Networking: Beyond the Meet and Greet
Posted in Design Tips, Inspiration Tagged design, freelance, networking, tips
We have all had it happen before. You are standing at a function, likely standing in a far off corner avoiding the one person you should meet and make contact with. You are prepared. You made sure to pack an extra stack of business cards in your pocket just for this occassion. However, there is a problem. Your feet are cemented to the floor….what happens now?
If you are like me, this is all too common. For several reasons, networking is just like the first day of school. Some people make instant contacts and friends, and the rest of us would rather gargle glass then make the first step. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone…think middle school dance. No one makes the first move. However, you can overcome this fear and become a networking guru in no time.
Step 1: The Event
The hardest thing about being a freelancer is how easy it is to wall up in your office and never meet a real person. I found this to be very true after I lost a job and freelancing was my only option for a while. I was so busy with projects that I couldn’t even think about going out and meeting more people, i.e. potential clients. The biggest piece of advice I can give, is to not let this happen. Granted I now have a full-time job along with my freelancing, but this full-time job allows me to meet people that I otherwise wouldn’t have met. I’m not saying that you must have a full-time job, but if you are walled up inside, find a reason to get out.
Here are a few ways to find networking occassions:
- Volunteer at local non-profits related to your areas of interest: Even a few hours a week opens up many opportunities to meet other people plus you are benefiting your community at the same time.
- Get a part-time job: Like I said, jobs offer constant contact to people of all sorts. Make sure you let your boss know up front about your side job if only to get permission to talk about it with people without compromising your job. It’s never a good idea to mix your freelancing with your other job. However, if you meet someone, offer to talk later and pass on a business card. Then you can pick up your freelancing after your day job.
- Go to public events and openings: I am very active in my community through my job as a marketing manager at a local nonprofit. This is the number one reason I meet people that I can share my skills with. Gallery openings, functions, fundraisers, you name it…I go. There are all kinds of people that have needs that your skills might help them with. Someone will always ask, “What do you do?” This is the golden question and your answer can land you a new client. Who would have thought that your new client would be at an art opening or theater performance? Go to places your potential clients would go and casually chat about what you do. Before you know it they are in need of your services and better yet, they know others who do too!
Step 2: Greet
Now that you have all these great places and ideas of where to meet people, the next step is even more important; the greeting. You already have their attention, now you need to sell yourself and keep them hooked. At this point, they know what you do, so enhance this by listing some unique qualities you bring to the table, offer them a one time discount, or tie what you do to their special case. Everyone likes to feel that they are connected to others and if you can bring your skills into their special project, all the better. Find what you both have in common and take advantage of the door that opens. Leave them wanting to see more of what you can do. Remember, you only have words and a business card at this point. And most importantly let them know that you will follow up with them. Don’t give them all the power to call you. Take their business card as well and the ball stays in both courts for now.
Next, move on to more people at the event. You may get one client, you may get several, or you may get none. However, just because you leave without a single client doesn’t mean all is lost. The fact that you were there and talking to people may put your name in the minds of others if the word spreads. 100% of my clients have either been from people I know or word-of-mouth. This a powerful tool and putting the bug in people’s ears can never be overlooked. Maybe you will run into someone you met later on and you can reaffirm your availability with them. Continue to go to the same events, and chances are those same people will be there and they may have a new friend with them this time that could also use your services.
Step 3: What’s Next?
Now that you have some basic knowledge of networking you can get out of your comfort zone and go for it. Here’s some things to remember about what not to do:
• Don’t be afraid to meet people. You never know if they will be your next client.
• Don’t be too forward and immediately assume either.
• Don’t always start your conversation with “I am a freelancer and I can help you.” Wait for the right time.
• Don’t sell yourself short. Believe in what you say, and more than likely your confidence will aide you through to the end client.
The more you network, the easier it gets. My career allows me to meet new people everyday and each time, I get a little better at it. I used to be the quiet person at a table of 12, and now I’m facilitating conversations and getting to know the people that can turn into clients or at the very least friends. Find what works for you and you will be a star networker!
Share your tips for becoming a star networker in the comments below!
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