When it comes to networking, you'll often be attending events on your own doorstep along with other local freelancers. How you make the most of these events is quite important if you want to be a success and win new business. But beware - networking can be a minefield if you've never been to anything before. There are many things you should bear in mind.
People can be funny buggers, that's the main point I want to get across. Put any number of similar freelancers in one room where they're all hoping to gain more business from local agencies or organisations and you'll get competition. And although competition is healthy, it really can bring out the worst in people. Read some of my top tips to ensure you make the most of networking if you're a freelancer. As always, please feel free to add your own tips and comments below.
Be open-minded
Make sure you attend every networking event with an open mind. Go along with no expectations whatsoever because you certainly don't want to appear desperate. Just go along with the purpose to 'meet people' and see what naturally happens.
Don't be too pushy
Avoid the hard sell and just try and get to know people. Only bring up the subject of your business if others ask the question. Only provide a business card if the right moment presents itself. Don't over-sell yourself or constantly talk about your services. It will be most off-putting and people will remember you for all the wrong reasons.
Give people breathing space
I spoke to the MD of an agency recently who told me he's not attending a particular networking event anymore because he gets sick of so many freelancers coming up to him, trying to win work. With this in mind, don't hassle key people at networking events. Give them room to breathe and only introduce yourself if the opportunity presents itself.
Know how to charm
People like to feel important and people love to talk about themselves. Make people feel important by asking lots of questions and being genuinely interested in what they have to say. Remember - the most magical sound to any person is the mere mention of their own name, so say it whenever you can. Learn how to charm people and let them talk more than you. Keep the conversation light-hearted and friendly. People will like you and remember you... which could lead to some work.
Be friendly to everyone
Everyone you meet at a networking event - whether you assume they're important or not - is important. Treat everyone as equals and be friendly, open and approachable. Don't make assumptions about people and dismiss them if you don't think they're relevant to speak to. You never know who that person might know.
Keep your cards close to your chest
When I first started out in business, I was quite young and naive. I trusted everyone. I thought 'how could anyone possibly have any bad intentions?' Oh how sweet. Eight years later and it can be a struggle to trust anyone these days. But I do - I just trust on merit, and so should you. It goes without saying, at networking events - be careful about how much you reveal about yourself and your business. You never know what people's real intentions are behind their overly-sweet smiles.
Understand the dynamics
If you're attending a regular event, there will be politics amongst the regular attendees. And there'll certainly be a food chain of more established freelancers along with newcomers. Stand back and try to understand the dynamics at play. Listen more than you talk. You can learn a lot about the group if you simply observe.
Ignore the 'cool crowd'
Every regular networking event has its collection of, what I like to call, the 'cool kids'. These characters won't be interested in you unless they think you're 'cool', i.e. a top creative who's had several books published. That's totally fine. Don't take it personally that you're a mere bug on their windscreen. You should still be nice, warm and welcoming but just don't worry if they don't want to talk to you.
Know how to handle the bitches
Networking events can be bitchy. Especially when you've got a bunch of freelancers all competing for the same business. Don't sweat it! Bitchy people tend to be insecure in their own abilities. Weirdly, bitchy people tend to spend a lot of time and energy focusing on what other people are doing. You're not one of them - spend your time positively by sticking to your original goal to win more work and make new contacts. Whatever you do - don't get involved in the back-stabbing. Stay firmly on the fence and be friends with everyone, even if you can't stand them.
Take some notes
During or after each networking event, make some notes about the people you meet. Write notes on the back of their business cards if you can. Then follow-up your meeting with a friendly email, picking up on something you discussed. For example, if they mentioned their sick cat - ask them how their pet is. People will be flattered that you remembered.
Offer solutions for free
When you get chatting to some people, you might hear they're struggling with a problem. If you can help, do so! Your kindness and generosity will not be forgotten and karma can be a wonderful thing.
Don't discount other freelancers
So other freelancers might well be your competition but that doesn't mean you should ignore them or not speak to them. Not every competitor will be competitive, if you know what I mean. Some might want to work collaboratively with you or might become good allies. Be nice and welcoming to everyone because at the end of the day, we're all in the same boat and isn't it better to stick together and help each other out?
