How to be a Fearless Networker (While Staying At Home)

Being a fearless networker is one of the things I owe a lot of my success to, and it’s one of my evergreen pieces of advice I give hungry entrepreneurs who want to build a business. Being a fearless networker is a pretty simple equation, but it takes practice and loads of confidence.

Being a savvy networker has introduced me to a lot of my mentors and greatest connections – which has in turn helped me build a successful business. In life and in business, it’s all about relationships.

When you are at an event, I’m always making sure to introduce myself to the right people at the right time. I make sure they know my name and that I get their contact information (and vice versa). Then down the line I cultivate that relationship by finding ways to stay in touch or reasons to follow up. These are three easy steps to remember when you are in-person.

Since the shift to stay-at-home culture happened, I know a lot of you might be feeling that building new relationships with brands and people in the industry has become more of a challenge. But just because it has become challenging doesn’t mean it can’t be done. My advice to you: Start developing relationships now. 

What does that look like while staying at home?

Start by listing out the brands you want to work with and identifying key players at those companies like C-suites, creative directors, heads of influencer marketing, etc. (LinkedIn is a great resource to find people and their job titles). Then introduce yourself via email. Give them some background information about what you do and who you are, maybe send them your media kit if you have one, but also be sure to display your knowledge about the company. 

Usually when I’m at an event and I know a brand representative or CEO is going to be there, I’ll do my research on them to see if I can find some common ground or an interesting fact that can be used as a conversation starter. The same method can be used in an email. Ask questions about the brand, show whoever you are emailing that you are knowledgable of their product and mission. Brands will be more inclined to respond to someone who did their homework than a vague, generalized email that could have been sent to any company. 

Since networking events have had to go digital for the last couple of months, try finding virtual events in your industry to attend. Put yourself out there! I know it’s intimidating, but just like any other skill you want to perfect, you’ll need to practice. The more you put yourself out there in your industry, the more people will begin to recognize you. 

Finally, take this opportunity to re-connect with your pre-existing connections. In our busy world, it’s hard to carve out time to pick up the phone (not text or email) and have a meaningful conversation. Now that a lot of people have more time on their hands and are staying home – pick up the phone and call someone! Having a conversation is kind of like the millennial’s way of handwriting a thank-you note – it’s a gesture not so often used anymore, but it means a whole lot to the recipient.

Want to practice being a fearless networker? Here’s my challenge to you this week while we are all still staying at home:

1. Make a list of 10 different brands or companies you want to work with, find the key players at the companies and choose two to reach out to each day this week.
2. Find 2 virtual networking events to attend this week.
3. Make a list of 5 existing relationships. Pick up the phone and re-connect with one of them each day.