Finding new freelance projects always requires some effort. Whether you are just starting out freelancing in the life science industry or have been around for a while. As a freelancer, you are responsible for your success. We have therefore listed 6 tips to help you find the best-suited freelance projects.
1. Build or expand your network
Have you just started as a freelancer? Then it’s important to build a good network. Participating to networking events can help you with this but also think about your existing network. Chances are that you will receive most projects through your current contacts (especially if you have many relations). So also look at former colleagues and old employers. Do you already have existing clients? Then feel free to ask if they can refer you. Satisfied customers are happy to do this.
2. Stay in touch
Keep your relationships and network warm after you have completed a mission. For example, get in touch again a few months after the project. Depending on your relationship, this could be by e-mail, phone or LinkedIn. Keep in mind that a well-maintained network relationship can bring you great future projects.
Tip: share something valuable with your contacts. This way, you really add something and demonstrate your expertise. This could, for example, be a link to a useful article or a video that could be interesting for your relation.
3. Use social media
Entrepreneurs can use various social media channels to promote their products or services. There are all kind of channels available, but the most commonly used are surely LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. For Professionals in the Life Science industry, LinkedIn is the most widely used. The reason is that you can get in touch with potential clients relatively quickly. In addition, LinkedIn is also a perfect platform to get in touch with other colleagues and specialists.
4. Update your LinkedIn profile
Having a LinkedIn profile is very important. In doing so, make sure your LinkedIn profile is representative of you and your offer. At least consider these points:
- Upload a professional profile picture.
- Use a (recent) cover. This is the background you see first on your profile. Choose something that suits you or your company here, something that stands out!
- Add your education, certificates and work experience.
- Write a complete and unique headline that clearly tells what you do.
- In your bio, write some lines about who you are and what you have to offer. Ideally, this should be personal with a strong opening. Also, don't forget to add your contact details.
- Also add your home area, this is useful if you want to be found by recruiters or clients. Do you work in an area other than where you live? Then choose the area where you work.
- Consider whether it’s important for your target group to use English, French or Dutch and make a choice.
- Have you completed successfully a project recently? Don't hesitate to ask for a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile and give them yourself too!
You can also join LinkedIn groups that match your specialism. Here you can get in touch with potential clients or other freelancers from the life science industry. It’s important to make yourself visible (participate in discussions, share insights and answer questions). It’s also worth considering LinkedIn Premium. With Premium, you get much more insights and your activities become more visible to others. You will also be easier to find by companies and recruiters.
5. Set up your own website
With your own website, you can present your offer, but also post blogs in which you present yourself as an expert. Nowadays, creating a website is quick and easy via platforms such as Squarespace and WordPress. Do you want to be easily found by search engines such as Google? Then it’s important that your website is SEO-proof. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. You can consider hiring a specialist to do this for you but by using platforms such as Wordpress or Squarespace, which have most of the SEO standards properly set up, you can do a lot of things yourself without investing too much money.
6. Find new clients yourself
Many freelancers find the 'acquisition' part one of the biggest challenges in entrepreneurship. You can actively look for clients yourself by cold or warm acquisition. Once you know which client you want to work for, it’s important to find the right contact person. The final step is to make a phone call. Do you find this too stressful? Then you can also approach someone via LinkedIn, but this is often less effective.
Let Real Staffing help you find your next project
Our niche experts within Real Staffing have an extensive network within your specialism. This can greatly help you grow your business, especially in the beginning! Our consultants will guide you with all practical aspects of entrepreneurship and assist you in determining/negotiating your hourly rate.
Curious to know more about the possibilities? Leave your details below and we will contact you as soon as possible!