Upwork. The rest: All high-quality referrals. Since many of you asked, I'll tell you how. Here are three things I consistently do to get referral business: 1. Give referrals. I stopped trying to be everything for everyone a while ago. I realized that if I do my best work and tap other people to do something I don't specialize in, it's a win for everyone. If we've worked together on a project or developed a relationship (and I know that you do good work), then you're on my list. I'm constantly giving referrals and pointing leads in the direction of folks who I know can get the job done well. More importantly: they're lovely to work with. This creates goodwill. It also keeps me top of mind with my referral network. When a job that matches my skillset comes across their world, who they gonna call? Not ghostbusters. 2. Maintain a system for building relationships. This "system" for me is nothing more than an AirTable spreadsheet, where I list my contact's name, what they specialize in, their ideal clients, and notes from our most recent conversation that'll help me deepen the relationship. That last column is the most important. During all of my relationship-building calls (a.k.a. networking), I take note of things that are top of mind for the person I'm speaking with. Maybe they just had a baby. Maybe they bought a house. Maybe they're about to launch a new product or service. Then, I put a date on the spreadsheet for when I want to reach back out and check in with how it's all going. I genuinely care, and having a check-in system ensures I'm following through on building the relationship over time. 3. Create strategic relationships. Beyond the relationships I naturally build with people I work on projects with or friends of friends in my network, I'm strategic about whom I spend my time talking to. By that, I mean connecting with people who provide adjacent services. For me, that means people who do PR, design work, paid ads, email marketing, social media management, etc. These are all folks who provide complimentary services to my content strategy work. We don't compete—we compliment. That's a beautiful referral ecosystem right there. There's more to this, but these things will get you started if you're not already strategically using your network to get ideal clients and projects. Was this helpful or should I go deeper here?

Networking changed my life. It helped me secure my first big consulting deal that let me quit my full-time job. Here's how to build relationships on LinkedIn (the right way): Networking can either make or break your career. Do it wrong: You’ll ruin your reputation. Do it right: You’ll have people speaking well of you when you’re not around. Here’s how to network like a pro: 1) Be genuine People can sense fakeness from a mile away. Instead, speak with them to get to know them. Not just because you want something. Besides… There’s no point in building relationships with people you don’t like. 2) Be a friend We want to feel cared for. Reach out once every 3 months to see how they’re doing. • Offer help • Schedule a coffee chat • Ask about their recent trip Don’t build connections. Build friendships. 3) Change your intent Turn your “I want this” mindset into a “I want to help” mindset. Start conversations without trying to sell something. But because you want to help them. Stop asking. Start giving. 4) Think long term It doesn't matter if they can’t help you now. In the long run… …you’ll be able to reach out when you need it. Be there for them now. They’ll be there for you later. That’s a real relationship. 5) Don’t ask for immediate favors This is where most screw up. They’ve barely met someone and immediately: • Ask for a job • Request a resume review • Or want some other big favor You wouldn’t do this to a stranger on the street. Why do it on LinkedIn? 6) Be mutually beneficial Start by building foundations. When/if it makes sense, think of how you can collaborate. Just like in business… This isn’t a one-way street. I help you. You help me. That’s how the world works. 7) Create on LinkedIn You never know who’s watching. Share your thoughts on the feed daily. And give people a glimpse into what you’re doing. You may not realize it… But others are going through the same as you. One of them might just come back with a life-changing opportunity. P.s. - What's one more tip you'd recommend for people networking on LinkedIn? Thanks for reading. Enjoyed this post? Follow Jordan Nelson And share it with your audience.

If you struggle to keep conversations going during networking, this tip will increase your response rate. Talk about people’s passions. Why? After getting more than 17,000 followers and networking with hundreds of job searchers, I can confidently say that: People love talking about what excites them. It’s an easy way to build rapport. Here’s how I’ve helped 50+ data professionals leverage this strategy to increase response rates and build meaningful relationships: 1️⃣ Do some research. Look at their LinkedIn or portfolio. Find something impressive. 2️⃣ Start with flattery and curiosity. Example: “Hey [Name], I noticed you [accomplishment/project]. That’s incredible! What’s the part you enjoy most about it?” 3️⃣ Follow their passion. Ask questions to show genuine interest. Let the conversation flow naturally. 4️⃣ Find common ground. When they mention something you relate to, dig deeper. Build the connection. 5️⃣ Tie it back to your goal. Shift the conversation to their role or company. Example: “Oh, does your team work on X?” “How does your company approach Y?” For instance, let’s say their passion is travel. You: “That’s awesome! Where’s the most interesting place you’ve been?” Them: “I loved Thailand!” You: “That’s on my list! Did you manage to work remotely while there?” From there, the conversation naturally moves toward their job. Pro Tip: Not everyone will engage, and that’s okay. You don't have to be "perfect" to start networking. Yes, you will still get rejected, that’s part of the game. But you'll get better after multiple iterations. Focus on connecting with the right people. Try this next time you’re stuck in a conversation and let me know how it went.

