Get Out of the Ocean! (and Into the Pond) - Part 2

12 July 2010
Posted in Tools & Services

In last week's article, we discussed the how of networking, but we left you with the question of where.

We have to admit, somewhat sheepishly, that we did this on-purpose. Why? Because we didn't just want to send you out there half-cocked. If we are truly going to be a resource to the graphic design community it is far more important that you know now to network that you find where. In fact, once you know how, the where usually works itself out.

Start Out Close to Home

Right off, if you don't like people, you shouldn't be networking. If you are afraid to come out of your apartment or meet people, then we advise you go find a partner or agent who will help sell your work. There are people out there that can do this for you and that might be a good route. However, if you like people and want to network, then read on.

You should get involved in your community. Join a church or a civic organization. I know we are all taxed for time, but this is a real investment in your professional development and, who knows, it might even enrich your life.

This is also really good practice for networking because you do not have to worry about selling people something and your goal is to bring value to the organization. I have found that my experience in running committees and teams in my community has sub-consciously prepared me for professional networking. Also, you would be surprised at the actually sales that come out of this.

At Your Desk and Online

I know this is about getting out of the mainstream for networking, but there is one exception that I think is really valuable. You can also start honing your skills online. Linked has become the THE place to make business connections. I know a lot of you get those Plaxo mailings and address book updates. I don't use it. For me, LinkedIn is the authority on business networking. Here is how you can start:

1. Create a profile. Really spend some time on this. It matters. 
2. Make connections. Find people you know and connect.
3. Ask for recommendations. 
4. Join Groups and be active. Find groups where you think your potential clients will be and participate. Only bring value to the group and scan it daily.

Here are some suggested groups that a graphic designer might find valuable:

• Public Relations and Marketing
• Professional Services – engineering, medical, architects
• Small Business Start-Up

Join Some Networking Groups

Meetup.com has become a great way to meet potential clients, but do more than attend. Offer to get involved and bring value to the group. The same rules as above apply to meetups. If you are going to sell to a group of professionals, you have got to learn what they know and the best way to do that is to make yourself a fly on the wall. Go to their meetings and listen to their frustrations and challenges.

If you live in an area where there are not a lot of meetup groups, decide on a niche and start one. Spend some time helping a specific industry develop it's knowledge base and you are an instant expert.

Start or Participate in a Networking Group

If you live in an area where there is not a group for a target demographic and/or design. Start one! Having your name associated with a professional group is a great way to establish credibility and create contacts.

In Boston, George Choi of Web Design Touch, started the Boston Business Owner's and Trusted Designers meetup group. This is group that invites designers from all disciplines as well as small business owners to get together regularly and talk about challenges as they relate to both business and design.

For us, this is a brilliant approach to networking as it:

• establishes George as the expert and go-to-guy being the group leader
• creates an environment that, in itself, brings value
• provides designers access to business owners from varying areas

Look at your existing network

If you have already registered for our Web Design Certification Program, you may have already heard this one. Jodi Hersh, of Orange Star Design, realized a couple years ago that few of her clients had every really gotten a good feel for the full scope of services she can provide. So, she started a monthly email campaign geared toward educating her clients on her full scope of services.

In doing so, she has not only sparked a flurry of repeat business from old clients in new media, but also has gotten new leads and contacts when her existing clients forwarded the email along to their network.

Networking is EVERYWHERE

In summary, networking is everything you do every day. You start by bringing value to everyone you meet. Next, you start networking close to home to practice out. Make sure your online presence is all buttoned up and, finally, get involved in regular groups and in starting groups.

The final thought with which we will leave you is this:

Tell us where you network and we may feature you in a future article!