How to network

OK, I’ve talked about this twice recently with people.

I’ve wanted to write about this for ages because I’m so passionate about it.

I’ve gained lots of business through doing this, made a ton of contacts and honestly, it gives me a buzz.

I do think it needs new PR though.

What am I talking about?

Networking or in the US, attending a mixer. (I’ll refer to it as networking throughout this piece.)

Before I was a freelance copywriter, I worked in the corporate world for an organisation that placed a strong emphasis on networking.

The corporate world is built on networking – deals are made, problems are solved. Sometimes it’s based around events but other times it’s going to someone’s office or desk and meeting them in person, relationship building.

It became second nature, and I brought the same approach to my self-employed contact building.

I remember attending my first networking event as a new freelancer. It was a Federation of Small Business meeting, and I knew very few people. I spoke to someone who I thought was the host, she was not. I felt a little ridiculous but instead, Jacqueline Franklin introduced herself. We met afterwards for coffee and talked about how we might be able to work together. You know what? We have never worked together but we have stayed interested in each other’s work and lives, and we’re still in touch today. (Hi Jacqui!)

I am slowly finding my groove with networking events in California. Such is my enthusiasm for this way of generating business that I tried to set up my own event in the city where I live, but no one showed. So I keep on learning and looking for new events, but, as you’ll read, networking doesn’t have to be at events.

Love it or hate it, meeting people and talking about your business, aka networking, is key for small business owners and freelancers. If you hate it, it can seem very daunting. But meeting someone in a room at a networking event could be like the song ‘Someone in the Crowd’ from the film, ‘LaLa Land.’ Give it a listen (I’m not going to write the lyrics in fear of copyright breach) – it’s extremely apt.

Here are some tips and tricks on networking that I’ve learnt along the way.

You never know who you might meet at networking! Even Dame Kelly Holmes needs to meet new biz contacts sometimes!

Networking tips and tricks

1. Ignore the word ‘networking.’ Instead, see it as meeting new people, learning about their business and talking to people about what you do to build a network of contacts.

2. Reframe it like this - every new person you meet in your personal or professional life who you chat to about what you do is part of your network. I have ‘networked’ on dog walks, on mums’ nights out (but don’t be boring!) and even with established friends, as well as with new acquaintances and other self-employed people.

3. If networking events seem intimidating, attend them with someone else. Having a buddy there can be helpful if you need a break from meeting new people or just think that going as a team gives you strength and confidence.

4. Consider joining a group of people in the same profession to ease you into meeting new people. You may not make any ‘sales’ but it’ll be a gentle introduction to making contacts.

5. You don’t even have to attend an event in person these days as there are networking events online. If you’re nervous, online events might be a great first step – you’re in the comfort of your own home and can even switch off your camera if you need a break.

6. Networking isn’t always meeting new people; it can be strengthening existing relationships, giving contacts a nudge that you exist or picking up the phone to tell people about a new area of your business that you think might interest them.

7. Regardless of how you network, be it in person or virtually, be yourself and listen more than you speak. Ask questions and be interested.

8. Say yes more! If someone wants to connect on LinkedIn, accept and if they want to have a chat over the phone or meet virtually, do it!

9. If you meet someone networking, it’s always a good idea to follow up with an email or connect with them on LinkedIn. Spending one-to-one time over a coffee can be beneficial and give you the opportunity to learn more about what they do as well as talking about your own skills.

10. If you make a new connection and rate them highly, make sure you recommend them to others. It’s likely to be reciprocated. That’s networking in action. That’s when networking works.

How to find networking events

As I said, you don’t need an event to network but they are great for meeting many people at once. I used to attend many events run by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) as well as more informal, but still very effective, gatherings run locally. Ask around or check local social media.

Or, start your own. It really doesn’t take much. Gather together your self-employed friends in a café for a coffee or maybe even a pub or bar for a beer or glass of wine and ask everyone to introduce themselves, describing the service they provide or product they make. To keep it going each time you will need to come up with some themes or questions for each meet-up such as

• Current biggest challenge or win;

• What are their plans for the next quarter;

• How do they use/perform on social media.

When I was a food blogger, I was invited to set up a Food Networking Group with a local firm of lawyers and others in the food industry. It was for the hospitality industry and was a place to meet new people, discuss industry innovations and try products - the best bit!

Following on from this, I started the Writers’ Group to meet other people in my profession so that I could learn from them as a new freelancer and, also discuss any issues I was having. It’s now made up of over 20 people across the UK and beyond (we’re in Africa, Australia and USA). We have informal catch-ups but we have also paid to have speakers on topics such as what to charge for our services and the advancement of AI.

I tried to start a networking group here in California but it was unsuccessful. I got myself dressed up out of my working-from-home attire and reserved a room but sadly no one showed up – you win some, you lose some! These days I try to attend a monthly event in Sacramento for people working in the creative industries.

And if you love being outdoors or find networking intense or nerve-wracking, then I love the new idea of net-walking where people meet by walking and talking.

If you don’t like networking or have never tried it, I recommend reimagining it into something that works for you. There is a way to meet fellow professionals for everyone and if you can’t find it, then create it.

And, go back and listen to that song from ‘LaLa Land’!