
So, without further ado, thank you for coming back for part 4/5 of our series "Networking Like A B.O.S.S" for writers. Today we will be discussing the first "S" in B.O.S.S., which is selling yourself while networking. As a writer or creative, this is an important tool that you MUST learn in order to succeed in the industry {or any endeavor where you are your own brand}!
So, some might think selling themselves and their ideas should be easy, but often times people go about it the wrong way. So today, I am going to share with you the tips and tricks I have learned after attending so many networking events for creatives. When you think about selling yourself, your idea, or your brand, let's consider the following:
SHARE your idea
ENGAGE and ENERGIZE your listener
LEAVE them wanting more
LISTEN to their feedback
So let's start off simple. You have your Business card. You are prepared by knowing how to Organize your time when working your way through a crowd. Now it's time to Sell yourself. You approach someone {or vice versa, someone approaches you}. The conversation begins.
1. SHARE your idea. As I mentioned in part 3/5, when I am organizing my time during a networking event, I tend to initiate a conversation with a fellow creative by cutting straight to the chase and I simply ask them what project they are currently working on. So, when you SHARE your project, here are some simple tips I have learned by observing others.
TIP 1: DO NOT DIMINISH your project. BELIEVE in what you are doing, even if you are unsure of where it's headed-- EVEN if it isn't fully developed. I ask people what they are working on, and they'll dismissively wave their hand and say, "Oh, it's just this little thing, nothing big really. I don't even know..." This is a HUGE mistake. When sharing your ideas or concepts at a networking event be CONFIDENT yet HUMBLE.
You NEVER know who you are talking to! It could be a TV Exec or Literary Agent who ends up giving you a deal. Crazier things have happened.
TIP 2: DO HAVE your LOG LINE/PITCH ready! You've heard of the 90 second elevator pitch. Write it. Hone it. When at an event, you don't have much time. And if you are able to tell someone in a few sentences what you are working on, it will keep their attention. Which leads to my next tip.
2. ENGAGE AND ENERGIZE your listener.
TIP 1: When you are effectively selling yourself at a networking event, you need to engage your listener when you are talking to them. If YOU aren't excited and energized about your project, they won't be either! But, you need to be genuinely excited.
BONUS TIP: It is normal to have waves of discouragement, but if you are continually unexcited about your creative project, FIX IT OR DROP IT because YOU WON't BE ABLE TO SELL IT!
TIP 2: As you are talking passionately about your log line or pitch, this is a great time to hand them your card and invite them to check out your website, follow you on twitter, check out your FB page or what have you {come back tomorrow to learn more about the importance of social media}!
3. LEAVE THEM WANTING MORE- When pitching someone {or selling yourself} at a networking event, the art of the pitch is to leave them wanting more!
TIP 1: Don't tell them everything. If you leave then wanting more, hopefully this will initiate a follow up call/meeting. Simply say, "You know what, I'd love to tell you all about it, but I need to go grab a drink. We should have lunch soon." This will help seal the contact.
TIP 2: I will say this time and time again. IT IS A SMALL WORLD AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU ARE TALKING TO! SO, even if you think it's not worth it to have your pitch for a project ready at the drop of a hat, you are DEAD WRONG, my friend. As a creative, you should always be promoting your brand. You never know when your breakthrough will happen.
And finally-
4. LISTEN to their feedback!
TIP 1: If the person you are talking to has some advice/idea/or comment, listen and take note.
Do you have to execute their advice? Not necessarily, but they may be in your field, a few years ahead of you, and may have some good things to say!
TIP 2: As a creative, being open to feedback is an absolute necessity! It helps you grow, pushes you, and helps you become a more authentic person.
So, that is it for today! I hope you found this helpful as you consider selling yourself when "networking like a B.O.S.S."
I hope you'll join me for the final installment tomorrow {the final "S" in boss} about the importance of social media in networking.
I have to get to my conference, but as always-
Happy Writing!
Whitney
"Everyone has a story. Write yours."