Top Networking Tips for Freelancers

Top Networking Tips for FreelancersTop Networking Tips for Freelancers14What Is Networking?To start with the basics, the idea of networking gets kicked around a lot, but what does that really mean? As it concerns your career, networking can fall into one of three basic categories, according to research cited in the Harvard Business ReviewOperational networks.The contacts in your operational network may be present or former colleagues, fellow members of trade groups or other professional organizations, or people you meet with direct knowledge about your career field.Strategic networks.This category may include people who arent necessarily in your career field or industry, but who may be thought leaders or visionaries whose advice can be not only pragmatic (like how to make meaningful career connections), but visionary too.Personal networks.Friends and family may fall into this network, along with school alumni,social mediaconnections, and professional-focused meet-up organizations.Imp ortance of Networking for FreelancersA freelancers day-to-day life can be isolating, especially if you work remotely. While you may have frequent virtual interactions with colleagues over the electronic transom (i.e., online, in teleconferences, or by phone), it can be a challenge to stay connected in ways that can help your career move forward.If youre on the shy side, striking up conversations with strangers, even in a professional setting, may be hard. Personality types that may find themselves drawn to freelance work (according to Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessments) can sometimes be somewhat more introverted, but even extraverts who are entrepreneurial or wired more toward reaching out to others may be drawn to the freelance lifestyle.Strategies and Networking Tips for FreelancersSocial media.Used professionally, social media platforms like Facebook or YouTube are powerful tools to network and get connected. In particular,LinkedIn is a great networking resource if you apply solid strategieslike finding and using LinkedIn Groups in your area of interest, and keeping your completed LinkedIn profile up to date.Professional events. Conferences, trade group get-togethers, Chamber of Commerce meetings, and other gatherings of career- and business-minded people can be a wellspring for networking, especially if the gathering centers around shared professional interests.Social events.Almost any social gathering can offer opportunities to network. Parties, happy hours, sporting events, gatherings of family and friends- in other words, just about any event that brings people together in significant numbers is an opportunity for freelancers to make connections.Coworking spaces.Coworking spaces bring together disparate working people who, often, are looking not just for a reliable Internet connection and a nice work environment, but the congeniality and connection of others. What better place to meet other freelance professionals?Volunteer opportunities.Finding peo ple who share your professional or even personal passions is a fantastic way to network. Becoming a volunteerin your community, or even online, can be a great way to gain professional experience, especially if youre just starting out in your career, or looking to switch to a new field.Church and civic gatherings.Religious gatherings often present great opportunities to mingle and interact with people you might not meet or chat with otherwise. In the same vein, civic meetings draw engaged people who might help you make great local connections.Casual environments. Coffee shops (even when youre not working), dog parks, public libraries, parents night at your kids school- theres a long list of places where networking can happen and where a conversation could lead to your next professional connection, or your next job.Looking for freelanceopportunities?Browse Open Freelance JobsAdrianne Bibby contributed to this post.