by Rachel Smith
21 August 2015
I’ve been to more ‘networking’ events over the years than I can count. And it’s always the same – I chat to a heap of interesting people, swap cards and three months later find a pile of those abandoned cards in the bottom of my handbag. Oops.
When I’ve been in a work slump, I’ve always hoped that I’ll front up to one of these events, meet an editor who’s heard of me through the grapevine and says, ‘Hey, I’ve got a great piece I need to commission that you’d be perfect for. How does 1000 words at $1/word sound?’
Some of you are no doubt guffawing right now and thinking, ‘Dream on sister’. I hear you, because that has NEVER happened to me. At a networking event, anyway. And I know I’m not alone – after all, just 1 percent of you said you scored jobs at conferences and work functions in our last Show Me The Money survey.
So should you stop going to these professional shindigs? Give that drinks thing the flick and stay home to watch Madame Secretary instead?
Of course you shouldn’t. Because networking is about so much more than just getting bucks into your bank account.
Firstly, it’s crucial to get into the habit of actually leaving your office. Those of us who work from home can literally become part of the furniture – because it’s warm and familiar and you’d really rather crack on with tomorrow’s deadline than make small talk with people you don’t know, right?
But getting out into the world is a good habit to cultivate – whether it’s about making new connections who might need you or refer you down the track, or meeting a long-time client face to face (and thus building a deeper trust and relationship with that person, who could well be giving you work for years).
I’ve sown the seeds with prospective clients after such events. I’ve reconnected with colleagues I’ve not seen for years. And most importantly, I’ve met up with my freelance buddies which – especially when things are dire work-wise – can be both invigorating and inspiring.
Keeping those friendships and networking connections alive can be essential for both your mental health AND your business.
For example, I met up with an old friend this week who I hadn’t seen for nearly two years. In between sharing some baby babble with my one year old, we swapped all our news; hers included starting a business with DIY skills she learned while editing a high profile magazine; she’s since created a rocking Instagram following and is branching out into making video for clients. And she thinks differently to me in so many ways, and had so many great suggestions on things I could do with my business. Whereas I, on the other hand, could share a heap of website creation and blogging tips with her, as that’s not her forte.
Our industry is changing at breakneck speed and getting those leads, suggestions and tips from colleagues with different skills or talents to you can set you on a new path to a new income stream. It’s happened to me time and time again.
That’s why I think networking absolutely has its place in our professional lives – whether it’s going to conferences in your area of interest or fronting up to a MEAA drinks night (just make sure you get those business cards out the morning after and send follow up emails!). Similarly, don’t neglect those smaller one-on-ones. All are networking opportunities and while they may be a slow burn in terms of work, it’s about getting ideas and putting feelers out – feelers that may one day lead you somewhere amazing, or to a great new client or editor.
Agree or disagree? Have you landed a great gig off the back of a networking event or conference? Do you share my bad habit of leaving business cards languishing in your handbag / jacket pocket?
Great post, Rachel!
I can definitely relate to the scenarios you mention. I agree that building – and maintaining – relationships with prospects and peers is crucial. And like you, I’ve learned that it takes a while for any leads to manifest into jobs.
I tend to collect business cards I’ve received on my desk. I’m looking at my latest bunch just near the keyboard right now!
Getting out to events in winter is the hardest, though. I like to bunker down of an evening. But there are plenty of breakfast networking events. I haven’t landed a project after first meeting a prospect, but I have got work through a women’s business group I joined. So it can, and does, happen.
I love the idea of breakfast events Virginia – just not possible for me right now with a young baby, but I did dip my toe into it a few years ago. I think it’s a great thing to do and to get it out of the way doesn’t hurt either 😉
Women’s business groups are great, too. I’ve been to a few events with local area groups which are always good. Nothing has come of it yet though! It’s a process…
Thanks Rachel for the endorsement about the value of networking. Having recently started a travel itinerary planning, event planning and food/travel blogging business I have been networking continuously, even though at times it can be exhausting and soul destroying. It takes effort to keep believing it is worthwhile as the benefits are long term and about relationship building rather than immediate work-winning. But as you say, you have to keep going and keep the faith as the results will eventually materialise!
Thanks for commenting Maria – I totally agree that a lot of it is being out there and being visible and creating those relationships. That’s what plants the seeds and gets you remembered down the track. Good luck with your new business, sounds fab.
Great post Rachel! I’ve been to a few networking events and I did land a PR gig and then more feature writing work from someone I bumped into while on my way to the door! So it does happen and you never know where.
That is great news Rashida! Good to know it can and DOES happen for some of us at networking events. (BTW sorry it took me ages to reply – I totally missed your comment!)