Finding New Clients for the New Year: A Moxie Guide

As the new year rolls in, it's time to think about investing in the most crucial aspect of your freelancing business: finding new clients. Let Moxie guide you.
Finding New Clients for the New Year: A Moxie Guide

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Welcome, go-getter freelancers! As the new year rolls in, like a brand new, shiny coin ready to be spent, it's time to think about investing in the most crucial aspect of your freelancing business: finding new clients. And who better to guide you through this than Moxie, the app that's as confident in its abilities as you are in yours, but without the over-the-top sales pitch.

1. Networking: Not Just a Buzzword

Networking is the first step toward new opportunities.

Imagine you’re at a conference, coffee in hand, and you overhear someone discussing a problem that your skills could solve. You chime in, not with a sales pitch, but with genuine advice. This is networking at its best — creating relationships based on shared interests and mutual benefit. You're not just collecting contacts; you're cultivating a garden of potential collaborations. It's like being part of a secret club where the password is your authenticity.

2. Leverage Social Media

Social media is your digital storefront; make it inviting and engaging.

Your social media presence should be a blend of professionalism and personality. Picture your Instagram like a gallery showcasing your work, interspersed with personal anecdotes or industry insights. 

Engage in conversations, not just for visibility, but to show you're invested in your community. It's like being a friendly neighborhood barista who knows everyone's names and orders — familiarity breeds trust and trust breeds business. Learning how to leverage social media for freelancing is a great, modern way to expand not only your community but your job net as well.

3. Refine Your Pitch: Not a One-Size-Fits-All

Your pitch should be as unique as a fingerprint, tailored to each potential client.

Consider this: you're approaching a new client who's big on environmental sustainability. You wouldn't start by highlighting projects irrelevant to their values. Instead, you'd discuss your experience with eco-friendly initiatives or how you prioritize sustainability in your work. It's like being a DJ, reading the room, and choosing the music that gets everyone dancing — in this case, the dance is a successful business deal. It’s more than just branding, it’s learning the language of the industry, reading the room, and formulating a plan that makes your client interesting.

4. Follow-Ups: The Art of the Gentle Nudge

Follow-ups are the symphony of staying relevant without becoming a nuisance.

Here's the scenario: you've sent a proposal and haven't heard back in a week. You draft a follow-up email that's light, friendly, and subtly reminds them of your previous conversation. Maybe add a recent article or a piece of work you've done that's relevant to their business. It's like being that song on the radio that gets stuck in their head, pleasantly reminding them of your presence without overwhelming them.

5. Stay Current: Be the Freelancer of Tomorrow, Today

Keep your skills as fresh as morning dew.

Imagine freelancing as a bustling city that never sleeps, where trends and technologies are skyscrapers constantly reaching new heights. To not get lost in the shadows, you need to be like a savvy urban explorer, always discovering and adapting.

Whether it’s learning a new software, understanding the latest social media algorithms, or keeping up with industry news, your dedication to staying current makes you not just a freelancer, but a visionary in your field. It's like being a chef who’s always adding new, exciting dishes to the menu, keeping diners coming back for more.

6. Utilize Freelancing Platforms: Don't Be a Lone Wolf

In the vast wilderness of freelancing, platforms like Moxie are your trusty compasses.

Think of Moxie and similar platforms as your personal freelancing guide. They’re not just a place to find jobs and manage clients; they’re ecosystems where you can grow, learn, and connect with clients who are looking for exactly what you offer.

It’s like attending a masquerade ball where everyone’s mask reveals their true professional desires. You get to navigate through, unmasking potential opportunities and forming alliances that could lead to your next big project or a long-term partnership. Apps like Moxie help you manage these relationships and even make things like getting paid all that much easier.

7. Give More Than You Take: The Boomerang Effect

Generosity in the freelance world often comes back around in unexpected and profitable ways.

Envision your generosity as seeds you plant in a community garden. Every tip you share, every piece of advice you give, and every helping hand you lend to fellow freelancers and clients, grows into a network of goodwill.

This network, in time, bears fruit in the form of referrals, collaborations, and a sterling reputation. It’s akin to being a favorite local baker who’s known not just for their delicious bread but also for their warmth and community spirit. Such a reputation makes people want to work with you, recommend you, and return to you.

8. Feedback: Turn Ouch into Oomph

Constructive feedback is the fuel that can propel your freelance career to new heights.

Receiving feedback is like getting a backstage pass to your own show — it lets you see what the audience (your clients) really thinks. It’s not always standing ovations; sometimes, it’s a tough crowd. But each critique is a chance to refine your act.

Embrace this feedback with grace and a genuine desire to improve. It’s like being a scientist in a lab, where every experiment, success or failure, brings you closer to that groundbreaking discovery which, in your case, is unparalleled excellence in your craft.

The Go-Getter Checklist:

  • Network Authentically: Be real, be you.
  • Social Media Savvy: Share, engage, repeat.
  • Customized Pitches: Fit the client, not the other way around.
  • Follow-Up Artistry: A gentle reminders is better than a pushy poke.
  • Skill Upkeep: Stay fresh, stay relevant.
  • Platform Power: Use Moxie and other sites to find your perfect client match.
  • Karmic Giving: What you give is what you get.
  • Feedback Finesse: Taste your cooking and refine your dish.

So, there you have it, go-getters. Armed with these tips and your innate Moxie spirit, you're not just prepared but poised to make this new year your most successful one yet. Remember, finding new clients isn't just about casting a wide net; it's about casting the right net in the right waters. It's a mix of art, science, and a dash of that unique personality that only you bring to the table.

As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that every interaction, every pitch, and every social media post is a reflection of your personal brand. You're not just selling a service; you're offering a memorable experience, a solution, a story that only you can tell. And with Moxie by your side, you're never alone in this adventure.

So, gear up, stay authentic, be relentless in your pursuit of knowledge, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. The freelance world is a vast ocean, and you're the captain of your ship. Here's to smooth sailing and bountiful catches! And if you ever need help, you can always sign up for Moxie here.

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Contributor
Michelle Lee
Contributor
Michelle Lee
Michelle Lee worked in marketing and promotions for radio and event coordination for non-profits. Today, she uses those skills to sell the day’s schedule to three tiny humans. Michelle gets most excited about helping people reach their fullest potential and finding a G-2 .38 pen.
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