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5 Things I’ve Learned From 8 Months of Networking by @JThiefels

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5 Things I've Learned From 8 Months of Networking

by Jessica Thiefels | Featured Contributor

In July 2018, I was able to turn my side gig of 2.5 years into a full-time business: an organic content marketing agency. The day that happened I knew I needed to start networking. I needed to meet people, learn from them, and soak up all the entrepreneur vibes I could. 

I signed up for four events, one for each week of July and I’ve been networking ever since. I’ll admit, I’m not a “networking” person and the thought of attending all of these events at first scared me—a lot. Don’t we all despise the awkward situation when you walk-up to a group, and then stand quietly until someone asks you something?

While there’s been plenty of that in the last year, there’s also been so much that I didn’t anticipate. Not only have I met some incredible women and started my own monthly gathering, but I’ve earned clients, gotten speaking gigs and and been lucky enough to learn from other successful entrepreneurs. 

I’ve gotten so much out my experience of networking that I’m here to implore you to do the same. Spend time doing the awkward standing, the nervous talking and life-changing learning and you will undoubtedly reap the benefits.

#1: New Service Offerings Can Come From Other People 

If you want to expand your business, networking is a great way to find new ideas—and new clients. My newest service offering didn’t come from me. It came from someone I met at a networking event. After the event, she told me that she was looking for 1-on-1 social media coaching. Though I had never offered coaching like this before, my response was: “I can definitely do that!” 

Jessica and Justine

I had never even considered that as a service offering, but I left with a new client, for a brand offering. We worked together for 7 months and she was the perfect first client for this new service. Along the way, I created a new page for my site and have had a variety of clients since. 

#2: Networking is a Chance to Learn

I look at networking as less of an opportunity to pitch myself—though it is, and I do—but more as a chance to learn from others. There’s so much collective wisdom in a room full of business owners. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or running your very first business.

The key is listening to other people’s stories and tuning in for nuggets of wisdom as they learn about your story too. Instead of jumping right to the pitch, let the conversation happen naturally. Not only is this a chance to learn from them, but you may be able to provide value before asking for something from them too.

#3: It’s All About Making Connections

People often put a lot of pressure on networking. “I must meet a new client or sign a new deal or it’s not worth it!” When you take the “network” out of networking, though, you miss the value of it. 

Jessica and friends

For example, I’ve had lunch with people who I met at business networking events, but we don’t talk business. We talk about life and the things that light us up. Those connections—the ones that have expanded past business—are the ones I now rely on regularly for advice and support. If you’re authentic and open to truly connecting, you’ll find you get much more out networking.

#4: A Lot of People “Need That!”

I can’t tell you how many people have learned about my business and said, “Oh! I need that so bad!” Exciting, right? Kind of. It’s exciting to hear that your service is in need, but it doesn’t mean the person who said it is a great lead. I’ve had calls with a number of people after events and very few have panned out to a client relationship. 

That’s not to say networking isn’t valuable for driving leads. The key is keeping your expectations neutral. This allows you to be more relaxed, open and conversational, which drives great business down the line. 

#5: It’s Refreshing!

If you’re a solopreneur like me, you may quickly realize that sitting in your office, behind a screen all day, can make you go crazy. Not to mention, it’s easy to doubt yourself and your success when the predominant voice you’re hearing is your own—we’re our own worst critics.

TLC

One of the first things I learned when I started attending events was how refreshing it is. Talking to other business owners and entrepreneurs always brings such important perspective. I quickly realized that everyone has the same doubts, worries, and fears as me. 

Networking: Just Do It

I didn’t do networking for a long time because I was too nervous. I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone because the experiences have been life-changing. You can find networking events on MeetUp, Facebook and through your own personal network. Sign up for one, go in with a courageous heart and an open mind, and let it work its magic. I have a feeling you’ll be glad you did.

Networking Success for Income Increase by Sponsor @AntoinetteSykes

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Sponsored Post by Antoinette Sykes, MBA

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Networking. Connecting. Schmoozing. All of those words lead to some level of building relationships. Unfortunately, it also a tad intimidating for some business owners; although necessary. How well do you network?

