Download The Drone Pilot’s Network Guide – PDF

Step-by-Step Action Plan to Build Your Network and Get More Business

Step 1: Demonstrate Value with Your Network (Do This Weekly)

• Identify 20-30 businesses that would benefit from your specific drone services. Example categories to focus on:
  • Real Estate: Agents, Brokers, Property Managers
  • Construction & Roofing: Contractors, Inspectors, Project Managers
  • Marketing & Advertising: Agencies, Branding Experts, Local Tourism Boards
  • Events & Hospitality: Wedding Planners, Event Venues, Resorts, Golf Courses
  • Agriculture & Land Surveying: Farmers, Vineyards, Environmental Agencies
• Search for these (local to you) businesses on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
• Save their posts that indicate they might need aerial content.
• Look for companies already posting visual content and consider how a drone perspective would enhance it.

Step 2: Inspire Engagement Through Connection (Do This Daily or Weekly)

LinkedIn

Send 5-10 connection requests per week. Use a personalized, engaging approach. Here are a few examples:

• Hey [Name], I’m seeing significant shifts in [industry] with drone tech. Thought it’d be wise for us to connect.
• Hey [Name], I’m noticing more [industry] pros using aerial solutions in ways most aren’t discussing. Let’s connect.
• Hey [Name], I’ve been working with [industry] teams and seeing surprising results from drone data. I figured we should connect.
• Hey [Name], the way drones are being used in [industry] is evolving fast. Thought you’d want to stay ahead of it.
• Hey [Name], drones are creating advantages in [industry] that aren’t obvious at first. Let’s connect.

See our complete LinkedIn Networking Guide inside the Drone Pros Organization member area.

Instagram

• Search local city hashtags relevant to your target customer (#DallasRealEstate, #AustinConstruction, #SanDiegoWeddings) and engage with top-performing posts.
• Like and leave thoughtful comments (not just “Great pic!” but something valuable like, “An aerial perspective could make this view even more stunning!”)
• Share their content in your Stories, tagging them with a comment like, “Love seeing this local project; imagine it from above!”

See our complete Instagram for Drone Pilots Guide inside the Drone Pros Organization member area.

Facebook Groups

• Join 3-5 relevant business groups. Post valuable insights without selling.
• Example post for a real estate group: “Want to make your listings stand out? Here’s how aerial photos significantly increase engagement.”

See our complete Facebook for Drone Pilots Guide inside the Drone Pros Organization member area.

Networking Events

• Attend local Chamber of Commerce meetups, real estate mixers, or industry-specific business expos.
• Bring a tablet to show before-and-after drone work, and let your visuals do the talking.
• Always have your messaging on point! See our Messaging That Converts: Guide to Winning Clients

Step 3: Frame Conversations for Natural Growth (Do This Monthly)

Referrals

Here are different examples of asking clients for referrals after a job well done:

• The “Grateful Shoutout” Approach: “Working with you has been incredible, and I wish I had more clients like you! If you ever come across someone who could use my help, I’d be honored if you’d send them my way. And if you ever feel like sharing your experience on social media, that would mean the world to me!”
• The “Subtle Social Proof” Approach: “I’ve enjoyed working with you, and I’d love to help more people like you. If you know someone who could benefit from my services, I’d be grateful for an introduction. And if you ever feel like posting a quick shoutout or tagging my business, that would help a ton too!”
• The “Mutual Growth” Approach: “You’ve been amazing to work with, and I truly appreciate your support. If you know anyone who could use my help, feel free to send them my way. And if you ever want to mention my work on social media, I’d be happy to return the favor however I can!”

Collaborations

• Offer a free aerial highlight video to one influential local business per month in exchange for a tag or mention in their marketing.
• Example: A high-end real estate agent shares your drone footage, tagging you as their go-to pilot.

Step 4: Stay Visible and Build Authority (Do This Weekly or Bi-Weekly)

Instagram & Facebook Reels (Short-Form Content Ideas)

• Before & After: Show the power of drone perspectives.
• Behind the Scenes: “Here’s how we capture jaw-dropping aerials.”
• Client Success Stories: “This listing sold in 3 days; here’s why.”

LinkedIn & Facebook Posts (Long-Form Content Ideas)

• “5 Ways Aerial Photography Helps [Industry] Businesses Stand Out.”
• “How Drone Mapping Saves Construction Companies Thousands.”
• “The Secret to Selling Real Estate Faster? Aerial Views.”

Step 5: Nurture and Strengthen Relationships (Do This Ongoing)

Follow-Ups

• Send a check-in message 2-3 weeks after your first conversation.
• Example: “Hey [Name], just checking in! If you ever need a fresh aerial perspective, I’d love to collaborate. Hope things are going well!”

Drone Pros’ D.I.F. (Demonstrate, Inspire, Frame) Formula

• Demonstrate: Show how drone mapping saves construction companies time and money.
• Inspire: Use storytelling captions like: “This aerial shot helped sell a home in 48 hours.”
• Frame: Keep calls-to-action subtle: “DM me ‘real estate’ for portfolio access.”

Your Next Steps:

• Identify 20+ local businesses to engage with this week.
• Connect with 5-10 professionals on LinkedIn and Instagram.
• Engage with high-engagement posts in your local area daily.
• Attend at least one networking event this month.

This networking strategy works best when paired with compelling messaging and outreach techniques. Be sure to check out Messaging That Converts: The Drone Pilot’s Guide to Winning Clients to craft compelling pitches and offers that turn conversations into paying clients.

Remember: Consistency is Key!