Whether you work for yourself or you’re scaling the corporate ladder, if you don’t master networking, progress will be hard going. But if you can strike up a relationship from a standing start, prosperity will naturally follow… Ben Kench – author of Selling for Dummies, the UK’s bestselling book on sales technique – gives a few top tips for meeting people and being remembered.

If you tell yourself, ‘oh I’m no good at this, networking is purgatory on earth,’ it’ll show on your face and in your body language. Tension repels friendship; who wants a tense new friend? No, you want a relaxed friend who feels good to be around.

Ben Kench says: “If you look around the room and see someone relaxed and visibly enjoying the network, and you think, ‘oh I could never be like that,’ then you probably never will. If you take the attitude, ‘if they can do it, so can I, they’re just a bit more experienced than me, I can learn the ropes soon enough’ – then you’re well on the way to being more comfortable talking to strangers.”

The last thing a nervous networker wants is to do walk into a room that’s already hopping with noise and energy. If you get there early, you can make the room, rather than feeling you’re having to infiltrate it.

Ben Kench: “Be an active host, even when you’re not the official host. Stand near the entrance, say hello to people when they walk in, point them in the direction of the coffee bar or the cloakroom or toilets. This sort of ‘marshalling’ establishes you as a nice helpful person, and sets you up as one of the ‘faces’ in the room. This means people will gravitate back you later on, as if they already know you.”

Practice being eagle-eyed on the delegate badges, even when it’s a moving target dangling from a lanyard; being quick on the uptake will reap rewards when you’re attempting to make friends.

BK: “Tell yourself this truth: my best friend was once a stranger. If you make an approach as a friend they’re more likely to become a friend. So by spotting the name on their badge, I can say ‘Hi Glenn, how you doing?” like I already know you, and it puts the other person at ease. Most people do like talking, they just find it hard getting started.”

Finding the ideal starting position opens up a world of possibilities, because sparks of inspiration for opening gambits come much easier if you’re stood somewhere with ready-made common ground.

BK: “If you’re stood near the coffee, or in a canapé hotspot, then you can catch someone’s eye and say something casual like, ‘really need the caffeine today, it’s so hectic in here’ or ‘these canapés are great. I would shake your hand but my fingers are all sticky’ – anything that’s a bit quirky would be good start. Provided your hands aren’t too sticky, offer a handshake with a sunny hello, good eye contact and introduce yourself by your first name…sounds basic, but it’s easy to get wrong.

“If you’re manning an exhibition stand, it’s wise not stand right in front of it. Much better to park yourself close by, and keep a watchful eye out. That way, you don’t have the perennial problem of people shuffling past avoiding eye contact, trying their utmost not to get sold to. If you stand nearby, anyone lingering in front of your stand, you can bounce over and say hello.”

Forget putting pressure on yourself to tout your wares. The best thing you can do is be interesting and interested.

BK: “When you’re off to a network, get prepared to talk to people. Have some stories. Know the latest news, both in your industry, and more generally. Keep an eye out for the lighter, funnier stories; recounting these is more likely to make an impact than waffling on about your business. Be prepared to talk about yourself, but mention your work briefly and passionately, then take the conversation elsewhere. Friends first, pitches later.

“Forget about selling: that shouldn’t be your objective. Networking isn’t a job interview. Set yourself the task of trying to learn something from everyone you meet. That’ll be much more natural than trying to find angles to big yourself up. Getting chance to play teacher makes people feel wise, which makes them good about themselves – and people who make you feel good are the ones you want to talk to again. Go into each encounter with an enquiring mind and a strict policy of actually listening, not just waiting for your turn to pitch…ask intelligent questions, ones which expand the discussion and unlock more knowledge. You want to make the person you’re talking to feel like they’re the singular person you’re interested in, in the whole venue. And for the time you’re with them, make sure that rings true.”

One of the best ways to make friends at conferences and meet ups is to make yourself useful.

BK: “Having something to give away will make you stand out. Whether it’s a physical thing, or some knowledge, like statistics or a report, or just a great piece of online content you know about and can offer to share… if you can make an offer to add a little bit of value for nothing, you’ve got an excuse to get in touch, and you’ll be received positively, and remembered as someone who isn’t grab-grab-grab, but someone who gives first and puts people and relationships first. These are the sorts of people that businesses want around, so give without expectation of reciprocation, and you might be surprised what comes back.”

Business cards is an area where many SMEs and freelancers are missing a trick, through naivety and lack of effort. Ben Kench collects thousands of peoples’ cards in a year, so he knows what it takes to come out on top of the pile.

