Are you a fan of networking? I am! I’ve found it to be invaluable for my business. However, I’ve found that many other creative business owners seem to shy away from it.
I think there are a few reasons for this.
Firstly, I think their impression of networking is that it’s very formal and attended by businessmen wearing suits, and talking very loudly.
This impression though is largely out-dated.
Secondly, creative people might think that what they do isn’t of interest to ‘serious’ business people such as the accountants and solicitors they imagine they will meet at these events.
Networking has changed a lot over the last decade or so, and particularly since the pandemic. So many more networks have popped up, both in-person and on-line, and there really is something out there for everyone these days.
There are still very formal events if you want that, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt the need to be ‘suited and booted’ at any event I’ve attended.
It used to be that the networking events local to me were at breakfast time or teatime, which was tricky for people with children, but now with the plethora of on-line meetings, there are plenty of meetings at other times of the day.
So why is networking so important?
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying ‘your network is your net worth’, and it’s true that the wider your network is, the more opportunities will come your way.
As a small business owner I don’t have a huge budget to market my services, but I’ve found that by networking, actually other people will help me promote what I do!
If you find a network that you like, and you go regularly, the people in the group will get to know you, like you and trust you, and then when they or someone they know needs your services, they are going to think of you.
It’s not just work opportunities that I’ve found through networking though. I’ve found some brilliant suppliers including my accountant, my website designer, my graphic designer and my business coach.
I’ve also heard about grant funding available in my area which I have successfully applied for.
I’ve learned about other events taking place near me.
And I’ve made some great friends too!
If you’re a creative freelancer and you don’t know where to start with networking, or maybe you’ve given it a go and it didn’t work out, then I’ve got something for you.
There is definitely a right way and a wrong way to network, and if you get it right the rewards can be amazing…
I’ve created a simple online course which you can access at any time, which will take you from zero to networking hero.
I’ve had some great feedback from the people who have already been through it such as actor and voiceover artist Helen Mitchell,
“I have already made about 155 network connections in the last week using the information tips and tricks Liz gave me. Highly recommend!”
To find out more visit www.businessnetworkingknowhow.com
You can also get more networking goodness by listening to my podcast ‘Small Business Big Network’ www.lizdrury.co.uk/podcast If you like what you hear please subscribe and leave me a review to help other people find the show.