6 simple ways freelancers can meet people and make connections

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If you are a freelancer or you work from home, then you might know exactly how it feels to be on your own little island. You’re cooped up in your office all the I time trying to get work done. If you’re anything like me, you only look up and go outdoors when your stomach tells you it can’t handle any more.<\/p>\r\n

Maybe you’re not that bad, but it isn’t uncommon to feel like you sometimes need someone to talk to without reading and imagining how they sound in messages. Sometimes you need some real, live, organic interaction with people. It frees your mind, helps you with ideas and lets you realize you aren’t the only person on the planet.<\/p>\r\n

It can sometimes be rough for you, especially if you enter a new town or new industry and have no contacts. It may also feel hard because you just don’t think there’s anyone out there with your interests. Stepping out the house and meeting new people is imperative for the designer who works from home. If you haven’t already figured out ways to do so, here are some tips to help you get a jumpstart on connecting and networking with people.<\/p>\r\n

Meet-ups and groups<\/h1>\r\n

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I’m the type of person who doesn’t like to be placed in an atmosphere just for the sake of talking to someone. Speed networking and mixers just don’t bode well for me. On the other hand, I love being part of groups where people get together because they are passionate or interested in the same things. It makes conversation easier because I already have a conversation starter.<\/p>\r\n

Most people who work from home are the same way. And for this reason, I recommend you join a group of like-minded individuals to talk with. Groups with members are big on making sure people feel like they belong. Finding the right group doesn’t mean you’re on the outside looking in, but it’s about feeling connected to other passionate people.<\/p>\r\n

The benefits of many organizations and groups can be great. You can learn something from gatherings, receive free and discounted perks and even become a mentee in a mentorship program. A good place to start finding groups is Meetup​.com. You can search through certain categories to see when groups meet and what they are about. Other places to start are nationally recognized design and other related groups (such as advertising, technology, etc.).<\/p>\r\n

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Find events and conferences<\/h1>\r\n