“When people like you, they will talk to you.
When they trust you, they’ll do business with you.”
Zig Ziglar
If you’re an introvert like me, the idea of having to network probably makes you feel a bit nauseous. For a long time I associated it with going into a room of people you don’t know, trying to pitch what you do and hand out business cards.
But through the years I learned two things that changed my perspective completely.
First of all I discovered that a lot of times you’re networking without realising it. When you attend events, go to music conferences, meet up with fellow artists etc (the image above shows me backstage at an event with some of my Trance music colleagues).
Over the years I’ve built meaningful and valuable relationships with other artists and people in the industry. Not only did I learn a lot from them, a lot of my collaborations and bookings came about after meeting people in real life as well.
And it’s nice to spend time with like minded people too!
Secondly, be careful to try to do business the first time you meet someone.
Networking is not a one way street where all you focus on is what the other person can do for you. On the contrary, if you want to build a great network, it’s going to be give and take. No one likes to feel like you’re just there because you want to benefit from them.
Instead, work on a relationship with people, show a genuine interest in what they do and ask how you can be of value to them.
Long lasting relationships are built on trust, and that takes more than handing out a business card 😉
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