Say goodbye to old-fashioned networking ideas and the shuffling of business cards. The internet is the ultimate networking tool!
I recently celebrated two year’s of running my own business, GOAT Social Media. In the last 2 years I’ve had the opportunity to work with over 20 clients, from Marriott Brand hotels, to restaurants, to a luxury home builder, and more! Some days are tougher than others but learning to network has been key!
I have been fortunate enough to not have to advertise or facilitate the dreaded “cold calls” to find clients. Instead, I have learned how to incorporate networking into my daily life. I utilize my personal social media accounts not only to stay in touch with family and friends, but to also establish credibility in my career and my knowledge of lifestyle, culture, and the latest trends.
Facebook Groups have become one of my favorite tools as a freelancer. I belong to one titled Freelancing Females that unites women from all over who consider themselves freelancers in the working world. Through this group, I have been able to connect with graphic designers, web designers, and more. We share our ups, downs, and learning experiences in hopes that others in our position can gain knowledge in case they are in the same situation. Often times, meet-ups are scheduled directly from this group, which is nice since in my career I can work with clients and never even meet them in person. Adding that connection really takes this group to a new level. This group is also so helpful for advice because some things are hard to say in person, or if you know someone well it’s hard to be unbiased, but I find this group to be helpfully honest.
From this Facebook group, I recently connected with a friend I knew from my dance studio while growing up. She happens to be in the same field as me, social media management, and we scheduled a coffee meeting at our local coffee shop because of this group. Her business is titled Social Blessings, LLC. We were able to pick each other’s brains, discuss pricing, and we discussed how we could help each other in this field while in the South Florida area. I think it’s so important that as women who are freelancers, we support and help each other. One person’s success does not take away from your success.
From this same Facebook group, I also connected my best friend to other freelancers. She is a digital and radio host, who has worked with the Florida Panthers, Revolution 93.5, and more! Often, she hosts special events and charities, therefore this group is a great way for her to meet others who might need her serivces, and vice versa! Since we are both in charge of own careers, we understand the joy and the struggles that comes along with it. We meet often, whether it be at our local Dunkin’ or just over FaceTime to discuss contracts, ask advice, and to vent. Having friends in your network circle is definitely helpful. Check out her site here.
Inspired by this group, I recently created my own Facebook group titled Freelancing Seminoles. I earned my undergraduate degree from Florida State University and I know first hand how Noles love to help out other Noles. It’s a bond and a connection that only FSU alums understand. My goal with this group is to share ideas and aid other Noles who are looking to hire freelancers. Many freelance jobs happen over the internet and you do not need to even call or meet the person, therefore, by making a small online community of Seminoles I hope this can bridge the gap of working with strangers online, to working with your network online.
Do not get discouraged by old-fashioned networking ideals. For some people, they work great, but for others being creative is so important. Thanks to social media, we have the world at our fingertips, and using it to our advantage while also helping others is what it is all about!