BK: “An unusual, informative business card is a powerful ally. So many people’s cards are an abject disaster, having a good one will get you remembered. Think about it: someone goes home with a pocketful of cards, and when they shuffle through them, if yours is a bit different their mind will race back to the conversation they enjoyed with you. I’d definitely recommend putting a picture of you on there, especially for freelancers, when it’s yourself that you’re selling. Any way you card can make your card stand out – perhaps a joke or a cartoon or even a quiz – is well worth the extra creative and financial investment…a quirky business card will also keep the conversation moving through those early tentative moments, and might even make the moment that properly melts the ice.

“I’d also advise using a one-way system for business cards – and if you’re collecting a lot of them, a method of sorting them on the spot, to save precious time after the event. I keep my own cards in my jacket pocket, and the ones I receive, if I feel there’s some sort of spark of connection with the person, their card goes in one trouser pocket, if not so much, then the other. But I would still follow up both piles nonetheless, because you never know…”

Not everyone is going to be a barrel of insights and a right good giggle. If you’re a frequent flyer on the networking scene, you’re going to get stuck with the occasional droning bore.

BK: “If you’re stuck talking to someone you feel no connection to, and you don’t want to do business with, there will come a point when you need to back away gracefully. You can do this by offering to help them find someone more appropriate to talk to. Asking who they came to see – or if they know anyone else here – will send out the message it’s time to move on. If they don’t take the hint, you’ve got two options. Ask again, and walk them to their person of choice, or say “we’re here to network, and it’s rude of me to hog you – bye.”

People are usually feeling a bit stuck and keen to try something more creative. If you’re the same and you’ve always dreamed of becoming a graphic designer, why not make this year the year you finally take the plunge? Doesn’t matter how old you are, or indeed what skills and experience you have – you can always change paths.

But before you do anything else, consider the following 10 great reasons to become a graphic designer, and see whether you should take the leap.

When you’re a graphic designer, your work will never stop evolving or improving. There will always be new challenges to overcome. New problems to solve. It’s a never-ending whirlwind of discovery and invention. You’ll make mistakes. We all do.

If you’re still not convinced, take inspiration from Paula Scher who eloquently once said: “It’s through mistakes that you actually can grow. You have to get bad in order to get good.”

In the age of automation, when we’re constantly being told that our jobs will one day be taken over by robots, you can be rest assured that graphic design will always require human thinking and creativity. It’s an essential cog in the world of work; one that is required for any brand or business.

From simple business cards and printed materials, to packaged goods, websites and advertisements – it’s unstoppable. Visual communication will live on, and it takes a designer to imagine all its possibilities.

You’ll be able to add value to any workplace, not just a design studio. Design is something that no business can live without. If an agency isn’t quite for you, perhaps you might want to venture into editorial design and work for a major publisher? Or join an internal team at one of the world’s biggest sports brands? Your career path is open to so many exciting routes.

Creativity is crucial for any business. Steve Jobs of Apple once said: “It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough. It’s technology married with the liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields the results that make our hearts sing.”

It’s for this reason that graphic design will enhance your problem-solving skills – not just because you’re overcoming common issues for clients; but because you’re encouraged to consider the bigger picture. What will your design solve? How will it add value? How will it achieve a brand’s goals? Design will boost more skills than you realise.

Graphic designers are rarely alone; they’re often part of a creative team or working closely with the client, collaborating to come up with the best possible solution. You’re likely to get to know PR professionals, copywriters, marketers, advertisers… you’ll probably work with senior management and be expected to consult with company directors.

Your role will rely on many business relationships; the knock-on benefits of which will only boost your skills and experience – especially your ability to effectively deal with different personalities.

Hate stiff white shirts and uncomfortable blazers? Relax. Graphic designers tend to have more relaxed work attire these days. T-shirts, jeans and trainers are practically the uniform. You can’t be creative when your arms struggle to move in a formal business suit. Clients won’t mind either. It’s widely accepted that designers dress a certain way, and that’s alright with us too.

Think you’re just going to follow the herd? Design can take you to places you never thought possible. You could secure a job at a studio on the other side of the planet, or find that your employment means lots of travel to far flung places. You might even go solo and launch your own studio some day. The possibilities really are endless.

How would you feel if you spotted your work on a billboard? Or in a magazine? The sense of job satisfaction can be overwhelming. It’s your creativity up in lights, for everyone to see. Nothing beats the feeling of contributing to something that you know will inspire many people.

