Networking 101 for Virtual Dummies.
How to actually build your network and get them to refer you.
These usually run for 1k words+ (this one’s 1.4k words), so please excuse the grammatical errors.
If you’ve been running your creative business for a while, you already know the best way to get new clients - referrals.
It’s how I kept my business running for more than 6 years, without relying on any sort of marketing.
But they do dry out, especially as your business evolves (and your prices increase). So, how do you get more of them?
Through marketing.
Why Referrals matter for your Business.
I explained it in this newsletter edition previously and there a few things you should take away from that.
a. People might not have worked with you, but they should still know how to refer you.
b. The only way to do that is if you keep showing up top of mind.
c. Which boils down to showing up in the feed - with non-boring content.
Even the people who don’t engage with your content should have some perception in their head.
But here’s the thing. Growth can feel slow. Especially if you’re struggling to connect with your ideal clients in the socials.
Which is why you could network with non-competing peers.
I cannot pretend I came up with the term - having heard it from Penny Blackmore as part of her Sales for Freelancers cohort last month.
In very casual terms, your non-competing peers are all the people your clients still need to work with -even when they’re done hiring your services. And vice-versa.
Let’s take my own example. I’m a website copywriter. Before hiring me, they’d ideally need to work with a brand designer and brand strategist. After hiring me, they might still need to bring on a web designer, web developer on board.
We’re all a team when it comes to solving our client’s need - for a website that helps them sell their services.
They could also be in the same space as your ideal prospects. Which means, we’re all non-competing peers trying our best to help our client level up.
So, wouldn’t your best referrals come through them?
About 3 months ago, I started attending virtual networking sessions.
A few surprising things came out of it.
I practise talking about my services - essentially an elevator pitch that gets people to understand what I do.
I get to expand my network in a very easy way.
And sometimes, I’ll get a client out of it.
I recently did a refresh of my ICP interviews and the number one way people learn about the service providers they do hire? it’s through referral or word of mouth.
This year alone, I’ve referred more than $30k of work to other copywriters.
And this doesn’t even include referrals I’ve sent to numerous VAs, social media strategists, designers and even coaches.
The only I can do that? Is if I understand what exactly the other person does.
Which made me realize that people need to know who I am - and what exactly I do, in easy terms instead of overcomplicating it.
3 Ways to Build your Network Remotely:
As someone working remotely and currently in the Middle East, it’s a bit difficult for me to interact with others. So, here’s what I’ve been doing.
Attend virtual networking sessions
If you’re a female business owner, Laura Brunton’s Super Connector is a great place to start - the next one is on October 22nd.
Business coach, Eryn Morgan hosts a Creativity Mixer in the first Friday of every month. I’ve attended only one and hers might be my favourite just yet because of how intimate it feels.
Also, this Pop-up Networking Party by Deanna Seymour is a great option for first-time networkers.
Just come, bring a smile and see if you can help someone in your breakout session.
Don’t forget to talk to people after the networking session.
Nobody goes on a blind date with someone they like and forgets to set up that second ate.
A lot of times, I’ll take a liking to someone’s vibe or think we might benefit from learning about each other - I usually say, “I want to learn how to refer you”. So, I’ll ask for a coffee chat. DO NOT send them to your discovery call link - it’s very weird.
Through the marketing platform you’re active on.
That’s how Sarah and I became accountability buddies.
Because you need to see if both your peers and ideal clients are getting to easily engaging with you. And by that, I mean engaging on a personal note in the dms and comments.
If someone’s engaging with you often, extend an invitation to a coffee chat or a way for you to learn how to refer them.
This is also a good way to gauge if the marketing platform you’re on is right for you.
I’ll soon be talking about my learnings being on LinkedIn for over 8 months and why it’s not the right platform for me (despite getting a bunch of leads) - so hit subscribe.
And here’s a tip: marketing is about building a personal brand - and being ‘person’able is key!
A few things to help you with this.
Cold-pitching a coffee chat is easier than cold-pitching your business.
Actually keep track of them - I usually add details of everyone I have a personal chat with in my Notion. Not just the work they do and how much they’re priced at, but even some personal details.
Keep in touch - if someone tells me they just started fostering a pet, you best believe I’m going to ask about them in an email I’m sending them 7 months after our initial conversation.
Ask how you can help them. The key here is more giving on your part than receiving.
End Notes
Please note that networking is NOT an easy way to get clients - and you shouldn’t even look at it that way.
You have to look at networking as a long-term game - something that will go on even for decades. A good place to start is within your circle and with people who used to be in your circle - former colleagues, classmates, family members, etc.
Here’s a question: do your family members know exactly how to refer you? If the answer is no, you have to rectify that immediately.
Happy marketing,
Maria
Ps: If you don’t remember, hi - I’m a website copywriter who writes websites that builds on your brand story and sells for you.
You’ve subscribed to my weekly newsletter, ‘Room for Marketing’ where I help creative entrepreneurs learn how to make room for marketing in their business in easy, actionable steps.
If you’d like to connect, here’s my Website & LinkedIn.
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I spent a few hours yesterday catching up on the website copy audit requests for new subscribers. Everyone who requested for one will have received it.
If you did make the request and haven’t received it yet (please blame Substack), please send me an email at mj@mariajohn.com.
And if you did get it, let me know if it was helpful. These aren’t easy to make :)
How you can refer me
If you didn’t know it already, hi - I’m Maria John, a copywriter who writes websites.
Specifically, websites with your brand story at the forefront - leading to more leads in your calendar.
I have two slots left in 2024 for my Signature Narrative Experience - 5 pages of website copy+an offer-positioning workshop+2 free revisions.
I believe great website copy is rooted in a research and story-first approach, which is why I spend more time understanding your brand first.
Because when someone lands on your website and is confident of their investment in your process, it becomes easier to sell to them before they even get on a call with you.
It starts at $3,300 and prices go up in 2025.
Anyone who thinks they’re a good fit can book their intro call here.