Penny Power Ponders: The Art of Networking – why it is such a critical business skill

It is hard for some of us to realise and allow for the fact that networking is a skill, the ROI is about knowing how to do it.

This week, I want to ponder this, show empathy and also consider how important it is to learn it. I come from a place of empathy as I had to learn.

I guess I am sharing my ‘expertise’ and this isn’t for glorification, it is to pass on wisdom to help anyone that is networking and either hating it, or not getting the results they seek.

Before I share my ponder, I do want to say, as I have said before, in my early days of networking I absolutely dreaded it, the places I went to in the early 2000’s did not match my values and my character, the concept of a 60 second elevator pitch and being in a room to ‘get business’ made me feel a deep sense of anxiety. It all changed when I realised that I enjoyed purely finding out the needs of others, and seeing who I could connect them with. I love people, I love conversations, and I knew that meeting other business people was critical, so I had to find my own path.?

Lets explore this now together.

Why do some find it so challenging, often appearing clumsy or overly transactional, when their true intention is to connect deeply and meaningfully? Could it be these reasons?

1. They are desperate for money, in scarcity, and can only think of their own needs- basic Maslow hierarchy positioning
2. They are scarce in time and don’t want to listen to other people and their business needs and challenges?
3. They are ‘networking in the wrong places, where the culture is ROI focused and therefore highly transactional
4. They are introverted, find it hard to ‘work a room’ and wish they were back online and away from the networking crowd and culture?
5. Maybe they don’t have the skills, no role models or mentors?

I have listed these as I know all these emotions and life experiences.

Business Networking is shifting- business is now personal- what a relief!

We can all do our focused lead generation work online, finding the formulas that are right for us and our business, networking is a very different part of business growth. We can now network for these reasons, in a gentle, personal, less hustling and enjoyable way.

1. Gain and give new ideas through conversations about what projects are important to one another to move forward
2. Learn things that keep us cutting edge
3. Make friends with people that speak their truth about their own journey and have empathy with you when life or business is tough
4. Have fun, launch and use it to raise our dopamine and oxytocin through smaller in-person intimate lunches.
5. Grow our drive and motivation and the ability to focus by sharing plans and having a sense of camaraderie and accountability
6. Networking can be more like being in a Mastermind Group

I guess, I am spelling out here that networking should be more like a feeling of belonging and community and finding a culture where those 6 reasons to network calm down the need for a transaction, and yet, increase the chance of one through that depth of unity created.

Thomas Power’s ORS (Open, Random, Supportive) mindset is crucial here

1. Advocating openness and achieving depth in connections, being Open
2. Embracing the unpredictable nature of conversations- accepting the Random
3. Focusing on mutual support over immediate gains. - being Supportive

Why do some leave BIP without an ROI, yet so many stay because they do

?Rebecca’s recent experience with our community, BIP100, highlights the transformative power of a well-nurtured network, this was a message we received last week that got me pondering.?

"I just had to let you know that I have had some very (positively) surreal, random conversations today. Some very life-changing opportunities have come my way and I’m a little taken aback by what's going on (in a good way). Each one of them has in some way come through you/BIP. I know you must think that BIP does good things, but I don’t think you understand the full extent of what BIP does for people, especially myself. What you have created here is something so truly special and important. I shall forever be grateful to you for having me."

She went on to state “what BIP has done for me is introduced me to people who have helped build my confidence. Helped me realise there are things I am probably quite good at. They are our cheerleaders”.

This week, let’s ponder on how we can all shift our networking approach to be more like Rebecca’s experience and wisdom.?

I cannot stress enough that the leadership and culture of any ‘network’ you join is the most critical decision you will make when networking. If it is not working, find a place that truly cares for you, where the leaders choose "community culture" over a ‘transactional one’.

Let’s commit to being the change we wish to see in our networks and embrace the long-term, deeply rewarding process of genuine connection.

Remember, we always welcome new guests to experience what a Business Is Personal Lunch is like, you can apply HERE to experience it, no obligation attached to being a guest of ours.

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