5 Ways to Find New Contracts
<p><em>Whether you have just become a freelancer or are an experienced self-employed worker, you might be looking for new contracts from time to time. Everyone can experience quieter periods. Consequently, to help you with this, we found you 5 ways to find new contracts. You should always take some time to explore new opportunities and do follow-ups with your current clients.</em></p>
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<h3><strong>Word-of-mouth</strong></h3>
<p>Do not underestimate word-of-mouth; it is what many experienced freelancers said during our interviews (they are available <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/" target="_blank">on Momenteo’s blog</a>). When you decide to become a freelancer, tell your friends and relatives. If someone from your entourage learns about a business opportunity, they will inform you. Moreover, make sure to offer quality service, especially when you start. A happy customer can refer you to others.</p>
<h3><strong>Past clients</strong></h3>
<p>In the same line of thinking, your past clients can also be a relevant resource if you are looking for new contracts. You can contact them once in a while to check if they would need anything. You can also inform them about new services you offer or congratulate your contact person for their promotion. Follow these businesses on social media to be aware of any news. Of course, it is suggested that you contact only the clients satisfied with your services. A simple reminder can make a huge difference.</p>
<h3><strong>Networking events</strong></h3>
<p>Networking events can indeed seem intimidating, especially if you are a more introverted person. However, these events can be an excellent way to meet other entrepreneurs and self-employed workers in your area. Discuss, present yourself, and explain what you offer. We never know who could need your services. Moreover, why not benefit from this opportunity by becoming a <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/why-become-a-member-of-a-chamber-of-commerce" target="_blank">chamber of commerce member</a> or spending a few hours in <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/9-benefits-of-working-from-a-coworking-space" target="_blank">a coworking space</a>? Besides helping you meet other people, these organizations often offer training courses and special activities to their members.</p>
<h3><strong>Social media</strong></h3>
<p>Social media is surely a place where you can find new contracts. Let’s start <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/selfemployed-dont-neglect-your-linkedin-page" target="_blank">with LinkedIn</a>: is your profile up to date? It could also be relevant to add a link to your portfolio and mention all the projects you have done so far. Then, do some monitoring. You can follow businesses but also Facebook groups. There are many groups for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed workers. These days, many people are looking for help regarding projects. Keep your ears open, and do not hesitate to offer your services!</p>
<h3><strong>Freelance platforms</strong></h3>
<p>Some freelancers like and others do not. Freelance platforms are another place where you can find new contracts. They are websites where businesses can post a job offer, and self-employed workers can apply. However, there can be a lot of competition, and many freelancers feel that the businesses using these platforms are only looking for the lower price. You can always take a look to see if it could answer your needs. For example, there are Upwork, Malt, and Pige Quebec.</p>
<h3><strong>Elements to keep in mind to always have contracts</strong></h3>
<p>What can you do in order to avoid quieter periods? As a self-employed worker, it is your duty to find new clients and contracts. Here are a few good habits to take to have always something to work on.</p>
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<p><strong>Keep some time to look for new opportunities</strong><br />
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First step: unless your schedule is full until 2025, it could be relevant to keep some time to look for new business opportunities. For example, you could spend a few hours per month doing some research, making cold calls, contacting your past clients, participating in networking events, and offering your services. It is a good habit to have.<br />
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<p><strong>Have an up-to-date website</strong><br />
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Millions of searches are made every day on the Internet. Google can quickly become your best friend if you have a well-indexed website. Consequently, it could be nice to have an up-to-date site where you can present yourself, explain your services, and show examples of past projects. Add testimonials of satisfied clients, work on your SEO, and that’s it!<br />
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<p><strong>Be present on social media</strong><br />
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Think about having a presence on social media. It is not necessary to be on all platforms; take a moment to see which ones are the most relevant. For example, if you are specialized in making videos, it could be interesting to be on YouTube and TikTok. If you are a photographer, you could publish your best pictures on Pinterest or Instagram. In sum, ask yourself which social media networks your target audience uses and be active on these platforms.</p>
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<p>In conclusion, it can be challenging to promote yourself to find new contracts; however, it will significantly impact your capacity to pay your bills. Start by defining your services and rates, and then talk about your project. Do not be passive; get involved. <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/do-you-suffer-from-the-impostor-syndrome" target="_blank">Set aside the imposter syndrome</a>. It will get easier with time. </p>
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