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Five Common Networking Mistakes Made by Photographers

10/19/2016

3 Comments

 
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My good buddy Scott Bourne wrote this post for me several years ago on my first blog. I shared it again, exactly three years ago today.  With PPE kicking off this week it's a great topic and the timing couldn't be better to share this with you.  Whether you're headed to PPE, IUSA in January, WPPI in February, ShutterFest in April or any local or state show, networking is a key reason to attend every possible conference.

by Scott Bourne

Building a strong network is critical to your growth and the success of your business. Unfortunately, over and over again I see so many photographers making the same mistakes at every trade show, convention or workshop. Here are five of the most common ones for you to hopefully take note and stay away from.

1. Be prepared. I mean really prepared. Bring business cards (yes I know it's basic but I admit that once or twice I forgot mine so you might too.) Make sure you're properly groomed. Bugs in your teeth won't win you many friends. Dress appropriately.

2. Don't interrupt. If someone you want to meet  or network with is talking with someone else, you won't make a very good impression if you bulldog your way to the front of the line. Wait your turn.

3. Don't talk too much about yourself. Don't brag. Don't profile. Don't strut. Be humble. I know it's hard to be humble when you're as great as you are, but try. Listen to what other people think. Let them finish their thoughts. Ask follow up questions to show that you are interested and listening.

4. Don't be shy. If you want to network, you can't do it from the back of the room. You have to be willing to put yourself out there. Go for it.

5. Don't monopolize your new friends' time. Networking is simple. You introduce yourself. You listen to what your new friend has to say. You exchange cards. You figure out if there's anything you can do to help your new friend. You make an action plan to follow up with each other and you move on. Everyone at a networking event is looking for a chance to make new contacts. Let them. Take your turn and move along.

Networking can be very valuable. Skip and I have built entire businesses and careers around networking. Get off on the right foot and avoid these mistakes. You'll be better off for it.

Illustration Credit: © ova - Fotolia.com
3 Comments
Mark Karlsberg link
10/19/2013 01:59:34 am

Stuck without business cards? It happened to me one too many times. I scanned my business card (took its picture) with my smartphone. I know have it available to attach to an email or send as a text anytime to anyone. Not as great as handing the card out but not a bad plan b.

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John Mateos Ong link
10/24/2013 11:11:37 pm

Great article! I was reminded of being humble all the time. I know in this type of industries we are in, that we have to be always stand firm to what we believe in specially when you are an experienced and professional photographer with bunch of experiences with this kind of field. I was humbled. Thank you so much for this.

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Melissa link
11/1/2016 10:00:23 am

This sounds so simple and straightforward, but I find its the hardest thing to do for me in the photography world.

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