How to ask for referrals as a solopreneur

The who, what, when, and why of reaching out for help.

[Source Illustration: Adobe Stock]

Anna Burgess Yang is the author of Work Better, a newsletter about the future of work, career pivots, and why work shouldn't suck.

I’ve never been good at asking people for help. Then I lost my job, decided to start a solo business the next day, and needed clients . . . fast. I turned to my network to ask for both referrals and recommendations to jump-start my business. 

Asking for referrals is uncomfortable. Most solopreneurs would rather wait for business to come to them than put someone on the spot. But referrals are one of the most effective ways to grow a solo business. A warm introduction from someone who knows........

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