Tips for Building a Professional Network | Marketing | Writing Forum

Your professional network is important in just about any kind of business. But it's especially so for freelancers. Your network can include many different types of people, but will often focus on clients, prospects, and colleagues. These are people who can directly give you work or who can refer work your way. 

Not sure how to start building a professional network of your own? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Set up a blog. Not only can you get your name recognized among colleagues or prospects, but you can meet a lot of people through your blog comments.

2. Be active in social media. And make sure you listen to others and have conversations rather than only broadcasting your own marketing messages. Remember that social media doesn't just mean social networks. It also includes forum posting and blog commenting -- both are great ways to meet others in your specialty area.

3. Send an email. Is there someone specific you'd like to have in your network? Reach out with a private message or email. Sometimes they'll miss you on an oversaturated social networking site, but the personal outreach can get their attention. Just don't be pushy about it.

What other easy networking tips would offer to new freelance writers?

Jenn