Let's Network!

Over the past couple of months, everything has changed: the way we plan our day, grocery shop, engage in physical fitness, interact with people, even how we work. Everything we considered “normal” changed overnight. Now we have a new norm, and the chances of us going back to “the old way” are very slim, at least in the next couple of months. 

That means we need to re-evaluate and adapt, considering what is important to us, what we need, the resources available, and how to create something that works for us. 

This is exactly what I did and why I am writing this article. 

If you are an entrepreneur like me, you are probably used to attending at least one networking event per week. You would maybe hear a speaker share about his or her experience, meet new people and reconnect with others, all while enjoying a glass or two of wine. Sound familiar?

We used to say it is too much, that we want a break, but now we are all missing these activities because they are:

1. Fun 
2. Social 
3. Help us understand who is who 
4. Allow us to attract new clients 
5. Enable us to reconnect with old clients and acquaintances

I prefer taking action when there is something I don’t like, and this situation is no exception. Here is what I am proposing: Let’s move the networking online!

You will probably say, that’s not very original, as many are doing it. And I would say yes, that is true, however, no one in my network is doing it, and not the method I want to propose. A lot of businesses are struggling right now, and in order to get new clients, they need to meet prospects and build relationships and trust. Those two components are the main goal of the online networking events I am proposing.   

 Phase 1: Introductions 

Networking events usually have a component where you introduce yourself. Actually this happens several times a night. That is very hard to replicate in an online setting, so I propose we do that prior to the “meeting” in writing. Guests can write a short intro of themselves in an article on his or her LinkedIn profile. The beauty of this is that now you have the chance to make your introduction as perfect as you want it. Even better, you might consider creating a short video introducing yourself and include it with the article or use it instead of the article. Please feel free to share a link to that article here, or just introduce yourself in the comments. I really want to learn more about you.

Phase 2: Let’s Meet! 

You might feel overwhelmed with online events: conferences, webinars on any imaginable topic, courses, so on and so forward. What I am proposing is an online event where we are just networking, meeting new potential business partners, clients, or just all-around interesting people. What I propose is that we just meet new people, without forgetting the business aspect, of course. 

The best part of the online networking will be that we can invite people from all over the world to join. The geographical location is no longer a roadblock. 

I am planning several online events:

•  Some hosted by SPINIdeas. I want to introduce the Spinners. More to come in the next couple of weeks.
• Some with AABC. I had a lovely chat with Dorien (our events chair) on how to move our events online. 
• Some through BASE Conference. Here we will also focus on content, as our purpose is to learn from each other.

If you are planning a networking event similar to what I am proposing, please let me know. I will share it with my network and hopefully be able to join, too. 

What do you say? Are you ready to join me?