When you walk down the street as a graphic designer, you’ll see things in a completely new light. It’s because your job will become your life. You’ll find inspiration in everything you see and do, saving ideas for your next project. Design brings a new perspective, and encourages you to get out there and discover new things. From art galleries and architecture to clothing and accessories – your life will be full of creative wonder.

Prone to boredom? Easily distracted? Design will always leave you feeling inspired. Trends will develop and change, keeping you well and truly on your toes from one day to the next. You’ll never know what’s around the corner. And for a career choice, that has to be the most inspirational.

Sure, you’ve got a few resolutions when it comes to your work life. But you’re not feeling especially hopeful about the next few months. You’ve never been very good at sticking to goals in the past. So why should things be different now? We’re only human, after all. And it’s easy to slip back into bad habits and a self-defeatist attitude – especially when it’s cold and dark outside, and the winter months seem to go on and on forever.

But wait. This is where 2017 could be the year that you finally realise some dreams. All it takes is a little imagination, commitment and dedication, alongside a few small steps forward and a sprinkling of positivity to make everything come true.

Are you stuck in a job you hate and long to break into something more creative? Have you had enough of your boss and fancy going solo this year? Don’t believe you can do it? Read on to discover tips and tricks, along with a few trade secrets, to ensure you achieve your career goals and enjoy your most successful year to date.

It almost sounds too simple doesn’t it. The idea of coming up with three little goals to achieve over the next 12 months. But it’s surprisingly effective. Your goals could be anything: leave full-time work at a design studio to go freelance; set up a wedding photography business on the side or finally turn that creative hobby into cash by selling your products online. Whatever you want to achieve, set yourself three little goals to help you get there.

I’m not talking unrealistic, overwhelming goals where you instantly become ‘that thing’. I’m talking small and gentle steps in the right direction. For example, someone very dear to me exclaimed how they’d love to become a wedding photographer. This was roughly about two years ago. On telling her about my annual ‘three goals’ trick, she initially didn’t believe it could be so effective. But after thinking about it, she came up with three goals – firstly to set up an online portfolio, then to do a few free weddings to build it up and finally to book her first paid wedding for the following year. She was realistic and she felt positive. By April she had not only smashed all of her goals; she had also booked eight paidweddings for the following year. Amazing.

By setting yourself three goals, you’re literally committing yourself to a task. You’re forcing yourself to say “Ok, I’m not going to become a wedding photographer overnight, so how can I at least get the ball rolling?” This is what my dear friend did. Two years later, and she’s flat out busy and wondering why it took her so long to fulfil her dream.

So, write down your three goals on paper. Hang them on your bedroom wall. Make them this year’s focus.

“Write down your three goals on paper. Hang them on your bedroom wall. Make them this year’s focus.”

Now that you’ve figured out what you’re going to do, it’s time to put your words into action. What three realistic steps can you take in 2017 to achieve your goals? Could you take a part-time course? Do you need to save up for some equipment? Is there a way of building up your portfolio before you go freelance? By having those three goals written down, you’ll start to introduce things into your life that will help you get there.

Add things to your calendar, so they become certain. Tell everyone about your goals, so they become even more real. Do everything you can to ensure that you don’t back out and give up on your goals halfway through the year. Keep telling yourself that by the end of 2017, you will be successfully on your way to whatever it is that you’re trying to become.

And then when December comes around, you’ll get the chance to think about 2018’s three goals. Goodness knows where you’ll be by then! But make sure you put your words into action, so you can be proud of what you’ve achieved so far.

With the above tip in mind, you’ll want to adopt some additional healthy lifestyle choices. You know how it goes. Avoid processed foods (what I love to call ‘brown food’) and cook real, fresh food. Make your plate colourful and full of variation. I tend to avoid cereals, pasta, rice and bread these days – opting instead for good fats, protein, fruit/vegetables and things like quinoa. I feel lighter, healthier and have no problem with my digestive system. My skin has never looked better and I’m full of energy. If you’re going to have refined carbs, go for the wild rice variety. And swap white potatoes for sweet ones.

Got a sweet tooth? Buy some little pots of natural yogurt, drizzle a little honey on top with a sprinkling of cinnamon and voila – a lovely little desert for after dinner. Or put some pipless grapes in the freezer (great for the summer months) and eat them frozen whenever you need something to nibble on.

Stop being lazy, dust off those trainers and do something. You don’t need an expensive gym membership or equipment. Walking, running or cycling are all great ways to stay in shape and feel great. Try and throw in some weight-bearing exercises as well, using your body. Push-ups, tricep dips, squats, lunges.

