Networking Tips for Your Freelance Business

Walking into a room full of strangers can be nerve-wracking, especially at those unstructured "open networking" events. Many of us find them intimidating, but with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate them effectively and build valuable new connections for your business.

Think of open networking as a cocktail party with a purpose. There’s no formal agenda, just a room of people aiming to meet other professionals. Mastering this skill is incredibly useful because these opportunities pop up everywhere—not just at official networking events, but also at seminars, corporate outings, and industry gatherings.

Changing Your Goal from Selling to Connecting

At its core, open networking is just about introducing yourself to people you don’t know. But how do you approach someone who could become your next big client, referral partner, or trusted supplier?

The trick is to shift your mindset. Instead of trying to achieve something tangible like making a sale, set a simpler goal: get to know a few people you can follow up with later. Push any thoughts of selling to the back of your mind and focus on building relationships. This isn't about collecting a stack of business cards; it's about adding a few more people to your professional circle, people you’ll never have to cold call. This approach is especially valuable for anyone .

The biggest realization for many is that almost everyone in the room feels just as nervous as they do. Those butterflies in your stomach? That slightly trembling hand holding a coffee cup? You’re not alone. It’s perfectly okay to be nervous when you’re stepping outside your comfort zone—that’s a huge part of . Once you realize it isn’t just you, it can be incredibly liberating.

How to Decide Who to Approach

One of the oldest tricks in the book is to arrive early. If you’re one of the first people there, you can smile at the next person who walks in. They’ll likely smile back, and a conversation can start naturally.

If you arrive to a room that's already buzzing, take a moment to observe. Don’t just rush over to the one person you already know. You came to meet new people, right? Talking to your friend only works if they can introduce you to others. Instead, take a look around as you grab a drink or hang up your coat.

It might seem obvious, but scan the room for someone standing alone. They’re often easy to spot—they might be intensely focused on their phone, pretending to read a very important email. More likely, they just don’t know how to break the ice and will be incredibly grateful that you approached them.

What if everyone is already in a group? You can still join in, but a little awareness of body language goes a long way.

If two people are facing each other directly, making intense eye contact, they’re probably deep in conversation. Interrupting them might not make the best first impression.
If two people are standing at a right angle, chatting but not squared off, they’re much more likely to welcome a new person. Think of it as an incomplete triangle—you can step in and complete it.
A group of three in a tight triangle is likely a closed conversation. But if you see a group of three where one person seems left out, they are probably waiting to be rescued. This happens often in the "networking dance," where conversations shift and someone gets momentarily stranded. Be their hero—they’ll thank you for it, and you’ll have an instant, grateful connection for your .

Making a Great First Impression

Once you’ve chosen someone to approach, your own body language makes a huge difference.

First, smile. It’s simple, obvious, and easy to forget when you’re nervous. People are naturally drawn to someone who looks happy to be there. Stand tall and walk with confidence, even if you have to fake it a bit. Making eye contact as you approach someone, combined with a smile, is a powerful and welcoming signal.

The handshake is your safest bet for a greeting. It’s universally accepted and doesn’t invade personal space. People do read a lot into a handshake, so aim for a happy medium: firm but not crushing, brief but not limp like a "dead fish." When you extend your hand, keep your palm vertical. This conveys confidence and equality, unlike a palm-down (dominant) or palm-up (submissive) gesture. And remember to wear your name badge on your right side; it makes it easier for someone to read your name as they shake your hand.

Starting the Conversation

You don't need a magical opening line. Often, the most effective opener is a simple, "Hi."

However, it helps to have a little more in your back pocket. Asking a question is a great way to get the other person talking.

“Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I don’t think we’ve met before.”
(If you can see their name badge) “Hi Sharon, I’m Stefan. What do you do?”
"Hi, you look like you've done this before. Can you tell me how the format works?"

You can also use your surroundings. Comment on the food, or if you have a drink and they don’t, offer to get them one. This simple gesture always leads to more conversation. When you are talking, be present. Maintain eye contact, listen to what they say, and don't scan the room over their shoulder. Show genuine interest.

Answering “So, What Do You Do?”

This question is guaranteed to come up, so be prepared. A one-word answer like "I'm a graphic designer" can bring a conversation to a screeching halt. Your goal is to give them a little more color to keep the conversation going and differentiate your . This is your chance to explain what makes your venture a .

Instead of just stating your job title, describe the problem you solve or the value you provide. For example:

"We create brands and logos for small businesses just getting started."
"Lots of small businesses get tangled up in their bookkeeping. We help them get organized."
"We help sell the houses that other real estate agents can’t."

These kinds of answers invite follow-up questions and make you more memorable. They are especially useful for those with .

A friend of mine who hated open networking came up with a creative solution. He used to deliver pizzas to make ends meet when he was launching his first business. He started bringing an empty pizza box with him to events. In a room full of suits, someone would inevitably ask, "Why are you carrying a pizza box?" This gave him the perfect opening to tell his story and talk about his business. It was a clever way to make people approach him, transforming a journey from a into a memorable narrative.