3 Steps to finding freelance clients

When you think about freelancing what perks come to your mind?

1) Choosing your own hours?
2) No need to make that dreaded “call in sick”?
3) Loving the projects you choose to work on?
4) Working with clients who really appreciate your work?
The list could go on and on.

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It’s a great feeling to do what you love which means you don’t have to work with clients or take on projects that aren’t a good fit for you.

That being said in the beginning of your career you might have to take on clients or projects that you’d rather pass on.  This might be done in order to build your portfolio or because you need the cash flow.

This makes finding your ideal clients even more important.

Who is your ideal client?

This is something you have to identify.  I’ve helped many people start and grow their business and many times this is where they need real clarity.  Your ideal client is not everyone. 

You need to take the time to ask yourself questions like...

1) What's their communication style? Let’s say for example you want to communicate your messages via email but your client wants to get on the phone.  

2) Do you want to work with a client who allows you to work on the project using just guidelines they provide or do they want to work with you on the project.

3) Will they be micro managing you?  

You see for a freelancer you need to decide on these and other factors.

Define Your Target Audience

Finding Your Clients

In almost 30 years of being a business owner and helping others start and grow their business I’ve heard some people say they want to do things on their own.  They don’t want help from anyone.  If you are one of those people now is the time to step out of that box.  If you know someone who could introduce you to someone, ask them for help.  You have a 50/50 chance they will say yes. 

Take out your  tablet or pen and paper and jot down an idea of who your ideal client is.

Try this exercise: Sit back and close your eyes.  Who do you envision working with? How is the project going?  How do you feel?  That’s how you start defining your ideal client.  Those are the clients you want to work with.

Many people feel their ideal client has to be breathing and have money.  You will quickly discover that’s not the case.  Working with the wrong person is like eating a food you hate.  It’s not pleasant and something you avoid at all costs.

Get really clear on who your ideal client is.   Describe them in a paragraph or two.   Create a client profile.  

To help you with the process I've created a free workbook for you.  Click the image to gain access.

Ask For Introductions and Referrals

Your next step is to research and find out where you ideal client hangs out. 

You may already have a company in mind that you’d enjoy working with.  Why not give them a virtual handshake?  Let them know you believe in their products or services and that you believe you could be an asset to their company.

Maybe there’s a company that has a blog.  Why not start getting active with commenting?  This is a great way to introduce yourself and have them get to know you.  It's all about being seen and heard locally, globally, 24/7.  You want to be on their radar.

What groups on Facebook might your ideal clients belong to? Find them and join in the conversation.

Find out where they are online or what meetups they might attend.

Here’s another exercise: When you think of meeting people think that they are looking for their ideal freelancer which is you!

Always keep a positive spin on things when looking for your ideal clients.

Next time will discuss even more ways to find your ideal clients.

How are you finding your ideal clients?

Leave your thoughts and comments below.

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Be Savvy and Successful!
Toni Nelson - Visual, Video and Content Marketing, Entrainer

Hard work is only part of what I call in my book: The Secret Equation To Attracting More Clients.  It’s also who you know that can help you make the right connections.

They can get you to where you want to be faster and easier than you can.