Networking has some negative connotations these days. Many networking groups and events have left a bad taste in people’s mouths and can feel manipulative. The negative perspective of befriending someone for who they know has made many business people feel frustrated or used. You might be wondering what business networking can do for you and if networking still works. I have some good news for you! Networking definitely works and creates shortcuts to success.
I’m not advocating using people for any kind of personal or business gain, and I would certainly never advise acting like a self-centered jerk. There is a natural way to move in business and life with authenticity and purpose. Know that you have both something to learn, and something to offer, and be willing to connect and see where things lead. Be yourself and connect with people you like and want to be around. This post goes over how to make networking your path to success and why networking is a shortcut to success. We highlight some leading event-organizing organizations for professionals to explore and provide actionable advice on how to start networking effectively.
Networking Creates Shortcuts
Networking is not just a strategy but a crucial business skill that requires patience, consistency, and a genuine interest in building meaningful relationships. In today’s fast-paced business world, the power of networking cannot be overstated. It’s not just what you know but who you know that can often make the difference between success and stagnation.
Networking is a strategic tool that can propel your career or business forward by leaps and bounds. That said, you are networking to connect with people that you like. One of the best things about having a business, being a freelancer, or being very good at what you do is that you get to choose the people you want to have in your life.
They say that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. On a related note, if you genuinely love the people you connect with, then you never have to “work” at networking. Be yourself and be discerning about finding the best people for you.
Why Networking is Essential
Networking opens doors to opportunities that might not be accessible through traditional channels. It’s about building relationships that are mutually beneficial in which ideas, knowledge, and opportunities can be exchanged. Through networking, you can stumble upon job offers, partnership opportunities, or potential clients that are not advertised.
Networking is a way to share and receive valuable insights, catch up on industry trends, and receive practical advice from peers and leaders. Regularly attending professional gatherings also makes you more visible in your industry. It helps in establishing your reputation as a knowledgeable, reliable, and supportive professional. Networking also provides a support system of individuals who can offer advice, mentorship, and resources during challenging times.
Event Organizing to Explore
To start networking, consider exploring events organized by the following reputable organizations.
Your Local Chamber of Commerce:
This one is my favorite place to start. They often host networking events, providing an excellent opportunity for local business owners and professionals to connect with one another. There can be a lot of time wasters in these groups, however, so follow your gut if something feels like a dead-end. It is important to value and protect your time; you are there to meet some like-minded people, which means you need to know how to disengage, move on to the next connection, and keep your focus on finding the people you want to associate with.
Honesty is the best policy; be polite and excuse yourself. Saying, “It was great meeting you, but I’m here for my business and really need to meet someone who does X or is involved in X to discuss X.” You can always ask them if they know anyone who fits that criteria. If you encounter them again at that event or other events, always be kind and smile politely. I wrote a post about how to disengage after a sale, and maybe this can help you. Guard your time because it is valuable.
Use these events as resources to find out about other events and activities where you can potentially find the right people for your network. Everyone can be helpful, and you don’t know who those people are yet, so be friendly and nice to everyone. You can help the people you disengage with by introducing them to other people you have found interesting, but not your people, so introduce them to help them get to the people they need too. What goes around, comes around; be known for being helpful and a connector.
Eventbrite:
Eventbrite is a global platform for finding local events or organizing and promoting your own event. Eventbrite caters to a wide range of industries and interests, making it a versatile tool for networking. The website provides a great search tool for narrowing down what you are looking for. I’ve used Eventbrite for years and have found some amazing events. There is also a lot of rubbish, so be discerning. Look at photos carefully and read the description to make sure the event looks like a good option for you.
Meet-Up:
Meet-Up has a lot of specialized events hosted by various groups and individuals. Whether you’re looking for tech meetups, entrepreneurial gatherings, or creative workshops, Meetup has something for everyone. A word of warning, however; there are a lot of scammers on Meetup, so look through the details of events and watch for red flags in the form of misspellings, out-of-place details that don’t make sense, or anything that your gut feels off about. Scammers will use misspellings and inaccuracies to qualify their targets. They want to attract gullible people who don’t pay attention to details and will fall more easily for whatever their bait is. You can’t be careful enough these days, as every industry is no stranger to scams.
Industry-Specific Associations:
There are many different organizations in just about every industry that regularly host conferences, workshops, and networking events. Examples include the American Marketing Association (AMA) for marketers, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for IT professionals, and the American Bar Association (ABA) for lawyers. These are very large, well-known organizations with huge events to navigate, which can make finding valuable connections more difficult. Get to know the people who run the events and keep your ear out for smaller, more intimate affairs, like local chapters or regional conferences.
LinkedIn:
One of the most popular online business social networking sites isn’t just for online networking or building a digital “rolodex” of your contacts; it also features a robust events section where professionals can find or host webinars, meetups, and seminars relevant to their industry.
How to Get Started with Networking
Understand what you want to achieve through networking. Is your goal finding a mentor, expanding your client base, or seeking freelance job opportunities? Clear objectives will guide your networking efforts. Before attending an event, research the attendees and prepare a few conversation starters. Having a concise “elevator pitch” about yourself and your business can also make a significant impact and prove your professionalism and ability to communicate clearly.
Attend events regularly, ask questions, and engage in discussions. Follow up with new contacts through LinkedIn or email the same evening or the next day. Don’t wait to follow up and keep the conversation going because it is important to stay fresh in their minds. New contacts are more likely to remember your interaction as well. Express your appreciation for the conversation and suggest a follow-up meeting if appropriate.
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with industry leaders and peers. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to increase your visibility. Networking online is also possible for those of us working remotely.
Networking is a two-way street. Think about how you can offer value to others, whether it’s sharing an article, providing a referral, or offering your expertise on a topic. Ask them what you can do for them. Invite the people you want to know better for a coffee, another event, or lunch.
I know this post leaves a lot out and that there is a whole lot more to networking, which is why we’ve created an entire course about networking. Networking has made my life so easy; my business relationships bring me the customers and connections I need, which is what allows me to travel and live abroad while working remotely from New York. I had some amazing networking mentors when I lived in New York City, and maintaining relationships has been my biggest shortcut to success, so I want to share how to be successful in networking so that everyone has an opportunity to work smarter (because let’s face it, working harder is exhausting).
Join the waitlist for my April 9th Networking Your Way to Success Course on Skool. Subscribe for more business, sales, and investing posts, and have a lovely day!
