Real Life Social Networking

I’ve written before about how important it is to meet with people in real life, not just online. You can find a lot of local jobs if you know where to look. I call it “real life social networking.” We usually just think of social networking as something done online at sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, but when you put yourself out there to meet potential clients, it’s like creating a profile of yourself. You have so many words or minutes to introduce yourself to others, promoting yourself as a writer or promoting your website.

Personally, I think you should treat every day as a chance to network. Whenever you leave your house, you could meet someone who could help you with your business or someone who wants to hire you. That’s why I don’t leave the house wearing pajama pants and looking like a hot mess, even if I’m just going grocery shopping. You never know who you’ll meet.

Image: sxc.hu

If you want to go to actual networking events, here’s what I suggest:

• Join BNI. Business Network International (BNI) is an organization that is all about referrals. Each chapter of BNI only has one professional in their field. For example, you might have one photographer, one hairdresser, one chef, one mechanic, etc. You could fill the “one writer” spot for any chapter that doesn’t already have a writer. There’s only one of each because the other members will carry around your business card, get to know you, and refer you to people they meet. It actually a pretty great system – everyone refers everyone else, and your businesses grow together. I’m sure there are similar groups out there if BNI isn’t for you; this is just an organization with which I have experience.

• Attend alumni events. Your college likely has alumni chapters across the country. Join one and attend events whenever you can. You can also attend alumni events at your college itself. Many colleges host networking luncheons regularly or invite alumni to come back to talk to classes. It’s a great way to meet new people with whom you have a common characteristic, giving you a great talking point to break the ice.

• Donate your time. It seems counterproductive to volunteer your writing services when you’re trying to make more money, but it can actually be quite lucrative to do so. Whenever you volunteer to serve on community boards (like the YMCA or your local library), you’re meeting people who can refer you to people who need a writer. The others on the board may even need a writer themselves. You can also donate your time to kid-related stuff if you’re a parent. The other parents in the PTA or helping with the cheerleading fundraiser could be a source of income in the future. You never know.

It pays to also remind your friends and family members that you’re a writer. You’ll be amazed how many times, when you mention it, someone will say “come to think of it…” and tell you about a potential client they know.

Not every real life social networking event will be successful, but even if you give out three or four business cards, you could be securing thousands of dollars in work. You might be surprised when ten months later someone contacts you out of the blue! Always follow up with “nice to meet you” emails to people who gave you cards, and pass on business as you can. Scratching backs is still very much a part of any industry, even freelance writing.