Authentic Networking: A Freelancer’s Shield Against Toxic Clients

As a freelancer, your success isn’t just about your skills—it’s also about who you work with. Enter the power combo of authentic networking and the “No Jerks Rule,” your secret weapon for building a thriving freelance career.

Authentic networking isn’t about collecting contacts’ business cards as if they were baseball cards. (Or, more often these days, scanning LinkedIn QR codes.) It’s about forging genuine connections, understanding potential clients on a deeper level, and creating a network that supports your professional growth and well-being. But here’s the kicker: it’s also your first line of defense against toxic clients.

Stanford professor (emeritus) Robert I. Sutton’s book The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t provides a framework for identifying and avoiding toxic individuals in professional settings. As a freelancer, I’ve adapted this rule to freelancing and adopted it as a strict policy: I will not take on clients who exhibit toxic behavior, no matter how lucrative the project might be. It has, quite literally, been in my business plan from the beginning.

Why? Because life’s too short for toxic clients. (Or, as Sutton eloquently puts it, “Life is too short to put up with assholes.”) They drain your energy, stifle your creativity, and can turn your dream freelance career into a nightmare. The cost of working with a toxic client far outweighs any potential financial gain.

Want to learn how to network authentically? Read 10 Keys to Networking Authentically.

So, how does authentic networking help implement this rule?

• It provides a genuine feel: Through authentic interactions, you can observe potential clients in various settings. Are they respectful to others? Do they value collaboration?
• It allows for deeper conversations: Authentic networking creates space for meaningful dialogues. You can discuss topics in medical communication, your industry (eg, pharma, health care), or even your therapeutic area (eg, oncology, rare diseases) that can help you gauge compatibility before committing to a project.
• It builds a support network: Your authentic connections can provide valuable insights about potential clients. They may have worked with them before or know someone who has.
• It gives you options: A strong, authentic network means you’re not desperate for any client that comes along. You can afford to be selective.
• It attracts like-minded clients: When you network authentically, you’re more likely to attract clients who share your values and appreciate your approach.

Implementing this approach requires courage. You might worry about turning down work, especially when starting out. But remember, every toxic client you avoid is making space for a great one.

Here are some red flags to watch for during your authentic networking:

• Disrespect towards others, especially those in service positions (toxic people tend to smile up and punch down)
• Constant negativity or criticism
• Unwillingness to consider other viewpoints
• Lack of integrity in their dealings with others
• Arrogance or an inflated sense of self-importance

Trust your gut. If something feels off during your interactions, it probably is.

By combining authentic networking with a strict “No Jerks Rule,” you’re not just building a contact list, you’re curating a positive, supportive professional ecosystem. You’re ensuring that your freelance journey is not just profitable, but also enjoyable and fulfilling.

Remember, as a freelancer, you have the power to choose your clients. Use authentic networking to choose wisely and let the “No Jerks Rule” be your guide. Your future self will thank you.

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