There are a number of professional organizations available offline to help you meet new associates, new suppliers, and ideally, new customers. From formal and well established associations like the Chamber of Commerce, to newer social media and offline networking Tweetups.
Some freelancers are more comfortable with the anonymity that cold calling and cold emailing provides, while others find that they are more successful in acquiring new business in face to face situations.
Here are a few offline associations for you to investigate in your area:
Chamber of Commerce. Your local business owners, making decisions on behalf of the local business community. Expect lots of networking events, as well as opportunities to volunteer to make changes within your community. Cost: You pay an annual membership to be a part of your Chamber of Commerce.
Business Network International (BNI). Partnerships and arrangements are created within the local chapters to allow each member to refer any other member. You carry the business cards of the businesses within your chapter, and they all carry yours. When a situation arises where it’s appropriate to recommend their business, you provide the referral. Cost: There is an annual fee to be a part of a BNI.
Tweetups. If you’re on Twitter, look for local tweetups in your area, and then take part in it. Here you will find interesting and interested people from your community. Cost: probably at least a cup of coffee, but for the most part, free.
Rotary and Volunteer Associations. Lions, Elks, Shriners – or Habitat for Humanity, Unicef, Meals on Wheels – if helping others is important to you, you are bound to find other business owners that share your values. Cost: Depends. You might pay dues for the rotary, but the volunteer associations are usually glad to have you – as long as you are willing to work. If you don’t want to work, be good at finding other people who do!
Just a few ideas. Have you had any luck with these suggestions?
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