The Benefits of Networking as a Solopreneur
Build relationships with fellow solopreneurs.
Solopreneurs certainly know the meaning of the word "solo." While we may work with clients, we're typically not working with any colleagues: no managers, no direct reports, no peers.
For some, this is a marvelous setup, since it allows so much time for focused work. For others, it's isolating and lonely.
No matter where you fall on the spectrum, networking as a solopreneur is a necessary part of running a business. You'll grow faster — and have a much easier time doing it — if you're connected to other people.
Effective networking is a lot more than swapping business cards at an event or firing off LinkedIn messages. It's about building relationships that can support your business.
But networking takes time, so it's got to be something you prioritize in your busy schedule. However, it's worth the effort.
Here’s how networking meaningfully impacts your solo business.
More (and better) client opportunities
One of the biggest perks of networking is simple: referrals. Referrals come from someone who already trusts your work, and referrals are easier to convert than cold leads. With good referrals, you can sometimes win without pitching.
A fellow solopreneur might pass along a project they don't have the capacity for. A former colleague might recommend you when they know someone who needs what you offer. This type of work is often a much better fit than random inquiries you might get through your website.
Referrals aren't luck. They're a byproduct of being "known for something" within your network.
Collaboration with other people
People who work 9-5 jobs don't understand the hustle of solopreneurship. You're constantly juggling the demands and emotional rollercoaster of running a business.
When you connect with other solopreneurs, suddenly you have other people who understand the challenges you face.
You can commiserate when things go sideways and sanity-check your ideas. You can even collaborate with other solopreneurs in a way that's mutually beneficial. People in my network have invited me to speak at events or appear as a podcast guest. Collaborations are an opportunity to reach a new audience.
As I've collaborated with fellow solopreneurs, I see them as much more than peers: they're my friends.
Stay on top of trends
Your network is one of the easiest ways to stay informed about what’s happening in your industry. When you’re connected with peers, you’ll naturally hear about:
- New tools other solopreneurs are using
- Pricing shifts or rate trends
- Changes in client expectations
- Best practices for onboarding, communication, or project management
You get to learn from other people’s experiences instead of making the same mistakes yourself. In fields that evolve quickly — like marketing, design, tech, or writing — your network becomes a shortcut to staying relevant.
I joined a writing community when I was a brand new freelancer. The people in the group gave me a ton of insights that I wouldn't have known otherwise.
Grow your visibility and reputation
People are more likely to hire people they’ve heard of. When you participate in communities, show up on social platforms like LinkedIn, or share helpful insights, you increase the number of people who know what you do.
That visibility builds trust over time. Trust leads to opportunities — referred clients, collaborations, and more.
When people repeatedly see your name associated with specific topics, they start to think of you as the go-to person for the type of work you do.
Anna Burgess Yang
Increase your confidence
Networking isn’t just about getting work. It’s also about becoming more confident in what you do. Talking about your projects, answering questions from others, and sharing your experience forces you to get really clear about your expertise.
It's also a form of market research. When you network, you'll understand how other people in your industry are positioning themselves — and how you position yourself differently.
Over time, you get better at articulating your value. That carries over into client calls, portfolio updates, pricing conversations, and negotiations.
Your confidence will always grow faster when you’re not building your business in a vacuum.
