Become a “Relationship Artist” to Build Your Career
Here's the thing about networking: It's really nothing more than talking to other people.
But for some reason, many, many people have trouble doing that.
Whether it's not knowing what to say or imagining that others don't want to talk to you, something seems to get in the way of simple communication between two people.
My friend, Jay, came to NYC almost 30 years ago to be an actor, but he's ended up making his living by painting apartments. He hasn't had an audition in years, and depends on the painting to keep him afloat.
When he doesn't have another painting job waiting for him, he starts to worry that the work has dried up. But just at that moment, as if someone were watching over him, the phone usually rings, he gets another job … and he doesn't have to think about it anymore. Until the next time, of course.
Well, recently, Jay went through a dry spell. Things had been quiet for a little longer than usual, but he continued to wait for the phone to ring. He waited. And he waited. But it didn't ring.
The holiday season came around and the rent came due and he had nothing lined up. His bank account was dwindling and no one was calling. And still, he waited. What else could he do?
You know the answer.
When Jay told me what was going on, I asked him, “How is it possible that, in a city where you have to wait months to get an appointment with a painter, you have no work on the horizon?”
The only conceivable answer: No one knew Jay was out there.
And the only reason for that was because he hadn't told anyone.
Jay had done no networking at all. He didn't tell people he's a painter. He didn't have a business card. The painter was hidden inside him.
If any part of Jay's story is familiar to you, you should be networking more effectively. In fact, you should set yourself the goal of becoming a relationship artist.
If an artist is someone who is skilled and adept at a particular art form, then a “relationship artist” is someone who is skilled at forming and developing and growing relationships.
If you have been a recluse for a while, it will take some effort and time to transform yourself into a “relationship artist,” but you can do it. Here are a few thoughts to get you started:
Get out and meet new people.
Networking is more than attending meetings and passing out business cards. It's a way of engaging with the world, making a difference, exploring, learning, connecting, putting people together, helping people, offering your ideas and resources, showing your competence and reliability.Your in-person presence makes a much stronger impact than all your email messages and phone calls and mailings put together. That's just a fact.
Be aware of others.
Take the focus off of yourself and put it on others. This may sound like an oxymoron, but that's actually the secret to self-promotion. Stop worrying about what others think of you and start wondering what's really going on in their mind (which probably has nothing to do with you).Practice relentless relationship management.
In addition to reaching out to your network on a regular basis to let them know what you're doing, keep in touch with selected members through quick “hellos” via phone and email. See what they need and what they're working on. And don't be discouraged by silence. Know that your name on their radar screen made an impact, even if they couldn't take the time to respond.
After my conversation with Jay, he started talking to the people in his immediate circle, and we all gave him work right away. (I had several things that needed doing around the house, but just hadn't gotten around to finding someone to do them.)
He put up flyers and, lo and behold, other people started calling him. He signed up with an online service that provides leads for painting jobs. Now he's too busy to come back and finish painting my kitchen. Oh well.
Here's the reality of it all: Anything can come out of a conversation. So many people are full of fear, but once you're doing it, it's not that painful.
Besides, if you don't toot your own horn, who will?
How to Land Clients in 21 Days with Just Your Computer
How do I land my first client? It’s a question every aspiring freelancer asks eventually. Now, there’s a proven system for landing clients that removes the guesswork. Best of all? No cold calling. Learn More »
“I’m no longer stuck in a 8-5 job in an industry in which I have little interest, for an average salary, with very little time with my son. Copywriting’s made all the difference in the world.”
If yes, you could be in big demand, earning big money, writing just a few hours a day from anywhere in the world you choose to be.
Get Nick Usborne’s step-by-step system for creating money-making information websites.
In just 6 hours and 35 minutes, you can be in business earning $60 – $150 an hour writing simple resumes.
Learn the secrets behind succeeding in this in-demand career.
The work is plentiful … the pay scales are generous and the competition is scarce!
Get the answers to the hundreds of questions and concerns commonly asked in specific, step-by-step details.
Use this eight-step plan to make the leap from aspiring copywriter to professional copywriter this year.
Let your fellow AWAI members show you firsthand the easiest, most powerful way to land your first client … BEFORE you finish the program.
Writing for the web is a huge opportunity for copywriters. Let web expert Nick Usborne show you how to write blockbuster web copy in record time … even if you're a complete internet “rookie”!
It’s an opportunity to make $50,000, $75,000, $100,000 a year or more … working just a few hours a day.
A once complicated profession is now something you can do on a standard computer – even if you have little or no “artistic” ability.
It’s one thing to have a website. But if your website can’t be found by the search engines, it may as well not exist.
The Internet creates new income possibilities every day. The biggest among them: online video marketing.
Get the very techniques top-performing copywriters use to rattle off one groundbreaking control after another.
In his new book, Michael Masterson teaches you his very own formula for powerful persuasion and how to apply it to direct mail sales letters as well as online promotions.
Guest, Leave a Reply
Please Note: Your comments will be visible by everyone.