Networking is one of the scariest things to think about when you're a business owner. You have a full-time job, little kids, a spouse or partner who needs me, dentist appointments to take the kids to, PTO meetings, fitness class membership and the list goes on. There's no way I can make time for the Chamber of Commerce after hours or business development seminars. What if I told you, you don't have to do any of that?
Part of stepping into the identity of a locally connected business owner means you have to connect with your local community. You can't build a successful portrait photography business in a vacuum. Word of mouth and getting clients to refer me was one of the top ways I built my business to become one of the most profitable photography studios in the United States in only five years, named by the Professional Photographers of America. I started by creating a network way before I even became a photographer. Here are my top tips for networking every day while just letting life happen.
- Be friendly and approachable
We all have days where we go to the grocery store in our pajama pants, hair in a messy bun, and no makeup just to run in and grab some paper towels or whatever it is before anyone sees you. I want to challenge you to leave the house at least 80% of the time ready and excited to interact with the world. It only takes a couple minutes to put a little fufu on. You don't have to be fancy and look high-end to work with high-end clients. You do, however, have to be approachable and have a positive attitude with everyone you meet. Easy and free ways to do things like this are not wearing AirPods everywhere you go, or putting your phone away when you're walking around stores. Looking up at people and giving a friendly smile
- Ask questions
Once you make a connection with someone, even if you're waiting in line at the store you can ask the person questions. You do this everywhere you go and it will make all of these relationships and activities more fun. Are you going to a PTO meeting? Arrive 10 minutes early. Ask the other parents what grades their kids are in? Hot tip, always plan to stay late after whatever meeting because this is not only when you get the inside scoop on everything happening at the school, but you're able to actually bond with other parents. At the eye doctor or dentist, look around at the personal items of the staff. Usually they have photos pinned up at the counter. Use these as jumping-off points to get to know them better.
- Don’t rush
At a certain point in the interaction, there might be an opportunity to ask the other person what their career is or if they need portraits. Be mindful to not come on too strong with people. Keep in mind, some of these interactions or a lot of them will likely be with people you'll see again. You've got to let the relationship grow naturally with no need to rush it. Show excitement and remember to tell them hey thanks for asking back to the point of not rushing a connection.
- Get their contact information
You get their contact information, and you ask the best method to follow up with them. It's more effective to get their information so you can be in the driver's seat when it comes to your business. After you get their contact info, tell them how and when you'll reach out or work it out with them.
Remember, they won't all be your client but when they get to know you and you get to know them on a personal level, you achieve the important distinction of knowing, liking, and trusting one another. Don't let networking intimidate you any longer.
Download the Episode Transcript Here
