As a freelance writer, do you need to network? Yes — although remaining in your shell is tempting, remote work still requires networking skills. Here, as part of our part series on freelancing success, we present networking tips for writers (and why you need to network).
Why Develop a Business Network?
Freelance writers have a reputation for being introverted. Remote and virtual freelancers enjoy working quietly from home, interacting with clients via email and messages, and eschewing many in-person events.
Yet freelancers need to develop and maintain a good network of business connections to thrive.
Business networking provides:
- Job leads. I've received some of my best work leads from my network of friends and colleagues who recommend me to others. This type of "word of mouth" marketing shortens the time from introduction to a new client to hiring. Often, clients introduced to me via my network hire me immediately on the word of a colleague or current freelancer.
- Information. New techniques, tools, software, and other interesting tidbits often come my way through my business network.
- Support. There are times when as a sole business owner or freelancer, you will need someone to cover for you so you can go on vacation, take care of someone you love, or tend to personal business. Having a solid network of freelance contacts and friends means you can reach out and ask someone to cover your business, take on added work, or substitute for you for a day or two if necessary.
How to Develop a Business Network for Freelance Writers
My freelance network developed spontaneously. I wrote for a large 'content mill' site from 2008 to 2012. I interacted with a dozen writers and editors on this site. I got to know them well over the four years we worked together. Invitations to connect on Facebook led to the further deepening of our relationships. It's one thing to know that your colleagues are good writers and quite another to learn that you share a love of hiking, for instance.
When the site disbanded in 2012 and changed direction, a big group of us were let go. Those connections we forged over the years led to multiple new job opportunities as each person in the network shared leads and, when possible, invited fellow writers to new sites where they landed jobs.
Today, I still work with one writer, who I have invited to write for my company, Seven Oaks Consulting, and another editor asked me to edit alongside him for a technology website. I still receive leads from the network, and we keep in touch on social networks. Developing that long-term network was one of the best things to result from those four years of writing for $15 an article!
Authentic Interactions on Social Media
Today, "networking" and "social media" seem to be used synonymously, but they are quite different. Social media is the platform where you network (noun vs verb). Just being on social media doesn't lead to anything. Engaging with your friends, being a friend to make a friend, sharing thoughts and insights, all of this goes together with business networking.
If all you do is take and do nothing to give back to your network, you aren't networking. You're sponging. You're taking in and giving nothing back to anyone. That leads nowhere. It's the give and take that builds friendships and fruitful business relationships over time.
As a freelancer working remotely, you need a strong network of colleagues. This network may comprise virtual relationships: people you have only worked with virtually and have never met in person. But if you keep in touch, give as well as take, and sincerely try to keep in touch, this virtual network can be equally as powerful as one forged from daily in-person interactions.
Lessons Learned from 15 Years as a Freelancer
If you missed any previous lessons, catch up using the links below. This series celebrates my content marketing agency's 15th anniversary. I share lessons learned from my 15 years of thriving as a freelancer. Start anywhere you like in the series; each article can be read independent or as needed.
Lesson 1: How to Start A Freelance Business: Know Yourself
Lesson 2: Go With Your Gut Instincts: Trust Yourself
Lesson 3: Can You Make It as a Freelancer?
Lesson 4: Choose a Micro Niche for Maximum Impact
Lesson 5: The Importance of Personal Branding
Lesson 6: Protect Your Online Reputation
Lesson 7: Freelancers — the Importance of Keeping Good Records
Lesson 8: Build a Shopping Mall to Avoid the Roller Coaster
Lesson 9: Never Work for Free (or On Spec)
Lesson 10: Freelancers Need a Plan for Time Off
Lesson 11: Don't Underestimate the Importance of Meeting Deadlines
Lesson 12: Budgeting Basics for Freelancers
Lesson 13: The Why and How of Networking for Freelance Writers (you are here)
Serious about success? Then find and follow someone successful. Follow me. Jeanne — Medium