Most videographers find it hard to find a constant work flow that will give them regular income. An additional challenge is to find clients who can pay decent rates. If you have already tried joining networking groups, you just have to keep going in order to make the right connections.
The first time you try networking, you'll realize that it doesn't work at the initial meetings. Many members of these networks just want to ensure that you are legitimate before they speak to you about business.
I am aware that not everybody can network. However, those that say that it doesn't work are just doing it the wrong way. These are my reasons.
1.) You are possibly attending the wrong networking events.
The problem here is that you'll never meet the right type of prospect if you aren't in the right place at the right time. Networking at meetings where only small businesses or sales reps who are trying to sell to small businesses are represented is a complete waste of time unless you are trying to sell low level video services or duplication services. Avoid these meetings.
2.) You are not networking properly at the events you choose to attend.
There are two types of networkers - hunters and farmers. A hunter shows up at a networking event and expects to go for the kill in 60 minutes or less. "Let me see who I can target and score with before I leave the building." Believe it or not, people don't attend networking events to get sold so the people who show up to do these are usually written off and bad things are said about them once they leave the room. Networking is designed to get you more business, but not in the first meeting. You have to develop relationships with people first, then the getting more business thing naturally starts to happen over time.
When you network, you need to be the "Farmer" who plants seeds in all the networking events he attends. You have to do this regularly. You will come to a point where you won't find the time to go to these meetings. To avoid this, plan a schedule for these meetings. Make sure that you meet a lot of people. Share your business cards with them and make them part of your email contacts. This really works!
You should also understand that when you network, you are creating future success. It is like doing pushups. If you do 50 pushups now, you won't see the outcome afterwards. However, if you continue doing pushups for a few months, you will see a more toned body. It's the same with networking or marketing. You have to sustain it for a period of time before you reap the benefits of your hard work.
The first time you try networking, you'll realize that it doesn't work at the initial meetings. Many members of these networks just want to ensure that you are legitimate before they speak to you about business.
I am aware that not everybody can network. However, those that say that it doesn't work are just doing it the wrong way. These are my reasons.
1.) You are possibly attending the wrong networking events.
The problem here is that you'll never meet the right type of prospect if you aren't in the right place at the right time. Networking at meetings where only small businesses or sales reps who are trying to sell to small businesses are represented is a complete waste of time unless you are trying to sell low level video services or duplication services. Avoid these meetings.
2.) You are not networking properly at the events you choose to attend.
There are two types of networkers - hunters and farmers. A hunter shows up at a networking event and expects to go for the kill in 60 minutes or less. "Let me see who I can target and score with before I leave the building." Believe it or not, people don't attend networking events to get sold so the people who show up to do these are usually written off and bad things are said about them once they leave the room. Networking is designed to get you more business, but not in the first meeting. You have to develop relationships with people first, then the getting more business thing naturally starts to happen over time.
When you network, you need to be the "Farmer" who plants seeds in all the networking events he attends. You have to do this regularly. You will come to a point where you won't find the time to go to these meetings. To avoid this, plan a schedule for these meetings. Make sure that you meet a lot of people. Share your business cards with them and make them part of your email contacts. This really works!
You should also understand that when you network, you are creating future success. It is like doing pushups. If you do 50 pushups now, you won't see the outcome afterwards. However, if you continue doing pushups for a few months, you will see a more toned body. It's the same with networking or marketing. You have to sustain it for a period of time before you reap the benefits of your hard work.
About the Author:
Looking to find the best resource for running a successful video production company, then visit Kris Simmons' website to find the best advice on how to use your filmmaking skills to generate a six-figure income.
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