Networking is essential for freelancers
When you start your freelance career, it is essential to expand your network. To do this, you can visit networking events, for example. These occasions are ideal for challenging your sales and networking skills. Do you approach someone who asks many critical questions, or do you opt for a meeting with many inspiring peers? Either way, stepping out of your comfort zone for a change is valuable.
Remember your existing network too, as chances are you will get most assignments through them. Therefore, check with old employers or former colleagues. If you already have existing clients, you can ask if they can refer you. Satisfied customers are usually happy to do this.
Schedule follow-ups
Keep your relationships and network close after you complete an assignment. Building a good relationship is helpful for any future assignments. Getting in touch a few months after the initial assignment is important. Depending on your relationship, this could be by email, telephone or LinkedIn.
Share something valuable at every follow-up. This way, the recipient does not feel you have only come to sell yourself. Think of a link to a helpful article or a video that could interest your client.
Using social media
As a (start-up) entrepreneur, you can use various social media channels for marketing your product or service. While Instagram and Facebook are helpful platforms, LinkedIn is the most crucial channel for starters in the IT sector. Here you can get in direct contact with potential customers and clients. In addition, LinkedIn is also an excellent platform for online networking.
Update your LinkedIn profile
Getting started with LinkedIn? Then make sure your profile is up to date:
- Upload a professional profile picture.
- Write a complete and unique headline that tells what you do.
- Consider whether it is essential for your target group to write in English or Dutch and make a choice.
- Use a (recent) cover. The cover is the first thing people will see on your profile. Choose something that suits you or your company, something that stands out!
- In your bio, write a piece about who you are and what you have to offer. Ideally, this should be personal with a strong opening. Also, remember to add your contact details.
- Add your home area; this is useful if you want to be found by recruiters or clients. Do you work at a place other than where you live? Then choose the area where you work.
- Add your education, certificates and work experience.
- Did you complete a job well? Then don't hesitate to ask for a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile, and return the favour!
Is your profile up to date? Then you can actively use the platform. For example, join LinkedIn groups within your field. Here you can contact potential clients or other professionals who freelance in IT. Answer questions and participate in discussions; this way, you are visible within your profession. It is also worth considering LinkedIn Premium. You'll get many more insights for a small monthly fee, and your activities will be more visible to others.
LinkedIn company page
Did you know? In addition to a personal LinkedIn profile, you can also set up a company page. As a freelancer, you can show what assignments you are working on. In addition, a public LinkedIn page also appears in search engines, which is helpful for your findability in Google.
Your own website
Your own website can contribute to your visibility in various ways. For instance, you can present your services here and post blogs where you present yourself as an expert. You can quickly and easily create a website via platforms such as WordPress or Squarespace. Also, make sure your website is SEO-proof. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation and ensures you can be found better via search engines such as Google and Bing. If you have the budget, consider hiring a specialist to take care of this. You will go a long way by using platforms such as WordPress or Squarespace, which have the most SEO standards well set up.
Do your acquisitions yourself
You can also actively look for customers yourself. You can do this by cold or warm acquisition. Do you already know which company you would like to work for? Then it is crucial to find the right contact person. The last step is to make a phone call. If you find this too exciting, contact someone via LinkedIn.
If this is not your thing either, then placement agencies such as Computer Futures can take this process off your hands.
Let Computer Futures take your acquisition off your hands
When you let Computer Futures fully control your acquisition, we allow you to focus on what you do best. We will link you and your client and help you grow your business, especially in the beginning!
In addition, you can learn a lot from this collaboration. For instance, you can find your stronger and weaker points in consultant conversations. You can also expect help with other practical matters, like determining your hourly rate. Sounds good? Then don't wait any longer and join Computer Futures. We work with niche experts and have an extensive network within your specialism.
