Freelancing online seems to be all the rage, but making connections in our own cities might provide projects that are bigger, more high profile, and lead to more consistent work.
Landing local jobs might take a different strategy than landing projects online, one that is more about being seen in person and making real life connections.
6 Steps to Landing a Job in Your Hometown
Business Cards Matter. You have to have a printed business card. Everywhere I go people ask me for my card and although it would be great to just give them my Twitter handle they need it in print. Not to mention that folks with brick and mortar businesses like to know that you are serious about your work and aren’t just some guy working out of your spare bedroom. Have cards printed that have all of your pertinent information – name, phone, email, website, Facebook page, and Twitter name – and hand them to everyone you meet.
It is Who You Know. If you want to land a project in your town it does matter who you connect with, but making those connections can be easy. Join local civic groups (Junior League, Rotary or a nonprofit that you care about) and get involved. Sure, you are busy, but your goal is to land a project in your community and one way to do that is to get involved with your community by volunteering your time doing something outside of your field. Garden, help with a literacy project, steer a committee, coach basketball – do whatever you are good at or are passionate about. Your community will see you participating and have further trust in your ability to contribute towards the greater good.
Network Like Nuts. Joining professional organizations allow you to connect with potential partners who can either pass work your way, build projects together, or consult directly with them.
Rachel Franco of RAF-Communications a freelance copywriter in Atlanta explains, “I have definitely made some good connections with potential partners like graphic designers, marketing consultants, and PR consultants. For example, at a Freelance Forum meeting, I met a graphic designer who, after the meeting, invited me to submit a proposal to a potential client of hers. With one web designer I formed a relationship with through my individual networking efforts, she has referred a couple of clients my way.”
Do a Freebie. Normally, I steer people away from doing free projects (who would ask a doctor to provide free medical services?), but with most freelancers we offer services that we can do a once a year free project. Pick yours and when you do it make sure that your business is listed as the contributor, sponsor, or is acknowledged in some way. I designed the library card for our county and when they were first printed and handed out a press release and picture were submitted to the paper. That simple deed has gone to grow my business in my community more than I could imagine.
Set Your Target. Are there businesses that you would like to help? Do they need your services? Do you dream of working for them? Set your targets and make appointments with the owners. Most businesses are more than happy to talk to a freelance provider about what they offer. Don’t be shy about what you do, if you have been watching them for some time you know what kinds of things that they need. Present how you can help them, how they can save money by hiring a freelancer, and what services you offer. This is your chance to share your expertise and boost their productivity.
Start Small. Sometimes getting started in your hometown can be difficult because they either have someone who provides your service, they don’t understand what you could do to help them grow, or they don’t feel comfortable hiring a freelancer. Approach a business with one small project in mind, something you can do in your sleep, but will prove that you are great at what you do. After you finish your first small project you can approach them about growing their business with you. It is easier to get more business after doing a great job on something tiny than taking on huge projects that go terribly wrong. Start small to win big!
Working in your own city can help you grow your freelance business in ways that you didn’t think possible. You have to commit to being part of your business community, network often, and set clear boundaries about what you will do for free. All of that is nothing compared to the satisfaction of knowing that you have developed deep roots in the city that you love.
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