Become Freelance

Have you ever met someone who seems to know everyone? He’s like ‘Mr. Popularity’; or she is the ‘Networking Queen’. How is it possible that they know that many people? It’s called ‘network marketing’. And this is a great thing for YOUR Freelancing business.

Now, just to make it clear… we’re not talking about those pyramid things, where you sign up 50 of your relatives, friends and family to buy skin care products for life. Network marketing in the real sense could be better named “relationship marketing”.

It is exactly that. You are building relationships with individuals, who because they know you will then tell all of their friends and family about you. You will generate gobs of business all based on referrals. To reciprocate, you also talk up the services of your new network of friends whenever you get a chance to do so. Relationship marketing is perfect for people who love social interaction. They love to be “in-the know” at all times and be the one to offer advice. You’ve heard the saying, “I’ve got a guy.” In essence, it’s like a force of many salespeople working in your favor, without having to pay them a commission. They are out selling your services for you, all because they like you and they see your face frequently.

Face-to-face contact will always be the preferred method of doing business, no matter how impersonal the computer technology has made society and the way we all do business. Putting your face in front of customers makes them feel like they trust you. You have camaraderie with them. You can tell them a joke or talk about last week’s football game. People like that!

Find groups you can join to network with like-minded relationship builders. You’ll always meet people who need a service that one of your new friends can provide. Likewise, they will refer you when meeting outsiders who need you. You can build teams of highly productive salespeople, who instead you’ll call friends. What could be better?

Think about this – you may pay all of your bills online now, but when you first opened your checking account you probably went in to the bank to meet with an officer? There was no way you were going to entrust a big sum of money to a faceless banking system online. Yet, once the relationship has already been established and you trust the bank, you don’t need to go in there every time you want to make a deposit. Your own Freelancing business is just like that! Build trust and make a connection.

These are some networking ideas that are more on a national level, but don’t overlook your local possibilities, like joining organizations that have businesses you’d love to meet face-to-face.

• BNI – Business Network International - Offers weekly breakfast and lunch leads referrals and 60 second commercials, only allows one of each provider in an industry. Globally renown. www.bni.com
• Chamber Mixers - Usually meets monthly in a social setting, such as a ‘Business After Hours’ with cocktails and passing plenty of business cards.
• Industry Trade Shows - If there’s a pertinent trade show to your industry within a 100 mile radius, get in the car and go. Even if it is remotely tied to what you do. For some businesses, that could be a lot of topics! Pass out cards and talk to as many vendors as possible.
• Workshops - Sure, once in awhile I will learn a thing or two at workshops, but more often than not it is the valuable connections I make by attending seminars and classes pertaining to what I do. ESPECIALLY those workshops with an overall general theme, which attract a lot of different business and industry types! Its well worth the time and money for the invaluable people to meet. Many attendees could become clients or pass your name to other people who subsequently become clients.
• Minority Groups - Well, as unfair as it may be; if you’re a woman you’re going to find plenty of your own groups to join. Professional women’s groups are fantastic because women are more loyal to each other in business than men. They develop friendships and emotional attachments. There are other associations, like Spanish-speaking; industry specific (such as construction-related, etc.) worth at joining.
• Community Specific – The Elks Lodge and Eagles Club have been around for a long time. These guys know how to combine having fun with doing business. Play a few games of poker and pool with a guy and he’ll surely recommend your business to someone who needs your services.
• Sports - There’s a ton of money in both the athletic and entertainment aspect of sports. Go to any NFL game and you’ll see what I mean. If you want to grow your business, go to as many golf games, tennis matches and baseball games as possible. You’ll be rubbing elbows with CEOs who have plenty of time to chill and watch the game or sneak in a round of golf. Many businesses swear by this strategy. If you can combine business and pleasure, why not?

Of course, there are many more ideas that you can come up with just by talking about your Freelance venture as often as possible. Mention it at the hair salon, the grocery store and everywhere you can. ALWAYS KEEP A BUSINESS CARD WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.