Take the phone call
I'm not a naturally social person. I'm not a weirdo, but I don't go out of my way to meet up with friends or go to parties and such.
But, in the 1099 world, I've found it's helpful to hop on the phone or meet up with recruiters, folks working as W2s at other companies, other small business owners, etc.
Often there is no immediate payoff, but on occasion you get a useful nugget of information or begin a relationship that leads somewhere interesting.
For example:
- I asked for an introduction to a PM at another company from someone who works there. That person is now interested in working for me
- I talked to recruiters who put me in touch with PMs that extended 1099 offers
- I have had happy hours with owners of other government contracting companies who have given me useful advice and made some introductions
Here is what you can do to increae the odds of a successful meeting:
- Offer to help the other person with something
- Don't expect anything in return
- Be curious about the other person
So take the phone call. You might get lucky.
Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.