by Carolyn Edlund
Networking enables you to make the right connections with the right people. Here’s how to begin and build on those relationships.
Have you ever met somebody who seems to know everyone? They have all kinds of business projects going on in different areas and just seem “successful.” It’s easy to see that they are operating on a higher level, and not just advertising and waiting for customers to come to them.
These people have developed a network of connections, cultivating others who are happy to send referrals their way. They have become a go-to person who has established themselves and become a magnet for business.
You can create your own network of connections and start gaining personal recommendations too. Who can you network with? Just about anybody. Whether you pursue contacts through business networking events, in professional artist organizations, through friends and family, or alumni group, it’s up to you. Try these six steps to get started networking successfully:
Keep in mind that it’s not about you.
Ask others about their business, and show genuine interest. Find out what types of clients or connections they are seeking. Let them know you are happy to refer business and will remember them. Tell them about yourself as well. Take their business card. If the connection seems promising, you might arrange a meeting or lunch with them to get further information and get to know them better.
Follow up.
This is the most crucial step, and the one that is most often ignored. When you find good networking partners, you must build your relationship with them by future contact and letting them know that they are important to you. Poet laureate Maya Angelou once said “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” When others feel you sincerely want to be a strategic ally in their business, they will want to reciprocate.
Freely give referrals to others without expecting anything in return.
As you pay it forward, you will gradually start to see referrals come your way as well. These referrals will not necessarily be from the people you assisted. It may take time as you grow your network to see the fruits of your labor.
Be open to receiving.
There are two parts of referrals–giving them, and receiving them–which are like two sides of a coin. Just as you gladly give referrals, you should also request and be open to receiving referrals from others. This also requires you to know who you want to meet and why. Give some thought to the types of connections you feel would be most advantageous in your art business. Then, be as clear and specific as possible when describing to others the connections you want to be introduced to.
Show your gratitude.
There is an African proverb which says “Give without remembering and take without forgetting.” That applies here. Acknowledge those who have referred business to you, and strive to give referrals back to them. If you simply don’t have specific referrals for them, include them in social gatherings where they might meet others. Invite them to art openings, salons, or business events that may benefit them.
Keep building more relationships.
Work toward expanding your network on a regular basis. Endeavor to stay in touch with key contacts by remembering birthdays or special events. As you grow your network, you will become known as a connector who benefits others by your referrals and introductions.
The objective here is to create win-win relationships. It takes work, but with lots of practice networking can become automatic. A great side benefit is that you also develop many personal friendships as well. Resolve to take the first step and introduce yourself to someone you can help by giving your first referral.
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