10 Steps to Optimize Networking Efforts
Powerful Networking tips and steps for small business owners or entrepreneurs.
Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear at a networking event? Well, I have. I was standing in a group when someone asked me, “Hi, what’s your name?” Simple, right? Not for me! I smiled back and said, “Vicky,” then realized, I had given this person a name that WASN’T MINE, I was mortified.
I know, I know; how do you come back from something like that?
The answer is, you don’t! But let’s be real; networking can be anxiety-inducing for many people. Maybe it’s why I blurted out the wrong name for myself. Who knows?! I know that for many, “networking” is a dirty word, something to avoid because it feels like an obligation or unauthentic.
But wait, don’t run away just yet!
I want to talk about it because I have realized that networking is an essential piece to building my business and expanding my professional and personal network. All in healthy and exciting ways.
Networking is an essential part of any business or entrepreneurial endeavor.
It is the key to building relationships, finding new customers, and expanding your network. When you optimize your networking efforts, you can maximize the return on investment. Save time and energy.
Take the time to research. Explore meaningful connections and available opportunities and enter with curiosity and a plan. Because let’s be real, it takes energy to show up to an event, mingle around with a drink in hand, and start up conversations. Don’t waste precious energy.
You could:
Attend networking events
Join a professional organizations
Engage with potential partners or customers.
Take the time to build relationships with people who could benefit from your business in the future and eventually, that relationship will benefit yo u— raising the boat for all.
10 Steps to Networking
Set yourself up for success. Optimize your networking efforts and create a powerful network of contacts and customers to grow your business and achieve your entrepreneurial dreams. And not to mention build relationships and create an impact on your community.
1. Find events or groups to join.
Identify groups, events, or people you want to network with. Use social media to join relevant professional or industry-specific groups and forums to find meetups. These platforms are ideal for networking and building relationships with potential clients and other professionals in your field. By actively participating in these groups and engaging with other members, you can quickly build a network of contacts and establish yourself as an expert in your industry.
Be as personable as possible to establish a real connection with the person you’re networking with. When reaching out, provide clear and concise information about yourself and your business.
When attending events in person, follow these steps. With these tips, you can quickly build a strong network and create meaningful connections.
2. Set realistic expectations.
You don’t need to meet 15 people at an event. Eliminate the pressure and focus on one or two people. It’s important to remember that networking isn’t about transactions and handing out business cards. It's about building community and relationships.
3. Have a good introduction.
The key is to be authentic and genuine when networking, so work on your introduction. An intro can be intimidating for some. Think about memorable stories you can share about yourself, personal and professional. Then ask questions. It’s important to remember that networking is not just about promoting yourself. It’s about building relationships and community — people can sense if you’re not being genuine.
4. Relax.
If you’re an introvert and this is hard for you, remember that most people want you to succeed and they are human too.
5. Don’t hand out business cards too quickly — don’t be that guy.
Build relationships and connect with people genuinely, rather than just handing out your business cards at random. Annoying.
6. Build a connection by finding common ground.
One of the easiest and most important steps is finding common ground. One way to do this is by asking questions unrelated to work or business.
For example, you can ask questions like:
What was your hometown like?
Have you taken a trip recently?
What are you excited about with work or your personal life?
These questions help to break the ice and to establish common ground and make the conversation more meaningful and memorable. We will say it again and again networking should not be focused solely on promotion and handing out business cards but instead on building relationships and serving others. This means taking the time to get to know people by asking questions, listening to their stories, and offering to introduce them to someone or providing a resource that you think could benefit them. This type of networking approach helps create a more meaningful connection with the people you meet and can open up more opportunities in the long run.
7. Ask good questions.
Asking good questions is essential to a successful connection. A great way to start a conversation is to ask questions to find common ground.
For example, if you meet someone from a small town in Iowa, you could ask about any noteworthy locations or people from the area.
Good questions set the tone for the conversation and help create a comfortable atmosphere.
“What are you excited about?”
“What project are you working on?”
It will help you get to know the other person on a deeper level and you might even uncover opportunities or resources you can help them with. Focus on the “why” behind someone’s career or business. Instead of asking the typical “what do you do” question, focus on why they are passionate about their work or what inspired them to pursue a particular path. This type of question can lead to more meaningful conversations and help you learn more about the person’s values and interests.
Be an Active Listener Once you have asked good questions, be an active listener. Active listening means taking in the information they tell you and responding meaningfully. Showing genuine interest and enthusiasm for what they are saying goes a long way in making a positive impression. Active listening lets you pick up on any cues or clues about opportunities or resources the other person may need.
8. Focus on serving others rather than networking for the sake of networking.
Help others rather than network for the sole purpose of talking about yourself. It is as an opportunity to build relationships and community. This could be as simple as providing advice, making an introduction, or simply offering encouragement. Taking an active, generous approach to networking can help build meaningful relationships and help move your career forward. If you know someone who could benefit from what another person is doing, take the opportunity to introduce them. Doing so is a great way to serve both parties and build relationships. By getting to know people deeper, you will be more memorable and create a more humanized experience.
9. Take notes to remember names and details.
Take notes to remember names and details; you’ll leave a lasting impression when you remember things. There are several methods to take notes while networking. A great way to remember names is to use a notebook and write something memorable about the person you just met.
Ways to take notes:
Notes section in your phone
Add to a spreadsheet after the event.
Email yourself while waiting for a drink.
When taking notes, it is important to be organized. Create a system that works for you. Color code your notes to help you quickly identify names, companies, and other details. You could also create a system for jotting down notes, such as using keywords or abbreviations to recall the conversation quickly. This will help you quickly review and remember the conversation after the event. It is also important to review your notes after the event. (THIS IS KEY!) Set aside time by using time blocking. This can help to refresh your memory and allow you to remember the conversation and then deliver on any follow-up tasks you may have promised. This will show the person that you remember them and the conversation. Reviewing your notes and following up with the people you met can help you make a lasting impression in the networking scene.
10. Stay connected.
Send a thank you note or an email to those you met as a great way to stay connected and build relationships. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way. We have custom greeting cards that match our personalities to add a fun touch to follow-ups. Remember to be authentic and not be afraid to put yourself out there. The more effort you put in, the more you will get out. Follow up with them to offer any assistance or resources that may be useful. This will help to keep the conversation going and deepen the relationship.
It’s important to take the initiative and reach out to people. If you’ve already connected with someone, don’t hesitate to ask for advice or help. This will show that you value their opinion and are willing to try to build a long-term relationship. This is essential for successful networking, as it is all about building mutual trust and respect.
Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming. Networking is an essential part of any business or entrepreneurial endeavor. It is the key to building relationships, finding new customers, and expanding your professional network, and even finding new friends and mentors.
Networking takes time and patience. It’s not a one-time thing but rather an ongoing effort to build relationships and foster connections. It’s important to stay consistent and follow up with people you meet. Having a plan for staying in touch with connections can be an effective way to build trust and ensure you stay top of mind.