[hakanderyal]

The size and quality of your network is generally the main source of work for freelancers.

Expanding your network is a great way to increase your 'luck surface'.

Most of my big clients came to me with referrals from my existing (happy!) customers.

You can check out Double Your Freelancing[0]. I'm not fancy of his academy stuff, but the book covers most of the things that will help you become succesful in your freelancing career. When I read it, I already knew most of the things taught in the book, as I had already been freelancing for 2-3 years, but it was still helpful with widening my perspective.

Regarding meeting with developers, you should also expand your network in areas that will include your potential clients. If you are not only targeting startups, getting your name out in business owner circles is a good idea. I'm living in Turkey, and attending the local chamber of commerce activities and meetups allowed me to meet with business owners that are all potential clients.

[0]: https://doubleyourfreelancing.com/

[Im_a_throw_away]

> You can check out Double Your Freelancing

Already read it, and it's great! But it doesn't explain how to start getting clients from scratch.

> Expanding your network is a great way to increase your 'luck surface'.

That's what I'm trying to do. But I feel like going to developer meetups is going to be a very slow way to expend my network. Any other ideas?

[hakanderyal]

Business owners was my target segment, so I attended every meeting I could find that will have lots of business owners & executives attending. Business fairs, chamber of commerce seminars.

As I already said, if you have a chamber of commerce, or equivalent organisation in your city, join their events. In most cities, chamber of commerces organises events, meetups, seminars, meetings targeting local businesses & owners.

Main idea is, once you identify which market segment you want to target, in order to sell 'yourself' to them, be where they are. Meet with them, listen to their problems, and offer tailored solutions. Being a 'solution' guy instead of 'random web developer/designer' guy will help you differentiate yourself from your peers.

For example, instead of telling a business owner 'I design websites', go with "I create websites that will help you boost your sales, that will pay for itself and earn you more money". First one is generic, second one is offering a solution to their problem, a benefit that they can understand. Back your claims with research and data, and deliver what you promise.

As my target was business owners, I gave examples on that segment. But you can apply the same strategies to any other segment you want.

[Im_a_throw_away]

Really interesting, thanks! Can I send you an email to ask you a few questions about this? Where can I find your email?

[hakanderyal]

Sure, I've added my email to my profile.