An Experiment in Business - How to Build a Network
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Career Networking or a Death Defying Feat?
For a gal who has done very little networking during her career, the idea of walking into a room full of other professionals feels a little like standing at the edge of cliff. Most can relate, except for those special few who thrive in awkward social settings like these. I'm jealous of those who can own a room, by the way.
This lens will accomplish two things. First, it will keep me accountable to my goal, which is to attend a networking event, meeting, or convention at least once a week.
Second, this lens will serve as a place for all of us to share ideas in networking and building a business. I know I plan to share my experiences all the while working to build my business and fill the social gap that afflicts most stay-at-home workers (like me:)
So stick around, stay awhile. Browse my photos and leave your ideas for effective professional networking. I look forward to meeting you.
By the way, the photo of the cliff above was taken in Guanacaste, Costa Rica last winter. It's a beauty, eh?
The Art of The Follow Up: Taking Care of Your New Network
Imagine that you attended a networking mixer last night and came back with 20 business cards. The breakdown of these new contacts works like this:
To start, just throw away those eight cards from people you didn't click with and that you don't plan to follow up with. Get rid of the clutter!
The next step is to connect with the remaining 12 contacts through social media, if you feel it's appropriate. Look on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to follow him or her and send a simple note saying "hello, nice to meet you."
Last, wait a few days or a week and contact those people you would like to refer or do business with. An email will work and so will a phone call. Your approach should always be friendly, since you are thinking about forming a professional relationship, not about dollar signs.
Creative Commons Image Credit: BargainMoose
- 6 cards are from people you really see no opportunity to work with, but enjoyed talking to anyway
- 5 cards are from people you don't even remember talking to
- 4 cards are from people you think you can refer to others in your network
- 3 cards are from people you hope to never hear from again
- 2 cards are from people you believe may benefit from your product or service
To start, just throw away those eight cards from people you didn't click with and that you don't plan to follow up with. Get rid of the clutter!
The next step is to connect with the remaining 12 contacts through social media, if you feel it's appropriate. Look on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to follow him or her and send a simple note saying "hello, nice to meet you."
Last, wait a few days or a week and contact those people you would like to refer or do business with. An email will work and so will a phone call. Your approach should always be friendly, since you are thinking about forming a professional relationship, not about dollar signs.
Creative Commons Image Credit: BargainMoose
5 Networking Tips for Overcoming Shyness
Learn to work the room at a networking event
Tip #1 - Take a breath when you walk in the door.
You don't have to start shaking hands right away. Instead, put on your name tag, check your coat, find the bathroom, get a drink, and scope out the place. Give yourself five minutes to just be present.
Tip #2 - Whatever you do, don't sit down; always keep moving.
If you lean against the bar or sit down at a table, you don't give off a very inviting vibe. Walk a few steps away from the bar and find someone else standing alone or with one other person. Walk up and say hello.
Tip #3 - All you have to do is say hello and stick out your hand for a friendly handshake.
The trick is not to hesitate. Don't walk in circles around someone or hover without saying anything for more than 10 seconds.
Tip #4 - Ask more questions than you expect to answer.
Most people love to talk about themselves and their job, which means they may forget to ask you questions, and that's okay. It's better for you to drive the conversation anyway. Start off with the usual questions -- "What's your name?" and "What do you do?" -- and then move into something more unique. Below are a few ideas.
Tip #5 - Practice your elevator speech.
Be prepared to explain what you do in 20 seconds. Practice your introduction several different ways and stick with the one that gets you the most positive responses.
You don't have to start shaking hands right away. Instead, put on your name tag, check your coat, find the bathroom, get a drink, and scope out the place. Give yourself five minutes to just be present.
Tip #2 - Whatever you do, don't sit down; always keep moving.
If you lean against the bar or sit down at a table, you don't give off a very inviting vibe. Walk a few steps away from the bar and find someone else standing alone or with one other person. Walk up and say hello.
Tip #3 - All you have to do is say hello and stick out your hand for a friendly handshake.
The trick is not to hesitate. Don't walk in circles around someone or hover without saying anything for more than 10 seconds.
Tip #4 - Ask more questions than you expect to answer.
