When freelancers ask me what type of marketing is the easiest, costs the least, and yields the best results, I don't hesitate to recommend networking. Networking satisfies two primary prerequisites to secure clients. These two prerequisites are:

-- Creating rapport. Networking has the ability to create strong rapport. When you have rapport you and the prospect feel at ease with each other, and conversation flows. Rapport creates feelings of trust and honesty. Prospects who trust you usually do not have second thoughts about outsourcing work to you.

-- Establishing a relationship. When you establish a relationship, the prospect develops an awareness as to who you are, what you do, and what your intentions are. Relationships keep your name fresh in the prospect's mind; relationships create feelings of intimacy, trust, and rapport. Relationships have the secret power to turn prospects into paying clients, because the prospect knows you on a first name basis, knows what your intentions are, knows how your skills and services can benefit him and his business. He connects strongly with you.

Networking builds effective relationships faster than any other type of marketing. Many beginning freelancers acquire their first paying clients via networking or through people whom they know (the rapport and relationship already exist). And professional freelancers often expand their existing client-base via networking — asking clients, friends, other freelancers, etc. if they know people who can use their freelance services.

Where to Network Effectively Professionals suggest you join two types of associations: The first type is a local association that attracts freelancers of your discipline. If you do commercial copywriting work, join a local writer's association. Many local writers' associations offer referral systems and job banks to help you receive work. The other benefit is that you will meet other freelancers who'll ask you to assist on their projects or refer their clients to you for freelance or supplementary services.

The second type of association to join is one where your type of clients congregate. Why spend hundreds of dollars targeting your audience with expensive marketing, when joining a local association that attracts your type of clients lets you sell directly to them via networking.

How to Network Effectively Networking is only as effective as you are: the more visible you make yourself, the better networking works. Always arrive ten to fifteen minutes early for each meeting or social gathering and mingle with people. Let everyone know who you are and what you do. Most importantly, make an effort to establish relationships with people. When people know who you are and what you do, they'll know more about your business, how your freelance services can help them, and that you're available for hire.

Nurture a habit to network on a consistent, repetitious basis. You'll want people to become familiar with your face and recognize your presence at each gathering. Because many people seem passive at gatherings, try to make an effort to become active. Strike up conversations with people; pretend you're interested in what they're saying, even if you're not. Be a good, active listener.