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21: How to Land Your First Three Freelance Clients in 30 Days – Part 2: Networking With Your Inner Circle
Episode Summary:
Part two moves from foundation to action by tapping your inner circle—friends, family, coworkers, and past colleagues—to find your first paying client faster than cold outreach alone. Learn how to talk about your services without feeling salesy, post a simple launch note on social, and reconnect with former employers the right way. The goal is to practice your pitch, activate warm trust, and create momentum in days, not months.
Episode Highlights:
- Why your inner circle is your fastest path to your first client
- Dealing with the fear of telling people you’re “a freelancer now”
- What to say to friends and family so they can refer you
- A simple social post that sparks warm leads
- How to reach out to former bosses and coworkers without being pushy
- Recap and what’s next: using platforms and marketplaces effectively
Key takeaways:
- Start warm, not cold. Your first client is often one introduction away through people who already trust you.
- Share clearly. Tell contacts who you help and what problem you solve in plain language.
- Practice out loud. Talking about your offer improves your pitch and confidence quickly.
- Post once, follow up twice. A single honest “I’m open for freelance work” post can ripple into referrals.
- Reconnect respectfully. Past employers and colleagues are high‑leverage bridges—be friendly, specific, and low‑pressure.
Sample scripts:
- Warm DM/email to a friend
“Hey [Name], quick update: I’ve started offering [service] for [audience] who need help with [problem]. If you know anyone who could use this, I’d be grateful for an intro. No pressure—just wanted to share.”
- Former manager/colleague
“Hi [Name], hope you’re well. I’m now freelancing as a [role], helping [audience] with [problem]. If you or someone on your team needs support with [specific task/outcome], I’d be glad to help. Either way, would love to reconnect.”
Action steps:
- Make a 25‑name list: friends, family, former coworkers, classmates, and friendly acquaintances.
- Send 5 messages per day for 5 days using the scripts above.
- Post a short “I’m open for freelance work” update on your most active social platform.
- Reconnect with 3 past managers/clients on LinkedIn; mention one specific way you can help now.
- Track replies and follow-ups in a simple spreadsheet or notes doc.
Resources & Links:
- Freelance Reset Checklist (link) – https://remoteofficeworld.com/
- Al’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-calder-59066391/
- Podcast website and subscribe links: https://remoteofficeworld.com/the-freelance-insider-show/
Host Bio:
Al Calder is the host of The Freelance Insider Show, dedicated to empowering new freelancers with practical tips and proven strategies to build a real business from scratch. With over a decade of freelancing experience, Al shares honest advice and actionable steps for growth.
Follow The Freelance Insider Show so you don’t miss Part 3 — exploring online platforms and marketplaces without getting stuck with low‑paying gigs. Grab the free checklist in the show notes to keep your 30‑day plan on track.
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By Al CalderEpisode Summary:
Part two moves from foundation to action by tapping your inner circle—friends, family, coworkers, and past colleagues—to find your first paying client faster than cold outreach alone. Learn how to talk about your services without feeling salesy, post a simple launch note on social, and reconnect with former employers the right way. The goal is to practice your pitch, activate warm trust, and create momentum in days, not months.
Episode Highlights:
- Why your inner circle is your fastest path to your first client
- Dealing with the fear of telling people you’re “a freelancer now”
- What to say to friends and family so they can refer you
- A simple social post that sparks warm leads
- How to reach out to former bosses and coworkers without being pushy
- Recap and what’s next: using platforms and marketplaces effectively
Key takeaways:
- Start warm, not cold. Your first client is often one introduction away through people who already trust you.
- Share clearly. Tell contacts who you help and what problem you solve in plain language.
- Practice out loud. Talking about your offer improves your pitch and confidence quickly.
- Post once, follow up twice. A single honest “I’m open for freelance work” post can ripple into referrals.
- Reconnect respectfully. Past employers and colleagues are high‑leverage bridges—be friendly, specific, and low‑pressure.
Sample scripts:
- Warm DM/email to a friend
“Hey [Name], quick update: I’ve started offering [service] for [audience] who need help with [problem]. If you know anyone who could use this, I’d be grateful for an intro. No pressure—just wanted to share.”
- Former manager/colleague
“Hi [Name], hope you’re well. I’m now freelancing as a [role], helping [audience] with [problem]. If you or someone on your team needs support with [specific task/outcome], I’d be glad to help. Either way, would love to reconnect.”
Action steps:
- Make a 25‑name list: friends, family, former coworkers, classmates, and friendly acquaintances.
- Send 5 messages per day for 5 days using the scripts above.
- Post a short “I’m open for freelance work” update on your most active social platform.
- Reconnect with 3 past managers/clients on LinkedIn; mention one specific way you can help now.
- Track replies and follow-ups in a simple spreadsheet or notes doc.
Resources & Links:
- Freelance Reset Checklist (link) – https://remoteofficeworld.com/
- Al’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-calder-59066391/
- Podcast website and subscribe links: https://remoteofficeworld.com/the-freelance-insider-show/
Host Bio:
Al Calder is the host of The Freelance Insider Show, dedicated to empowering new freelancers with practical tips and proven strategies to build a real business from scratch. With over a decade of freelancing experience, Al shares honest advice and actionable steps for growth.
Follow The Freelance Insider Show so you don’t miss Part 3 — exploring online platforms and marketplaces without getting stuck with low‑paying gigs. Grab the free checklist in the show notes to keep your 30‑day plan on track.