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Networking for Solopreneurs: How to Build Real Connections

Here’s the truth about networking: Most solopreneurs hate it—because it feels fake, pushy, and transactional. But here’s the secret: The best networking isn’t “networking” at all. It’s building real relationships in places where your ideal clients already hang out.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • → Where to find high-quality communities (no LinkedIn spam zones)
  • → How to engage without sounding salesy (the “give first” method)
  • → How a VA landed 3 clients in 30 days (just by being helpful in a Facebook group)

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Irina Potok linkedin photo

By Irina Potok

Founder & CEO at Hire Virtials

Why Most Networking Advice is Terrible (And What Actually Works)

The problem:

  • “Just DM 10 people a day!” → Feels slimy and gets you ignored.
  • “Attend virtual summits!” → Time-suck with zero ROI.
  • “Post on LinkedIn daily!” → Mostly cricket sounds unless you’re already famous.

The fix: Stop “networking” and start contributing.

Where? In small, niche communities where people actually engage (not just post and ghost).

Networking for Solopreneurs: How to Build Real Connections

The 5 Best Places to Build Real Connections

1. Indie Hackers (For Bootstrappers & Side Hustlers)

Why it works:

  • No sleazy sales—just founders helping founders.
  • Thread examples:
    • “I’m a VA who specializes in [niche]. If you’re drowning in admin work, I’d love to help—DM me or comment below!”
    • “Struggling with [specific problem]? Here’s how I solved it for my clients.”

Pro tip:

  • Answer 3 questions before you ask for anything.
  • Use the search bar to find people with your ideal client’s pain points.

Case study:

A copywriter landed 2 retainer clients by consistently answering questions in the #marketing channel.

2. Niche Slack/Discord Groups (Where Real Conversations Happen)

Best for: Freelancers, coaches, and service providers.

Where to find them:

  • Google: “[Your industry] + Slack group” (e.g., “SaaS copywriters Slack”)
  • Ask in Indie Hackers/Twitter: “Any active Slack groups for [your niche]?”

How to engage:

  • Share a quick win (e.g., “Just helped a client 3X their open rates with this subject line trick—happy to explain if helpful!”).
  • Ask for feedback (e.g., “Working on a new offer—would love your brutal honesty!”).

Example:

A web developer joined a no-code founders Slack and booked 3 discovery calls in a week just by offering free audits.

networking opportunities and facebook groups

3. Facebook Groups (The Hidden Goldmine)

Why they still work (if you avoid the spam):

  • People ask for recommendations daily (“Anyone know a great VA for e-commerce?”).
  • Algorithms favor engagement (unlike LinkedIn, where posts disappear fast).

How to stand out:

  • ✅ Answer questions (even if it doesn’t directly promote you).
  • ✅ Post a “PSA” (e.g., “I have 2 spots open for [service]—if you’ve been on the fence, now’s the time!”).
  • ❌ Don’t: Drop links without context or DM people unsolicited.

Case study:

A virtual assistant joined “E-commerce Fuel” and landed 3 clients in 30 days by:

  1. Answering 5+ questions/week (no pitch).
  2. Posting a case study (“How I saved a Shopify store 10 hrs/week—happy to chat if you’re overwhelmed!”).
  3. Following up with DMs only after someone commented.

4. LinkedIn (But Not the Way You Think)

The mistake: Posting “I help X do Y!” into the void.

What works instead:

  • Engage in niche comments sections (e.g., under a SaaS founder’s post about hiring).
  • Send value-first DMs (e.g., “Saw you’re hiring—here’s a free template for onboarding VAs that saved my clients 5+ hours.”).

Example script:

“Hey [Name],

I noticed you’re scaling [their business]. I help [specific niche] with [specific result]—no pitch, but if you ever want a free [resource], happy to share!

Either way, keep killing it!”

Result:

A social media manager got 4 replies out of 10 DMs (vs. 0 from cold pitches).

5. Twitter/X (For Organic Client Flow)

Best for: Coaches, consultants, and creatives.

How to use it:

  • Follow hashtags like #JournoRequest (for PR ops) or #[YourIndustry]Jobs.
  • Reply to “asking for a friend” tweets (e.g., “My friend needs a [your service]—any recs?”).
  • Post “thread bait” (e.g., “5 signs you need a VA (and how to hire one without wasting $)”).

Example:

A brand strategist got 2 inquiries/week by replying to 3 tweets/day with helpful advice.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Authentic Networking

✅ DO ❌ DON’T
Give first (answer questions, share free resources) Lead with a pitch (“Hi, want to buy my thing?”)
Be specific (“I help e-commerce stores automate customer support”) Be vague (“I’m a VA—DM me!”)
Follow up once if someone engages with you Spam people who ignore you
Join small communities (100–500 active members) Waste time in dead groups (10K members, 2 posts/month)
Use social proof (“Helped a client do X—happy to share how!”) Make empty claims (“I’m the best!”)

The 30-Day “No-Sleaze” Networking Challenge

  1. Week 1: Pick 1 community and engage daily (answer 1 question/day).
  2. Week 2: Share 1 valuable post (case study, tip, or resource).
  3. Week 3: DM 3 people who engaged with you (offer help, not a sale).
  4. Week 4: Follow up with anyone who showed interest.

Track:

  • New connections made
  • DM replies received
  • Clients/opportunities generated

Key Takeaways

  1. The best networking isn’t networking—it’s being helpful in the right places.
  2. Small, niche communities > big, spammy ones.
  3. Give value first, and the clients will come.
  4. No cold DMs required—just consistent, authentic engagement.

🚀 Ready to try it? Book a 15-min “Connection Audit”