How Freelancers Can Use Proximity to Find Clients

Imagine this: you’re at your favorite coffee shop, working on a project. The person next to you glances at your screen, smiles, and says, “That’s a cool design—are you a freelancer?” A simple conversation starts, and before you know it, you’ve landed a new client. No cold emails, no awkward pitches—just a natural connection made possible by proximity.

For freelancers, real-life interactions can be a goldmine for finding clients. Unlike traditional networking, which often feels forced or transactional, proximity-based connections happen organically. They’re built on shared spaces, mutual interests, and the kind of authenticity that’s hard to replicate online. If you’re tired of endless outreach or algorithm-driven platforms, it’s time to explore how proximity can work for you.

Why Proximity Works for Freelancers

Freelancing thrives on trust, and trust is easier to build in person. When you meet someone face-to-face—whether at a coworking space, a local event, or even a grocery store—you create a memorable impression. People are more likely to remember you, your skills, and how you made them feel. Here’s why proximity is a game-changer for freelancers:

• Authenticity: Real-life interactions feel more genuine than online messages. A smile, a handshake, or a shared laugh can make you stand out.
• Serendipity: Some of the best opportunities come from unplanned encounters. You never know who you’ll meet or what they might need.
• Local connections: Proximity helps you tap into your local community, where word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clients are more likely.
• Less competition: Unlike crowded online platforms, real-life interactions give you a chance to shine without competing with hundreds of other freelancers.

Proximity isn’t about forcing a sale—it’s about letting connections unfold naturally. Whether it’s a fellow freelancer who refers you to a client or a small business owner who needs your services, real-life encounters can lead to meaningful collaborations.

Where to Find Proximity-Based Opportunities

Not all spaces are created equal when it comes to finding clients. Some places are hotspots for freelancers looking to connect with potential clients or collaborators. Here are a few places to start:

Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces are hubs for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. They’re designed for collaboration, making them ideal for meeting people who might need your skills. Strike up a conversation with someone at the coffee machine or join a community event. You’d be surprised how many projects start with a casual chat.

Local Events and Meetups

From industry-specific workshops to casual networking events, local meetups are a great way to meet people in your field. Look for events hosted by chambers of commerce, creative groups, or professional associations. Even if the event isn’t directly related to your work, you might meet someone who knows someone who needs your services.

Cafés and Libraries

Public spaces like cafés and libraries attract a diverse crowd, including professionals, students, and entrepreneurs. If you work from these spaces regularly, you’ll start to recognize familiar faces. A simple “Hey, I’ve seen you here before—what do you do?” can open the door to a new connection.

Community Spaces

Local markets, art galleries, and community centers are often filled with small business owners and creatives. These spaces foster a sense of community, making it easier to strike up conversations. If you’re a designer, for example, you might meet a shop owner who needs a logo refresh.

Gyms and Fitness Classes

Gyms and fitness classes attract people from all walks of life, including professionals who might need your services. Whether it’s a yoga class or a running group, shared activities create natural opportunities to connect. Plus, people are often more relaxed and open in these settings.

How to Turn Proximity into Clients

Meeting people is just the first step. To turn proximity into clients, you need to approach interactions with the right mindset and a few practical strategies. Here’s how to make the most of real-life encounters:

Be Approachable

People are more likely to strike up a conversation if you seem open and friendly. Smile, make eye contact, and avoid burying your face in your laptop or phone. If you’re working in a public space, consider sitting at a communal table where interactions are more likely to happen.

Listen More Than You Talk

When you meet someone new, focus on listening rather than pitching. Ask questions about what they do, their challenges, and their goals. People love talking about themselves, and you’ll learn valuable information that can help you tailor your approach later. For example:

• “What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in your business right now?”
• “How do you usually find freelancers for projects like this?”

Share What You Do—Naturally

You don’t need to launch into a sales pitch, but it’s helpful to mention what you do in a natural way. For example, if someone asks about your laptop setup, you could say, “I’m a freelance web developer, so I’m always testing out new tools to make my workflow smoother.” This opens the door for them to ask more questions or share their own needs.

Follow Up Digitally

If you meet someone who seems like a potential client or collaborator, don’t let the connection fade. Exchange contact information and follow up within a day or two. A simple message like this can keep the conversation going:

“Hey [Name], it was great meeting you at [event/location]! I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. If you ever need help with [your service], I’d love to chat more.”

Use a Proximity-Based App for Follow-Ups

Sometimes, you cross paths with someone but don’t get a chance to talk. Maybe you’re both in a hurry, or the moment just doesn’t feel right. That’s where a proximity-based social app like Matuvu can help. Matuvu reconnects you with people you’ve seen in real life, giving you a chance to follow up naturally.

For example, if you notice someone at a coworking space who seems like a potential client, you can use Matuvu to send a low-pressure message later. Since the app is based on real-life encounters, the connection feels more authentic than a cold outreach. Plus, it’s mutual opt-in, so conversations only happen if both people are interested.

Real-Life Examples of Proximity-Based Client Connections

Still not convinced? Here are a few real-life examples of how freelancers have used proximity to find clients:

The Graphic Designer at a Coffee Shop

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, often works from her local café. One day, she noticed a woman struggling to design a flyer for her small business. Sarah offered to help, and the woman ended up hiring her for a full branding project. What started as a casual conversation turned into a long-term client relationship.

The Web Developer at a Meetup

James, a freelance web developer, attended a local tech meetup. He struck up a conversation with a startup founder who mentioned they were looking for someone to build their website. James shared his experience, and a week later, he was hired for the project. The meetup gave him a chance to showcase his skills in a low-pressure setting.

The Copywriter at a Coworking Space

Emma, a freelance copywriter, joined a coworking space to escape the isolation of working from home. She met a marketing consultant who needed help with a client’s website copy. Emma’s proximity and willingness to chat led to a steady stream of referrals from the consultant.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Proximity-based networking isn’t without its challenges. Here’s how to navigate a few common hurdles:

Fear of Rejection

Not every conversation will lead to a client, and that’s okay. Rejection is a normal part of the process. Instead of focusing on the outcome, think of each interaction as a chance to practice your communication skills. The more you put yourself out there, the easier it becomes.

Time Constraints

If you’re busy, it can be hard to find time for in-person networking. Start small—commit to attending one local event a month or working from a café once a week. Even small efforts can lead to meaningful connections.

Forgetting to Follow Up

It’s easy to meet someone and forget to follow up. Set a reminder on your phone or use a tool like Matuvu to reconnect with people you’ve crossed paths with. A quick message can make all the difference.

Next Steps for Freelancers

Ready to start using proximity to find clients? Here’s how to get started:

1. Identify your hotspots: Make a list of places where you’re likely to meet potential clients, like coworking spaces, cafés, or local events.
2. Be present: Put your phone away and engage with the people around you. A simple smile or hello can open the door to a conversation.
3. Practice your pitch: Prepare a natural, concise way to describe what you do. Avoid jargon—focus on how you help people.
4. Follow up: Exchange contact information and send a friendly message within a day or two. Use a proximity-based app like Matuvu to reconnect with people you’ve seen but didn’t get a chance to talk to.
5. Track your progress: Keep a log of the people you meet and the outcomes of your conversations. This will help you refine your approach over time.

Proximity-based networking isn’t about forcing connections—it’s about letting them happen naturally. By putting yourself in the right spaces and staying open to conversations, you’ll create opportunities that feel authentic and rewarding. And who knows? Your next client might be sitting at the table next to you right now.

If you’re ready to take your proximity-based networking to the next level, download Matuvu on the App Store or Google Play and start reconnecting with the people you’ve crossed paths with.