Get Networked
No man is an island, and even independent contractors can’t operate in total isolation. Regular contact with fellow contractors, potential clients and industry experts is a way to build your reputation, stay informed of the latest market developments and, most importantly, find work.
In today’s business environment, networking isn’t an optional extra for the unusually gregarious, it’s a must. If you can explain what you do and why you provide a unique, valuable service, every contact you meet can either be a potential client or will be prepared to talk about your services to their contacts.
Shy and retiring types may balk at the idea of ‘working’ a room full of strangers, but here are some simple ways to get networked and position yourself for lucrative business opportunities.
Networking Tips
Use current contacts. Networking needn’t involve making new acquaintances: existing friends and colleagues can be a wealth of experience and contacts. Don’t overlook those you already know, they might have the key to getting your business idea off the ground. This may be particularly relevant when starting out. Think carefully about the skills, employment history and social sphere of those around you. They could have much to offer you and your business, and should be happy to help.
Equip yourself. Invest early on in a good address book or a filing system (such as a Rolodex or plastic folder) to store business cards and some smart business cards of your own complete with your full contact details.
Get out there. There is no shortage of networking events out there, your only challenge is to decide which could be relevant to you. As well as industry-specific events, which could be a good starting point, there are larger-scale business networking events in most major cities organised by business schools, private events companies and both local and international Chambers of Commerce. Think about what you want to focus on and what kind of venue and scale of event might best suit you.
Work that room... The temptation to skulk in a corner with a glass of wine and a plate loaded with canapés might be considerable (particularly after a hard day’s work), but resist it. From the moment you enter the room, look relaxed, friendly and open to conversation. Don’t be afraid to start up conversations – not only will fellow newcomers be glad of a friendly face, but those more familiar with the event should be pleased to make a new contact. You will gain most from asking lots of questions, being an active listener, and thinking proactively about how this relationship could be mutually beneficial.
…but do it well. Spending an hour talking to one person may prove to be inefficient; equally, flitting from one person to another like a social butterfly who has someone more important to talk to won’t create a favourable impression either.
Perfect the follow-up. There is no point in going home with a handful of business cards if you’re going to let your contacts go to waste. If you feel that you and a particular contact could be useful, don’t delay – follow up with a short, friendly email sometime during the week after the event. One way to do this is to send the contact an interesting article or some more information relating to a topic you discussed. Deliver on any promises you made at the event (such as putting a particular person in touch with them), and don’t be afraid to ask them (politely) to do the same.
Finally, enjoy yourself! Rather than a daunting experience or a social chore, think of networking as an enjoyable way to share the benefit of your experience and skills and to allow others to do the same.
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