Growing your network of vendors

If you are planning an event that requires partnership with other people and their businesses, how do you connect with them and include them in your network?

The first step is: find a way to introduce yourself! Find ways to meet them.

How can you do that?

Some cities have vendor meet-ups; here in Cleveland we have a lovely event called Therapy Thursday. It's a way for vendors to meet each other, and it also generally showcases a venue and possibly a catering company. It's a very cool thing!

Create your own event like this. If your city doesn't have such a great resource, create your own! If you want to get into the event planning business, this can be a great way to do it.

You can also utilize their business. If you need flowers- use a florist in your network. Need a photographer? Reach out to someone you want in your network. Need something big or small printed? Reach out to a paper/printing service and use their service.

Create an event that forces you to reach out to a bunch of them. I've grown our network by hosting bridal shows. Not only does it benefit our photography business, but it also forces me to interact with a big number of vendors of whom I may not have met. You can also do things like stylized shoots, stylized videos, meet ups, or open houses in your studio or office.

Keep trying to expand your network and gain more partnerships. This is integral in helping spread your business through genuine word of mouth referrals.

-Vanessa