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 🙌