A final tip is to whack a pedometer on your phone and try and squeeze in 10,000 steps a day. Sounds tough but if you get off the bus one stop earlier than usual, get outside for some fresh air at lunchtime, and perhaps enjoy a stroll after dinner – the steps soon add up.

I always used to hate the idea of meditating. How on earth was someone like me going to sit still for more than a few minutes and quieten the mind? Well apparently, that’s almost impossible to achieve for even the most practiced meditators. Because the whole point of mediation is to help us understand our own mind and become aware of our own thoughts, allowing them to pass while turning negatives into positives. The thoughts won’t stop entirely, but you can learn to control them somewhat.

I do try and sit still occasionally, or lie on the floor, to meditate. But I read somewhere that meditation can also be achieved through monotonous tasks. So I take great pleasure in housework, ironing… even exercise, as they allow me to completely switch off, empty my mind and focus on one thing. Cooking has the same effect on me as well.

The benefits of meditation are obvious. We learn how to stop our minds from controlling our thoughts and actions. We reduce stress and boost wellbeing.

Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

“The benefits of meditation are obvious. We learn how to stop our minds from controlling our thoughts and actions. We reduce stress and boost wellbeing.”

Oh and whilst we’re on the subject of wellbeing – remember to stretch every single day. Take up yoga. Sure, a class would definitely help. But there are plenty of apps and online training videos to help you do stuff at home or at your desk.

I’ve never been an early bird. Getting out of bed on a cold and blustery morning is my idea of hell. But once I’m up, I’m thrilled to be awake. Because nothing beats being at work early and then being able to leave early. Every day I get to the office for roughly 7.30am and I leave around 4pm. I’m back home for 4.30pm and then have an insane amount of free time to do whatever I want with.

Last night, I went on my spinning bike for an hour whilst watching a film on my iPad. It was a beautiful meditative hour of unwinding after a super productive day. I felt happy, full of pride for getting some exercise in and by 5.30pm I still had loads of time left for other things. I cooked some fresh food for dinner with my husband. I played an hour of Fallout 4. I read two chapters of my book – Richard Yates’ Revolutionary Road, if you’re interested. I had a bath to candlelight, whilst watching something else on my iPad. And then I happily collapsed into bed at around 10pm.

Ok, I appreciate I have no children… by choice, I might add – but if you have children, it’s even better because you get more wonderful family time.

I can’t preach this enough – get up, get out there and don’t work more than your eight hours. Get home to embrace your free time and your home life.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of working long hours and forgetting to rest during evenings and weekends. I should know. I made myself ill on a few occasions, trying to set up my own business and run Creative Boom – doing too much. But overwork only leads to stress and burnout. It’s also scientifically proven that working longer than seven or eight hours a day is pointless because there comes a point when you lose all productivity and focus. The mind, as you would expect, becomes tired.

So it makes complete sense to relax and embrace your downtime – if you are to perform at your optimum best during work hours. Give yourself a chance to unwind and prepare yourself for the next stint of hard work.

If you think you should be doing something, or guilt starts to set in, remind yourself that rest and rejuvenation is part of your secret to success.

Whether you’re listening to an interesting podcast on the way to work, watching an insightful talk on your iPad while eating breakfast (nothing wrong with a few TED Talks in the morning), catching up on a few chapters of a business book during your lunch hour or engaging with an online course at home, try and find some time each and every day to learn something new and boost your skills. Anything and everything that will help towards achieving this year’s three goals.

For my dear friend, she opted for a few online training videos on photography and watched them on her smart phone on the way to work. She also saved up enough money to attend a photography course in London, but that’s another story.

Just try and avoid learning anything heavy two hours before bed. That’s the time when you should be staying away from technology and blaring screens, winding down and preparing yourself for a good night’s rest. Instead, it’s an ideal time to pick up a work of fiction and get lost in another world.

“Remind yourself that rest and rejuvenation is part of your secret to success.”

So it’s March and you’ve not even thought about your goals? Or you’ve fallen back into bad lifestyle habits. Go easy on yourself. These things happen. Just try and take some steps to get back on track and do better next time.

Nothing good will come from beating yourself up. In the wise words of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi: “You are perfect just as you are and you could use a little improvement.”

Now you’ve taken all these steps to lead a super healthy and productive life, allowing yourself to achieve all your career goals, it’s time to surround yourself with like-minded people and free yourself from anything or anyone holding you back.

That might mean moving away from a few friends who adopt unhealthier habits that encourage you back to your former ways. It might also mean changing your routine to embrace new opportunities. Whatever it entails, take steps to ensure your own little world is as positive and peaceful as possible.

“Surround yourself with like-minded people and free yourself from anything or anyone holding you back.”