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

July 15, 2019 by Jessica Thiefels Leave a Comment

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.

jessica thiefels headshot
Jessica Thiefels

Jessica Thiefels is the Founder and CEO of Jessica Thiefels Consulting and an upcoming author. Living life with intention has helped her move across the country, build a thriving business, and travel the world. Now she’s sharing her experiences to help others live powerfully and create a life they’re stoked to call their own. Follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. 

https://jessicathiefels.com/

Filed Under: Business Relationships, Entrepreneurship & Business Tagged With: connecting, how to network, Jessica Thiefels, meaningful connections, networking, networking events for entrepreneurs, networking events for women

Have You Bookmarked? -> Conferences & Events for Women, Entrepreneurs & Bloggers

August 29, 2014 by Melissa Stewart 2 Comments

she owns it conference calendar

by Melissa Stewart

Don’t you just love a good conference or networking event?

Me too!

That’s why She Owns It keeps a fabulous list of upcoming conferences and networking events HERE  <- So make sure you bookmark-> https://sheownsit.com/conferences-events/ and check back regularly for updates!

If you have an event or conference you think we should add, please CLICK HERE to fill out the submission form. Note, the calendar is for in person (IRL) events only, no virtual events please.

What events do we know about so far? Check out the FAB list below and remember to bookmark https://sheownsit.com/conferences-events/ for regular updates!

 

2014 Events & Conferences

 

Happy Mom Conference

September 5, 2014

Naples, FL

http://www.uofmoms.com/happymomconference/

Bloggy Boot Camp Women Get Social

Women Get SocialSeptember 5-6, 2014

Philadelphia, PA

http://www.bloggybootcamp.com/philadelphia/

confluence

September 6, 2014

Oklahoma City, OK

http://confluenceconference.org/

The Artful Business Conference

The Artful Business ConferenceSeptember 8-9, 2014

Melbourne, AU

http://www.artfulbusinessconference.com/

Women Business Leaders Conference

 

WBENC

September 12, 2014

Framingham, MA

http://www.cweonline.org/wblc

Elevation 2014

September 12-13, 2014

Salt Lake City, UT

http://elevation2014.com/

Bloggy Conference

Bloggy

September 12-14, 2014

Sandusky, OH

http://www.bloggyconference.com/

Mint & Mingle

Mint and Mingle

September 14, 2014

Nashville, TN

http://www.house-of-bliss.com/mint-and-mingle

Amber Housley Inspired

September 14-17, 2014

Nashville, TN

http://www.ahinspired2014.com/

Inbound 2014

Inbound 2014

September 15-18, 2014

Boston, MA

http://www.inbound.com/

Sandra Krakowski’s Social Media Experience

Social Media Experience

September 16-17, 2014

Kansas City, MO

Social Media Experience

Social Media Week

Social Media Week

September 17-23, 2014

http://socialmediaweek.org/

Inc. Women’s Summmit

Inc Magazine's Women's Summit

September 18 2014

New York, NY

http://women.inc.com/

Innov48

September 18-19, 2014

Franklin, TN

48days.com/innov48

FinCon

September 18-20, 2014

New Orleans, LA

http://finconexpo.com/

Opal

September 19, 2014

Daytona Beach, FL

http://www.onatoday.com/

Lady of Purpose

September 19-20, 2014

Tucker, GA

Lady of Purpose Conference

The Happy Startup Summer Camp

a happy startup summercamp

September 19-21, 2014

Sussex, UK

http://www.happystartupsummer.camp/

Small Business Boot Camp

Small Business BootcampSeptember 20, 2014

Newark, NJ

http://www.smallbusinessbootcampforwomen.com/

Get Lucky Live

September 20-22, 2014

Atlanta, GA

http://www.getluckylive.com/product/get-lucky-atlanta/

Saavy Ladies

September 23, 2014

New York, NY

http://www.savvyladies.org/

Blog Elevated

September 25-27, 2014

Galveston, TX

http://www.blogelevated.com/

The Influence Conference

Influence

September 25-27, 2014

Indianapolis, IN

https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8549352343

 

