Having more connections in your related field is always beneficial.  This is called professional networking and this is an important factor to get new opportunities, expand your company and bringing in new customers.

Being a freelancer, you work from home and therefore, get networking chances less as compared to an employee. Taking the initiative to go out and meet new people is essential in the era of virtual work. You gain new skills by making new acquaintances.

Now, how can a freelancer make a network effectively? Here are a few pointers that you should be aware of.

1. Determine what you want to achieve

Why you want to network and what you want to accomplish must be clear. The goal of your networking must be clear because based on that you’ll choose to target different categories of professionals. You’ll waste a lot of time becoming friends with random individuals if you don’t set your goal.

If you’re a freelancer looking for a long-term client, get connected with companies’ CEO and HR managers for this. Establishing connections with influencers can create word-of-mouth that will help in growing the business.

Consider your objectives and based on them, develop your network.

2. Participate in the Events

To increase your network, Freelancers should go to events where professionals gather. Here they get a chance to meet new individuals. Giving them your business card and introducing yourself could help you to get a client which might not get if stay at home. Apart from this, you will get to learn new things from the event.

3. Use coworking facilities

Co-working spaces are popular hangouts for remote employees, independent contractors, business owners, and startups. Therefore, independent contractors might join co-working spaces in their neighbourhoods to expand their network.

In these co-working spaces, you will get to meet entrepreneurs and professionals who are in search of freelancer graphic designers or freelance content writers.  You can make new friends here and maintain your motivation to complete your assignments which at times is needed when working alone at home.

Click to know the Advantages of co-working space for Freelancers

4. Use social media to contact people

To grow your network, join the social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin etc. as companies post their requirements on social media. Join Facebook groups for your industry, and you might come across ads for Freelance writers or web developers.  

5. Gain attention

Getting yourself highlighted in well-known magazines can increase awareness of your offerings. It makes an excellent addition to a portfolio or makes an interesting conversation. Always be ready to give your expert opinion, if something is going to be mentioned in the magazine related to the industry you deal in. This will help you get more new clients and build your network

6. Network expertly

Finding like-minded people to connect with while working remotely can be a challenging task. However, there are many opportunities to network effectively and meet intriguing people if you know where to search. As an alternative, you can sign up for networks that connect freelancers with clients and coworkers, like Croxaint.

So these were the few tips that a freelancer can use to increase networking. With networking, freelancers can get new clients and enhance their brand image also.