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HOW TO SET YOUR FREELANCE RATES - A GUIDE FOR FREELANCERS & CONSULTANTSThere are many factors which business owners must consider on a daily basis as it relates to the running of their business. Things such as how to find good help, where to acquire supplies and how much to pay one’s employees are all pertinent matters which must be addressed. There are a few ways to go about figuring out your rates when it comes to how much to charge the customers.Self-Employed Freelancers & Home-Based Businesses: 10 Networking Tips for the Shy, Non-Schmoozing Small Business Owner
by Lisa Olson
You’ve heard it said, time and time again, that networking is a vital and beneficial part of building your business, or finding that job, but the thought of a networking event makes your stomach flip and your palms sweat. You can try to get past it, but let’s face facts. Networking is an integral part of professional success. Whether you are in business, or in transition-- you need a network.
If you’re like many, the idea of attending networking events makes you cringe because when you have gone, you couldn’t shake the feeling of acting "fake" like some altered, schmoozing version of the real you. You wonder about the intentions of others and you can’t wait for it to be over, while you awkwardly read the posters on the wall or refill on appetizers, just to kill time.
Tips for Shy Freelancers to maximize the benefits of networking events.
1. Shift your perspective. Become clear about the true purpose of a networking event. It isn’t what many think-- to corner their next client, or collect as many business cards as possible. The true purpose of networking can be likened to the seed-planting phase of the gardening process. It is the nurturing and cultivating of these seeds that will lead you to your desired outcome. That comes after the event.
2. View the event as an opportunity to authentically connect on a human level with people. Ask yourself in every conversation, "How can I help this person?" Taking the focus off of yourself alleviates the feeling of pressure to say and do the right things, and helps you to stay authentically you. Call it Karma, call it what you will- what you put out will return to you. An authentic networker shares and cares.
3. Show up with a purpose. And no, that purpose can not be as vague as "to network." Perhaps it is to find referral partners, or to seek out qualified prospects. To locate leads for new office space. Set goals for yourself... "Tonight I will meet 3 new people who might be prospects for my widgets."
4. Don’t even think of trying to sell your widgets at the event. Period. Bad taste. If it so happens that you meet someone ready to buy on the spot, congratulations. But seeking out customers with this intention is a no-no.
5. Show up early. It’s much easier to come to an event that is filling up as you greet people rather than walking into a crowded room with 50 conversations going on that do not include you.
6. Initiate conversations with a simple "I haven’t met you yet..." instead of trying to figure out the perfect opening line.
7. Keep a balance of 50/50 talking/listening. If you are the type who chatters or rambles when nervous, pay extra attention to this and "listen for the bell"- that moment when body language shifts, energy changes and it is time to move on.
8. Pay attention to your own body language. Mirror the behaviors, tone and volume of the person you’re speaking to. Maintain eye contact. Studies shown that the most offensive thing you can do is to scope the room, as if you’re looking for someone better to talk to, while participating in a conversation. Remember the golden rule, and be thoughtful, kind and courteous.
9. Exit gracefully. Starting a conversation is sometimes the easiest part! It’s the leaving people have trouble with. Be comfortable telling the truth..." "I want to wander around and say hello to everyone at this meeting" or "I’m going to circulate and welcome some of the new people." If that’s too uncomfortable, resort to the no-fail 3-B’s (bathroom, buffet, bar)... "If you’ll excuse me, I need to refresh my drink. Nice talking to you."
10. Follow up by sending occasional notes, articles of interest, etc. This is the part where most people struggle and in turn, their networking efforts are wasted. It’s like planting a garden then never going back to care for it, wondering "Why isn’t anything bearing fruit?"
Remember- building a network takes time, trust and endearment.
For your garden to bear fruit, your contacts MUST like you. So be likable. Be real. Be you!
Lisa Olson is a creative consultant, writer, Life Purpose Coach, facilitator, and co-founder of Spark! a Dallas-based women's organization. With an extensive background in recruiting and career counseling, she has interviewed hundreds of people and has helped countless others find their "dream jobs." To subscribe to her free newsletter for people in transition, send blank e-mail to livinginlimbo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com -- http://www.sparkyourpassion.com/LisaOlson
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