FREELANCE NETWORKING SCRIPTS Word-for-word scripts for every networking situation From SoloStack — solostack.madethis.app/resources/freelance-networking ===================================================================== THE NAME FORMULA: Memorable Self-Introductions ----------------------------------------------- NICHE → AUDIENCE → METHOD → EVIDENCE N = Niche (what specific thing you do) A = Audience (exactly who you do it for) M = Method (how you do it — your angle or approach) E = Evidence (one proof point: result, client type, number) EXAMPLE: "I write email sequences [Niche] for B2B SaaS companies [Audience] that reduce trial-to-paid churn [Method] — my clients typically see a 20–30% lift in conversions within 90 days [Evidence]." Build yours: "I ______ [Niche] for ______ [Audience] who ______ [Method/problem] — ______ [Evidence/proof]." ===================================================================== THE 10-SECOND ELEVATOR PITCH + FOLLOW-UP QUESTION -------------------------------------------------- The pitch: "I help [specific type of client] with [specific outcome]. I work with [2–3 types of clients] mostly through [referrals / LinkedIn / events]." The follow-up question (immediately after): "What about you — what do you do?" Why the follow-up question works: It takes the spotlight off you and puts it on them. People remember conversations where they talked more than they listened. You become memorable by being genuinely curious. EXAMPLE PITCH: "I'm a freelance copywriter — I help e-commerce brands fix their product pages and email sequences. I mostly work with DTC brands doing $500k to $5M in revenue. What about you?" ===================================================================== LINKEDIN CONNECTION REQUEST TEMPLATES -------------------------------------- Keep these under 300 characters (LinkedIn limit). 1. MET AT AN EVENT "Hi [Name] — great to meet you at [event] yesterday. I loved what you said about [specific thing]. Would love to stay connected." 2. MUTUAL CONNECTION "Hi [Name] — [mutual connection's name] suggested I reach out. We're both [context: in the same niche / working with similar clients]. Would love to connect." 3. ADMIRE THEIR WORK "Hi [Name] — I've been following your work on [specific thing] and really appreciate how you [specific observation]. Would love to be in your network." 4. SAME COMMUNITY "Hi [Name] — I see we're both in [community name]. Your post about [topic] resonated with me. Happy to connect and keep in touch." 5. COLD-BUT-WARM "Hi [Name] — your profile caught my eye. I work with [similar clients / same niche] and thought it'd be worth connecting. No ask — just building my network of [role/niche] people." ===================================================================== FOLLOW-UP EMAILS AFTER MEETING SOMEONE ---------------------------------------- SAME-DAY FOLLOW-UP (send within 24 hours) Subject: Great to meet you at [Event] "Hi [Name], It was great connecting with you at [event/context] today. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic you discussed]. [One genuine observation or compliment about them/their work] I'd love to stay in touch. If there's ever anything I can help with [your area of expertise], don't hesitate to reach out. [Optional: share something useful related to what you talked about] Best, [Your name]" --- 1-WEEK FOLLOW-UP (if they haven't responded) Subject: Following up — [relevant reference] "Hi [Name], Wanted to follow up after meeting at [event]. I mentioned I'd send you [something you offered: article, resource, intro] — here it is: [link or attachment] No pressure to respond — just wanted to make good on what I said. If you ever want to grab a quick coffee chat (virtual or in-person), I'd enjoy that. Best, [Your name]" --- RE-ENGAGEMENT AFTER GOING COLD (3–12 months later) Subject: Long time — thought of you "Hi [Name], I know it's been a while since we connected at [context]. I was [reading / working on / thinking about] [relevant topic] and it reminded me of our conversation about [specific thing]. [Share something genuinely useful: article, opportunity, observation] Hope you're doing well. Would love to catch up sometime if you're open to it. [Your name]" ===================================================================== ASKING FOR A REFERRAL (without being awkward) ---------------------------------------------- AFTER A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT: "This has been a great project — I've really enjoyed working with you. Do you know anyone else who [describe ideal client situation]? If someone comes to mind, I'd love an introduction. No pressure at all — I just find my best clients come from people like you." CASUAL VERSION: "Hey, random question — do you have any peers or connections who might benefit from [what you do]? I'm taking on 2 new clients next month and thought I'd ask before I go back to cold outreach. If no one comes to mind, no worries." VIA EMAIL: Subject: Quick question "Hi [Name], Hope all is well. I'm opening up 2 spots for [type of work] over the next month or so. Before I start outreach, I always check in with people I've worked with to see if anyone comes to mind. If you know anyone who's struggling with [specific problem you solve], I'd love a warm intro. Happy to return the favor — if I come across anyone who needs [what they do], I'll think of you first. Thanks for thinking of me. [Your name]" ===================================================================== ASKING FOR A TESTIMONIAL OR INTRO ------------------------------------ ASKING FOR A TESTIMONIAL: "Would you be open to leaving a quick testimonial about working together? It doesn't need to be long — even 2–3 sentences would be great. If it helps, here are 3 questions you could answer: 1. What was the main problem you were trying to solve when you hired me? 2. What was the result or outcome? 3. Who would you recommend me to? You can reply here and I'll format it — or I can send a Google Form if that's easier. Either way, I really appreciate it." ASKING FOR AN INTRODUCTION: "I noticed you're connected to [person's name] at [company]. I'd love to connect with them — [specific reason why: same niche, would be a good collaborator, etc.]. Would you be open to making an intro? I'm happy to draft a short blurb to make it easy. No worries if not." ===================================================================== COFFEE CHAT REQUEST SCRIPTS ------------------------------ IN-PERSON: "Hey [Name] — I've been wanting to chat with more [type of people] in [city/industry]. Would you be up for a quick coffee sometime? 30 minutes, no agenda — just a chance to get to know each other. I'm usually free on Tuesday or Thursday mornings." VIRTUAL: "Hi [Name] — I've been really enjoying your content on [topic]. I'd love to get to know you better and hear more about [aspect of their work]. Would you be open to a 20-minute Zoom chat sometime? Here's my calendar if it's easier: [calendar link]" AFTER ENGAGING WITH THEIR CONTENT: "Hey [Name] — I've been following your posts about [topic] and I had a question I thought you might enjoy: [genuine question about their work or perspective]. Would a quick chat be too much to ask? Happy to return the favor — I'm deep in [your area] and happy to share what I've learned." ===================================================================== COMMON NETWORKING MISTAKES AND FIXES -------------------------------------- MISTAKE: Leading with your ask "Hi, I'm looking for clients..." FIX: Lead with curiosity about them, then mention what you do once you've established a connection. MISTAKE: Vague self-description "I'm a consultant / I do marketing / I'm a designer" FIX: Use the NAME formula. Be specific enough that people know exactly who to send to you. MISTAKE: Collecting contacts without following up Meeting 20 people at an event then doing nothing FIX: Commit to following up with 3 people within 24 hours. Quality of follow-through matters more than volume of connections. MISTAKE: Only networking when you need clients "I'm fully booked so I'll stop going to events" FIX: Networking compounds over time. Keep the flywheel spinning even when you're busy — plant seeds for the future you. MISTAKE: Immediately pitching after connecting "Great to meet you — here's my services page" FIX: Give before you ask. Comment, share, help, introduce. Ask later. MISTAKE: Being on every platform with no presence on any Scattered LinkedIn + Twitter + Instagram + Reddit with no consistency FIX: Pick 1–2 platforms where your clients actually are. Show up there consistently and ignore the rest. ===================================================================== Download more free freelance resources at: solostack.madethis.app/resources