19 October 2020
How to get a client might be one of the first questions you have on your mind. It's one of the hardest parts about contracting when starting out. You're good at your job but how do you market yourself? Like any business, you'll need to source leads and do a bit of legwork to make sure you land your first client. In this post, I'll detail five ways to get new clients.
Old colleagues are probably my most preferred source for new contract work. You've worked with them before and you know how they work. They'll also hopefully know what you're good at and know what value you can bring. You also can have an honest conversation about what they need, what struggles they face and how you can be of help. This prior relationship and shared understanding can make the management of your client relationship much, much easier. If you haven't started contracting yet and are considering it in the future, make sure to have left a good impression at all your workplaces.
Friends are also a good source for work. They will have followed your career over the years and hopefully have a good idea of what value you can bring. Even if you don't work directly with your friend, they'll likely give you a warm and strong introduction to the person you'll directly be working with.
Discuss your new professional career path with your old colleagues and friends. They may have jobs to offer or know people who have open roles. If this doesn't yield immediate results, consider posting your contracting status on LinkedIn to see if you can generate any inbound leads.
Sometimes you might prefer working with an old colleague or friend over other sources of contract jobs. Just be aware to treat your job like any other professional engagement. Make sure a day rate is agreed to and a contract is signed. Bring your "work" face during working hours.
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