I used to think networking was all about sending generic LinkedIn connection requests. But I was wrong ⬇️ Genuine relationship building completely changed my perspective. 🤯 Here's what I've learned as a college student trying to break into my dream industry: → 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆: It's not about how many people you know, but how well you know them. Focus on building meaningful connections with a few key individuals rather than trying to network with everyone. → 𝗕𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂: Don't try to be someone you're not. People can sense inauthenticity from a mile away. Share your genuine interests and passions––that's how you'll connect with like minded people. → 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲: Always think about how you can provide value to others. Maybe it's sharing an interesting article, offering your skills, or making an introduction. When you give first, people are more likely to want to help you in return. → 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵: Networking doesn't end after the first meeting. Set reminders to check in with your connections regularly. Share updates on your progress and congratulate them on their achievements. → 𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆: LinkedIn isn't just for connection requests. Engage with people's posts, share your own insights, and join relevant groups. It's an easy way to stay on people's radar. → 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱: Don't be afraid to reach out to professionals in your desired field for a quick chat. Most people are happy to share their experiences and advice with students. ⭐ 𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬'𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗣: Create a networking tracker spreadsheet to keep notes on your connections, when you last spoke, and potential follow up topics. This has been a game changer for me in managing my professional relationships! Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships, not just adding names to your contact list. Don't get me wrong...it definitely takes time and effort, but the connections you make can open doors you never even knew existed! #networking #studentlife #careeradvice #professionaldevelopment #linkedintips #jobhunting

Other freelancers are your competition. Keep them at arm's length. ...said no successful freelancer ever. 😉 Fact 1: The freelance writer market is suuuuuper crowded. Fact 2: Freelance job posters get inundated with responses within hours, if not minutes. Fact 3: If you let Facts 1 and 2 keep you from reaching out to other freelancers and building community, you miss out on knowledge, potential referrals, support, and genuine connection. 🙅♀️ The best freelance writers don't see others as obstacles to their success. 💖 They're humble enough to admit they don't know everything. 💖 They share what they've learned just to be generous. 💖 They meet up with others without an agenda. 💖 They pass along opportunities to others. I think of Stephanie Trovato who connected me to two of her clients on our first virtual meetup just because she could. I think of Rosanna Campbell, whose entire LinkedIn platform is dedicated to helping newer freelancers succeed and grow. I think of Olivia Adkison, who intro-ed me to one of my now-favorite clients, who I've been working with for most of a year. Your network is as strong as the care and attention you pour into it — the more you support and cheer on other freelancers, the better off you'll be. (Funny how that works, isn't it?) Want to grow your freelance business? Connect to other freelancers... and aim to give more than you get. 🎁

How many times have you heard "It's not what you know, but who you know"? I’ve seen the value of building great professional relationships over the course of my career that’s spanned several decades and multiple industries. Looking back, there are a few things that have worked for me consistently –– and a lot of them are not just about meeting the right people, they’re about how to leverage your existing network and how to deal with who you know. Here are my top 7 tips for effective networking: Here are my top 7 tips for networking: 1) Think of five people you'd want to connect with Who is on your dream list, and what you'd like to discuss? Write this down and think carefully about the kind of conversation you'd broach. Then, should the opportunity (or one similar) present itself, you'll know exactly how to proceed. 2) Show your gratitude Convey appreciation when making connections and be specific about what you're thanking them for. People will remember this down the line, and your graciousness can help set you apart. 3) Follow up and follow through You'll always learn more by listening rather than talking so listen with intent. Once you know what to do then, follow up and follow through. Don't just ask and take; there should be real human interaction and appreciation involved. And remember: speed and polish will always set you apart from the crowd. 4) Be authentic and honest Whether posting articles online or networking within your industry, make sure that whatever you do is genuine. Most people are putting on an act to try and get ahead. You can easily differentiate yourself by being forthright and sincere. 5) Give first and be generous Offer help or advice to those within your network as well. Your perspective is valuable, so find ways to help them think about things differently and work with them on any challenges they face. In this way, you can position yourself as a thought leader. 6) Craft low-lift requests Make sure whatever you're asking for is doable, even for the busiest person. Do the first three steps for them whenever possible—whether you're asking for a piece of professional advice, a letter of recommendation, or an introduction. Please don't make them ask questions about what you need. For example, if you're seeking an introduction, include an email already written that they can copy and paste and adjust as needed. 7) Use a system that works for you Make your own system for keeping in touch—in other words, a personal relationship management (PRM) system. Keep track of who you've spoken to, when you talked, how you're connected to them, what you talked about, etc. ~ What else would you add to this list? 📕 If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to save for later.

