If you Google what networking is, it will probably fire back an answer along the lines of ‘the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts’. I’m going to give you my definition, because it’s truer, better and well… paints you a much better picture of exactly what networking is!
Networking, as fun as it can be, isn’t just a jolly at a fancy venue or a coffee with absolutely anyone. It’s much more than that. It’s the support you can provide to others, the friendly face at each event, the sounding board for confused or lonely business owners, and more than anything, it’s the opportunity to build genuine, authentic friendships and offer honest and individual help.
I’ve met people through my ‘job’ (it doesn’t feel like one!) that have become genuine friends through networking. I’ve met people who have turned their businesses around through the support and collaboration they’ve found from networking. I’ve been privileged to connect with my local community of business owners, and realise that we’re all in the same sea, just in different boats.
Sometimes people joke that all I do for a living is go for coffee and cake (not entirely untrue!), but I’m here now on behalf of all other networkers, business owners and business development managers to show you that as much as we enjoy the coffee and cake… there’s so much more to networking than just that!
So how do you know where to start?
Google will be your best friend. Have a look on websites such as Eventbrite or LinkedIn to see what’s happening in your local area and business community. Reach out to other local business owners to ask what they’re a part of and keep your ear to the ground. Listen to what people are saying and where they are going to find all the hidden gems within the networking world!
Which one is right for me? I hear you ask!
Unfortunately, there’s no magic wand I can wave to tell you the answer, you’ve just got to try.
If you’re nervous to start networking, look online. What info does it tell you, how many people are going, is there a speaker, do you have to present? Gather as much information as you can before going to eliminate those nerves! Some events will have 10 attendees, others can have 100. So, choose one you’d feel comfortable in. Funnily enough, some people prefer the bigger events to ease them into networking, as a bigger room makes it easier to hide so if you do get the first networking event nerves, you can easily slip out, leave, and try again next time. It’s never the end of the world, and there is always time to try again.
What should you expect from a networking event?
Firstly, and against what you may think, don’t put pressure on yourself to sell. That’s not why you’re going. Try to think of it as walking into a pub to meet your friends, as eventually everyone there will become your friends. Whether there’s a speaker at the event, an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and your business to everyone, or perhaps it’s just a casual get together, you can always rely on some good conversations.
A top tip: planning your route around the room is very obvious and not genuine. Remember you’re not there to sell! You’re there to build relationships and conversations.
How can you get the most from networking events?
Be yourself, consistently. Be honest and genuine, personable and authentic. You’re not there to sell, you’re there to potentially help others around you. Make new connections, don’t just talk to who you already know. Find the balance to feel comfortable with those you know, then venturing out to make new connections. Sometimes your new collaborators are the people you’ll least expect!
Put yourself out there! Attend those events that you’re not sure about, speak to those business owners that you haven’t met before, showcase your business at events that ask for your 60-seconds. Whatever it is that you don’t want to do, do it, you’ll thank yourself for it later.
How do you know it’s working?
It may have taken 3 months, or a year, but you’ve gained a client. You’ve completed some contracted work for someone. You’ve collaborated on a project with another business owner, or you just feel overwhelming confidence when networking which is worth more personally to you then others will know. However, you track whether networking works for you, it’s individual and personal.
For me, it never has and never will be about numbers. I know my networking is working because I have helped someone. It’s not about selling, KPI’s, targets, leads or turnover. It’s knowing that at the end of the day I’ve helped. Whether it’s from a conversation with a business owner who needed to feel less alone for the hour I was with them, or connecting a struggling business owner with one of our coaches and seeing their improvements in their business and their personal life, I know I helped in some way. It’s something myself and the team are so passionate about, and why we go above and beyond for so many in the pursuit of supporting those who have the potential to achieve their success.
I absolutely love networking; it doesn’t feel like a job to me. Perhaps it’s my high I DISC profile that helps? More so than that, I think it’s my genuine want to see everyone around me succeed that fuels my motivation.
Let’s face it, the gin distillery visits aren’t so awful either!
Written by Sue Ford, Published by Frankie Tabor.