Most people love to talk about themselves and their job, which means they may forget to ask you questions, and that's okay. It's better for you to drive the conversation anyway. Start off with the usual questions -- "What's your name?" and "What do you do?" -- and then move into something more unique. Below are a few ideas.
- Do you love your job? Would you recommend someone get into your profession?
- Tell me about your typical work day.
- Have you been to this event before? Are you enjoying it? Will you come again?
Tip #5 - Practice your elevator speech.
Be prepared to explain what you do in 20 seconds. Practice your introduction several different ways and stick with the one that gets you the most positive responses.
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Where to Find Networking Events
Once you are open to the idea of networking at events, you'll notice them everywhere. Below is a list of methods for locating networking opportunities in your area.
- Meetup.com allows you to search by area code and interest. (See my review below for more info.)
- Think about the convention centers and events centers in your area. Visit their websites and check the calendar pages to see what's coming up.
- There is an association for every industry. Don't just investigate the associations for your industry; look at the associations your ideal clients may be a member of. Network with the people who will bring you business, not your competitors.
- Did you Google it?
- Find your local chambers of commerce. Chambers most likely have their own networking events and may even advertise the events of their members.
- Search on Twitter and Facebook for local events. On Twitter, the get-togethers are often called "Tweetups."
MeetUp.com - An Active Networker's Review
When I first starting looking for networking events I relied on Twitter and Google to find what I was looking for. While I did find some networking events, I didn't really discover any networking groups that fit my fancy.The table turned for me when I signed up for an account on Meetup.com and created a profile with a list of my interests. Since then, I get emails almost daily recommending new groups to join.
I've joined several MeetUp groups and gone to a few events; I'm pleased overall. The best part is that instead of Googling for hours, I can focus on ONE resource.
An account with Meetup.com is completely free, although you may have to pay to attend an event. Most groups will provide a lower rate if you RSVP in advance. It pays to plan.
ps - This review is completely voluntary and not sponsored. I really do love MeetUp.com!
When You HATE Professional Networking But Want to Grow Your Contact List Anyway
Anxiety, shyness, budget restrictions, or just plain laziness could be getting in your way to attending networking events. If going to these professional mixers just isn't in your bag, then don't fret. There are other ways to build your network without going to a mixer.
1. Online social networking. Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are excellent strategies for connecting with other professionals. There are millions of ways to leverage social media and I'm choosing not to talk about those here, since there are thousands of other lenses devoted to them. But let me just say that you can use these sites to introduce yourself and get to know someone slowly and passively. Once you feel like there is a connection, ask him or her out for a cup of coffee or a quick 10-minute phone conversation.
2. Google it. Sounds easy enough, right? Do some online research to find local businesses that you'd like to partner with. Send the right contact person at that business an email requesting an informal meeting. These meetings shouldn't be hard sells. Rather, just use these meetings as a way to introduce yourself and learn about the other business. Not only could you stand to learn a thing or two, but by approaching it from a friendly standpoint you could earn referrals or future business.
3. Pay attention to your existing network with random emails, cards, and phone calls. You don't have to ask for anything in particular, just say hello. This ensures you stay top of mind with people you already know.
1. Online social networking. Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are excellent strategies for connecting with other professionals. There are millions of ways to leverage social media and I'm choosing not to talk about those here, since there are thousands of other lenses devoted to them. But let me just say that you can use these sites to introduce yourself and get to know someone slowly and passively. Once you feel like there is a connection, ask him or her out for a cup of coffee or a quick 10-minute phone conversation.
2. Google it. Sounds easy enough, right? Do some online research to find local businesses that you'd like to partner with. Send the right contact person at that business an email requesting an informal meeting. These meetings shouldn't be hard sells. Rather, just use these meetings as a way to introduce yourself and learn about the other business. Not only could you stand to learn a thing or two, but by approaching it from a friendly standpoint you could earn referrals or future business.
3. Pay attention to your existing network with random emails, cards, and phone calls. You don't have to ask for anything in particular, just say hello. This ensures you stay top of mind with people you already know.
Don't Be 'This Guy' at a Networking Event
- Don't intentionally forget your business cards or refuse to hand them out. Some potential clients may take offense to the fact that you won't share your information.
- Don't aggressively walk up to someone and shove your card in their face. It should be a casual conversation and business cards should be exchanged only if you think you can help one another.
