On December 3, freelancers across the United States gathered to share their best strategies for cultivating successful client relationships!

Freelancers Union SPARK events occur in 18 different cities and bring local freelancers together to share ideas and socialize. Here are the highlights from the event:

...Starting with sandwiches because SPARK Memphis knows one the secrets for cultivating successful SPARK events is free food!

Head on over to Studio688 for #freelancespark. For the first time ever, we have sandwiches. #freelancersunion #spark #sparkmemphis #networking #creatives #entrepreneur #solopreneur #cowork #coworking #coworkingspace #studio #design #designers #memphis #studio688 #smallbiz #smallbusiness #creatives #artists

A photo posted by Studio688 (@studio688) on Dec 2, 2015 at 3:48pm PST

Meanwhile, Portland SPARK's Jehn Glynn took notes in an elephantine notebook... because she knows an elephant never forgets!

Getting schooled by @Moyification at @freelancersu event: Cultivate Relationships w/ Ideal Clients! #freelancespark pic.twitter.com/MtshORtarg

— Jehn Glynn (@jehnglynn) December 3, 2015

In Brooklyn, freelancers put their heads together to develop strategies for stopping client problems before they start:

Solving client problems before they start with #FreelanceSpark @freelancersu @WorkAtTheYard pic.twitter.com/AMjYb2vPUI

— alyssa (@haakalyssa) December 3, 2015

Back in Memphis, freelancers brainstormed where to find ideal clients:

A peek into where ideal clients come from... everywhere from LinkedIn to referrals & even SPARK! #freelancespark pic.twitter.com/ReKMewQnlY

— Caitlin L. Horton (@dizzycaitlin) December 3, 2015

"Be present at every moment. Take the opportunity to find connections." - Kenda Lawson, SPARK Memphis

SPARK takes a hiatus for the month of January, but we'll see YOU when we're back in action on February 3.

At Freelancers Union, Sharon creates opportunities for freelancers to meet, greet, and learn. Find her @sharonlikestone or at the nearest bakery.