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Six Ways to Reconnect with Your Freelance Network
By Susan Johnston
For non-fiction writers who need new freelance projects or
simply want to strengthen their network, reaching out to
existing contacts can be a highly effective strategy. Although
cold emails or phone calls sometimes yield results, you'll
often reap a higher return on investment by contacting clients
you've worked with in the past or chatting with others in your
industry who may be able to give referrals.
What's your excuse for reaching out? Here are are six of the
(many) ways you can reconnect with someone.
1. Send a card. The holidays may be over, but you can come
up with other reasons to send cards. Maybe New Year's or St.
Patty's Day cards? It's a good excuse to reach out to people
you've worked with in the past and wish them the best, plus
it's more likely that your cards will get noticed. I also
send cards to the freelance writers I chat with on a regular
basis.
2. Ask to connect on LinkedIn. While LinkedIn can be a great
place to track down an editor's name or figure out who to
contact about copywriting opportunities, it's recommended
that you only send invites to people you actually worked with,
rather than people you want to work with. But if you notice an
editor or colleague is on LinkedIn, asking to connect can be a
smart way to subtly remind them that you exist and want to
continue the relationship (plus, if an editor or client leaves
their current job, you'll still be able to keep in touch).
3. Forward an interesting article. Not every email has to lead
to an assignment. Editors are always looking for the latest,
greatest stats, studies, and more, so if you see something
relevant that they might not have, a quick email helps keep
you on their radar. In one instance, I forwarded an editor a
link about an interesting idea in South Africa, figuring she'd
never assign it to me, but at least she'd know that I'm up on
the industry she covers. Though I couldn't fly to South Africa
on my own dime to do a feature, she asked me to email the
founder and write a blurb about it.
4. Congratulate your contact. It can be a bummer when a
favorite editor or client leaves their job. But it's also
an opportunity for you to land a new client! When I read in
Gorkana or MediaBistro's Revolving Door that one of my contacts
has been promoted or a new job, I'll often send a quick
congratulations email (depending on the relationship, I might
also mention that I'm available if they need freelancers in
their new position). You can also do this for fellow freelancers
who've scored a really kick-ass clip or exciting new gig,
because it's good karma!
5. Share relevant opportunities. When I see a lead that's not
quite right for me, I'll share that lead with someone else who
might be a perfect fit. I also try to help my friends who are
searching for full-time jobs, because I'm contacted by recruiters
on a semi-regular basis even though I have very little interest
in leaving the freelance life. You could do the same thing with
your editors or clients if you know them well enough. Say your
editor mentions that she's looking for a wedding photographer
or a tailor who specializes in vintage clothes. If you know
someone great, then hook them up!
6. Invite your contact to meet in person. If you live nearby to
your client or editor, then inviting them to lunch or coffee can
help strengthen that relationship. Alternatively, if you're
taking a trip to NYC or another city where editors or clients
are located, this can be the perfect excuse to invite them out
for coffee. I did this with a trade magazine editor earlier this
year, and I've definitely noticed a difference in the frequency
of assignments and the ease with which we banter over email.
You can also do this with freelancers in your area to swap ideas
or leads.
BIO
Susan Johnston is a freelance writer who has contributed to
The Boston Globe, DailyCandy.com, Self magazine, and
WomenEntrepreneur.com, among other places. Her ebook, The
Urban Muse Guide to Online Writing Markets, is available at
www.Susan-Johnston.com.
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