Deliberate Freelancer #11: How to Find the Right Anchor Clients
I like the term anchor client because an anchor on a boat keeps you steady and secure and is something you can rely on. We should all have a couple of anchor clients that provide just that—security and a steady income. I aim to find anchor clients on social media and via email referrals, but I also spend a lot of time meeting up with people in real life. I think many freelance business owners, especially introverts, don’t spend enough time building relationships and expanding their client work through face-to-face contact. In this episode, we’ll talk about using social media—especially Twitter and LinkedIn—to get anchor clients, but also how to get out there and meet people regularly.
Deliberate Freelancer Show Notes
You need to figure out—and actually write down—the type of work and clients you’re looking for. Ask yourself these three questions:
- WHO do I want to work for?
- WHAT types of projects do I want to work on?
- What OTHER services can I provide?
Once you figure out all the services you can provide, it’s time to think about social media. WHERE are your potential clients? A mistake a lot of freelancers make is to try to be on several different social media platforms.
Maximize your LinkedIn profile. Be very specific with your headline, using searchable keywords. Don’t be catchy with your headline and don’t be too broad.
Put your contact information in your LinkedIn description. Don’t make people look for it.
Ask clients for LinkedIn testimonials.
Consider paying—at least for a few dedicated months—for Premium LinkedIn so you can see the “see who viewed your page recently” list. Reach out to those people to see if they need your help.
On Twitter, take part in tweet chats and build public and private Twitter lists of people you want to connect with more often.
As for in-person networking—building relationships!—consider what organizations you can join and what local events you can go to. Some ideas: national organizations, including local chapter meetings; local organizations; library events; co-working spaces. And take your local clients to lunch or for coffee!
Be ready to expand your work with current clients and learn new skills.
Always tell your clients about ALL the services you provide. They may only think you do that one thing you’re already doing for them.
Ask for specific work. Tell clients when you have availability or an opening for a new project.
Biz Bite:
Get Serious about Sleep
Resources:
Episode 4 of Deliberate Freelancer: Work Only with Nice Clients, with Jennifer Goforth Gregory
Episode 8 of Deliberate Freelancer: 5 Ways to Make Your Clients’ Jobs Easier
Email address finder: Hunter.io