Keep your story simple

Effective networking, online or off, requires that you have a personal or company story. This story should be simple, compelling and repeatable.

If your response to the question what do you do? is a long pause followed by “it’s complicated”, “I do so many things, where do I begin?” or “everything!” – you have a networking problem.

Even if you have multiple specialties, stick to a theme while networking.  I’m a photojournalistic style wedding photographer, location food photographer or plus size fashion photographer are good examples.  Keep a couple fun and interesting facts or stories at the ready to share with prospects. These stories should support what you do as a photographer.

Specific statements have a longer shelf life than generic responses. Generic statements are designed to please everyone.  Unfortunately, they tend to impress few and deliver poor results.

Rosh