Networking for Introverted Freelancers: Simple Strategies That Will Work for You
This article is a summary of a presentation by Lori De Milto, MJ, and Genevieve Walker, PhD, at the AMWA 2025 Medical Writing & Communication Conference.
Networking is essential for building a successful freelance business. It can help freelancers gain new clients through referrals, better manage their business by learning about new tools and resources, and relieve isolation by visiting with colleagues. However, networking can be particularly challenging for introverted freelancers. To address that challenge, Lori De Milto and Genevieve Walker presented several proven strategies (as well as their own success stories) to help introverted freelancers enhance their networking skills and grow their businesses.
First, Lori and Genevieve suggested that introverted freelancers should understand their personalities. Freelancers who think they are introverts may in fact be ambiverts, like two-thirds of all people. Ambiverts blend both introverted and extroverted traits; they are generally flexible and adaptable, knowing when to talk, when to listen, and when to use extroverted behaviors. This understanding can help freelancers move past any aversion to networking to a more confident place. With that understanding in place, freelancers can focus on three other pieces of this networking mindset:
Getting to know people, not trying to sell themselves
Giving more than they take by being nice and generous, not desperate
Being reasonable, focusing on quality of contacts, not quantity
Once an introverted freelancer has the right mindset for networking, they can begin to build a strategic network. Lori and Genevieve noted that, instead of less strategic options like general mixers and alumni events, freelancers should focus on identifying key professional associations, membership communities, and social networks. Professional associations like AMWA offer the chance to network through conferences, chapter meetings, online forums, and volunteering (as opposed to simply joining). Online and membership communities offer a supportive environment for networking, learning, and growing a business, while social networks offer an introvert-friendly option to reach numerous potential clients and collaborators at one time.
After identifying key groups for networking, introverted freelancers can use best practices that are tailored for in-person or online settings. As Lori and Genevieve discussed, each setting carries certain advantages.
Conferences, meetings, and other events are great opportunities for in-person networking. Face-to-face interaction allows for nonverbal communication, builds trust quickly, and provides an audience with similar professional interests. Before each event, freelancers should prepare in four ways:
Practice their elevator speech to quickly tell someone what they do, who they work with, and why someone should hire them.
Schedule meetings with people they know and or want to get to know, using their time effectively (eg, meeting during breaks or meals).
Dress for success, including leveraging color choices, to make a positive first impression.
Bring business cards to allow easier follow-ups.
At the event, freelancers should keep a few other practices in mind. They should focus on learning and getting to know people, being friendly and approachable, not talking too much about themselves, and ending conversations gracefully (e.g., exchanging business cards and offering to connect later). Because introverted freelancers will likely be networking with fellow introverts, it may help to have some conversation starters in mind to break the ice. Freelancers should remember to give more than they take, such as providing referrals, showing gratitude, and asking for help when needed. Also, introverts who need a quiet break from networking should feel free to take one.
Compared to in-person networking, virtual networking through LinkedIn, online member communities, and other virtual events may seem more introvert friendly. It has some advantages, such as less time, effort, and cost, but it also is considered less effective for building trust. To maximize results from virtual networking, freelancers should follow applicable best practices from in-person networking—not selling themselves, giving more than they take, and wearing professional attire—while using on-camera best practices such as a clean, uncluttered background and the right lighting.
In conclusion, effective networking may be challenging for introverted freelancers, but it is crucial for a successful freelance business. By following the strategy outlined by Lori and Genevive—understanding their personality, embracing a positive networking mindset, building a strategic network, and using best practices tailored to in-person and virtual networking—introverted freelancers can create valuable connections, find new clients, and ultimately thrive in their careers.
About the author: Christian Small, MA, ELS(D), is a senior manager with BeOne Medicines, USA. He earned his MA in English from California State University, Sacramento, and his BA in economics and English from the University of California, Davis.
