Assuming you’ve sent one message, it probably makes sense to spend some time assessing who you know, who you want to work with, and who might want to work with you.

Take a quick look at the types of people who hire freelancers, then open up your email contacts, phone contacts, or social media connections.

(Just pick one of those options for now. You’re only going to spend 10-15 minutes at this, and you’ll do it again week or two.)

Slowly scroll through the names in front of you. For each person, ask:

• Could they (hypothetically) hire me?
• Would I like working with them?
• Do I like talking to them?

As soon as you come to a name that gets a “yes, yes, yes,” stop. Send them a thoughtful message.

If you’ve still got some energy, continue down the list. If not, no problem—come back to this audit in a few days. (If you’re overwhelmed with possibilities, try focusing on connectors.)