A surprisingly good networking interaction... a peak behind the curtain [Issue 019]
This is a real world story of how I DM'd someone on LinkedIn recently and I got a lesson on power networking from a pro.
So, I posted on LinkedIn about making more money as a freelancer, as I like to do.
I noticed someone tagged a couple of people, but they didn't say anything else. This happens sometimes, but I had a gut feeling to look into these people.
Turns out they are all at the same company that connects freelancers with clients.
A light bulb went off and I decided to DM the guy who tagged his colleagues.
This is what we call TAKING INSPIRED ACTION.*
*If you’re a freelance motion designer and need more business inspiration so you can TAKE INSPIRED ACTION, sign up for $200k Freelance Newsletter to get 1 freelance tip every Sunday…
Here's where that inspired action took me...
👆🏼 This isn't the strongest networking message, but I wanted to strike while the iron was hot. Sometimes you just need to get the ball rolling.
His response:
👆🏼 He could have said something like, "Yeah. I really like your content." But no, he gave context to who he tagged and why.
Then he quickly added...
👆🏼 This is a networking power move right here.
Straight to the point. No fluffy stuff like "so how'd you get into motion design?"
Listing out ways we could support each other.
We chatted a bit more and set up a time to hop on a call this week.
Pro Scheduling Tip: Use Calendly or SavvyCal to have others choose a day and time that works for them. This will cut down on all the frustrating back and forth to find a time that works for you both.
He ends with a solid exit 🤘...
Takeaways for your next networking outreach message
When you are hit with inspiration or curiosity, TAKE INSPIRED ACTION... don't put this off
You don't have to have the perfect words to say, it's more important to get the ball rolling by expressing curiosity or gratitude
Explicitly list out ways you can support each other
If you're clicking with the person, use Calendly to set up a time to dive a little deeper
Time will tell where things will go with this new connection. But that's what networking is all about... putting yourself in the way of opportunities.
If you’re a freelance motion designer who wants to make more money, here are a few ways we can support each other.
Sign up for the $200k Freelance Newsletter and get 1 freelance tip each Sunday (sign up below)
Reply to the first email I send you with a burning question you have… I read every message and use these to write content that is tailored to what you need help with 🙌
