I was chatting with this fellow freelancing mama in one of my online groups the other day. She was asking for advice on what to prioritize for bringing in more income - things like creating digital products, starting a YouTube channel or podcast to build an audience, you know, all the trendy options we hear so much about these days.



As I'm reading her post, I'm really feeling for her struggle. We've all been there, right? Trying to figure out where to even start when you're juggling work and family and there are a million possibilities out there promising passive income and scalable businesses.



Her situation definitely struck a chord with me because she just had her fifth baby. I'm on my third, but five kids - wow! What a supermom!! I can't even imagine. No wonder she's looking for some ways to streamline her income efforts.



Anyway, in my reply I gently reminded her not to overlook one of the tried-and-true income strategies for freelancers: good ol' fashioned networking. I know, I know, not as flashy as launching an online course. But seriously, when you need clients right away, getting yourself out there in the right communities can be an absolute game-changer.
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This mama is actually a networking pro already, but her biggest challenge right now is finding the time to schedule networking with five little ones at home. Totally understandable!



So why am I sharing this story with you? Because I'm willing to bet that you are experiencing the sense of urgency to find clients ASAP, and you may be exploring this whole "passive income" avenue yourself. However, before you go down any other income stream rabbit holes, make networking your top priority. Get visible and get connected in the online spaces where your ideal clients are hanging out. Build those relationships first.



Why am I so insistent about this networking thing? Because I've seen it work time and time again, even in this age of online courses and Instagram influencers. Success in freelancing still relies heavily on your network and being known in your field.
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You can have the greatest digital products in the world, but if you don't have an audience to sell them to, were those hours of creation really the best use of your limited time, mama? Probably not.



Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking those other income streams as I'm sure you know I have a few of my own. The point I'm hopefully getting across to you is that when you've got a solid client base through networking, then you can explore turning what you do into a product. Or maybe you bring some partners on board that you met through networking to help share the content creation load.



But if you're a freelancing mama in need of clients right away, prioritize networking first. Get out there, get visible, add value to others. Then watch those referrals and new client inquiries start rolling in.
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​So that's my little PSA for today: Mama, don't forget to network! It may not be the trendiest strategy out there, but it's one of the most powerful tools in your freelance arsenal, especially when you need income fast. You'll thank me later!