Networking to Freelance Success
I often come across freelancers who just don’t like networking, and usually because:
- They are too busy.
If you’re someone who’s busy then, of course, this is great. I hope that everyone reading this is very busy.
- Networking doesn’t work for them.
Often because the person who says this to me says that they go to one meeting, hand out numerous business cards and nothing comes back.
The problem is that networking works differently for…well…different people.
Firstly, you can’t be too busy. I mean, you can be busy. You can be extraordinarily busy, but networking can still play a big part in the future success of your business.
However, it won’t if you plan to go to one that only has your target audience in, where you can turn up, throw some business cards around and then leave.
How Networking Works Best
People don’t remember business cards. My draw is full of cards from people who — when I look at the card — I can’t remember meeting, what they did, and what they were like as individuals.
Try to spend time having a proper conversation with 2 or 3 people, rather than the scattergun approach with 20. Success happens when you build relationships over time, which can help you to fill in the gap when that “order book” starts to drop. Or, better still; reduce the chance of that slide even happening.
Use networking as a way of getting to know the person behind the business. Look for a spark in the conversation that a relationship can be built upon. We’re all so much more than the businesses we represent. The business card should only be a confirmation of their name, along with their email address and telephone number. As that’s all you need to be able to pick up the conversation after the event.
If you can’t remember the name; if they haven’t inspired you in any way, shape, or form, then the business card serves no purpose whatsoever.
Action Point
- Make time in your diary for networking. Across the country, they take place from 1st thing in the morning to after work. This should mean that there’s one near you which is relevant.
- Find one that you can go to regularly. Remember, networking success happens when you build relationships over time.
And Finally…
- Which networking events do you enjoy and why?
- How often do you attend events?
- What’s been your greatest success from networking?
Try online networking at Freelance Heroes, a supportive, peer group on Facebook, for UK Freelancers. Join in the conversation now!
This post originally appeared at http://www.edagoodman.com/networking-to-success/
