Networking for beginners

We often underestimate two things about networking:

1. just how nerve-wracking it can be (especially for newbies)

2. just how important it is

So how can we deal with these two problems as an interpreter and/or translator?

1. Go to the right events

2. Have the right attitude

3. Don’t immediately try to sell your services

4. Do take an interest in others

Going to the right events – what are the right events? Every event! (well almost). First of all identify your target market, not only meeting other interpreters and/or translators. You do of course need to meet them, but you also need to find people who need your services. Attending events where you’re the only one from your field can make you stand apart – providing you have the right attitude.

What is the right attitude? Well this is also linked to points 3 and 4 from my little list above. In my experience the best way to approach networking is as though you are at a party at a new friend’s house – you often don’t really know anyone else, you want to have a good time and get to know people. The most important part of making a good impression is to listen to others, it sounds easy right? A lot of people don’t find it easy to cut out the nervous babble and just listen to what another person has to say, but remembering small key details about a person will show you really listen, and that in a business transaction you’d also really listen to what they want as your client. For example, when you meet someone take an interest not just in what they do but why they do it, do they have a unique life story, are they from a different country, then show that you really listened to them by talking about what’s important to them. You don’t need to go running in trying to sell your services to someone who might not even want them, you want to make a new friend and genuinely take an interest in them so that when they or their neighbour or their manager needs a translation or interpretation they’ll remember that you were a nice person who took the time to listen to them. Be the last one at the party, we all know that most business transactions don’t take place in the office but at the networking event, show people that you aren’t just there to complete your business transaction but to be a part of the event. People are much more likely to hire someone who wants to get to know them than the person who handed over their business card after 5 minutes and left after one drink.

As a newbie in the freelance world you might feel nervous about attending networking events. That’s okay, don’t assume you know everything and don’t apologise for being new, naïve and nervous. Tell people your story and who knows maybe you’ll meet someone who remembers what it was like to be new and will want to help you out.

The impression you make on another person is sometimes the only thing that can make you stand out from the crowd, so next time you go to a networking event remember you’re there to meet PEOPLE, not businesses.

What are your top tips for networking? How did yo