Can You Really Get Writing Gigs Through Networking?
By: Sunder Dragoon
Tags: Networking, Gig Economy, Social Media, Freelance Writing, Writer

Can You Really Get Writing Gigs Through Networking?

Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

My conversation with John (name changed for privacy reasons) changed the way I see networking.

John: Hey, Sunder, how are ya!

Me: I’m doing great! What about you?

Him: I just got married and bought a house! What’s new with you?

Me: I’m a full-time writer now.

Him: Oh?! That’s fantastic!

Me: Yeah! I just got started recently. I’m looking for more work as I develop a strong portfolio.

Him: I’d be happy to help! Here is a list of all of my contacts. Take a look through them and see who you would like to get some work from, and I’ll introduce ya!

Me: OMG! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!

Him: For sure! I like ya, and I see potential in ya! Just let me know and we’ll get the ball rollin’!

Me: (utterly shocked) … THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Did I miss something here?

How did he know I would accept work through him?

Does this happen to other people?

Whatever the case may be, I am now thoroughly enthralled with the idea of finding freelance writing gigs through networking. You, too, can find freelance writing gigs with the following methods.

LinkedIn

This is probably the best place to find freelance writing gigs online.

LinkedIn boasts a seemingly unlimited number of writing gigs from a wide ocean of contacts.

Want to get started? Follow these steps:

Make an account (if you don’t already have one) Create your profile Start messaging people! Join some groups Write some posts

It’s all a numbers game from here, but from what I hear, other people get so much work from LinkedIn that they can’t take on the work load themselves! I’m sure you’ll find many writing opportunities here.

Social Media Profiles

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Facebook. Instagram. Pinterest. Anywhere! All you need to do is make a profile and do some leg work. People will gladly send work your way!

Here are some popular platforms to find work through networking:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Your friends and “friends of friends” will naturally come to you once they learn that you’re a writer for hire. Just make posts as normal about your work, and let the magic happen!

Networking Events

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You can meet people in person through networking events.

Speaking to someone in person gives that extra “comfy” feel that online introductions will always lack. This is especially true for those lucky enough to be extroverts!

Here are some places where you can find networking events:

Eventbrite.com

Meetup.com

Facebook Events

College and university events

Alumni events

Organizational events

You’re likely to find someone offering work at these events. It’s a great idea to keep searching!

Word of Mouth

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This is one that shocked me today.

You don’t even have to ask, and a friend will see if they have work for you!

Just be yourself and have a casual conversation with someone, possibly over a few drinks. The subject of “work” will come up, and you’ll get the chance to talk about your work!

Have you received work through your network before? What else can you do to get more work through your network?