Professional service providers - especially those working in a defined geography (usually local) .... Your network is often the lifeblood 🩸 of your business. Especially in the first several years. They send you introductions, business, sometimes even employees. But you have to stay in front of them. AND do the work of running your practice, firm, shop. So you can’t have ☕️ coffee or lunch every week with the same people. You can, however, build a system that keeps you in front of them. Here’s how I’ve done it. 1. After I meet with someone, I send them an email with what I call my “strike zone” ⚾️ - my ideal client profile. I ask them to send me theirs. 2. I schedule out sending an email about some interest of theirs that I’ve come across. Takes work, but is doable. 3. I find a stamp and put a handwritten note in the mail to send them. 📪 4. Where possible, I try to make an introduction 🤝 to someone they’d want to meet (assuming it’s mutually beneficial). 5. After all of this (usually over 3-5 months), I schedule a call ☎️ or in-person meeting to catch up on what they’re seeing in market. And yes, some of this is semi-automated, and no one complains. Is this a fit for EVERY professional service provider? Nope. But if you’re B2B, it’s worth looking at. Questions on how I’ve done it? Feel free to drop those in the comments below. hashtag #professionalservices #lawyers #businessdevelopment #legal #consulting

Step 7: Network Strategically – Opportunities Often Come Through People, Not Just Applications Let’s be real in today’s economy, simply submitting applications and hoping for the best isn’t enough. The reality is that networking plays a crucial role in landing your dream role. I can confidently say that both my roles at Microsoft and Accenture didn’t come just from applications; they came through relationships and strategic networking. Building meaningful connections helped me unlock opportunities I wouldn’t have found otherwise. Here’s how you can network strategically to land your next opportunity: 1️⃣ Leverage LinkedIn Effectively • Connect with recruiters and tech professionals at your target companies—don’t just hit “connect,” personalize your messages! • Engage with content in tech-related groups, share your insights, and participate in industry discussions. This keeps you on recruiters’ radar. 2️⃣ Reach Out with Purpose • Don’t be afraid to send personalized messages to professionals asking for informational interviews or career advice. • Reach out to alumni from your school who are working in your desired industry. A shared connection can go a long way in getting valuable insights or even a referral. 3️⃣ Attend Events and Engage with the Community • Participate in hackathons, webinars, and networking events to meet like-minded professionals and potential employers. • Get involved in communities like Meetup, Stack Overflow, or Slack groups, conferences where you can learn from others and expand your network. Networking isn’t just about asking for opportunities; it’s about building relationships, offering value, and staying visible in your industry. If you’re actively job searching, invest time in strategic networking. The right connection could be the key to your next opportunity. What networking strategies have worked for you? Let’s share tips below! Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where I’ll discuss interview preparation techniques that can help you stand out. #Networking #CareerGrowth #TechCareers #JobSearchTips #MicrosoftCareers #AccentureLife #CareerSuccess #RelationshipBuilding #LinkedInNetworking #Hackathons #NetworkingStrategies #JobHunting2025 #ProfessionalGrowth #TechCommunity #Meetup

The time spent on here is worth it... And I'll tell you why. 100% of my business has come from LinkedIn. It all gets traced back to someone I met here. Someone who saw my comments... Saw my posts... Or started engaging with me in the DMs. For the past couple of years, this approach has allowed me to keep freelancing—without going back to a 9-5. So what’s the secret? It’s not cold-pitching (though some do this, too, and it works well). For me, it’s been all about warm outreach. 👉 What’s warm outreach? It’s when people already know who you are. They’ve seen your name, read your insights, and feel like they want to work with you. Here’s how I make it happen: ✅ Leave insightful comments. Forget “Great post!”—actually add something to the conversation. A thoughtful comment can be the first impression that makes a potential client go, "Hey, I need to check this person out!" ✅ Send a connection request. If you’ve been engaging with someone’s content, send a personalized request. Keep it simple: "Hey [Name], I’ve enjoyed engaging with your posts on [topic]. Would love to connect officially and support you on here." ✅ Start a real conversation in the DMs. Not about business—about them. Ask about their career, where they live, or a shared interest. Make it natural. The best biz relationships start as genuine conversations. If you're actively building your brand and connecting on LinkedIn, you don’t need to rely on cold-pitching. Warm outreach is easier, more natural, and leads to richer opportunities. Tell me—what’s worked best for you on LinkedIn? P.S. This was pulled from The Organic Freelancer Newsletter, a free issue sent every Thursday where I help you be more strategic with your content. If you want in on these insights, sign up for free now: https://lnkd.in/ggFQENEi

Most freelancers think getting clients means selling themselves – but I totally think that’s the wrong approach. Instead of seeing outreach as pitching, try this: 👋 Start by making connections, not asking for work. Introduce yourself and your expertise, but don’t dive into a sales pitch right away. 🤝 Be human. Engage with their content, comment on their posts, and show up consistently. 🤟 Follow up with intention. Instead of disappearing after one message, nurture relationships over time. I’ve had people refer me clients without ever hiring me themselves—just because they saw my portfolio, had a coffee chat with me, and liked my approach. Others hired me because I was persistent and after 6 follow ups, I landed in their inbox at the perfect time – right when they needed help. Marketing yourself isn’t about convincing someone to hire you. It’s about being visible, helpful, and memorable so that when they do need help, you’re the first person they think of. How do you approach networking as a freelancer? Let’s talk in the comments! ⬇️