Networking Doesn’t Always Bring Work Right Now, But It Always Brings You These Benefits (So It’s Worth It)

Networking sounds scary, potentially embarrassing, and feels like, for some of us, a huge waste of time.

I thought the entire point of going to a networking event was to promote my work and get leads for my business when I first started going-- and this is most likely what you think. That is true, to an extent. I’ll tell you about all the ways, though, that making new connections and maintaining those came back as good karma in the future.

First things first: remember that everyone is there for the same reason, to grow their network, to take the pressure off. Sure, you may talk to someone and the conversation could end awkwardly after one or two sentences because you are in completely different industries and maybe don’t seem to have any shared foundation to conducive building an interesting conversation. But most of the time, I find that it’s easy to strike up conversation and at least exchange something that's mutually relatable,thayt turns into sharing what we're working on, or are interested in. The keyword is "interested in" here. You don’t have to immediately jump into work, saying that you’re searching for clients, or seeking a job right away. Even just starting with “Have you been to this event before?” or “Are you a regular?” helps break the ice.

To me, a successful event is when I make at least one relevant contact. But so you meet one or two people, what else do you get out of it?

?? Planting The Seed

Let’s say you’re a motion graphics designer (I saw someone doing that specifically pop up on my feed). When you go to a networking event and talk about what you do, you’re planting the seed of “Hey, I’m a Motion Graphics Designer”. That means that there will at least be one or two people that will remember you sharing that you do that specific role, and when they meet someone else who asks if they know of a Motion Graphics Designer, you'll be one of the first people they think of sharing.

I will most likely be top of mind if you go to the event. In general, you’re more likely to remember someone you have met in person because all the senses are involved in the memory. And if you had a fun conversation and hit it off, it's more likely they will refer you to someone asking them “Do you know a Motion Graphics Designer?” next time.

There have been many times where I have been told by a potential lead that they had heard that I do social media marketing from someone I met at a previous event that they also met. So word gets around! Even if it’s not to the first person you talk to— if they liked speaking with you and thought you had a useful or cool offer, they will talk about you to another person they meet. But first, you have to put your face out there with... you words.

?? Future Referral Mechanism*

There’s an asterisk here because this works best when you meet the same person at a networking event, let’s call them A, at least a second or a third time at another event. Again, if you come across as capable, knowledge, and there are good vibes— you will be referred in the future.

The caveat is that you have to go to the first event, and the chances you’ll meet some of the same people will be high in the second or third event. That’s a good position to be in, because you will come across as dedicated to growing your network and putting yourself out there.

When you meet the same person multiple times, it increases the likelihood they will share your name and what you do. There have been a few folks I’ve meet at networking events— no, not the same event— who have shared my name and I’ve ended up receiving discovery calls that way! It’s not practical to go to all the networking event, but I would aim for a few a month, 3-5, so that you also become part of and involved in the community. We all would prefer to help someone in our community ??

?? Business-Advancing Information

I’ll talk a little bit more about this, but going to in-person events gets you intel that you will only receive from going to an-person event. I was recently the recipient of a small business grant, that I heard about from multiple people in person and online. I wasn’t sure if I should apply, but there were multiple people who regularly attended the organization's events encouraging me to do it that I met at an event that I gave it a shot— and behold, I won one of the spots!

Yes, my work is primarily digital, but it’s interesting to think that for programs like the grant, you don’t just solely trust the information you see or hear online. It’s nice to verify it with people in real-life.

I can see for job-seekers that meeting people at networking events will reveal positions that may not obviously be posted online, or may be soon posted but not yet (and now you’re one of the first few to know). Keep your ears and mind open, because networking events are not only about getting clients, making sales, or getting referrals. There are possibilities and benefits for you and your business that you would not have known about, that are very local and relevant at the same time.

I think it’s important to take the next step to an in-person connection online. Follow up for coffee or even just a short, lower-effort virtual hang. Get to know each other even after the in-person meeting!

Happy Content Creating!

Leah

Hey, my name is Leah! I own and run Jar of Stars Creative, my social media marketing business. I've crafted this newsletter guide to equip:

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...to develop dazzling yet authentic digital content strategies to attain their business goals and beyond?

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??? Notion is my go-to planning and organizational tool for my life and social media. I create marketing strategies, organizing and thoroughly enjoying all the ways I can visually present the data I feed in. It doubles as a workspace where I can collaborate exclusively with clients.

?? My favorite all-around social media content scheduler is Loomly to customize posts per platform and ensure photo and video posts go out on time

?? Midjourney speeds up the time it takes for me to create visuals that get my ideas across

I use AI to help create the cover image but I write the entire article without the help of AI.