I Hate the Word "Networking"
I did an unpaid collaboration
I did a collaboration with Annie Cohoat-Abel. She is a very talented local NYC stylist. Find Annie on Instagram here. I was happy to have the opportunity to work with her. This was an unpaid collaboration. Why would I do an unpaid collaboration? Well first of all neither of us got paid. It was an opportunity for us to create images for our portfolio. I did it simply because I wanted to work with someone who lived in my neighborhood. I wanted to make a new friend. At no point did I ask Annie for anything in return for photographing her models. All I wanted was some photos for my portfolio and friendship. If Annie wants to refer me for future work that would be great. But what’s more important for me is making a connection with a fellow artist.
Click here to see more from my photoshoot with Annie
I hate the word “networking.”
To me “networking” sounds superficial. Like, you only want to meet people who can offer you something in return for just knowing them. That’s a terrible way to start a relationship with someone. How would you feel if someone was being nice to you just so they can get something from you? Not very good.
Making connections
Some better terms to use instead of networking would be “building relationships” or “making friendships” or “making connections” or more importantly “building trust.” Real networking involves real trust. Many times people are not hiring you because of your skills. They are hiring you because they can count on you to get the job done.
Be real
I’m not sure if I’m getting my point across. But what I’m trying to say is BE REAL. Be real to yourself and to others. Being real and genuine is quite rare in this world. And if you can be a genuine person to others, you will stand out and attract people for all the right reasons. You can’t fake your way to success. You can’t “fake it till you make it.” Do you want a fake friend? No. No one does. People will pick up on that and you will end up with no real friends and no real connections.
You can’t count on anyone for your success except yourself. But at the same time, you can’t be successful without the help of others. But that help needs to be on their terms. And you can’t force anyone to be apart of your success.
Free marketing
Socializing is free marketing in real time. When you meet someone new and tell them about your business, that’s free marketing. Every single person you meet is a potential client. But the best advertisement is one that doesn’t feel like an advertisement. Don’t try to sell them anything except your friendship and I think you’ll find you get a lot more in return.
You’re not meeting people. People are meeting YOU.
It’s like a reverse psychology situation. When socializing, our goal is to find a potential client but we don’t want them to know that’s what we are doing. So, when you go out and you think you met 10 different people, you didn’t.
10 different people met YOU.
If you want to make a new friend click here to add me on Instagram.
Click here for tips on being a more confident photographer.
Some tips for “building relationships”
· When having a conversation with someone be more interested in learning about them than talking about yourself. Learn about them first before talking about yourself. Yes, you may be eager to show your work but no one likes a show off. Most people will eventually ask “What do you do?” or “I’d love to see your work.”
· When socializing, learn people’s names right away. Learning each other’s name is like saying “We are officially friends.” And talking to someone without learning their name is borderline rude.
· Don’t ask them for their Instagram or phone number. Instead ask to give them YOUR Instagram or phone number. You want to make sure they have your info. Getting their info is almost useless if your goal is to have a potential client. Business cards are useful but even better is a DOT card. DOT cards are so cool. You simply tap your friends phone and it takes them to all your social media. If you want to look cool and stand out I strongly suggest checking this out. Click here to learn about getting a DOT card. (Not sponsored. Just something I actually use)
· Offer more and ask for less. Buy them a coffee. Invite them to the next event you’re attending. Offer them real friendship. Most people will reciprocate and offer you something in return. Who knows, they might just offer you a job!
· Talk to anyone and everyone. What I mean is don’t discriminate. You don’t need to only speak to people you have things in common with. Remember, we are building connections. And that person you have little in common with might know another person. And that person might know ANOTHER person who might be your next friend or next client.
· Understand that socializing is now part of your job. None of this “I’m just going to stay home tonight” or “I’ll just catch the next event.” I’m not saying you can’t stay home occasionally and rest. I’m just saying it is now an important part of your job to go out and attend that art show or attend that live performance. But you need to go with the intention building relationships and meeting people. Otherwise, it’s a wasted opportunity.