Guest: Erin Roberts
February 26, 2021
In the first part of this blog series, we covered tried-and-true tips to conquer productivity challenges. Now that your productivity is record-high, let’s dive into how to overcome two other big roadblocks to freelance success:
Landing more freelance clients — how to build your pipeline:
The feast or famine cycle. It’s what all freelancers fear. Here are pro tips to be non-stop fully booked. Leverage your existing network for leads. Cull through your LinkedIn and look for these three types of contacts:
• People working for companies that might have a need for your services
• People who are good networkers who could connect you with others who have a need for your service
• Other freelancers or consultants who successfully do what you do (they may have extra work they could refer to you or pointers on building your leads)
Even if you haven’t spoken to a contact in years or they’re just an acquaintance, message them. You might tell them about your freelance services and why you felt inspired to reach out to them. If it makes sense, see if they’d be up for a Zoom chat.
People are often happy to connect and help, especially when you lead with authenticity and value.
Keeping the pipeline full is sometimes a numbers game. Even the most promising prospects can end up going in a different direction or postponing a project. The more prospects you speak to, the more likely you’ll have a full workload.
Just make sure you’re consistently speaking to prospects who meet these three criteria:
• They value your expertise
• They can afford your services
• They likely need repeat work
And, keep this in mind: you can always refer work to other freelancers if too many prospects want to become clients. That’s much easier than drumming up last-minute clients to fill your workload if a prospect backs out.
Agencies can be a freelancer gold mine. They’re always pitching new business and many agencies like to keep in touch with freelance talent in case they need an extra hand on a project. Network with agencies and stay in touch with people who work with them.
Don’t be shy. If you’ve done great work for a freelance client, let them know you’re available to take on new clients. Ask them if they know of anyone who might have a need for your services and see if they’d be willing to make an introduction.
Freelance life can be lonely, especially during pandemic times. Having a community can help you overcome that challenge. Connecting with a solid network of other freelancers and like-minded marketers can also help:
• Open your mind to new opportunities
• Brainstorm ideas
• Stay accountable
• Find mentors
• Build a referral network
Sign up for conferences, events, and virtual networking. Events, virtual or in-person, are a great place to make new connections. Search for events with a line-up that you’re excited about. Chances are you’ll meet connections there that are passionate about the same topics. Once you meet at a conference or event, stay in touch. Check in with them on LinkedIn to see what they’re working on. Hop on Zoom with them ever so often and catch up. A few of our favorite conferences include: Start Up Grind, SXSW, and Confab. Meetup is also a great resource for finding local professional events that you’re interested in. We’re also big fans of a virtual networking service called Lunchclub. It uses AI to match you up with new connections to have interesting (and potentially client-building) one-on-one conversations.
Join Facebook and LinkedIn groups for marketers, freelancers, or professionals in your industry. Find Facebook group and LinkedIn group communities with conversations that you enjoy and could add value to. Share thought leadership through comments, ask insightful questions, and connect with group members on LinkedIn and Zoom to build further relationships.
We’re rooting for you. This blog series covers surefire ways to be more productive, fully booked, and fulfilled by your freelance work.
February 26, 2021
