Showing up and networking is the number one way to meet new vendors, connect with planners, commiserate with photographers, and enjoy a night out that you didn’t have to plan or pay for. It’s a form of marketing all its own and allows you to make real friends in an industry built on self-employment. But there’s always room for improvement – enter the six ways to up your networking.
Luckily, Kansas City is one of very few wedding communities that already has a robust and collaborative mindset. There are local events like Monthly Merriment, Wedding Vendor Social and Wed Workshops that excel at nurturing lively networking environments. There are also collectives like this one, which allows you access to exclusive online groups where you can swap tips, tricks, and more.
Your brand can be on point, your website can be optimized, and your social media can go viral, but that doesn’t directly convert into bookings. It might be time to look for advice or seek partnership with someone in the same market to address your weak spots.
Remember that a work-life balance isn’t about the amount of hours you put in or take off, but the quality of life that time affords you. Socials will benefit you with both, and here’s how.
Build Lasting Relationships
This sounds obvious, but it’s the number one goal you should have when approaching other professionals in a social setting. When you meet and work with someone you really click with, it creates a more seamless experience for your clients. Planners have less to worry about and everyone else understands the expectations they need to meet. Having strong, healthy working relationships is how everyone wins, but you should always be expanding that network. Don’t get too comfortable with your preferred vendors list when there’s so much talent to utilize.
Let Loose
Whether it’s held at a venue or dive bar, there’s usually a selection of food and drinks to enjoy. In a room full of other wedding pros who are likely undergoing the same amount of stress as you, it’s nice to feel understood. Don’t be afraid to find new friends and share a drink or two. Some of the best connections you can make are ones forged over food. If you do decide to drink, limit yourself to two and avoid any unprofessional behavior.
Expand Your Network
We briefly touched on this in bullet one, but the obvious goal of networking is to connect with other professionals so you can better serve your clients. That means you should be trying to meet as many people as possible, even if you don’t have enough time to fully get to know them. Make that initial contact and the rest will follow – chances are that you’ll run into one another again and can keep in touch online in the meantime! This will help you feel much more comfortable reaching out in the future if an opportunity arises to collaborate.
Pool Your Resources
If you’re actively dealing with an issue, don’t be afraid to bring it to the table. You’ll be surprised at the things you learn and the disasters you can avoid with the right advice. It’s also the perfect time to ask about the projects others are working on or brainstorm something new. The community over competition mindset allows you to evolve within your niche and learn a lot along the way.
Market Yourself
Every contact you exchange and friend you make is a form of marketing. You’re representing your brand and connecting with others who are open to working with you. Prepare for it by bringing business cards, running through ways you can introduce yourself, and looking for others in the room who might feel just as lost as you do. Also remember to follow up with everyone you meet, even if it’s just a DM or comment on their social page! Engagement online and shout outs can bring a lot of local awareness to your business.
Invest in Others
Networking isn’t about taking advantage of what others can provide you. It’s about connecting with people authentically in an industry centered around emotion and unity. When you’re genuine with someone, it shows.. Don’t dismiss these events as “added” work because they can lead to some of the most fulfilling friendships. If you have a good rapport at a social, imagine how well you’d get along in a less chaotic environment.
We hope you enjoyed the six ways to up your networking and hope to interact with you at the next KC wedding industry event!
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