ComputerHunter.org |
|
|
|||
|
 |
How to Network Effectively to Secure Freelance Work
When freelancers ask me what type of marketing is the easiest, costs the least, and yields the best results, I don't hesitate to recommend networking. Networking satisfies two primary prerequisites to secure clients. These two prerequisites are:
Networking builds effective relationships faster than any other type of marketing. Many beginning freelancers acquire their first paying clients via networking or through people whom they know (the rapport and relationship already exist). And professional freelancers often expand their existing client-base via networking - asking clients, friends, other freelancers, etc. if they know people who can use their freelance services. Where to Network Effectively Professionals suggest you join two types of associations: The first type is a local association that attracts freelancers of your discipline. If you do commercial copywriting work, join a local writer's association. Many local writers' associations offer referral systems and job banks to help you receive work. The other benefit is that you will meet other freelancers who'll ask you to assist on their projects or refer their clients to you for freelance or supplementary services. The second type of association to join is one where your type of clients congregate. Why spend hundreds of dollars targeting your audience with expensive marketing, when joining a local association that attracts your type of clients lets you sell directly to them via networking. How to Network Effectively Networking is only as effective as you are: the more visible you make yourself, the better networking works. Always arrive ten to fifteen minutes early for each meeting or social gathering and mingle with people. Let everyone know who you are and what you do. Most importantly, make an effort to establish relationships with people. When people know who you are and what you do, they'll know more about your business, how your freelance services can help them, and that you're available for hire. Nurture a habit to network on a consistent, repetitious basis. You'll want people to become familiar with your face and recognize your presence at each gathering. Because many people seem passive at gatherings, try to make an effort to become active. Strike up conversations with people; pretend you're interested in what they're saying, even if you're not. Be a good, active listener. Remember: conversations are the crux of effective networking. Simple one-on-one chatter allows the prospect to uncover more about you, and you're able to find out more about him, his hidden needs, and his hidden problems. Networking should not be used for personal gain. You should not blatantly promote yourself to people, otherwise they'll begin to ignore you. Instead, strike up conversations with people and subtly sell yourself. When people begin to take an interest in you as a person, then they'll begin to take an interest as to how you can help them. What You Need to Network Effectively Business cards are often synonymous with networking: don't leave home without them. Pass your business cards out to any person who seems interested in your services. Business cards give prospects contact information and they keep your name and business fresh in their minds. If prospects are not interested in outsourcing work to you now, they'll at least have your business card on file to contact you in the future. Networking Essentials
Editor: You may reprint this article online or offline as long as no text is altered and it is reprinted in its entirety. About The Author Brian Konradt is a former freelance copywriter and graphic designer, and founder of FreelanceWriting.com (http://www.freelancewriting.com), a free web site to help writers master the business and creative sides of freelance writing.
Google News - Top Stories
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Resources for Starting an Online Business Anyone trying to start an Online business needs to have a number of resources before it is possible to build and promote a successful website. The following are essential tools that I have found very valuable. Niche Marketing: Finding JV Partners Joint Ventures (JVs) are one of the most powerfull techniques you can employ to get your Niche Business up and running. How to Start a Successful Import Business Using the Internet The Internet has opened up a whole new era of business opportunities. Falling trade barriers combining with easy access to trade information thanks to the Internet have created dramatic possibilities and sparked the growth of global online trade in virtually every area. Planning Your Way to Success Whether you are a small company or a larger corporation one of the primary keys to success lies in preparing and following a good marketing plan. Why? Because you can have the most awesome product or service to offer, but without a plan in place, you may flounder for direction and waste a lot of time and energy as a result. What Does It Take To Become An Internet Marketer? I have heard many people say all it takes to make it in Internet Marketing is desire. Website Sales: 10 Riveting Tactics To Nail Down Instant Sales If you learn these website sales riveting tactics, you'll be able to nail down instant sales and profits from your website. How You Can Promote Products And Services In Internet There are two ways how you can promote products and services in Internet: Online Advertising: 10 Flaming Hot Ways To Heat Up Your Sales If you have a website but not making a lot of sales, I can understand how you feel. Is There A Future For Spam? Will you always be buried underneath a mountain of spam? Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? With the current flood of spam to your inbox and ever more devious practices on the part of spammers you'd be forgiven for thinking that spam is here to stay. Internet Marketing: 10 Killer Internet Marketing Tips To Multiply Your Sales Hello, do you feel low because sales at your website is down? 10 Mind Blowing Ways To Increase Your Sales 1. Show your prospects how much enthusiasm you have for your product and business. If you're convincing enough, they will be enthusiastic too. Visibility Equates to Higher Profits One of the greatest challenges businesses face is how to market cost effectively while gaining a good return on investment (ROI). Regardless of what industry you are in, the size of your organization and how long you have been in business, you must continually look for ways to gain and maintain your visibility to your market. Book Yourself Solid Key Number 2: Choose Your Ideal Clients The Book Yourself Solid article series continues with Successful Marketing Using Websites and Why So Many Businesses Get It Wrong Many great website concepts are developed, launched... and then flop! The primary purpose of a website for any business is to generate increased revenues or reduced costs, or both. If it doesn't meet these goals it's going to be canned. So why do apparently good concepts fail? Because without all the pieces in the puzzle, we can't get the full picture. Implementing an SMS Marketing Campaign SMS Marketing can be used to acquire customers, strengthen existing customer and prospect relationships and provide a service to your customers. 5 Powerful Tips To Beat The Biggest Problem ALL Marketers Face I bet you can't tell me... the single biggest problem facing Every Direct Marketer, new and old. Top 10 Marketing Tips for Newbie To Start Looking for some tips on being a newbie in the world of marketing? Here are a few to think about (and do!). How To Create an Offer Your Buyers Will Love With the creation of the Internet, it has become easier than ever to start a business, especially online. The Vital Tools To Marketing Success Special Article Report: Theses Keys Work! FREE Classifieds-Advertising: Your Online Work From Home Business If you are on a shoestring budget and need to find cheap advertising on the internet there is nothing cheaper than FREE classifieds and they are literally everywhere you look.
|
|
|
|
|
