Networking Lunch & Lab
Bring your networking goals, introduction and follow-up ideas and put them into practice during this in-person working session and networking lunch.
Networking often feels vague or gets pushed aside when client work becomes busy. Attending events alone is not enough. Effective networking requires knowing whom you want to meet, explaining what you do clearly, starting meaningful conversations and following up afterwards.
This session will help you practise these skills while making valuable new connections.
You will meet other Freelancers in Belgium PRO members face to face, exchange ideas and receive constructive feedback. We will begin with an introduction round so you can get to know the other freelancers, their expertise and the types of clients they want to reach.
You do not need to have attended the preceding workshop to participate, but it is helpful.
What to expect
This is a practical, facilitated networking session, not a series of presentations. Bring your laptop, business cards if you use them, and details of the people, organisations, communities or events you would like to connect with.
During the session, you will have dedicated time to:
- Clarify what you want networking to achieve for your freelance business
- Practise introducing yourself and explaining your expertise naturally
- Adapt your introduction to different people and situations
- Start conversations without immediately pitching your services
- Ask better questions and identify shared interests or opportunities
- Identify potential clients, connectors, collaborators and referral partners
- Get to know fellow PRO members and explore how you could support one another
- Choose relevant events, networks and communities to focus on
- Prepare personal and timely follow-up messages
- Create a realistic routine for building and maintaining professional relationships
You will leave with a clearer networking approach, greater confidence in professional conversations, prepared follow-up messages and valuable new connections within the PRO community.
Part of the PRO Growth programme
The Networking Lunch & Lab gives you an opportunity to put the ideas from the online workshop Build a networking strategy that helps you reach potential clients into practice.
Participation in the preceding workshop is helpful but not required.
Not a PRO member yet?
Freelancers in Belgium PRO is a business growth community for freelancers who want to attract better clients and grow alongside other freelancers. It is especially relevant if you want to sharpen your positioning, strengthen your sales and marketing, diversify your client base and turn ideas into action with support from a trusted freelance network.
Membership costs €24.90 per month or €250 per year and includes monthly online Growth Workshops, peer exchanges, practical resources and access to exclusive in-person Lunch & Lab events.
To participate:
- Sign up for Freelancers in Belgium PRO.
- Once you have joined, RSVP to this event through the PRO platform.
Practical information
Date: Thursday 16 September 2027
Time: 10:00 to 14:00
Format: In person, maximum 20 participants
Location: Brussels
Price: €59
Included: Lunch, coffee, tea, water and a glass of sparkling wine, with an alcohol-free option
About PRO Lunch & Lab
PRO Lunch & Lab brings Freelancers in Belgium PRO members together to work on their businesses during a practical, facilitated session followed by a networking lunch.
Organised once per quarter in different locations across Belgium, most likely Brussels, Leuven and Ghent, each Lunch & Lab turns the topic of a recent PRO Growth Workshop into action. You do not need to have attended the preceding workshop to participate.
Bring your laptop and work on something concrete with guidance, expert input and constructive feedback from fellow freelancers. Each session includes an introduction round, focused working time and plenty of opportunities to connect over coffee and lunch.
2027 PRO Lunch & Lab dates
- Thursday 18 March, 10:00 to 14:00
Content Lunch & Lab: Develop, improve and schedule your content for the coming months. - Thursday 20 May, 10:00 to 14:00
Referral & Reference Lunch & Lab: Prepare your requests for referrals and testimonials, receive feedback and take action. - Thursday 16 September, 10:00 to 14:00
Networking Lunch & Lab: Practise introducing yourself, build meaningful connections and prepare your follow-up. - Thursday 18 November, 10:00 to 14:00
Negotiation Lunch & Lab: Practise real client scenarios, objections and counteroffers.