Can I land a gig without applying to a gazillion jobs online?

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Is it possible to land profitable freelance gigs without applying to freelance gigs like a headless chicken?

The answer is a resounding yes…

But the how will surprise you.

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Or, if you think about it, the answer should not really surprise you.

Because it is far less techy than the fast-paced, always-online world that we have come to live in.

Pounding the pavement — that’s how we described our job search in the ‘90s (and even the 2000s).

I used to walk into my favorite local businesses and apply for jobs in person.

Even if they weren’t looking for new employees, sometimes I stopped by anyway. Who knows? Maybe a new opportunity would arise.

This approach worked for me, 100%.

At a toy store, the owner said she hired me because when she met me, she liked me.

I landed a summer job at a grocery store, because when I showed up, they needed someone at the checkout “yesterday”

I also got jobs because of local connections — my friend’s mom owned a gas station, and my science teacher’s daughter worked at a bakery.

Years later, my first freelance client was a referral from a family member.

The common thread — these job opportunities were in my own backyard, and you can (and should) find clients like this too!

They will invariably pay more (sometimes, a lot more) and last far longer than pretty much any gig you find online.

Why?

The answer is one word. Competition.

On the internet, you are competing with hundreds, thousands and sometimes even tens of thousands of other applicants.

In your community, you will probably be the only one…

Consider your local network like a series of circles, and use these strategies to approach each circle.

1) Friends and Family

Make a list of friends and family you can reach out to. Explain your services clearly, and describe the kind of ideal clients you’re looking for. Whether or not their referrals are successful, be sure to thank them with a note or a small gift. 

And if friends or family want to hire you for their own businesses, set clear expectations and boundaries. Have them sign your contract, just like any other client. 

2) Colleagues

Maintain good relationships with former colleagues who might know of new opportunities, and ask them to consider giving you a referral.

If you know of other freelancers who offer complementary services, partner with them so you can provide mutual referrals, or offer to help them with projects. Your help could lead to subcontracting opportunities.

3) Acquaintances

Now start to think more broadly, outside the inner circles. Make a list of people you interact with regularly but don’t know personally.

When you contact them, offer value by providing practical advice or insights about your work. Clearly describe your services and availability, following up with a LinkedIn connection or business card if appropriate. 

4) Local Business Owners

Make a list of businesses in your area that might need your services. Then, go there in person to introduce yourself and explain your work. 

Consider joining your local chamber of commerce and attending networking events where you can mingle with business owners. Build your reputation by offering to speak at an event, or write an article for a local publication.

5) Online Communities

The outermost circle is the one that we send out to you literally every day. And you can add to it, the social media platforms where your ideal clients gather virtually.

But even here, you can be a lot more strategic than 99% of the freelancers out there.

For example, participating in Linkedin or Facebook groups will help you add value while increasing your visibility. 

Be genuine, and focus on building relationships rather than being overly promotional. Over time, this authenticity can lead to real business opportunities. 

And as you build these relationships, you will build a flywheel of outreach strategies that will not be dependent on you applying to a thousand online jobs to be considered by a hundred, shortlisted by a dozen and hearing back from none!

Have a wonderful week ahead.