Networking and clients acquisition
Your income as a freelancer depends entirely on the quantity and amount of your assignments. So it is very important that you are constantly busy with clients and acquiring assignments. This is also known as acquisition. You undoubtedly have a good product or valuable service that you offer, but clients do not come to you automatically. With a good network, you will get orders more easily. The more people know you, the more people can call on you. So invest in your network! Our tips will help you.
1. Acquiring clients
Your income as a freelancer depends entirely on the quantity and amount of your assignments. Therefore, it is important for you to be constantly engaged with clients and assignments. How can you make sure you are seen by potential clients? And how do you bring in that client? Here are some tips!
Tip 1
Make sure your website and social media are in good order
When you approach potential clients, they are undoubtedly going to look you up on the Internet. If your website and social media profiles are not in good order, they may turn away. Therefore, make sure they look professional. So delete those drunken party pics! In addition, your pages are a good way to convince your customers of your qualities.
Tip 2
Set your target audience and your message
Before approaching potential clients, it is important to think about what you offer and why that fits the needs of a particular target audience. Think about what type of clients need your product or service. When you make choices, it becomes easier to find and approach these potential clients. Then consider why it is necessary for the potential client to work with you. You need to get that message across.
Tip 3
Be business-like and always to the point
When you contact your potential client, be careful not to talk about small talk for too long, but get to the point quickly. So tell briefly what your product or service is and what the value is for this potential client. Hopefully this will get the client interested and you will be invited to schedule a meeting. After all, that is the goal of acquisition. In this regard, calling works better than emailing. It is more personal and often produces a better response.
Meeting scheduled?
Congratulations! But you're just getting started. The first impression is important, so be on time and dress appropriately. And one more big tip for closing the interview: keep control! For example, close with: "Thank you for your time. I will call you next Wednesday to find out if we will solve this problem together". This ensures that you don't have to wait unnecessarily long for the customer's response, but that you are in control.
Are they partnering with you?
Nice, you've done it! Now get to work! Make sure you serve the client to their satisfaction. Because a satisfied client will come back to you for more work. And he will recommend you to others. That makes the acquisition process a lot easier. And even if you have one or more assignments, client acquisition must continue. That way you never run out of assignments!
2. Networking
You undoubtedly have a good product or valuable service that you offer, but clients don't come to you naturally. A good network will make it easier for you to get commissions. The more people know you, the more people can call on you. Therefore, invest in your network! These tips will help you do just that.
Tip 1
Shake hands at social events, trade shows and other gatherings
Many networking events are organized each year for entrepreneurs. Think, for example, of trade fairs, New Year drinks and networking events. These events are organized for a reason. They offer companies and freelancers a chance to get to know each other. Make sure you attend and tell a lot of people about what you do. While doing so, press a nice business card into their hands, so they know how to find you the moment they could use your service. Don't forget to bring peppermints!
Tip 2
Use the network of satisfied clients
When you have helped a client to their satisfaction, ask them to recommend you to others. The fact is that many new clients come in through existing clients. For example, it often happens that clients who are friends ask each other if they know another good photographer. It would be great if your clients then recommended you!
Tip 3
Use your existing network
You already know the potential clients, who you can most easily recruit! Consider family, friends, former classmates, acquaintances, etc. A freelance photographer can take pictures at his cousin's wedding, of his uncle's business premises and at the open day of his college. So it is important that your entire network knows that you can be hired as a professional! In doing so, also indicate that they will recommend you if others in their network need someone like you.
Tip 4
Socialize on social media
Networking can also be done through social media. LinkedIn is the professional social medium used by almost every professional. It allows you to build a large network. So connect with everyone you know: from your existing network to the new people you meet. Did you attend a trade show and get 8 business cards? Look them up on LinkedIn and make a connection! Did you complete a cool assignment you're proud of? Show it off to your connections by sharing it on LinkedIn!