Referral & Reference Lunch & Lab
Bring your client list, positive feedback and unfinished requests for referrals, references or recommendations and turn them into practical client-acquisition assets during this in-person working session and networking lunch.
Asking for referrals, references and recommendations often ends up at the bottom of your to-do list. Yet it is one of the most effective ways to attract new clients. This session will help you make time for it, get started and use it in a practical way.
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 hands-on working session, not a series of presentations. Bring your laptop, a list of happy clients and collaborators, previous client feedback and any testimonials or recommendations you already have.
During the session, you will have dedicated time to:
- Identify clients, collaborators and contacts who could recommend or introduce you
- Decide whether to ask for a referral, reference, testimonial or LinkedIn recommendation
- Choose the right moment and approach for each request
- Write personal messages that feel natural, specific and easy to answer
- Make it easier for contacts to recognise and refer suitable opportunities
- Turn general praise into credible feedback about your work and its results
- Improve how you present recommendations and testimonials on LinkedIn, your website and in proposals
- Receive constructive feedback from experts and fellow freelancers
- Send selected requests and take action during the session
- Create a simple routine for collecting social proof and staying in touch with happy clients
You will leave with stronger requests, improved social proof and concrete actions completed, not another list of people you intend to contact someday.
Part of the PRO Growth series
The Referral & Reference Lunch & Lab gives you an opportunity to put the ideas from the online workshop Use referrals, references and recommendations to win new 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 20 May 2027
Time: 10:00 to 14:00
Format: In person, maximum 20 participants
Location: Leuven
Price: €59
Included: Lunch, coffee, tea and water
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.