Freelancer #Tip 4 – Networking, how to create a lasting impression.

APRIL 14, 2020 - FREELANCE, TIPS

Urgh...networking.

 

I know the feeling. Already you may be nervous at the idea of going out there and mingling with 'strangers'.

 

But have no fear, I'm here to help. 

 

Why 

 

The fact is, most of the biggest clients I’ve worked with have been the result of meeting contacts at events and workplaces.

Directing, filming and editing for Apple was the result of telling the store manager I'm a passionate filmmaker and sharing my ideas and showreel. 

 

Doing the entire post-production for Adidas for several worldwide campaigns was down to someone saying, have you seen what Nick did for ATP? 

 

You see my point.

 

This combined with recommendations from other artists I’ve met has been the reason I rarely ever actively look for jobs anymore.

 

Do you want to be in a position where you're getting job offers left right and centre with little to no effort?

Then keep on reading!

 

Benefits

 

Connection and community are powerful. Even if it’s not to ‘sell’ yourself to others.

 

Networking at its best opens doors for you and builds relationships.

 

Networking at its worst is practising your delivery on ‘what you do’.

 

Meeting with like-minded freelancers and artists is gratifying. 

 

Hearing from others that face the same challenges as you can be comforting.

 

It allows you to share insights and solutions and understand artists and client needs.

 

With networking, you’re more likely to meet clients and therefore more likely to get bookings from a larger pool of contacts that you’ve built up.

 

Lets put this to the test, check out my personal recommendations below. 

When it comes to growing your business, you want clients queuing up to work with you, this stems hugely from networking.

So, where do we network and how do we become effective at it?

  • Networking is easier now more than ever, you can attend a talk, an expo, co-working space, and, believe it or not, a networking event!

If you find you have new work you want to show off, promote and sing from the rooftops, why not create your own event?

  • Invite prospecting clients and friends along to showcase your work and offer free food or drinks as incentives. Set a theme, your brand will be plastered around the space along with e-marketing, it will be impossible for people to forget you when they’re having a great time. 

Don’t forget, have a business card, social media links and ‘elevator pitch’ at the ready to express to people simply and memorable as possible, what you do. Chandler from Friends was memorable, but what on earth did he do for work!?

 

 

Tips to be memorable:

 

• Name one client you've worked with that you influenced the most and why.

 

• Ask, what do they love the most about their line of work

 

• Ask for a story from them, then tell one of yours. 

 

• Prepare your elevator pitch, a 1-2 sentence introduction - refer to your business plan in previous e-mails. 

 

• Share a client story of how you solved a difficult problem for them.

 

• Share why you're passionate about what you do. 

 

Here are some very useful websites you can use to discover (virtual) events around you:

 

Recommendations

  • Meetup - Meetup events in any category your area of choice
  • Eventbrite - Discover great events or create your own
  • Wework - Co-working spaces in many major cities
  • Zoom - Video and web conference calls.

 

Action 

 

Your task, should you choose to accept it. Setup or attend a Zoom call, virtual Meetup/Eventbrite event and take notes on:

• Who stood out?

• What was it specifically that gave you the impression you have about them? 

• Upon delivering your 'elevator pitch' ask someone if it's clear what you do?

 

Happy networking!

NK

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