You may have heard it said that when it comes to networking, the fortune is in the follow-up . . .
But how do I get started?
As human beings, we ARE social animals. Yet, the majority of people I speak to shy away from networking because they feel intimidated. Chalk it up to teachers publicly calling us out, moments when the words didn’t come out the way we heard them in our heads . . . whatever. We’re all scarred and we’d all do better if we knew how to start a conversation, move it along, gracefully end it, etc.
In this blog, we will strip the fluff and look at a few basic actions that can make you feel more comfortable and help you kickstart your networking . . .
Note: Most people experience social nervousness of one kind or another. That means there is a really good chance that other networkers are feeling some of the same apprehension and uncertainty you are feeling.
Let’s get on with it!
The first two steps to Jumpstart Your Networking are about what NOT to do as well as what to do . . .
- DON’T network to get an immediate client. That is a limited way of thinking. It creates unnecessary pressure and puts most people off. Go to a networking event to meet people, build relationships, and grow your network. Clients WILL come later through your follow-up efforts, personal connections, and referrals.
- Don’t wait for people to approach you at a networking event. Take the lead and approach fellow networkers yourself. Start by looking for someone who is standing alone. If you could read their thought bubble, it would probably say something like, “I feel so uncomfortable, right now, and I wish someone would come and talk to me.”
If you can’t find someone standing alone look for a group of three or more. There is less of a chance that larger groups are having an intimate conversation. But alas, you are there to network, so NETWORK! Jump in somewhere and start. Trust yourself and move through those scary “first-timer” fears. Hell, if you’re nervous, just call it out: Introduce yourself and say something like, “Hi, my name is so and so. I still get nervous at networking events, and I saw you standing over here, so I thought I’d introduce myself.” - Before you go, spend time thinking about how you will introduce yourself. At a minimum, be prepared to share your name, business name, and why you are at the networking event (beyond getting clients). *See sample introduction template below.
- Know your follow-up strategy. Will it be an introduction email, phone call, coffee? Whatever it is, DO NOT PITCH anything. The best approach is some form of getting better acquainted.
- While at the event, look for 1-3 people with whom you feel a connection and follow-up with them before you leave—have I mentioned, not to sell, but to get further acquainted, after the event
There you have it. 5 Steps to Jump-start Your Business Networking: Go to build relationships. Take the initiative. Have a plan. Know how to introduce yourself, and FOLLOW-UP! This strategy can not only ease the nervousness that often accompanies networking and follow-up, it can also bring you a more worthwhile ROI (Return on your Investment), and it will grow your community, too.
Sample introduction template: “Hi. My name is _______. I am the (title) ___________ of (business name) _______________. I help people _________________________________. How did you learn about (name of networking group) ____________________________.