2 builders who never spoke to each other

Put people in a room and introduce them

Gather the people you like, connect them to each other and do not pitch, because the work comes out of the occasion rather than the presentation. Host something specifically for your best clients, since the clients you most want sit in their networks. When making an introduction, get permission from both sides first, then say how you know each person and why you are connecting them.

The method

1. 01

   Gather the people you like in one room and introduce them to each other, and do not pitch your own business while doing it.

2. 02

   Host something for your best clients specifically, because the clients you most want are in the networks of the clients you already have.

3. 03

   Invite acquaintances and strangers to lunch, say up front that you are paying, and near the end ask what their biggest problem is and how you could help.

4. 04

   When you introduce two contacts, state how you know each of them, why you are connecting them, that they should each look for a way to help the other, and that they still need to check each other out properly.

5. 05

   Make introductions between people in your network, including between a solopreneur and a possible client, but get permission from both sides before sending the email.

What it returned

• Austin runs retreats for founders and executives, mastermind dinners and freelancer workshops, and says the work comes out of the experience rather than a pitch.

• Welsh calls the permission step a double opt-in. Connectors playing this role introduced him to Eric Partaker, Ali Abdaal, Wes Kao and Nick Huber.

Sources

• How Freelancers Can Kickstart Their Audience - Double Your FreelancingBrennan Dunn · doubleyourfreelancing.com · Step 4: Deliver lots and lots of value, and do it often · 2014-09-04
• The Ultimate Guide to Building Client Relationships - Double Your FreelancingAustin Church · doubleyourfreelancing.com · Host parties and events. · 2016-09-12
• Grow Your Brand By Rooting for OthersJustin Welsh · justinwelsh.me · 4. Be a thoughtful connector · 2023-05-06