As you know from this earlier blog: Your network is your net worth. So today we’re going to exploit everyone’s generous Holiday mood to connect, collaborate and expand that network 🤫

Ok, “exploit” is not the nicest word. But when it comes to asking people for help, it’s always good to consider timing.

You’re not going to invite a friend to your wedding after they’ve just ended a relationship with their partner. You’ll wait a little.

And you’re not going to ask for a salary raise after your company just lost their biggest client.

So we’ll take advantage of people’s “good mood” during the holiday season where everyone is trying to get a good deed in before the end of the year.

But we don’t just take, we also give! 🎁

Find people to collaborate with

Collaboration isn’t one sided, you’ll need both parties to participate. But this is where the magic happens.

Let me show you how ⬇️

What do you need?

First of all, you need to figure out what you need right now. And this can be different for everyone.

Are you working on your portfolio but procrastinate with other tasks?

👉 Find an accountability buddy

Are you having your portfolio and CV in place but haven’t gotten that first client yet?

👉 Find another freelancer with a complementing skill (more about that below)

Are you suffering from imposter syndrome or are you overwhelmed?

👉 Find a mentor or coach

Collaborate with other freelancers

One of the best ways to get a new client is via referrals. As mentioned in the recommendation blog, having someone refer you is great. But if you don’t have a previous client to refer you, you can also have other freelancers refer you.

So how does it work?

If you’re a UX Designer, you’ll work with developers. If you’re a graphic designer, you’ll work with copywriters. Your network isn’t just people up or down the hierarchy, it’s also the people on the same level as you.

When I work on a new app or website, I often get asked if I know copywriters. And I often refer those who I worked on previous projects, because I know they’re good at what they’re doing. And sometimes they refer me if one of their clients is looking to hire a UX Designer.

But where do I find other freelancers?

You can find them on Linkedin, Instagram, Twitter (or X, still not gotten used to call it that) and yes, Facebook is still a thing.

Use their search function to find other freelancers. Create a rapport with them, hop on a call, show each other your work. And then see if you both click and are willing to refer each other.

I’ve gotten messages in the past where people offered me a percentage of their rate if I recommended them.

Personally, I don’t recommend anyone who I haven’t worked with before. And that’s also what I tell the people who ask me to refer them. Because it’s also my reputation that’s on the line: If your current client asks you to refer a developer and it turns out that developer isn’t good, they’ll trust you less.

Your referral is strong, don’t misuse it. But because it’s so powerful, it can go a long way for fellow freelancers.

Ok, but we all have to start somewhere

If you’re hesitant to cold outreach to other freelancers, maybe you’ll find this post useful.

It can be tough to find freelancers in specific niches if you don’t have them in your current network. Hopefully, this post will help you find fellow freelancers who are also looking for you.

Just leave a comment below this post with

1. Who you are

2. Your offer

3. What you need help with

4. What you can help with

5. Who you want to connect with

This could look something like:

I’m Lisi, a UX Designer who wants to help startups turn their ideas into reality. I need help with finding my first client and can help others by being an accountability buddy. I’m looking to connect with other UX Designers and Developers.

For me, it looks like this:

I’m Lisi, a freelance UX Designer who wants to help people who are frustrated with their jobs create a work life that works for them. I need help with my podcast and can help others with coaching and mentoring. I’m looking to connect with other UX Designers, freelancers, mentors and coaches.  

Heads up: Be patient! This won’t get you a client instantly. But it’ll plant a seed. I once had a collaboration call with a developer who was looking for UX Designers to refer him if their clients are looking for devs. In the end, it was him who referred me to a freelance gig 5 months later. You never know where things might take you.

Who knows, adding a little comment to the post might get you a gig in the future. Or as my friend Rachel calls it: build an opportunity creation system.

Go plant a seed 🌱

If you don’t find a referral partner through this post, you might find yourself a cheerleader or accountability buddy. You never know where things might lead to.

👩🏻‍💻 Free Guide

The exercise described in this blog article is one of the steps of my free guide for people who want to create a work life that works for them.

Get the guide for free.