Last updated on Feb 29, 2024

You’re starting a freelance business. How can you build a professional network that will help you succeed?

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As a freelancer, you need a strong professional network to find clients, referrals, collaborators, mentors, and opportunities. But how do you build one from scratch, especially if you're new to your field or niche? One effective way is to volunteer your skills and time for a cause or organization you care about. Volunteering can help you showcase your value, connect with like-minded people, and contribute to a positive impact. Here are some tips on how to use volunteering as a networking strategy for your freelance business.

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1 Choose a relevant cause

The first step is to find a cause or organization that aligns with your values, interests, and goals. You want to volunteer for something that you're passionate about, but also that relates to your skills and services. For example, if you're a graphic designer, you could volunteer to create logos, flyers, or social media graphics for a nonprofit that supports a social or environmental issue you care about. This way, you can demonstrate your expertise, build your portfolio, and support a meaningful mission.

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Sergio Augusto Navarro

Professor of Philosophy and Educational Sciences | Expert in Social Research and Educational Technologies | Digital Content Creator and Academic Writing
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Las prácticas de voluntariado son formas de invertir el tiempo y capacidades en incrementar capital social (contactos, comprensión de situaciones, etc.), capital cultural (de aprendizajes y certificaciones), así como de capital simbólico (credibilidad y autoridad en el campo social). El voluntariado, que por definición es gratuito, ya que se define por "dar sin esperar nada a cambio", por otro lado, tiene estos beneficios prácticos.

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Derek Papp

Director, Florida Keys @ Baptist Health Orthopaedic Care | Board Certified, Sports Medicine Surgeon
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Like almost anything in life (but especially when volunteering your time and energy!)—pick a cause that interests you! Freelance work and volunteering provides freedom to do what YOU want to do—so go after it! Pick projects that interest you. Lean into your freedom. Until you’re completely established, this might be the best part of your work! While a more traditional, corporate career path may grow organically based on practical decisions (salary, location, family, etc.), in these situations, your time is a personal decision and should be based on something YOU enjoy doing. Otherwise you may not muster the energy to do it right—and you might better spend your time pursuing relaxation or improving your physical and mental wellness…

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Nassirou Keita

Spécialiste Paix-Sécurité | Chef de Projet « JEUNESSE PREV » chez Cercle Dev | Social Media Manager | |Créateur de Contenus | Globe-trotter 🌎 | Alumni Yali Dakar | U-Report Niger 🇳🇪 | Fondateur Niger Good Trip
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Pour démarrer une entreprise indépendante, Voici quelques conseils pour créer et entretenir votre réseau : - Identifiez les personnes qui partagent vos valeurs, vos objectifs et votre domaine d'activité. - Contactez-les de manière personnalisée et respectueuse. - Suivez le contact régulièrement et montrez votre intérêt pour leur travail. N'oubliez pas de remercier ceux qui vous aident ou vous soutiennent. - Soyez généreux et authentique. Partagez vos connaissances, vos expériences, vos réussites et vos difficultés avec votre réseau. Aidez les autres quand vous le pouvez et demandez de l'aide quand vous en avez besoin. Soyez honnête et transparent sur vos intentions et vos attentes.

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2 Be proactive and professional

Once you've found a suitable volunteering opportunity, treat it as a professional engagement. Communicate clearly and respectfully with the organization, follow their guidelines and deadlines, and deliver quality work. Don't be afraid to ask questions, offer feedback, or suggest ideas. Show that you're reliable, creative, and enthusiastic. Also, be proactive and seek out ways to add value and make connections. For example, you could offer to introduce the organization to your contacts, join their events or webinars, or share their content on your platforms.

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Sergio Augusto Navarro

Professor of Philosophy and Educational Sciences | Expert in Social Research and Educational Technologies | Digital Content Creator and Academic Writing
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El voluntariado puede ser una transición de aprendizaje entre la condición de estudiante y la de profesional reconocido. De alguna manera, la práctica del voluntariado forma la propia disposición al participar en el espacio social de una manera inigualable.

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3 Follow up and stay in touch

After you've completed your volunteering project, don't just disappear. Follow up with the organization and thank them for the opportunity. Ask for a testimonial, a reference, or a recommendation. Share your work and your experience on your website, blog, or social media. Keep in touch with the organization and the people you've met through volunteering. Send them updates, congratulate them on their achievements, or invite them to your own events or projects. You never know when a volunteering connection might turn into a client, a referral, or a collaborator.

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4 Expand your network

Volunteering is not only a way to connect with one organization or cause, but also a way to access a wider network of professionals and opportunities. You can leverage your volunteering experience to reach out to other people or organizations in your field or niche. For example, you could join online communities, forums, or groups related to your cause or skills. You could also attend or speak at events, workshops, or conferences where you can showcase your work and meet potential clients or partners. You could also collaborate with other freelancers who share your values and vision.

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5 Keep learning and growing

Volunteering is not only a networking strategy, but also a learning opportunity. You can use volunteering to develop new skills, gain new insights, and discover new trends in your field or niche. You can also use volunteering to challenge yourself, experiment with new ideas, and explore new markets or niches. Volunteering can help you grow as a professional and as a person, and make your freelance business more diverse, adaptable, and impactful.

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Sergio Augusto Navarro

Professor of Philosophy and Educational Sciences | Expert in Social Research and Educational Technologies | Digital Content Creator and Academic Writing
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El aprendizaje en el voluntariado tiene la amplitud y profundidad que le da su propio protagonista. Es decir, ayuda a extender la red de contactos (el capital social), pero también es la posibilidad de aprender los valores que sostienen al profesional del campo (capital cultural), y acrisola los principios y las creencias que le dan sentido a esas prácticas solidarias (capital simbólico).

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6 Here’s what else to consider

Hier können Sie uns Beispiele, Geschichten oder Erkenntnisse mitteilen, die nicht in einen der vorherigen Abschnitte passen. Was möchten Sie noch hinzufügen?

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Volunteering

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You’re starting a freelance business. How can you build a professional network that will help you succeed?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose a relevant cause

2 Be proactive and professional

3 Follow up and stay in touch

4 Expand your network

5 Keep learning and growing

6 Here’s what else to consider

Volunteering

Bewerten Sie diesen Artikel

Danke für Ihr Feedback

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You’re starting a freelance business. How can you build a professional network that will help you succeed?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose a relevant cause

2 Be proactive and professional

3 Follow up and stay in touch

4 Expand your network

5 Keep learning and growing

6 Here’s what else to consider

Volunteering

Bewerten Sie diesen Artikel

Danke für Ihr Feedback

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