Showing up takes effort.
Jolly Nanda showing up at an event!

Showing up takes effort.

Networking has changed so much over the past five years thanks to the pandemic. But the best rule still holds up on and off the screen; SHOW UP.

Showing up means shifting from doing whatever happens to come your way for networking events, Linkedin emails and connection to having a strategy for when, why and how you are going to engage with people. So often these activies move lower down on your to do list. I encourage you to keep showing up and know why you are engaging with people.

Showing up takes many forms and you may have tendencies to hide behind the screen or not add an activity or an event to your schedule. I know I stop going to events when I feel stressed or overwhelmed with personal and professional activities. But my strategy of reaching out has a purpose and being a reliable and engaged person is important to keeping your personal brand solid and consistent. (Do you recall when I said don't leave your nametag unclaimed at events? You probably know someone who says they will show up and never does. That's a tough habit to build a reliable reputation.)

Here are three ways to show up and expand your relationships:

  1. Attend events and engage with more than the people you know. Be the person who makes connections and introduces other people to one another. My mom was an amazing host of parties and events. She knew how to politely introduce other people or say "You really need to meet Susan, she's new to town!" Circulate when you get to an event and your confidence and your capacity for connecting with others will continue to increase.
  2. Turn on your camera! Even if you have to then turn your camera off. So many events are online and if you always keep your camera off people don't get to see your facial expressions, your office or wherever you are calling in from. You may be in your casual clothes or at the grocery store, but if you give people a chance to see the real you they will want to engage more. I don't apologize for my appearance or my where-abouts but I will sometimes say "Oh, I'm extra sporty today and I wasn't able to make it to my office so I'm in my car." While you may think this is bad form/unprofessional, most people recognize that sometimes due to life circumstances you can't juggle all the roles and responsibilities. I know most people would rather see that I'm here and present than have a dark screen or my "glamour headshot."

  1. Invite another person to attend an event with you. Showing up all the time isn't easy to do. So if you invite another person to join you at an event, you will show up. And you will have someone to go through the experience with you. I still don't like eating meals alone or seeing a movie by myself and I suspect I'm not alone in that preference! So make yourself the captain of your outreach and go that event you've been curious about with another person. There are so many events to choose from and if you need ideas, read your local American City Business Journals or your in Minnesota, the local Twin Cities Business Magazine that lists events. Or check your Chamber of Commerce, BNI or Eventbrite . Be careful as if you do this before you have a strategy you might get worn out.

Showing up builds your networking and relationship building muscle. The reason why I show you Jolly Nanda, MBA is not only does she show up, but she now posts about her activities on Linkedin. This is how you become an ALLSTAR networker because you are engaged in a community that builds and supports other people as well as your goals.

Rock on,

Cathy Paper

Hire Cathy Paper, National Keynote Speaker, as a speaker ?on networking, team building and sales.

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See past media and articles at: https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/bio/26621/Cathy+Paper

https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/01/29/a-howto-guide-to-networking

For many years, my friend Stevie Ray and I, conducted workshops we called "The Networking Tango." I was marketing my consulting company at events and I realized how bad I was at it. I found myself glomming on to anyone I already knew, afraid to approach two people who were talking or, god forbid, break into the "prom circle," that group of 5-8 people in a big circle. Here are a couple things that might be helpful: pretend it's your event and you are the host. It will completely change your mindset. In every conversation, try to figure out how you can add value. Don't hand out your business card unless someone asks for it. If you've demonstrated you can add value, they will want your card. Finally, don't go to these events without a few goals and objectives. When I surveyed workshop attendees, I was amazed to discover that almost no one had a goal. "Talk to at least 3 hiring managers" if you're looking for a job. "Find at least two people who could benefit from my CRM software" if you are looking for prospects. "Help at least one person solve a big business challenge." Hope this is helpful.

Jolly Nanda, MBA

Founder/CEO Altheia Inc and VIKRITI Management Consulting, WBL Member, Board Member HIMSS MN Chapter

5 个月

Yes ? Cathy Paper, M.A. , especially if you are an introvert. You are always encouraging and providing tips to make these less stressful for people.

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