Consider networking your “social capital” for business increase. Networking is a part of your marketing plan and all pieces of your plan makes for a well oiled machine that produces exposure and income. As we dive into are art of networking, specifically we’ll talk about including networking in your marketing efforts consistently for connected increase.

First, it’s called NET-WORK for a reason. It implies action. It implies movement continuously. It is proactive in fact. It is NOT passive and you cannot just let it happen. If the latter is you, it’s time to set yourself apart from others immediately.

Definition: Networking is a process where you develop contacts and relationships to increase your business, accentuate your knowledge, expand your circle of influence or to serve the community. In essence, it’s leveraging both your personal and business connections/relationships to bring you new (and consistent) business.

Here are four ways to develop your Networking Success for Income Increase.

Here are four ways to develop your Networking Success for Income Increase. 
  1. Grab your calendar & a spreadsheet: In your calendar, have you clearly identified upcoming networking engagements? If not, do so. There are tons of conferences and networking events taking place all of the time. Be strategic and investigative on when, where and WHO the event appeals to. This last point is key. Obviously, you want to be in a group dynamic that best serves your target appeal. Once you identify and research these groups, keep them logged in a spreadsheet so that you can easily refer to them. In your “admin” or down time, visit their websites for upcoming events and more details. Reach out, reserve your space if needed and show up.
  2. Set a weekly/monthly/quarterly/yearly networking goal: In your calendar, each week there can be a networking event. You are the best gauge for this. Clearly not all events are free and you don’t want to be everywhere the “networking door” swings open. However, two events per month would be the minimum I suggest. You want to be seen as an expert in your field, but also as a connector. From your spreadsheet, determine which events fit your schedule, budget and interest each week, month, quarter and yearly. Mark it on the calendar and in your budget allotment. You want to be consistent, as this is just one part of your marketing plan. (or it should be)
  3. Clearly articulate your ideal client and whom you best serve: Here’s where it gets good and the “work” comes into play for networking. Who is your ideal client? Who do you best serve? The answers to those questions should be clearly given and easily given in any conversation. Let’s be clear. I’m not talking about a canned answer. But, one that truly fits you and your business soul. This is key, so that whomever your speaking with will remember YOU to refer to someone else. So, if you don’t have your “ideal client profile” nailed down. Now is the time. 
  4. Give Give Give: When networking, it’s not all about getting contacts, it’s about being a resource to others as well. You want to be a giver, so that it’s returned to you 100 fold. Additionally, you don’t want to be known as “that girl or guy” that just takes, takes, takes and never gives. Remember, it’s a relationship approach. Each person gives; therefore no one is left out. Additionally, by being the first one to give, you are setting the tone of the beginning of the new relationship. In a sense, you’re modeling proper behavior. Remember, you hold the key to your goldmine of resources. That goldmine is a solution to someone you meet. It’s a favorable position to be in. 

When you implement these four strategies, your circle of influence will expand and so will our chances of increase. Action: Take out your calendar and determine two or more events you will attend for the month of June. How often do they meet? What’s the fee? Is it your best place to strategically mingle? Do you know your ideal client profile? Get clear on the latter BEFORE you arrive at the event.

Report back to me and let me know how it turns out for you. Diversify your network! **remember** when you’re networking, you never know who people know!

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Be sure to register for the GYBGirl Summit for more networking strategies!

Photo Credit: adt610 via Compfight cc

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ascloseupAntoinette Sykes, StandingTall Mentor, Success & Business Coach, Author, Speaker, and Creator of Mindset & M.O.N.E.Y.™ system that offers step by step approach to help you “get more clients authentically and with ease”. Understanding that living a life in today’s economy has changed for a lot of business owners. No matter what, Antoinette holds strong to her faith and believes in the freedom of entrepreneurship; and has a passion for showing other women how to do the same. Antoinette infuses practical and tactical steps to making your business GROW Girl! StandingTall to Grow Your Business Girl is a movement in business, abundance, empowerment and life. It grew out of a need to continue moving forward as “life happens”; finding the strength to dig deep, find a new resolve, and to StandTall and fearlessly CREATE a new sunny day through the rain; for a lifetime! It’s time to Grow YOUR Business GIRL!