How to Network for Success

At the age of 60, I have embarked on a new career! This one is going to be fun! It's going to be amazing! It's going to be the career I wish I would have started years ago.

I have become a wedding officiant. Why, you ask? Well, here it is:

1. I love to plan events - no I am not going to be a wedding planner, but I will assist with planning the ceremony itself

2. I have no issue with public speaking

3. Who doesn't love a good wedding!

4. I love to write about love!(I actually have 3 romance novellas saved on my computer from a couple of years ago that I want to publish) 

5. I love to meet new people and get to know them. 

Those are just a few of the reasons, and I feel a good fit for this. Am I looking to get rich? Heavens no!

This is to supplement my income, while having a good time doing it!

Now I just need to get couples interested in hiring me for their wedding. One of the first things I need to do is network with other wedding vendors. During my research, I have found the following

 

1. Be prepared. Before you start networking, take some time to think about what you want to achieve. What are your goals? What kind of people do you want to meet? Once you know what you're looking for, you can start to target your networking efforts. For me, this will include venue owners/managers, DJ's/musicians, Florists, Photographers, just to name a few. I have my list of what, now I need to research where I am going to meet these fine folks
2. Attend industry events. One of the best ways to network is to attend industry events. This is a great way to meet people who share your interests and goals. When you attend events, be sure to dress professionally and bring plenty of business cards. I am looking for wedding events to attend and get my name out there. 
3. Join online groups. There are many online groups for professionals in all different industries. Joining these groups is a great way to connect with people from all over the world. When you join a group, be sure to participate in the discussions and introduce yourself to other members. This is one of the first things I have done. I belong to many notary and wedding officiant groups as well as wedding social media pages.
4. Reach out to people you admire. If you're looking to connect with people who are already successful in your field, reach out to them directly. Send them an email or connect with them on social media. When you reach out, be sure to introduce yourself and explain why you admire them. I have found two wedding officiants online that are great and offer training. I take in as much of the free training I can get. I have learned so much good information.
5. Be a good listener. When you're networking, it's important to be a good listener. Pay attention to what the other person is saying and ask questions to show that you're interested. Don't just talk about yourself! This was stressed a lot during many of the online trainings. Just listen. Take it in. 
6. Follow up. After you meet someone new, be sure to follow up with them. Send them a thank-you note or connect with them on social media. This will help you stay top-of-mind and keep the conversation going. I have premade thank you notes ready just for this occasion. A friend of mine makes greeting cards and I was gifted a bunch of sets to make for myself. She is a Stampin Up independent representative. 
7. Be genuine. Networking is most effective when it's genuine. Don't try to be someone you're not. Be yourself and let your personality shine through. People will be more likely to connect with you if you're authentic. 
8. Don't give up. Networking takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep putting yourself out there and eventually you'll start to build relationships that will help you achieve your goals. You know you are going to get a lot of no's before you get a yes. Just keep going. Never give up. The next one you talk to may be a "Yes! I would love to work with you and share your contact information as long as you do the same for me." (As it should be!)

Once I make my list of local vendors and venues, I will begin the process of meeting with them and start building my networking web of success!