Whether online or off, the idea of networking with others is a good one. However, there are some basic mistakes people regularly make that hinder their efforts and cause them to fall well short of their desire to find new opportunities or long-term business relationships. In this article, we will explore the need for you to develop an entrepreneur’s mindset.
For starters, let’s talk about what networking is. According to Wikipedia, business networking is “a socioeconomic business activity by which business people and entrepreneurs meet to form business relationships and to recognize, create or act upon business opportunities, share information and seek potential partners for ventures.”
It goes on to define a business Network as “a type of business social network which is developed to help business people connect with other managers and entrepreneurs to further each other’s business interests by forming mutually beneficial business relationships.”
Please note that there’s no place in either definition where the term or phrase “finding a job” is mentioned. However, in both cases, we see the word “relationships.” From this, we can conclude that networking is very different than prospecting for jobs—something many talents find themselves doing. The failure to understand the very premise of what networking is lies at the heart of this problem.
In my role as executive producer for an annual conference for voice actors—VO Atlanta—I’m regularly asked if there are going to be people at the conference who can supply jobs. More commonly, I’m asked about the number of agents expected at the conference as if an agent’s mere presence dramatically increases the odds of someone gaining representation and, thus, a job. '
I recall a conversation with an agent where they shared their experience of attending events and having talent talk to them for 10 minutes without ever asking anything about what they or their agency needed. The entire conversation was about them and why they should be signed to a roster. The mindset was all wrong. The talent was looking for a job. They had an employee mindset, which too often smells of neediness and desperation.
The entrepreneur’s mindset, on the other hand, would focus on understanding the needs of the agent or agency and then crafting a very specific message that speaks to why they might be an ideal candidate. If no such opportunity exists, it’s okay to move on.
I want to leave you with something I believe will help you in your networking effort: the concept of threads. A thread is a common element existing between two or more parties. While these threads may connect around a profession, they should extend well beyond a business connection. An example of threads may be:
- Growing up in the same city (geographic affiliation)
- Attending the same college (alumni, field of study)
- Entered business at the same time (before the internet)
- Shared hobbies or social interest (photography, fishing, bowling)
- Shared life experience (travel, military service)
This is a short list but it provides some common points where you might find a thread that connects you beyond your being a talent hoping to land your next big job. You will be remembered much more for the fact that you attended the same college than the new business card with the big, embossed microphone.
The entrepreneur’s mind is one that’s developed over time and is constantly looking for ways to improve and evolve. When networking, the entrepreneur’s mind is looking to discover ways to develop mutually beneficial business relationships, which is one of the reasons events like VO Atlanta are unique: it provides an open and engaging environment spanning multiple days, allowing for more interaction and opportunities to start or build meaningful connections.
Beyond all the talk of business and business interests, remember to be a good and decent human. Respect the space and time of others. Be courteous. Be kind. Who knows, you may just discover that those you’re networking with appreciate the fact that you’re a person they would love to work with and go out of their way to create an opportunity just for you. If they can’t directly help you, they’re much more likely to want to refer you to someone who can.
This post comes from our partner VoiceoverCity and was written by Gerald Griffith, executive producer of the VO Atlanta Voiceover Conference.
Learn more about the annual VO Atlanta Voiceover Conference here!
