5 Tips to build your network (irl)
Does networking IRL scare the poop out of you? It did me, too!
After pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, I have boiled successful networking down to 5 key tips. In just 5 months I have gone from knowing no one in our new city, to running into friends and acquaintances nearly every where I go. I'm going to break it down for you below, because I want you to feel as welcome and loved as I feel now. (Thanks Lexington, Kentucky!)
Show up to events. Seriously, find events happening near you by plugging into all the networking groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, Meetup.com or through google searches for your city. Easy ones are your local chamber, trade organizations, or Young Professionals (even us oldies can go to those). Then show up... Go inside... Grab a drink (if that's something you dig). Congrats, step one is done. Aren't you proud?!?!
Know your value. This is uber important because literally every person you meet at a networking event is going to say, "so, what do you do?". For example, I could say "I own an accounting company that offers bookkeeping".... BORING! Or, I could say "I'm a small business profit strategists that helps owners maximize profits, improve systems and processes, and find time and financial freedom by providing concierge level bookkeeping and consulting." VA-VA-VOOM! Do you see the difference there? You still know what I "do" but you also know why you want to work with me. Practice your "value proposition elevator pitch". Thank me later.
Smile and be confident! I'm not calling anyone out, because I've been there... but I walked into a networking event a few weeks ago, and there was one person sitting at the end of the bar (everyone else was standing, mingling, etc). She appeared miserable. She had her head down, shoulders slumped, and put off the vibe that she really didn't want to talk to anyone. When I struck up a conversation, she said "I'm not very good at this". Girl. I get it.... it is scary and uncomfortable. But, if you make eye contact, smile, and introduce yourself, no one is going to be a jerk to you. We are all there for the exact same reason! So- pull your shoulders back, take a deep breath, smile, and go insert yourself into a group of people you don't know and say, "I don't mean to interrupt, but I'd love to meet you all." That's it, a new group of friends who want to know all about you!
Follow up! This is crucial! What's the point of all of the above, if we gather a stack of business cards and then never see or speak to those people again? I recommend using a CRM to keep track of all of the contacts you make. I personally use ClickUp, but there are so many great ones. My friend Carrie Downey (that I met through networking) has an awesome company that helps match you with just the right technology needs for your situation. You can find more info here: https://clarityco.org/ . So, once you've properly recorded and stored the information, shoot off emails to anyone that you want to stay connected with and simply ask if they are free to have coffee sometime to learn more about one another. You'll be surprised how many people love an excuse to get out of the office and splurge on a fancy coffee.
Give Value. I'm not talking unsolicited advice. I mean give away your wisdom. Give away your contacts. Make connections for people. Provide free consulting about things they need and you know. Help out. Teddy Rosevelt said it best, "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care". The best way to show you care about people, your community, and the world is by offering what you have with no expectations of getting something in return. When you build that kind of trust, and you are known as the expert in your field because you've given so much of yourself, you don't really have to "sell" yourself anymore. People want to be around you, and they want to support you. It's a win-win.
