You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘your network is your net worth’…
It could not be more true than now. In this age of digital communication where you can find just about anyone’s contact information and reach out to pitch them before even saying hello, the quality of your real or ‘IRL’ (in real life) circle is more valuable than ever.
It’s impossible to know who you can trust on-line, there are so many scams and fake accounts that most don’t trust anything they read anymore.
Expand Your Horizons
Explore new groups, places and spaces regularly. It’s okay to make it convenient for you as well, it just means you’ll actually go a second and third time, which is a good thing! I for one, rarely ever network in the mornings and it needs to be within a certain radius from my home and office to make sense for me if it’s a regular event.
Watch LinkedIn and ticketing sites for opportunities but also ask someone who seems to be ‘in the know’! Most who network regularly and seem to know everyone have explored many regular groups and events and will likely be able to save you a lot of time by asking you a few key questions about what is you’re looking for.
Build Authentic Connections
Networking can only be considered successful when authentic connections are made and relationships begin to form. While you might not become besties with everyone you meet, people that you have something key in common with make the best referral partners.
“Authentic connection and understanding is the foundation of every business transaction and every successful relationship.”
It could be something as small as knowing you shop at the same stores for business wear, your kids are both in soccer or you both like whisky! It’s the personal side of conversations that connect us, leave the ‘what you can do for them’ part of networking for the 1-2-1 or coffee you’ll have as a follow-up.
Follow-up!
The biggest mistake I repeatedly see is people not following-up in a timely manner then becoming to embarrassed to later when they feel too much time has passed!
When this happens, networking becomes a tragic waste of time, worse, you might be hurting your reputation. You might as well not bother going honestly…
Tips
Establish your networking toolkit before you go anywhere!
- Connection Method; business cards or another way to connect including your LinkedIn QR code
- Note Taking; phones are common but pen and paper is the best back up!
- Book time follow-up in your calendar within two days the moment you commit to the event and draft a follow-up email before you even go. The task won’t seem so arduous when it comes time. You might be thinking that doesn’t sound authentic, however they are your words and it’ll save a ton of time. When you do sit down to send emails or messages on LinkedIn, tailor messages to people you felt connected with and remind them what your common connection is.
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