Is networking a waste of time?

[mdurisseau]

In conversation tonight, my wife indicated that networking might be a waste of time because of some individual's motives...any comment?

[HeatherLou]

I suppose it depends on what you mean by "networking". To me, it means getting customers through other contacts, such as friends, co-workers, family and other customers. Its been a great way for me to get more business, and I would certainly bet that more than half the work I have been getting is from that. I suppose that if they are calling in "favors", then maybe not, but Im very upfront about the no friends and family discount.

[mdurisseau]

I should have been a little more specific...among photographers and other entities like Chambers of Commerce...

[LadyShutterBug]

it kind of just depends on the group... it's hard to say. i have gotten many referrals through other wedding vendors, even from other photographers.

for somethign that isnt' date-sensitive, like regular portraiture... i'm ont sure it would be as fruitful.

[d2creative]

Depends what you are looking to get out of it and who you are networking with.
IMHO, networking with non-photographers will get you jobs. Net working with photographers might get you inside info on models, workshops, equipment, tips, tricks... pretty much everything we get here which is a form of networking.

[HotHolly]

Word of mouth referals are the best - period. They automatically come with a higher degree of trust than someone that fished your name out of the phone book. This includes vendors. The sad part is, if you don't do it right, it is a waste of time. Meaning, that they have to like you AND remember you. If you don't have both, its not the most productive use of time...

[mdurisseau]

[QUOTE=Meaning, that they have to like you AND remember you. If you don't have both, its not the most productive use of time...[/QUOTE]

Which begs the question, at least in my mind: How does one do that? I mean, I remember the vast majority of people that I have met, mostly because of my job, but that is also the way I am. I said that to say this: I want to be memorable as well...

[Daniel Bates]

If you do a good job, and they're pleased with your photography, then when their friends are engaged and looking for a photographer, then they will remember you.

[HotHolly]

I've noticed the main way people down here remember me is my accent - I'm a NYer and they think I sound very amusing. Short version - they like to hear me talk.

Point is that everyone has something unique about them. I dont think its so much what you say, its more about you. If you go in and follow up and no one remembers you - bring back a cake or something. And keep stopping in...People remember stuff like that...and its is out of the ordinary enough that they'll remember. I don't know if you want to be random cake guy...but who could forget that?!?!

My brother was a sales rep for a medical company a few years ago. He would bring warm cookies with him - the office staff LOVED him. Plus hes a schmoozer...just add milk and there is someone you want to network with!

[Robin Binder]

I feel you can't be successful if you take away the marketing. Network in a way is marketing.