In this article:
- Preparing Before the Event to Create Better Connections
- Starting Conversations With Potential Clients and Partners
- Building Professional Relationships During the Event
- Using Business Cards and Digital Contact Tools Effectively
- Joining Group Activities and Industry Discussions
- Presenting Freelance Skills Through Personal Branding
Business events can provide new opportunity to freelancers, but it’s not enough to just show up with a stack of business cards. The best relationships tend to begin before the event. Relationships are cultivated among freelancers through preparation, communication and an interest in others, which can foster future projects. I’ve seen freelancers come in with dozens of contacts and no opportunities, and I’ve seen others come in with a handful of contacts, and they turned into partners. The difference is typically their quality in their approach.
Preparing Before the Event to Create Better Connections
Networking starts in the off ramp. Freelancer’s need to know what they wish to achieve. Looking for clients, collaborations, expertise or networking? With a clear objective, you can concentrate your time.
Before the event:
- Check the list of attendees (if available)
- Research speakers and attending companies in advance.
- Give a short introduction to your work.
- Check and refresh your portfolio and contact details.
In your introduction, tell about yourself and who you serve. Don’t include all the skills. It’s easier to remember a simple message.
For example, instead of “I design, write, market and build sites”, come back to the value and say “I create clarifying online content for small brands and foster customer trust.”
Bring some helpful materials, but don’t use only print. A link/QR code to a digital portfolio will make it easier to see your work later on.
Starting Conversations With Potential Clients and Partners
Starting a conversation can feel difficult, especially in a room full of business owners and professionals. The key is to begin naturally. People respond better to simple questions than direct sales messages.
Good opening questions include:
- “What brings you to this event?”
- “What type of projects are you working on?”
- “What challenges are you trying to solve?”
These questions create space for real discussion. Listen first, then explain how your skills may help. A freelancer who understands a person’s needs can create a stronger connection than someone who immediately promotes services.
Your booth or meeting area can also support conversations. If you attend as an exhibitor, even a small 10×10 booth can provide a professional place to display your work, talk with visitors, and explain your services.
You Deserve Better Clients...
We can help you find them. Just send us the details and we'll hunt down leads that match your business needs. All on autopilot.
Avoid trying to collect as many contacts as possible. One meaningful conversation with the right person can be more valuable than twenty short introductions.
When the conversation ends, confirm the next step. Ask if they would like to connect online, receive your portfolio, or continue the discussion after the event. A clear follow-up plan keeps the connection active.
Building Professional Relationships During the Event
Networking is more than just pitching yourself. It’s all about trust building. When both parties feel listened to and valued, good professional relationships are fostered.
While the event is on, concentrate on:
- Listening and waiting for someone to finish speaking before answering back
- Asking follow-up questions
- Sharing useful ideas without immediate expectation of return.
- Being able to recall key information about the person
Small details matter. Memorize a project difficulty. Subsequently, a reference to that talk feels more personal than a generic note stating to you “nice meeting you”.
Freelancers should also be mindful that they are seeking out the potential clients. Other freelance owners, other freelance suppliers, potentially other freelance guys can be valuable contacts. The web developer might require a writer. A designer may be needed to accompany a photographer. The business owner can refer you to another business.
Write brief notes following discussions. Record the name, company, interests and potential ways to assist the person. These notes will help you follow up after a hectic event!
Your professional appearance is also important. Dress suitably, come on time and be clear in your communication.
The point is to not try and sell it in every conversation. It is to establish a circle of individuals who recognize your talents and keep your name in mind when the chance to utilize your talents arises. Business events are the first step in good relationships.
Using Business Cards and Digital Contact Tools Effectively
Business cards still have a place at professional events because they provide a quick way to share contact details. A good card should include your name, service, email, website, and a clear reason someone should remember you. Keep the design simple. Too much information can make it harder to read.
Digital tools make contact sharing faster. Many freelancers now use QR codes that link to portfolios, LinkedIn profiles, or personal websites. This removes the need for someone to type long web addresses later.
Useful contact methods include:
- A short portfolio link
- A QR code on printed materials
- A professional email signature
- A complete LinkedIn profile
For freelancers who work with event displays or business setups, resources like https://segsolution.com can also show examples of professional presentation solutions that support brand visibility.
After collecting contacts, organize them within a few days. Add notes about each person and the conversation you had. A contact list is only useful when you maintain it.
Joining Group Activities and Industry Discussions
Workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions and group discussions are common features of business events. These are activities where opportunities to make connections are created naturally, without having to start a conversation.
Freelancers need to be involved by:
- In the sessions, pose insightful questions
- Sharing experiences relevant, if applicable.
- Engaging with audience before/after presentations
- Participating in small group discussions
A quality question can begin a productive dialogue. For instance, if a speaker is discussing a particular industry problem, he or she might engage a discussion with other participants in the same interest group.
Group activities also enable freelancers to get to know the market changes. Talking to business owners, experts and other professionals can help identify common issues that need to be addressed. This information can help you to present your services better.
Don’t target only potential clients. There are other freelancers that can be great partners. A writer can interface with a designer. A developer can meet with a marketing specialist. Such relationships may result in referrals and joint ventures.
Good networking is a two-way street and it is when you can add value. Present ideas and give help and interest to others. Simple conversations can sometimes be the start of a professional relationship.
Presenting Freelance Skills Through Personal Branding
Personal branding is a way for freelancers to articulate their worth. A perfect image doesn’t matter – it’s about demonstrating what you do and why others should use your services.
The following are the components of a good personal brand:
- A service description that is clearly defined.
- A sample of previous work
- Consistent online profiles
- A professional communication style
Don’t include all of your skills. Pay attention to the issues you’ve addressed. Instead of writing “I do media, editing, marketing, product videos for ecommerce brands”, for instance, you could go with “I create product videos for ecommerce brands.”
The message you convey in your introduction, your portfolio and your conversations should all be the same. They’ll remember your expertise when they need it and you’ll get referrals again.
One more thing...
You didn't start freelancing to spend hours every week searching through job boards. You started freelancing to do more work you enjoy! Here at SolidGigs, we want to help you spend less time hunting and more time doing work you love.
Our team of "Gig Hunters"—together with the power of A.I.—sends you high-quality leads every weekday on autopilot. You can learn more or sign up here. Happy Freelancing!