- Don't be a "close talker." No one likes to wipe spittle from their face.
- Don't speak poorly of others at the event. Stay positive and rise above the urge to put someone down.
- Avoid the hard sale both at the event and in your follow up email. Focus on building a relationship where you refer clients to one another.
What are the World's Bloggers Saying About Networking?
- SBA Offers "FREE" Webinar Series Promoting Entrepreneurship Education and ...
- The emphasis will be on financial empowerment and building the entrepreneurship skills of the next generation of small business owners, using business basics, social networking and business strategizing. System Requirements:*To set up the AT&T Connect ...
- Twitter, American Express Partner on Small Business Advertising
- This is the first time Twitter has introduced an advertising solution specifically designed for small businesses. Financial services firm American Express announced that its card members and merchants would be the first to have access to Twitter's new ...
- Events & Networking
- 22Maryland Small Business Development Center workshop, ?Government Certification: 8(a) and MBE/DBE Application Assistance,? 2-5 pm, Prince George's Community College, 301 Largo Road, Largo. $75. Registration: capitalsbdc.umd.edu, ...
No. 2 Pen RSS Feed (That's My Blog:)
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byMore About Me and My Business, No. 2 Pen
Almost two years ago I quit my job as a marketing manager with a reputable non-profit so that I could travel the world with my new husband. The only way this new lifestyle was going to be possible was if I managed to make money as a freelance writer while on the road; and that is how No. 2 Pen came to be.
With my new hubbie's internet savvy and my desire to write, I launched my virtual business and began helping small businesses with a variety of writing and communications services. The No. 2 Pen specializes in internet marketing, which means I write A LOT of web content, ebooks, press releases, blog posts, and social media content. In addition to the writing, I also help clients develop marketing strategies that include tactics both online and off.
It's been an amazing journey, both as a global traveler and an entrepreneur. Of course, this lifestyle has its challenges, but with the help of Skype, wi-fi, and my new Google Android phone, I really don't need a brick and mortar office.
In fact, I've done just fine by working and networking in every destination we've landed in. While I may not have a nice office with copiers and white boards at my disposal, I've learned to take advantage of public office and meeting spaces everywhere. Coffee shops, libraries, bars, restaurants, and parks all make for excellent offices, and have served as such for professional meetings in Aruba, China, Singapore, Costa Rica, Panama, and all across the United States.
While I am headquartered in Denver, I'm fortunate enough to take my show on the road and to get to know clients globally. Because of this, I have made networking a primary goal in my business marketing efforts, which I hope is evident with all the information here on this lens.
Learn more about No. 2 Pen by visiting the lens I made special just for it. You can also learn more about my travels by reading my Playas del Coco, Costa Rica lens and my Panama Red Devil Buses lens. I hope you enjoy!
With my new hubbie's internet savvy and my desire to write, I launched my virtual business and began helping small businesses with a variety of writing and communications services. The No. 2 Pen specializes in internet marketing, which means I write A LOT of web content, ebooks, press releases, blog posts, and social media content. In addition to the writing, I also help clients develop marketing strategies that include tactics both online and off.It's been an amazing journey, both as a global traveler and an entrepreneur. Of course, this lifestyle has its challenges, but with the help of Skype, wi-fi, and my new Google Android phone, I really don't need a brick and mortar office.
In fact, I've done just fine by working and networking in every destination we've landed in. While I may not have a nice office with copiers and white boards at my disposal, I've learned to take advantage of public office and meeting spaces everywhere. Coffee shops, libraries, bars, restaurants, and parks all make for excellent offices, and have served as such for professional meetings in Aruba, China, Singapore, Costa Rica, Panama, and all across the United States.
While I am headquartered in Denver, I'm fortunate enough to take my show on the road and to get to know clients globally. Because of this, I have made networking a primary goal in my business marketing efforts, which I hope is evident with all the information here on this lens.
Learn more about No. 2 Pen by visiting the lens I made special just for it. You can also learn more about my travels by reading my Playas del Coco, Costa Rica lens and my Panama Red Devil Buses lens. I hope you enjoy!
by SaraMu
SaraMu
I plan to attend weekly networking events to promote my business, No. 2 Pen. This lens chronicles those events and shares any tips and ideas I pick up... more »
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