4 ms·
Networking works if you do it right. Made $300k my first year from 0 using only physical networks and around $5k spending money. I'm a web developer in Sweden.
by antonkm 9y ago
Networking works if you do it right. Made $300k my first year from 0 using only physical networks and around $5k spending money. I'm a web developer in Sweden.
For me to join a network the network has to match these criteria:
* It markets itself as exclusive
* It costs money (say $2k/y for small businesses and scaling prices depending on number of employees)
* Participants are owners or at C-level
The networks are often dinners where the participants get to know each other in friendly settings. I aim for networks with high middle age where I stick out as the younger (am mid-thirties) professional which connects tech with business needs (my niche).
While at a network, do not talk about yourself. Ask about others businesses and interests. These sells take between 6-12 months and are based on trust.
You also need to come prepared.
* Dress as expected.
* Have a web page with referrals so when leads get a bit nosy and Google you you're #1 in search and the page provides the lead with info about great work you've done. I have about 100 visits / mo to my page (my weird name helps for the #1 pos). 90% are primed leads.
* Know your oneliners. Prepare examples of things you can provide. Make them sound natural. Say it without selling in an informal way.
It's about being systematic and selecting only the networks where your dream leads go to. Hoping to get into invite only networks further on.
- baraundrar 9y agoHej, - $300k SEK or USD? - What is the name of the dinner network you joined? - What services do you provide? Do you subcontract or do the work yourself? Hourly rate, day rate or value based project fees?
- antonkm 9y agoHej! 1. ~2.4m SEK (out of this I also paid other consultants to do parts of the work plus marketing, so I got about 1m) 2. I'm in several. Some are groups based out of Chamber of Commerce. Others are based out of "Science Parks". I'm joining new networks in Stockholm this year since there's probably more work to be found there which would motivate my travel (~1½h). Haven't done the research fully on which. 3. I do the work myself and take in consultants when needed. I'm on a mix of hourly and value based, will try to change from 50/50 to 10/90 in favor of value based next year.
- ptr 9y agoHi, fellow consultant in Sweden/Stockholm here. Is it possible to contact you somehow? I can't find any contact info in your profile.
- fersab 9y agoGreat job! However, i would like to point out that the Consulting "climate", in Sweden is very, very good and it is super-easy to find a client. Few searches and groups on linked-in will yield interviews, and there are plenty of brokers that deal with independent contractors. With that in mind 300k is a nice job still for one guy!
- antonkm 9y agoI consider myself to be more than one person, since I have a network of dev friends. So these contacts help and I'd not be able to do those numbers without people acting as my reference. Agree about interviews and brokers. I however have no interest on using brokers or being employed. Have gotten some really nice offers since I started consulting, Sweden is great for such opportunities. Starting Q1 2018 I have a 90% chance landing a ~500k SEK job from an informal Facebook posting. I have no experience with dealing with clients outside of Sweden. Maybe my advice isn't applicable to the US?
- mistermann 9y agoWhat sort of LinkedIn groups would be good to join to find clients?
- vram22 9y agoWhat are primed leads?