Foolproof Ways to Keep the Freelance Assignments Coming In

It is one thing to have talent, but, if you can’t market it successfully, getting your freelance business off the ground isn’t going to go so well.

Most freelancers have a few fool-proof ways to stay visible and keep projects coming in. Whether it is attending networking events or using social media, these tactics ring tried-and-true for successful self-employed professionals.

Also on Mediabistro

How to Spot a Job Ad Scam: Warning Signs Every Job Seeker Should Know

How to Become a Technical Writer: Career Guide, Salary Data & Real-World Advice

1. Use social media.

This one is somewhat obvious — you should certainly have a LinkedIn profile and consider using Twitter. Aside from just having social media accounts, what else can you do to get the most out of these channels?

“If you can combine social media with in-person networking, it is so much more effective,” says Ilise Benun, founder of the Marketing Mentor business coaching program for creative professionals and author of The Art of Self Promotion. She recently attended a conference and reached out to the keynote speaker via Twitter before the event. When she spoke up during the session, he already knew who she was because her tweet had broken the ice. It was an instant “in.”

Benun says that prior to attending an in-person networking event, find out who is going to be there and tag their name in a tweet — just begin conversing. “When you get there, you’ve already given them a head’s up… you’ve raised your hand. It really does give you access to people that otherwise wouldn’t take your call.”

2. Network smarter.

Networking is a valuable way to promote your business, but interacting with the right group of people to meet your specific needs is important. If your goal is to find a job, look for a group that is comprised of professionals with different needs. That way, you’re more likely to meet people who may be able to use your services. On the other hand, freelancers looking to connect with other self-employed professionals will likely do better attending a group with others in similar roles; this is more of a support group. “You really want to make sure that your prospects are going to be where you’re going,” says Benun.

To find a good group, do not simply rely on the Internet to get a feel for it. Pick up the phone and call the organizer to get the inside scoop on the organization, its purpose and the members. Why? Because nothing stinks more than shelling out for a fancy lunch only to end up with zero prospects or contacts.

“Marketing is about building relationships, real face-to-face relationships. If you believe the size of your online list needs to be big, it’s time to think that about the real world as well,” notes Tammy Furey, a personal coach to freelancers. She says that contractors should make themselves as useful as possible when they join a group. “All of this will make you memorable and valuable,” she says.

But don’t expect to reap the benefits of networking right away, Furey adds. “The frustrating thing is results take six to 12 months to show up. I have seen so many people give up before the networking really starts to work.”

3. Ask for what you want.

No matter what techniques you use to market yourself and your business, it__?s important to be clear about what you want. When Holly DeWolf, an illustrator and author of Breaking Into Freelance Illustration: The Guide for Artists, Designers and Illustrators, wanted to secure a publisher for a book, she asked a friend for advice. “I came up with an idea, wrote the proposal, wrote a sample chapter, and then I asked them to have a look at my work through my query letter. I had a book deal three weeks later,” she notes.

Although publishing a book may not be that simple, DeWolf’s point rings true: Be clear about your intentions and simply ask for what you want. If that’s a new client, connect with them and then ask the prospect to review your portfolio or to set up a meeting. If you want to network with other creative professionals, ask questions about the group before you sign up. It’s all about putting your intentions out there and being direct, whether through promotional mailers, email lists, or your website. You need that kind of initiative as a freelancer, because no one else is going to toot your horn for you!

“Promotion is basically your own form of show and tell with a permission-marketing twist,” DeWolf says. “In a nutshell, you create your own opportunities by asking for them.”

4. Provide exceptional customer service.

Treating customers well and going above and beyond is key — it gets your clients talking about you and referrals pouring in, a result of strong marketing.

“For a small town freelancer, customer service is crucial,” explains Meredith Marsh, a Web designer. She says most of her clients run their own businesses and organizations and appreciate her ability to leverage technology to create, revise and deliver files promptly. They like that she can deliver — and do it quickly.

“They often seem desperate for someone they can trust, who has the knowledge and skills to fulfill their ideas,” she explains. “Doing work that your clients are happy with is a given… but also provide over the top, better than anyone, smile-and-agree-and-make-everything-right customer service so your clients are also happy with you.”

By exceeding expectations, clients will talk positively about you and not just your work. When this happens, you know the marketing efforts you have made are working.

5. Be consistent.

The biggest problem Benun sees from those she coaches is that they are not consistent with what they do, no matter which marketing strategies they employ. “They have too many things that they think they should be doing instead,” she says. She advises selecting three tools or strategies and working on them daily. “It’s all about execution and consistency.”

It’s easy to want to focus your days and nights on simply writing articles, designing logos, or copy editing if that’s your field. But longtime self-employed pros know that marketing is just as, if not more, important as those tasks, because it’s what brings in new business. Without it, you really are free-lancing.

NEXT >> 5 Signs It’s Time To Kill Your Blog

Kristen Fischer is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) living at the Jersey Shore. Visit www.kristenfischer.com for more information.