Questions on Networking...... EVERYONE WEIGH IN!

[KleinmanB]

Hello Everyone

My name is Brandon. I am a wild creative and hungry 22 year old Los Angelino (Resident of Los Angeles for those who dont know) entrepenuer who has come to realize that although your college buddies can pack away the Popov shots at night pretty well, it is clear that they and their acquientences are not the most stellar of business contacts (at least not yet). That being said I have decided that the best way to make anything big happen is to align with minds greater then your own at networking functions and what not. No fortune was ever built alone.
So here I am at an impasse, with a deisre to network, but a lack of knowledge to do so. So I am looking for help on where to network. What groups? Where do I join? Any references? I have created enough avenues of income that I have lots of free time, and I want to be out on the Network Grind 5 days a week.
So please everyone no matter how insignificant your suggestions are post it. Lets get aeveryone on here meeting big wigs and getting their brilliant ideas out there and making some cash.

Brandon

PS If you want to join me in this quest for standing in any of the local business communites or just want to get some of those brilliant ideas out of your head and into my own EMAIL ME: KleinmanB@gmail.com

[tekmoney]

I have written this article for someone just like you.

http://youngentrepreneur.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=10171

[KleinmanB]

I still hope to hear from more people, even though this article touches on some great points. Maybe even some good networking stories.

Bk

[akula]

http://yeblogger.com/directory

hundreds of people you can network with

just wait for the directory to load

you do have to have something to offer though

make an online resume at hiveresume.com to help you introduce your self

i use mine all the time and it really helps....you don't have to constantly rebuild your reputation with every single person you meet.

it saves time

anyway, to get you started: why would someone want to network with you?

list top three features, top three benefits, then formulate your value proposition

put it on your $9 vistaprint biz card and that's a start

then, open your linked in account and go from there

[Jason_Els]

Go where your market is. What sort of graphics work do you do? Is it for a specialized industry or are you looking to service local businesses of all sorts?

Tekmoney's article is good. But in many areas there are quite a few local groups to join. Tell us more about what kind of graphics design you do and for whom. There are a lot of choices but if you plan on doing any work for local businesses, joining the Chamber of Commerce is an excellent first step. In a city the size of LA there may well be a lot of civic organizations. Rotary is good as are Lions and Jaycees. It would pay to check out their local member listings and find which groups have members most suited to your target market.

Don't overlook arts fundraisers. Some can be very expensive but others can be quite reasonable (and deductible) and as there are major arts associations in LA you can hobnob with a broad range of ridiculously well-connected people. If you're a graphic designer then I'm sure if you took an art history course at some point and knowing Monet from Matisse can impress people. It's odd but meeting a graphic artist at an artistic event increases your credibility among potential customers. Just be discreet and wait for people to ask what you do. The more high-end the affair, the more discreet you have to be but sooner or later you'll run into someone whose business you'll love to have. Some of the smaller but hip arts associations would love to have a graphic designer donate promotional and program artwork (with credit for the work stamped on every poster, ad, and progam).

Be sure to also look for local business people get-togethers and charity events. These can be very helpful to you, particularly if you're willing to donate work. When it comes to cultivating local business you have to give to receive. Choose these events with some care however. If you see an event where local businesses you'd like to do business with have contributed generously before, then make a point to offer your service or, at least, attend the event. You will likely run into the business owner or at least someone high-up in the business. When a charity event is announced, ask the charity for a list of current donors and look for the names of local businesses which have contributed generously.

Having common ground can be a big boon to your business, particularly when it comes to community work. LA is big but if you start in your particular section of the city, you can eventually work your way up to bigger and better things.

If you don't own at least one very good suit, get one. Use it for just such events. People expect graphic designers to look hip. If you find yourself at an event calling for a tux, BUY one, never rent. Rentals look terrible. Spend as much $$$ as you can on shoes to go with it. People DO look at shoes, particularly women. You're an artist, you'll do fine in this department.

If you're more of a technical designer with a special market (medical, web, industrial design, commercial design and pre-press, etc.), then find the associations that they belong to and see if you can join as an ancillary member. Keep in mind that many professional/industrial associations also sponsor charity events and even if they won't give you membership you can contribute to the same charities they do. If they're having a convention someplace it can be a great help to actually go to the convention, most conventions allow people from related industries to attend but even if they don't, just staying at the same hotel during the convention can be a big plus. Hang out in the bar and the gym and be friendly, you're bound to run into more than enough potential prospects.

Make no mistake, the best networking comes from community involvement. Rotary/Lions/Jaycees can be a great start and charity/arts events better still as that puts you in contact with the decision makers at bigger businesses, but never overlook the Chamber of Commerce. Even if the majority of your business is elsewhere, join the Chamber because it will put you in contact with local professionals who will support your business (lawyers, accountants, landlords, suppliers, etc.).

In some areas it also pays to be politically active, particularly in smaller towns and cities where one party is in the greater majority. Currying favor with political bigwigs can put you in contact with potential customers but the downside is political affiliations can also damage your reputation with potential customers. In a small start-up I'd say stay away. Far, far, away. If you have particular charities you favor consider the potential political side-effects of having your business sponsoring them. Things like "city beautification" and "historical societies" can be great, other chartities can be controversial. Don't expect to support PETA and get any business from the furrier shop down the street (nor the leather goods, shoes, or cosmetics places either) or (and now) Discovery Networks. If you really like a charity that has a potential business downside then contribute anonymously or in your personal name only, not that of the business.

Being community minded shows people you care about the neighborhood and are mature enough to know the value of giving to the community. It also shows consideration and trust. You're not seen as some fly-by-night company only looking to make money off the masses. Nearly all business deals are done with a handshake and your word. Contracts come later. You need to earn the trust of your customer first.

FYI, even if they're not in business per se don't discount the social bigwigs in your immediate community. Work on charities they belong to, join the clubs they frequent (within budget). They may not need your business but they know people who do and if you can get an "in" to their set you'll make a lot of excellent contacts. You may even find people you like!

To get something you have to give something in return. In business, you have to give first to receive later on. It may seem like a big wall now, but you're starting young and young people who are considerate of the community make a huge impression on its older people (with the dough and the contacts). Give it time and make an effort. Learn proper etiquette if you don't think you'll be comfortable in various social settings, and always, always, always, get the people you meet to talk about themselves. Be fascinated, charming, and discreet. Don't hand out your card at a moment's notice but DO ask others for theirs first but never lead with that. The person you meet comes first. You may not even discuss business the first or second time you meet someone but eventually it will and rather than remember you as some guy among many others they met they'll remember you as KleinmanB, that really nice, funny, good-looking guy who does graphic arts.

Nobody likes to be treated like a dollar $ign. People who "work a room" to make contacts are people whose business cards end-up in the trash and will be laughed-at behind their backs. People who are friendly, well-groomed, well-dressed, and fun to be with will be remembered and after the first few meets you'll be welcomed with a smile and pleasant memory. Personal relationships mean a great deal in business, make your relationships personal in the first instance, business in the second. You'll be amazed how your business and your reputation will increase.

That is worth more to your business than anything else.