Tapping into Your Network in a Mutually Beneficial Way
Having a community on your side in the wedding industry is invaluable, and it can be a real game-changer in taking your business to the next level. That said, tapping into your network shouldn’t feel one-sided; the intention should always be for both parties to reap the benefits.
Giving your brand a boost might be the ideal outcome when building your connections, but let’s unpack some ways that you can make it a win-win for everyone.
Keep an eye on your local connections
The best place to start? Focus on your local industry peers for nearby opportunities. Word of mouth travels quickly, and chatting with folks you already know can feel more approachable.
Penny Haas of Penny Haas, LLC says, “I work well with my local wedding planner group and find a lot of resources, conversations, and event work. Some of the planners hire assistance or additional help through our network.”
“As a college professor teaching mostly seniors, I encourage them to find people who have the ‘cool’ jobs they think they would be interested in and reach out to ask them for coffee to learn more about their career trajectory, education, pros and cons of their job, etc.,” Loni Peterson of LP Creative Events adds. “This method can also apply to getting to know vendors in other disciplines - you never know what hidden skill someone may have that you might find essential for a project.”
Don’t be afraid to expand your network
The bigger your network is, the better. One way to do this is by introducing others in your circle to one another, such as bringing a guest to an industry networking event and fostering their growth as well. Setting them up for success is an easy way to pay it forward.
Vijay Goel of Bite Catering Couture suggests an open house or opportunity for collaboration, whether that’s a mixer, workshop, or a styled shoot. “This allows for the building of working relationships, the creation of great portfolio photographs, the collaborative testing of ideas, and the community building of teaching/collaboration,” he says.
Have a give-give attitude
It’s important to approach networking and community-building with the mindset that you aren’t always going to “get” something out of it, and that’s okay! It always evens out in the end.
Peterson agrees: “I think one of the best ways to build relationships is to make space to get to know people without then asking for anything in return. Building relationships takes time and requires both parties to feel safe and able to open up.”
Additionally, whether it’s you’re communicating with someone new or touching base with an old friend, be mindful of the season – especially when you’re looking to level up your professional relationships in the event industry specifically. You'll know better than most the times of year when you simply have no time to focus on anything but work. Those are exactly the times to avoid asking people to get together to catch up; instead, aim for times in the season when everyone is taking a breather!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
