Unlocking the Art of Professional BFFS

In the realm of professional communication, the seemingly innocuous "hope this email finds you well" is not just a mere greeting; it's a secret weapon in your arsenal for cultivating meaningful work relationships.

Especially for independent creatives, checking in isn't just a gesture; it's a demonstration of commitment to their success and an expansion of your ROI (Return on Investment), or as we like to call it, "Return on Friendship." You want your clients to feel valued, fostering trust and good rapport. This, in turn, translates to more work opportunities, creative freedoms, and even a guiding mentorship through this complicated landscape we like to call…lyfe.

In this guide, we unveil the keys to unlocking the art of professional BFFs in the digital age.

Slide Into Their DMs (Networking Edition)

We all know how f’ed the job market is right now. However, freelancers like us have a little bit of an edge in the way we can make connections. Whether that’s through mutuals, packaging your services in a unique way, or simply making an introduction that doesn’t look half as desperate as the cover letters you send out to the job site landfill. Don't hesitate to connect with folks on LinkedIn or engage in relevant social media postings. However, tread carefully and maintain professionalism in your outreach. Avoid the pitfalls of "situationships" by keeping your interactions strictly business-focused.

Mastering the art of professional BFFs requires a blend of authenticity, active listening, adaptability, and virtual engagement. By incorporating these strategies into your remote work routine, you'll forge stronger connections and thrive in the digital workplace landscape.

Be Authentic AF

Gone are the days of hiding behind a corporate facade. Embrace your true self, quirks and all, because authenticity is the cornerstone of genuine connections. Whether you're chatting with a colleague or networking with a potential client, let your unapologetically awesome self shine through. Someone is going to love what you have to offer–whether that’s a manic mannerism people find endearing, or your ability to execute what you said you can do on the first interview call. Don’t lie about your skills, that’s painful for you and embarrassing for them.

Listen Like a You’re on a Podcast

We all have or at one point had that one coworker/boss who doesn’t come up for air when they’re talking, or only talks about themselves and doesn’t offer a rebuttal. Like romantic partners, active listening is the cornerstone of effective communication. Treat every interaction like tuning in to your favorite podcast, giving your full attention to the speaker. Resist the urge to interject with your own anecdotes and instead, focus on understanding their perspective. Your employers/coworkers will appreciate being heard and understood.

Speak Their Language

Code switching sometimes gets a bad rep, but it’s actually really relevant to thriving as a freelancer. The way you talk to your trade magazine client and the way you talk to your trendy zeitgeist boss lady are vastly different. In a diverse workplace, communication styles are what not only gets you through the door, but invited into the living room. Whether you're conversing with a seasoned professional who still marvels at fax machines or a Gen Z'er fluent in TikTok lingo, adapt your communication style to meet them where they are. Finding common ground builds a shared understanding and fosters better collaboration.

Virtual High Fives Matter

In the digital landscape of Slack messages and Zoom calls, don't underestimate the power of virtual appreciation. Send a quick message to acknowledge a job well done, offer words of encouragement, or simply check in on your colleagues. If you are strictly remote, offer up the chance to grab coffee when you’re back in town, or chat over zoom and maybe take the first 5 minutes of the chat to talk about the dog doing zoomies in the background. These small gestures of recognition and lightheartedness go a long way in nurturing strong professional relationships.