Whether you're looking for new projects or simply want to strengthen your network, reaching out to existing contacts can be a great idea. Although cold emails or phone calls sometimes yield results, you'll often reap a higher return on investment by contacting clients you've worked with in the past or chatting with others in your industry who may be able to give referrals. What's your excuse for reaching out? Here are are six of the (many) ways you can reconnect with someone.
- Send a holiday card. This weekend, I sat by the Christmas tree listening to holiday music and signing my holiday cards. It's a good excuse to reach out to people you've worked with over the past year and wish them a wonderful holiday season. It's a no-brainer for regular clients, but sending a card to someone you worked with earlier in the year can be a good way to jump start that relationship again in the new year. I also send holiday cards to the freelance writers I chat with on a regular basis.
- Ask to connect on LinkedIn. While LinkedIn can be a great place to track down an editor's name or figure out who to contact about copywriting opportunities, it's recommended that you only send invites to people you actually worked with, rather than people you want to work with. But if you notice an editor or colleague is on LinkedIn, asking to connect can be a smart way to subtly remind them that you exist and want to continue the relationship (plus, if an editor or client leaves their current job, you'll still be able to keep in touch). Check out The Freelance Writer's Guide to LinkedIn for more tips.
- Forward an interesting article. Not every email has to lead to an assignment. Editors are always looking for the latest, greatest stats, studies, and more, so if you see something relevant that they might not have, a quick email helps keep you on their radar. In one instance, I forwarded an editor a link about an interesting idea in South Africa, figuring she'd never assign it to me, but at least she'd know that I'm up on the industry she covers. Though I couldn't fly to South Africa on my dime to do a feature, she asked me to email the founder and write a blurb about it. Ka-ching!
- Congratulate your contact. It can be a bummer when a favorite editor or client leaves their job. But it's also an opportunity for you to land a new client! When I read in Gorkana or MediaBistro Revolving Door that one of my contacts has been promoted or a new job, I'll often send a quick congratulations email (depending on the relationship, I might also mention that I'm available if they need freelancers in their new position). I also do this for fellow freelancers who've scored a really kick-ass clip or exciting new gig. It's good karma, baby!
- Share relevant opportunities. I'm a big fan of helping out fellow freelancers, so when I see a lead that's not quite right for me, I'll share that lead with someone else who might be a perfect fit. I also try to help my friends who are searching for full-time jobs, because I'm contacted by recruiters on a semi-regular basis even though I have very little interest in leaving the freelance life. You could do the same thing with your editors or clients if you know them well enough. Say your editor mentions that she's looking for a wedding photographer or a tailor who specializes in vintage clothes. If you know someone great, then hook them up!
- Invite your contact to meet in person. If you live nearby to your client or editor, then inviting them to lunch or coffee can help strengthen that relationship. Alternatively, if you're taking a trip to NYC or another city where editors or clients are located, this can be the perfect excuse to invite them out for coffee. I did this with a trade magazine editor earlier this year, and I've definitely noticed a difference in the frequency of assignments and the ease with which we banter over email. You can also do this with freelancers in your area to swap ideas or leads.