How to get the most out of networking (even if you’re shy!)
For many, networking feels smarmy, insincere and manipulative – regardless of which end of the conversation they are at. But, it doesn’t have to be like that. It can be really fun and fulfilling. And, the good news is, you probably already do it to some degree!
In my last blog post I discussed how important networking is for small business owners, but it’s not something that comes easily to most people.
If that’s you, that’s OK. Here are some tips to get you started.
Ease in gently
The easiest way to put yourself out there when starting to network is online with social media. From the safety of your own home, you can put yourself out there and connect with all sorts of fabulous people. And, if you decide you would like to take it to the next level, many online communities also have regular face-to-face meetups too.
Review your online presence
Before you start networking, make sure all your business profiles are professional, in-line with your brand and consistent. If anyone looks at them they should succinctly and effectively tell people what you can do for them.
While you’re doing this, take a minute to ensure your personal profiles aren’t going to show you up. Either delete anything that you wouldn’t want to be associated with your brand, or lock your privacy settings down tight.
Make use of what’s available
Many people don’t like the idea of reaching out to old school friends and acquaintances – and for good reason. From personal experience we know how awkward it is when someone gets in touch with an ulterior motive, and the fear of rejection can make this a particularly off-putting option from the other side of the relationship.
Importantly too, the connection you have with these people doesn’t necessarily make them the right people to network with.
Instead, make use of the groups and virtual-gatherings that are already going on. There are Facebook and LinkedIn groups for pretty much every interest and topic going now. Twitter hours covering a huge array of topics probably happening pretty much every hour of the day and night. Relaxed networking, speed networking, breakfast networking – and I could go on!
Follow the etiquette and rules
Each networking situation has their own expectations of how participants should behave. Make yourself aware of them before you wade in. Facebook groups often have them explicitly stated in their description or in a post at the top of their discussion, but in other situations you may have to hang back and watch for a while, or look at older posts, to figure out how things work.
Don’t let this put you off. Think of it like any other social situation - they all have rules, even if they aren’t written down. Most of them centre around the notion of being nice to each other, but some may be more specific. Facebook groups, for example, may have different topics for different days.
Add value
The purpose of networking is to make meaningful connections. Through this network of connections, you will receive recommendations, make sales and secure new clients. If your only input is to try and flog your products or services to the others, you’ll end up alienating them and people start to automatically scroll past your posts.
Offer (and ask for!) advice. Provide support. Congratulate other people on their successes. Be human!
Put your prejudices aside
Your preconceived ideas are the number one thing that is going to hold you back from getting the most out of networking. No one will judge you for not having a clue about accounting, or for not being able to figure out Instagram. They don’t all know more than you, or are better at running a business than you. And, they aren’t going to automatically not like you!
Everone is at a different point in their journey and has come from a different background. It’s this melting pot of knowledge and experience that makes networking such a valuable resource.
Be contactable
Once you’ve got these new connections and they’re recommending you to everyone they’ve met (fingers crossed!) you need to make sure they know how to get hold of you.
Carry business cards with you at all times, so you can hand them out when appropriate. As well as having your phone number, email and web address on there, use them to signpost people to your social media accounts.
And, make sure the contact details on all your profiles and on your website are up to date.
If you’re still not sure networking is for you, take a look at my last blog post about why it’s so important for freelancers and small business owners.