Freelance Writing Marketing Tips: 8 Places to Network Offline

There is no denying the Internet is an important marketing tool. However, while social networking is fun and helpful, it’s important to network in the real world as well. To not do so is to miss out on a tremendous opportunity. Networking serves more than one purpose. In addition to meeting potential clients, you’re also trading ideas with the people who share common interests. There’s the potential to meet people who hire freelance writers and people who make recommendations to people who hire freelance writers. In this business, who you know can contribute to your success.

Taking that first step towards getting out of the house and meeting others in person is difficult, especially if you’re shy like me. You’ll have to walk up to people you don’t know and talk about you. The good news is there are networking opportunities everywhere. Take a deep breath, put on your game face, and see what happens.

8 Places to Network Offline

1. Conferences: My business tripled after attending my first conference. Attending conventions, conferences and summits puts you in a room with like-minded people. Whether you’re attending a writing, blogging or social media conference, or even a convention having to do with your niche, there are people there who need freelance writers. Meet them, learn their needs and when the time comes, hand them your business card and tell them to give you a call. If they request further information, offer your elevator pitch. I dare you to attend a conference and not come back with at least one new client.
2. Classes and Seminars: Classes and seminars serve an important purpose: to educate. They’re also terrific networking events. No one’s telling you to talk in class, but there are opportunities before and after for talking with the speakers, teachers and attendees.
3. Meetups and Tweetups: All those people you enjoy speaking with online? You can take that conversation offline as well.  Organize or attend meetups and Tweetups. Bring all those great online conversations offline and out into the open. You can share more ideas when you’re not limited to 140 characters.
4. Clubs: Local clubs are made up of people who want to meet and network with people. I was once president of a local women’s organization and I was able to meet many potential clients in addition to new friends. I also hobnobbed with the mayor and other influencers in my area. The women in my club were all professionals, many executives with well-known brands. Now, I haven’t been a part of this club for two years but one former member contacted me recently to come and talk to her marketing team about social media.
5. Professional Associations and Organizations: There are many professional organizations for writers. For example the American Copy Editors Society or Internet Writer’s Guild. Many of these organizations host offline networking events too. See which of the organizations are most beneficial to your needs and sign up.
6. Speaking Engagements: Sign up for a to speak at a school, conference or professional event. Every time I gave a talk, people came up to me afterward to chat and ask for contact details.
7. Professional Networking Events: Many communities host professional networking events in order to give local business people a chance to meet and communicate. My neighborhood Chamber of Commerce often hosts events such as these. The $25 – $50 admission price is worth it when you land your first lucrative client.
8. Community Events: The neighborhood basket auction, county fair, dances, and other events, while not traditionally networking events are a way to further establish yourself in the community, make friends and meet local business owners. I landed a job writing up real estate blurbs once after sitting with a Realtor at township sponsored Halloween party.

Not every event requires a sales pitch and not every event is set up to be a networking opportunity. People who hire writers are everywhere. You’re not always going to find them sitting behind a computer screen. Get out. Join some clubs. Volunteer for a committee. Become active at the library or community center. You never know when you’ll bump into someone who will need a writer.