Blog Fete

Blog Fete

September 27, 2014

Orlando, FL

http://www.blogfete.com/

Moms As Entrepreneur Conference

Moms As Entrepreneur ConfereceSeptember 27, 2014

Morgan State University – Baltimore, MD

http://www.edacmorgan.com/women.html

The Ultimate Mom-Entrepreneur Symposium

Screen Shot 2014-05-05 at 6.34.22 PM

September 27, 2014

Santa Monica, CA

http://www.mom2ceo.com/

Rock Your Life

Rock Your Life

September 27, 2014

Vancouver, BC

Rock Your Life

Paper CampSeptember 26-27, 2014

Manhattan Beach, CA

http://www.tradeshowcamp.com/papercamp

SF Women 2.0September 30 – October 1, 2014

San Francisco, CA

http://sf.women2.com/

Return To Work Conference

iRelaunch

October 1, 2014

New York, NY

http://www.returntoworkconference.com

 

Kayo

October 1 – 2, 2014

Washington, DC

http://www.kayoconferenceseries.com/

Dave Ramsey

October 2, 2014

NY,NY

http://www.daveramsey.com/events/bgp-nyc

ShiftCon

Shift Con

October 2-4, 2014

Los Angeles, CA

http://shiftconmedia.com/

The Founding Moms Conference

The Founding Moms

October 6, 2014

Chicago, IL

http://foundingmoms.com/conference/

Sponsor Secret Seminar

Sponsor Secrets

October 7-9, 2014

Los Angeles, CA

http://www.wealthybaglady.com/seminar/index.html

The Feast Conference 2014

The Feast

October 9-11, 2014

Brooklyn, NY

http://feastongood.com/2014/conference

Emerging Women Live

Emerging Women Live

October 9-12, 2014

NY, NY

http://www.emergingwomen.com/

Bloggy Boot Camp Women Get Social

Women Get SocialOctober 11, 2014

Atlanta, GA

http://www.bloggybootcamp.com/coming-soon/

SUREFIRE Girls 2014

Surefire Girls

October 11, 2014

Santa Monica, CA

http://www.surefiregirls.com/

NEPA BlogCon

NEPA Blogcon

October 11, 2014

Misericordia University – Dallas, PA

http://nepablogcon.com/

Out of the Binders

out of the binders

October 11-12, 2014

New York, NY

http://bindercon.com/

CTB Women's

October 12-13, 2014

Bismarck, ND

http://trainingnd.com/technology-training/ctb-womens-business-summit

Chicago Ideas Week

Chicago Ideas Week

October 13-19, 2014

Chicago, IL

https://www.chicagoideas.com/

The Wise Conference

Wise Conference

October 15, 2014

Woodlands, TX

http://thewiseconference.com/

Pennsylvania Women’s Conference

Pennsylvania Women's Conference

October 16, 2014

Philadelphia, PA

http://www.paconferenceforwomen.org/

Niche Parent

October 16, 2014

Walt Disney World Resort – Orlando, FL

http://www.thenicheparent.com/nicheparent14/

Pivot 2014

Pivot

October 16-17, 2014

NY, NY

http://pivotcon.com/

Makers Retreat

October 17-22, 2014

Cortes Island, BC

http://ohmyhandmade.com/makersretreat/

Women's Empowerment NetworkOctober 17-19, 2014

Atlanta, GA

http://www.wenwomensconference.com/

Spark and Hustle

October 18, 2014

Atlanta, GA

Spark & Hustle Anniversary Event

 

