Today I’m going to discuss networking, with tips to help you gain a bit of insight into how to get yourself out there, promote your brand, and connect with new people.
So what exactly is networking? I would define it as meeting people via business and social events, through friends, referrals, and other means, for the purposes of expanding social connections and promoting your business.
HOW DO YOU NETWORK?
Here are a few key points:
Become clear on your brand: What value do you as a person and you as a business provide to your clients? You and your business are separate entities, and have different personality traits if you will. For example, value that you can provide as a person may include things such as: good listening skills, resourcefulness, attention to detail, great follow up, etc. As a business, your ‘personality’ might include an extension of this such as quality products/service offerings, fast lead times, competitive pricing, and so on. When you are clear on your brand, you become more confident and are better able to represent yourself on both counts in a networking situation. I feel it is important to know what strengths you have in terms of your own personality, as this is an excellent way to market yourself for future opportunities.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there: I can understand how networking can be quite daunting to some people, as it can be hard to get up the courage to strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger. It definitely takes practice for some of us – believe me! However, I have found it to be very rewarding. Give yourself a task in stages for your next networking event. Congratulate yourself for even going in the first place. Reward yourself for speaking to even one person, and don’t be afraid to say that you’re new to this whole ‘networking thing’ – everyone had to go through it at one point.
Take a genuine interest in the other person: Whenever I meet someone new, my attention is centered around the other person, as I am naturally a very curious person. I love finding out new things about people and really value in depth conversations about various topics. This can be a wonderful ice breaker – but please be forewarned that it is crucial to be genuinely interested in what the other person has to say if you intend to have a lengthy conversation and promote your brand afterward. I have found that the right moment to promote myself and my business is entirely based on intuition. When I feel that there is an opportunity to offer my services, I go for it. Even if I do not get a chance to promote my business to someone I have met at that time, I still consider it a win-win scenario as I have engaged in a conversation with them, have made a new connection and perhaps can offer them something in the future.
WHERE CAN YOU NETWORK?
This is a common question – and here are a few ideas:
Tradeshows: These are a great opportunity to meet new faces and generate leads. Depending on your business, you may want to invest in getting a booth at a show related to your industry, or you could simply attend tradeshows that interest you, with business cards in hand. You never know who you might meet at a tradeshow.
Social Events: Whether its a BBQ at a friend’s house or a fundraiser for your favourite charity by your peers, social events are great opportunities for networking. You may be exposed to new people and can even update the ones you already know with your new endeavors and tell them all about your new business.
Community Events: These type of events are great for networking. A wide range of people come out of all backgrounds, and you never know who you will meet. Also, they are a great conversation starter for sharing your desire and connection with the community, which means a lot to people when it comes to your business. You’ll have fun and meet new people along the way.
These are just a few of the ways to increase your networking abilities. Have fun with it, and always be open to making new connections with people.
March 28th, 2011 | 
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