Networking…like a BOSS!
This about your last networking event, or think of any networking event. What happens while you’re there. There are a bunch of people in the same room, most likely they do not know each other, and what happens? You have a bunch of people starting meaningless conversations and end up with a bunch of business cards that you are probably not going to use.
This happens all of the time. It is a complete waste of time, unless the food and drinks were good. In that case you were just out for a good time and had some probably interesting, but again, meaningless conversations. Of course, this doesn’t happen 100% of the time. Every now and then when a blue moon comes out, a great connection takes place at a typical networking event.
So why does this happen?
There’s an old saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!” Nowadays, people have their own agenda. Everyone looks out for themselves, so that is no longer the saying. The saying can go further, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know, and what they are willing to do for you.”
At these events, everyone wants to pass out business cards, but not form relationships. They take business cards that most likely end up in the trash, or at the bottom of purses for an extended period of time. Why? There is no common ground, no trust, no meaningful conversation. Because of this, if I ever go to a networking event, it’s for the food, drinks, and to have a good time. I never go to a networking event to look for new clients. In addition, I have never been to a networking event and wanted to partner with someone after our initial conversation.
Network like a BOSS!
However, all is not lost! There is a way to network effectively. You have to understand that this will happen over multiple conversations and possibly pull in multiple clients at once! This has happened to me on multiple conversations. I never had problems finding new clients using this approach!
1. Common Ground
Stop trying to find these one off events where you can’t really get to know someone after the first conversation. You don’t even know if you actually want to work with these people, you don’t know if your morals and or values align.
Think of the hobbies you like, then join groups based on those hobbies. It can be a book club, a travel club, some type of study group, a community service group, or whatever your heart desires. Join these conversations, where you can learn something about these people and their circles. Sometimes third party networking is best. For example, let’s say you’re a photographer who is part of a book club. One of your book club buddies, whom you’ve had multiple conversations with mentions a brother or sister that is looking to do portraits for a new baby or their newly promoted high school senior. This would be the point where you mention your services! There is a need and it is your turn to fill the need!
Joining groups that you enjoy being around is some of the best networking because, you’re actually enjoying yourself without the pressures of finding your next client. Let it happen naturally. The point is to get around different groups building your network without the pressures of “networking”!
2. Always Be Ready
You never know when you’re going to meet a client. I own a performing arts center and I just so happen to have many skills outside of art. I have pulled several new clients from just listening to parent conversations. However, I also make a lot of referrals because sharing is caring! Also you get back what you put into the world!
Because you never know when opportunity is going to strike, always carry examples of your work with you! Always take pictures, video, have actual work with you, be ready to show your website or social media, have any visuals of your work with you at all times. Carry business cards and flyers at all times.
When you speak with the prospect, get their information. Follow up with them. Let them know you’re thinking about them. Send them ideas of what you can do. If you are a fashion designer, send them pieces of what you think they’re looking for. If you’re a consultant, send them possible ideas that you can make happen for them. Like I said before be prepared to have multiple conversations; be prepared to initiate these conversations.
3. To Infinity and Beyond!
When you do get a client, wow them.
If you say you will have something ready in 7 days, have it ready in 5 days.
Offer to deliver their product or service instead of having them pick it up.
If you charged them $1000, but the project didn’t take as long as you thought, give them an unexpected $50 off.
WOW THEM
Go above and beyond their expectations so they have no choice but to brag about your work. I also own a research company, when I first started, I had 5 steady clients. My work was great! They keep me busy because they kept referring new clients to me.