Hey aspiring entrepreneurs, business people and everybody else trying to build their network. Do you enjoy all that goes into networking?
All my life, I have considered myself an introvert. I have worked very hard to step out of my comfort zone, and be better at it. Sad to say, I still kinda suck. Yet, as a business owner, I know of the importance that it plays.
It’s a great way to meet mentors, and other like minded business owners who don’t have time otherwise to get out and socialize, because of the grind that we all know goes into building a business.
The uncomfortableness and idea of having to step out of my house makes this one of the hardest goals to stick to every year. Then there is also the fact that I’m living in Taiwan, and really just want to connect with entrepreneurs in Belize.
So I have an idea, and hear me out before you stop reading.
What if we have an online event, created like speed dating to be able to meet other entrepreneurs across the Country? No selling, no alternate ideas, no flirting, just plain out networking? Wouldn’t that be fun?
What if we could be in the comfort of our own homes?
Come online, use the tips I’m about to give you and just socialize and interact with other Belizean trying to connect with people that have similar or different visions than ours. Wouldn’t that be great?
It would give us an opportunity to meet other people with similar goals and aspirations. It could also help us to develop a new sense of community. Share ideas and grow together.
Would this be something you would consider doing?
If I can get 20 people to actually agree to give it a try with me, then I’ll organize it and we can do it.
All with the purpose of giving you and myself an opportunity to use the following tips and tricks to become better at it too.
Know what you are looking for
In order to get the most out of networking, you need to have a clear understanding of what it is that you are looking for.
Are you trying to connect with other entrepreneurs? Are you trying to find a mentor or mentee? Are you trying to connect with people who might buy your products or have connections with those who might buy it?
Having clear answers to these questions can help you to choose specific events that you would like to attend, and better choose events where you could meet the type of people you would like to form connections with.
Starting with a goal in mind, will keep you from just going with the flow.
Make a statement with your dress
One of the hardest parts of networking is breaking the ice, especially for people who aren’t naturally extroverted.
By wearing something that helps you to stand out, it makes it easier for others to approach you. It lightens the mood and gives you something fun and daring to break the ice.
If your clothing catches people’s attention, make eye contact with them, then say something about your clothing to start the conversation. It’s that easy, and you could be surprised about where the story of a green hat could end up.
Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse!
If networking is not something that comes naturally to you, then spending some time rehearsing your introductions, or some common ideas that may come up will be very useful.
Have a clear idea of what it is you would like to communicate to others about yourself, your goals, your business or even your hobbies.
If you are sharing ideas about your success or business, try to find more natural ways to share them, instead of going for an outstanding elevator pitch that might come off as bragging to other people.
Then, clarify your ideas about specific topics so that when they come up, you don’t find yourself wandering around in circles.
Aim for Meaningful Connections That Leave Room for Curiosity
Networking events are usually set up to be done in short transactional interactions. People know this, and don’t seem to mind it.
Yet, whenever you meet connections that could lead to developing strong mutually beneficial relationships, make it meaningful while leaving room for curiosity.
This means, don’t spend all your time talking to them, but instead make your way around the room and be sure to check back with them before the end of the event. Share contact information and restate something that you found interesting about your conversation with them.
Then actually follow up with them after the event.
Listen and be interested
This is the most important part, if you want to make real connections, give the people you meet your undivided attention. Listen, and be interested in what they are talking about.
Ask questions if you are really curious and make the people see that you actually care. This is one of the best techniques to build connections, yet, we overlook it because it can sometimes feel like we aren’t getting the time to share.
So, remember the importance of being an active listener
Bonus Tip:
Try the back packet question if you find that you are constantly at a loss for words. Click HERE to read that post.
The challenge
Choose an event to attend this week. Try out two of these tips to make networking a lot less overwhelming. And Let us know how it goes. Good Luck!
Leave us a Comment to let us know which event you will be attending on our social media page under the blog post link so that we can also know about them, and to help others to know about them too.
Let us know if you would be interested in doing an online social networking event for 1 hour. Comment interested and dm your email.
IF WE GET 20 PEOPLE INTERESTED, WE WILL DO IT!
About GiggedBz
Being an entrepreneur or managing a household can be very stressful. Somedays you really just need some help. And I'm sure we can agree that good help is hard to find. This is why we made, Gigged.bz.