2014 Embracing YOU Women's Conference

October 18, 2014

Hyattsville, MD

Embracing You Women’s Conference

Big Sister Summit

Big Sister Summit

October 18-19, 2014

Munich, Germany

http://bigsistersummit.com/

Small Business Success Summit

October 22, 2014

New York, NY

http://www.smallbiztechsummit.com/

Pam Slim & Betsy Rapport’s Sedona Writers Retreat

Pam Slim's Writers Retreat

October 23-26, 2014

Sedona, AZ

Sedona Writing Retreat

Live Sonoma

October 23-26, 2014

Sonoma, CA

http://livefreeretreat.com/

Smash the Ceiling

smashtheceiling

October 24-25, 2014

Eau Claire, WI

http://www.polkadotpowerhouse.com/smashtheceiling

Life Is Beautiful

October 24-26, 2014

Las Vegas, NV

http://www.lifeisbeautifulfestival.com/

Stewardship Conference

Stewardship Conference

November 5-7, 2014

Nashville, TN

http://www.daveramsey.com/events/sc-nashville-20141105

Blogalicious

November 6 – 8, 2014

San Antonio, TX

http://conference.beblogalicious.com/

Mom Biz Retreat

Mom Biz Retreat

November 6-9, 2014

North Wales, PA

http://mombiz.com/mombizretreat/

Leading & Love It Retreat

November 11-13, 2014

Henderson, NV

http://leadingandlovingit.com/connect/retreat/

Texas Conference for Women

Texan Conference for Women

November 13, 2014

Austin, TX

http://www.txconferenceforwomen.org/

Spark Sessions

Spark Sessions

November 15-16, 2014

Toronto, Canada

http://sparksessions.ca/

Massachusetts Conference for Women

Massachusetts Conference for Women

December 4, 2014

Boston, MA

http://www.maconferenceforwomen.org/

Highflyer Club

December 1 – 5, 2014

New Zealand

http://suitcaseentrepreneur.com/highflyerclub-members/adventure/waiheke/

 

2015 Events & Conferences

Get Lucky Live 2015

Get Lucky Live 2015

January 10-12, 2014

Los Angeles, CA

http://www.getluckylive.com/product/get-lucky-live-l-a/

BLOGcation 2015

 

Blogcation

January 10-17, 2015

Ruby Princess – a cruise ship sailing the Western Caribbean

http://www.blogcation.com/

American Made Show

January 16-19, 2014

Washington, DC

http://americanmadeshow.com/

Uncaged Retreats

January 25 – 31, 2015

Belize

http://www.theuncagedlife.com/retreats/

Unstoppable Conference

February 4, 2015

Northern California

http://unstoppableconference.com/

BYOB

February 20-21, 2015

Salt Lake City, UT

http://www.buildyourblogconference.com/

Design Bloggers Conference

February 25-27, 2014

Atlanta, GA

http://design-bloggers-conference.com/

Wisdom 2.0

February 26 March 1, 2015

San Francisco, CA

http://wisdom2summit.com/

Screen Shot 2014-05-30 at 4.05.31 PM

April 11, 2015

St’ Louis, MO

http://www.ladyblogger.net/ladyblogger-2015.html

Mom 2.0 Summit 2015

Mom 2.0 Summit

Mapril 29 – May 3, 2014

Scottsdale, AZ

http://www.mom2summit.com/

Maker Shine

May 15, 2014

http://www.indiebusinessnetwork.com/makershine/

 

Want more? Head over HERE and be sure to bookmark, we’re always updating and adding great events!

 

 

Melissa Stewart has had a “home office” since age 5. She is a passionate entrepreneur advocate, addicted to coffee and eternally optimistic. Melissa is the founder of She Owns It  – a site committed to empowering women entrepreneurs by offering resources, support and inspiration. Do you tweet? -> @melissaonline

Melissa Stewart

Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?

https://sheownsit.com/

Filed Under: Conferences & Events Tagged With: blogger conference, business conference, conference calendar, conference for women, conferences, entrepreneur conference, entrepreneur networking, networking events for entrepreneurs, networking events for women, women's conference

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