How can you effectively network as a freelancer or self-employed?

Ok. This is step zero. Before you even start defining anything. Accept a truth. You will have to kiss a lot of frogs to find even one prince. There will be timewasters, those with an agenda and every now and then, someone genuine. Get your own mindset right. Have boundaries. Don’t be taken for a ride. Remember your time is never free. Ever. Be prepared to be the one that drives and injects positivity. Don’t forget to move on from a connection if it’s not working. Protect you. ??

We all wish for providence or serendipity :) when it comes to networking but that may not happen all the time, so i think we have to 1. Love the idea of networking for it is a necessity in todays dynamic, diverse and small world. 2. Once we identify the people we want to connect with, the purpose has to be higher - Give before we get. 3. Don't care if being judged & firmly understand that the cost-benefit of networking is long term, it is about being clear of ones own goals, value proposition, being aware of common interests and how they all align. Networking has to be nurtured and demands one to be genuine at all times as all that earns a certain value, trust, respect and equity which then pays off.

A simple but a powerful step: Add value to the lives of everybody you meet and they will love to deal with you. Live your personality in such a way so that people get the message from you, "I mean no harm to you"

I agree that using your existing contacts is a great way to get introduced to your target audience. Ten years ago I wrote a pocket guide called Strategic Networking for Success. In it I share how to leverage existing contacts to get contracts. Make a list of your top contacts that may be able to introduce you to your target audience. ■ Make it easy for them to send you referrals ■ Educate them on what you do or offer ■ Have bi-annual or quarterly connection calls/meetings ■ Provide them with your marketing materials ■ Engage with them on social platforms to stay top of mind ■ Give them sample products or free trials

A well-established personal brand can also help build trust with potential clients and customers, which is crucial for building long-term relationships. Personal branding can help entrepreneurs expand their network and connect with other professionals in their industry.

When I started consulting, I attended network groups to find ways of serving my community (by making introductions and volunteering) with no goals or even intentions of finding clients. Soon I became "the go to guy" for introductions and my contacts that I would freely share. I soon had businesses and nonprofits hiring not only for my passion to serve but because of who I knew. Relationships and FRIENDraising.

I belong to two different groups with a similar mission - "make friends first, and the business will follow." And it's true. You can't just run into one meeting and grab a stack of biz cards and expect to turn them into clients. People feel disregarded and used and uninterested in helping you. But if you keep showing up, developing friendships, over time you'll be able to refer each other to relevant work. They key is being consistent and focusing on what you can bring to them.

Now days, few people have business cards, instead they are using apps like Blinq to scan your information into their phones. Whether you use paper cards or digital ones, don't just pass them out without making a connection with a person first. What I mean by connection is that you have identified something you have in common with them or they have seriously expressed a need for your services. You'll find that you've passed out several cards and got no calls/emails unless you have proven to them you can fulfill their needs. Even if a connection is not made right away, find out what types of clients they need. Who knows, you might have a referral for them.