Busy mamas: Are you using Shapr yet? If not, you may want to consider downloading this free networking app!
How Shapr Works
I love how easy Shapr is to use—think Tinder but for business networking. You specify your interests in your profile, and Shapr presents your profile to others with the same interests. If you both want to meet and swipe right, it’s a match! You can then communicate through the app.
Shapr lets you include the following in your profile:
- Your website
- What you’re looking for (freelance projects, ideas and inspiration, a mentor, etc.)
- Your favorite ways to meet
- Your industry and experience
- Your social media profiles
Why Shapr Works for Busy Moms
- It’s convenient— You don’t have to leave the house to network, and you can network anytime. (Yes, even in your pajamas at 3 a.m.!) I do my “swiping” on Shapr in the middle of the night, after my baby’s feed.
- It’s quick—We moms are always looking to save time, right? Building my network on Shapr takes me under 10 minutes a day.
- You can discover new niches— My specialty is writing well-being and wellness content. Through Shapr, I matched with a woman who owns a wellness travel company. My match clued me in to associations I should join and hot wellness destinations.
- You can learn about job leads — One match forwarded me a freelance writing gig. Another invited me to apply for a project directly at his company.
- You can network with different goals in mind — Through Shapr, I met a woman who helps me manage a group for women who run online content sites. And a therapist who reviews my content for Mother’s Day Magazine. Shapr can help you find the person you need, whether that’s a right-hand woman, a mentor, someone to mentor, etc.
- You can brainstorm with others in your industry — For example, I matched with a fellow freelance writer, and we shared tips on where to find clients.
- It’s fun, not awkward—Most of us shudder when we think about networking. Making small talk with strangers at a business mixer? Not how I want to spend my free time, thanks. When you match with someone on Shapr, you know the person has similar interests and wants to meet you too! I love when “It’s a match!” pops up on my screen.
Using Shapr Wisely—A Note for Freelance Mamas
Shapr is a great tool for freelance moms, but we have to protect our time and pre-qualify others. Try these tips:
- Include a link to your portfolio so people can get a sense of your work.
- Look up the company your match works for and try to gauge revenue. If you’re trying to find gigs, a one-person business may likely not have the funds to hire you.
- For your keywords, choose words that your target client would use to attract their target client. For example, instead of choosing “writer,” select “content strategy,” “marketing,” “marketing strategy,” etc. (If you choose “writer,” you’ll likely see a lot of profiles of fellow writers instead of people who are in a position to hire writers.)
- Remember, your time is precious. Try texting first before hopping on a call. Remember, meeting in person or even via video takes even more time — time to travel to your destination, time to get ready, time to tidy up your background. Make sure the meeting is worthwhile.
Ready to give Shapr a try? Download the free app here.