HELLO (and goodbye) MARCH!!


Let's get the obvious out of the way: Yeah. I TOTALLY skipped February in all its glory... oops. I also barely remembered I was in March and had yet to do a blog post, so... here she is! You're welcome!


Sooooooo... networking.

For those who love to be around people and mix & mingle, networking is where they thrive. For those who are more introverted however, we tend to struggle in this area of our business. At least I know I do. That's why, one of the many promises made to myself this year, was I would attend as many networking functions as possible so I can break free from the confines of my own insecurities (I keep hoping that if I say it and read it enough, I'll believe it. I'll keep you updated).


So far, I have attended eight different networking events, in some capacity, since January. Each one, despite knowing at least one person at each, has been slightly nerve wracking for me. Probably because a) I can only mask for so long **if you know, you know**, b) I have a tendency to talk too much, and/or c) when I get nervous, my tummy does this thing. I don't want to talk about it.


So what is networking?

Well, in the sense of my own business, it means attending brunches, open houses, styled shoots, and peer to peer hang outs. Doesn't sound so bad when put like that. It also means making sure I have plenty of marketing materials at any given time, I KNOW my business inside and out when asked any given question, and I need to make sure my presence and brand represents what I'm looking for in future clients. Sometimes, it helps to know people, because they know people. However, I've always been one who likes to do EVERYTHING the difficult way, and I also built my business with no help, from the ground up, so all of these styles of meeting others was foreign to me.

When my business was but a wee baby, I didn't know who to ask for help. I didn't even know the basics of starting a business, much less running one. And, I was stubborn. This is MY business after all. I didn't like asking for help, or even seeking it out, whether I knew who to ask or not. Minus Google. Google hasn't steered me wrong yet. fingers crossed

So I took the hard road. I didn't know I could register for network brunches among other wedding vendors. I had no clue I could join local chapters of vendors who want to know, learn, and grow with others in their field. And I definitely had no concept of what a styled shoot should and shouldn't be. **not my own btw**


I walked away from each of those events with new information, and small enlightenment moments were discovered about myself. Below is just some of it:


I learned some networking groups require a fee to join, and what that fee goes towards. I also learned there are groups out there that are exclusive. Like.... WAY exclusive. There are one's that offer group meetups every month, channels on Instagram of nothing but educational materials, and even chats that are nothing but styled shoot talks and where the next best spot to photograph is.


The team meetings held in a conference room? I met like minded business owners. I got to shake hands with everyday business owners. Men and women who love what they do and know that little extra "oomph" from others can go a long way. I listened to each member's quick business breakdown and what they were looking for regarding leads and references. I learned I should have a tag line or motto for my business. "photographing the experiences that make it 'YOU'nique" (still working on it). Word of mouth is also still very much alive and active.


The open houses? Try the food! Don't be first in line, but try it! If you want to be a preferred vendor, make sure you know all the things about the venue, and schmooze it up a bit with those who run it/ coordinate. Be prepared for couples who are newly engaged, already picked their date/venue, have everything picked out minus you, or nothing at all, including you! Have plenty of marketing materials. You have to make your presence known. Stand out somehow. Every other vendor there is thinking and doing the same damn thing. Slightly intimidating if you ask me. Also go chat it up with the other vendors. Especially when you have seasoned vendors there. However, play nice, and be the better person. That will get you much further and the couple's will see it. It also feels good to know you held your head high when you were terrified the whole time. You'll make some friends and you get to feel out the competition. I know, I KNOW! We don't like to use that word. It is true though in the sense that you are vying for space of a couples' most cherished day, minus births and whatnot. You know what I mean.

Put on a bright smile and be okay with rejection. Greet the couples with sincerity. Ask them about their dream wedding. Ask all the questions that will get them hooked and want more information. "I'm so glad you made it today. Thank you for swinging by my table. I offer -blank- and would love to know more about what services you are looking for," sounds MUCH better than a quick, "Hi. Here is a handout. Hire me please. Kay. Bye."


Meeting vendors for brunch and business? Don't be the first one in the food line if you're new there. Take ALL the business cards vendors hand you. Make sure YOU have plenty to hand out as well. As a personal preference, don't drink and mingle unless you have a ride, and they have stated that they are showcasing a vendors supply/libation skills. With the whole influencer movement sweeping through, take the pictures and video, but don't be annoying about it. Make sure you tag!


Meeting a vendor for coffee? Dressing business casual is always a win. Offer to pay for their drink/ food (and actually be able to if they say yes!). Small talk is always fine and safe. Don't go too heavy into your business woes or grand ideas on the first date. Be mindful of their time and yours. We all go into these with a plan of action, then most times, only walk out with a snippet of what we wanted to gain. Be clear, honest, and fair. Don't ask for more than you are willing to give if you are looking to trade services. I wouldn't ask someone to remove my current sink, do an install, and expect to swap a 1 hour family session with them. If they are putting in the work, then so are you.


Styled shoots? These can be a Make It or Break It. Not necessarily for you. More so for the coordinator of the shoot. They can either flow perfectly, or be chaotic as fuck. And again, word of mouth spreads, especially in our little corner of the vendor world. You don't have to attend EVERY styled shoot in your area. Find those that resonate with YOU and the clients you want to curate. And DO YOUR RESEARCH! I've seen too many posts about styled shoots falling through as scams and the fallout that has caused the vendors who participated. NO bueno. If there are going to be a large amount of photographers there, how will the event coordinator handle that? What are YOU wanting to achieve when you have finished photographing said shoot? Do you want to get your work published? More inquiries? Work along side other photographers as their 2nd, or even lead? Remember to show up with an open mind. Let other seasoned photographers guide you if willing. Be watchful and see how they flow through the shoot. Be mindful of how the flat-lay is presented. Is that something you would want to extend on with your own weddings? Pay attention to the details. ALWAYS the details.

THANK THE HOST!! Regardless of how shitty the styled shoot may have been, it was a learning experience regardless.

TAG EVERYONE when able! I'm serious! This also goes a loooooong way.


Do I still fear networking events? 100% YES! I get over stimulated, I stress out thinking I'm going to say the wrong thing or make a complete idiot of myself (too late), and I never feel as prepared as I know I am. However, I also love seeing it from a different perspective. One of learning the ropes. Understanding the nuances that balance my business life and home life. Seeing the same ebb and flow between vendors the same way I do my own relationships. It's going to be scary before it becomes fun. Learn to hold your head high and your standards higher. Show respect, gain respect. Know there could be a room full of seasoned professionals or newbies. It doesn't matter. We all started at the bottom. Do you want to do it the hard way like me, or take the wisdom and guidance of those who know a thing or two because they've seen and done a thing or two? I mean... choice is yours.


Till next time!