networking Archives - Moran Media

Elevator Pitches, often meant to describe an idea, but what about describing what you do? Last week I listened to a podcast where the hosts were talking about describing what you do in the form of an elevator pitch. If you listen to the podcast (which is fairly short and worth listening to) you can hear how simply stating your job title can lead to confusing information and awkward conversation. In this podcast they demonstrate how to turn this simple question into an engaging conversation.

Normally when people ask me what I do I say “Graphic Design and Educational Consulting,” which is a mouthful and doesn’t illustrate what I do to anyone. Coming up with a title for myself is hard enough since there is so much that I do. I build websites, specialize in print publication, create art, am a photographer, manage and teach how to use social media for your organization, teach computer applications, broadcasting, work with schools to implement 21st century tools with project based learning, logo design, branding, you name it. So today I’m going to try and pitch myself, and you can tell me if it works.

What do you do? I have a great job, I help charities and businesses focus on their mission. How do you do that? I give them the tools they need to handle all of the things that aren’t their primary concern but are essential to carry out their goals. I make websites for people who don’t know how to code, make it so they can blog with the same ease they use Word. I do the grunt work of publications and printing so they don’t have to think about it, and everything they put out looks professional and encourages people to use their services. I help with making sure their staff are well trained and can use everything I design for them. I make sure they they have complete control over everything pertaining to their organization, so they can focus on the stuff they do best.

So how does that sound? Is it more interesting? Would it make you ask me more questions about my job? What’s your elevator pitch?

Chuck Chat Freestyle: What’s your Elevator Pitch?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Networking is important for every professional, not just the self employed. Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you how to hook up your printer or create a home network. I’m talking about networking with people. Networking can help you in many ways, it can help you gain business, learn new skills, and get help with projects. In my experience word of mouth has worked better than any ad ever could. 90% of my customers heard of me through word of mouth. Word of mouth was so good that I could slack on my website and not feel it. (not that I should have). Some of this was from customers who liked my work and told their friends and colleges, while others were friends or colleges who when hearing someone needed help I could provide, offered my name and number (or email). While dumb luck at having that happen is nice, you can increase your odds by meeting more people.

Networking can help you stay ahead of the game too. If you are friends with people who work in similar fields, when something new comes out they are likely to tell you. By talking about work you can see how other people do things and simplify your process. Best yet, if you hit a stumbling block, you have a friend you can call that will give you good advice.

There are many ways you can network, locally I have attended several tweetups, meetups, and other local events where I might meet the community. This may not sound very business orientated but that’s the best part of it. Thanks to attending tweet ups I have been able to find some customers and meet many local business owners. I will admit the best benefits from this went to my volunteer work, but I still call that a win. I was able to help get donations for the organization, mostly non monetary donations, and even a big donation of web hosting, which made life very nice. These kinds of events are fun and you make connections that are useful later down the line. Just make sure you bring a friend so if you are nervous you have someone to talk to and don’t have to strike up conversation with strangers, the more outgoing the friend the better, but I went with an introvert and that worked.

You can also network online. There are LinkedIn groups that cater to almost any field, alumni groups, facebook groups (I belong to one that caters to women owned (super) small businesses, mostly women who are self employed like myself), and email lists. You can find groups that are great with advice on how to do things, groups that will help troubleshoot things for you (I belong to one that helped me figure out an audio issue for one project), and groups that you can vent to when you have hard days and cheer with when you have good days.

These groups could gain you customers, but they will also make you better at your job. Even introverts can network with online tools and a good plan.

What’s your favorite networking method? Do you have a good success story? Leave it in the comments.