4.5.11

You're The Boss Apple Sauce: Networking Tips

Im my line of work (independent movie producing), networking is SO important. When I first got started in 2007, I really wasn't the best socially. I have since tried a few tricks and developed better abilities at being charming, making a lasting impression and forming new relationships. I wanted to share a few of the things I learned with you as PR and networking tips can really be useful in many situations.

Let's start with the basics ones:

- Develop a strategy before showing up to the event where you are going to network (in my case, mostly festivals, parties and mixers). Know who you are hoping to meet (distributors, filmmakers, etc.) based upon what your networking needs are right now and what kind of people will be at the event. 

- Have a buddy. If you already know somebody else that will be at the event, call them up before or meet up with them there. Standing alone at an event can be a little intimidating and your buddy might know people you don't and introduce you, therefore making your network grow. I would add: ton always have the same buddy, mix it up!

- Remember names. This is SO important. I can also be hard, as there are lots of people and you might be nervous. Use tricks (like associations) and make sure you call the person by their name. Makes them feel special.

- Look people in the eyes. It gives them the impression you are honest (which you are) and interested in what they are saying.

- Be engaging. Notably with your body language. Don't be in a closed position (for example with your arms crossed) and smile (I am always smiling!).

- Be organized. Place all business cards you receive together, make sure you organize them in your adress book when you get home and follow up on any promise you might have made (" I'll send you a copy of my latest film in the mail!").
This si a good start already! If you are comfortable with these tips and want to spice things up a bit more, you can do like me and apply the following techniques:

- Be memorable. That means: be different, original in your approach. When I first started networking in the movie industrie, people wouldn't necessarily remember me from one meeting to the other. I thought: "What a waste of time to have to start all over every time". So I started using clothes to be different and noticeable. Never since has somebody forgotten me! I make sure always to look interesting but never sexy. I want to be charming but of course seem professional. The outfit shown in this post I would wear at a local festival party (if I was out of my province I would go a little dressier). Sometimes something as small as an accessory (like the glasses here), can makes a big difference.

- Make a lasting impression. My favorite way to do this is by making sure I touch the person at some point in our conversation. Could be just a good hand shake or touching their upper arm, could (and probably should) be very subtle. Research has shown that someone is more likely to remember you if there was an (even slight) physical contact.

- If you have an opportunity to be in front, seize it! To this day, the best networking night of my life was at a festival ceremony where I was giving out an award. Because I was introduced on stage, the whole room then knew who I was and felt comfortable to come talk to me. I made many new contacts that night and even a few friends! It can be intimidating to be on stage, but it's totally worth it in the end.

- Talk about something else than work. This tip I learned from my friend Sophie (who is amazing at networking!). We are all passionate about our work, but some of the best work relationships can start up talking about other things around a glass of wine or dancing around at a party. The people who have fun with you will remember you (and your projects!) forever. This I promise you. Of course: keep tabou subjects  (religion, politics, etc.) at bay and don't have too much to drink (networking = work).

In the end, it's important to remember that these people want to know you, they are just not aware of it yet! In a networking situation, always be the hero of the situation and don't wait for others to come to you. Be natural and know what your goals are.
And: have fun with it! At the end of the day, life is short!

I hope these tips are helpful to you :)

Have a lovely day every one!

14 comments:

  1. Love this post! I am kind of a natural networker, but it is really nice to have this list pointed out to keep the good (and bad) things I do naturally in the front of my brain :)

    I really love this outfit too! The shoes are to die for!!

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  2. Great post! Very informative and love the photos as well :]

    Julie
    www.julieannart.com

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  3. This is a great post Virginie! I'm not a natural at networking, I always have to remind myself of all these little things, like to keep smiling and remember people's names etc - I could really use to be a little better at it, 'cause it's really important in my "work field" as well!

    Anyway, love these pics also, you look great :) x

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  4. This is a great post! I love your tips and am definitely bookmarking this for the future. I am so pleased to have you as my latest follower! I am now your latest follower too!

    Also, is this skirt from H&M? If so, I have the same one! I adore this outfit and you have inspired me to wear it again!

    Love love,

    xo Robyn

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  5. Ah what a fun outfit! I would definitely remember you from this. :)

    Great tips, too.

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  6. These are really great tips (especially remembering names and looking people in the eye!).

    And I LOVE your shoes.

    xo,
    melissa

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  7. Wow tu es magnifique Virginie:) xox

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  8. Seriously!? You just keep getting cuter and cuter!!!

    And such an informative post!!

    Beautiful and intelligent, too? IT"S TRUE. You are fabulous. :)

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  9. Great tips and gorgeous outfit! I am loving those heels...they are killer!

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  10. WOW! This outfit is great! effortless and unique. Love it:)

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  11. This outfit caught my eye in the ModCloth photostream on Flickr. I had to come check you out. I love your style and was pleased to find this post to go along with it. I am a self-employed event designer. Networking is crucial for my business. I have worked hard at it for the past three years. You offer very sound advice. Excellent post!

    ♥ Rebecca Jean
    Midnight Maniac

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  12. I am loving your tips, thanks for sharing.

    And you look so cute, the red heels are a winner. :)


    xoxo,
    Addie
    The Cat Hag

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  13. Virginie, you are so lovely and i know you're saying to look people in the eyes but man i'd be scanning you up and down the whole time in admiration!

    loved all those stellar points and the last one especially. i always have found that when you can make a personal connection with someone then you are in like Flynn. they remember you forever. good stuff! ♥

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I always love hearing what you think ♥