HOW TO NETWORK

Networking is a brilliant way to connect, and when you create lasting connections and friendships, the possibilities are endless.

Whether you're just starting out in your career or business, or you're a seasoned pro, networking is an essential skill to learn and finesse.

As an introvert, I've always struggled with networking, but there are ways to make it easier.

WHY YOU NEED TO NETWORK IN YOUR BUSINESS

I’m a great believer in building an ONLINE business, but I’m a firm believer in networking.

I had a thriving business long before I had a thriving online business.

If your business isn’t getting the level of bookings you would like, then try something new for 2018… try networking.

Networking is an amazing opportunity to network and create relationships.

I recently attended an event we all swapped business cards and introduced ourselves…

And then we had to each stand up, and talk about who we are, and what we do.

Around the table were magnificent women who had created successful 6-figure businesses and yet when it came to public speaking they just shrivelled.

They mumbled and muttered into their orange juice, and I think I could hear about 5 voices out of the 20 women present.

WHY NETWORKING SCARES ME SILLY, BUT I KNOW I "HAVE" TO DO IT!

When I stood up, I took a deep breath and introduced myself, and I talked about myself and what I did.

I did it. I didn’t enjoy it, but I had prepared, and knew what I wanted to say. I had my elevator pitch ready.

And from the event, I ended up coming away with a load of business cards and plenty of potential hot leads.

PREPARATION IS KEY

It starts at home…

Work out what you’re going to wear. Have a favourite networking outfit that you know you feel comfortable and confident in, and look good.

Wear shoes that enable you to stand for 3 hours and still look polished and your best.

Prepare a few networking “small talk” topics that you can talk about in your industry – what’s happening in the market, or things that enable you to easily connect and talk to other people in an informative and fun way.

Make sure you have some business cards printed.

Practice your “elevator pitch” which is two sentences to talk about you, and what you do. Make it easily understandable and interesting – “I help people buy their dream homes and deal with all the legal processes so they don’t have to” is so much more interesting than “I’m a conveyancing solicitor.”

Click to practice your elevator pitch in my Facebook Group, the Online Entrepreneur Collective.

On your way to the event, listen to music, and release your stress levels by dancing (even if it’s in the car or on the tube). Listening to music is proven to reduce the stress hormone cortisol.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT! 

People make judgements about people in the first 30 seconds of meeting, so I want that first 30 seconds to be KNOCK OUT.

I’m a great believer in making sure that your body language is reflective of YOUR BEST SELF.

What do I mean by that? Click here to get the full post, but remember that first impressions count.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

When you arrive, go to the loo, and make yourself as big as possible. Stretch out and tell yourself mentally, and physiologically that you can do this.

When you greet people, SMILE, make EYE CONTACT and tell them your name.

Remember that 93 % of body language is non-verbal so people are “reading” you through first impressions. 

Try to have fun and enjoy yourself.

As an introvert, I find networking intimidating, and usually feel sick on my way to the event. But when I’m there, I go for it.

Remember that everyone else also feels intimidated, so you are not alone – they are just too busy trying to pretend that they’re not intimidated too.

Perception is not reality, so the impression that you give off is not how you feel.

YOU’VE DONE IT!

Well done you! After a few hours you can escape!

Try not to beat yourself up for what you said or didn’t say.

Be kind to yourself and remember that the more you connect, the more your business will grow. I have an online business, but about half of my business is actually from face to face connections – the more you put yourself out there, the more you will grow your business.