Where am I?

Am I in the right place?

Networking sparks joy when you are in the right place at the right time.

But it all starts with being in the right place.

If you are not in the right place, you will never be there at the right time.

But what is the right place?

It’s a place where you can have a conversation that can change your trajectory. Your business. And even your life!

This means it could be anywhere in the physical or virtual world. Anywhere!

But not every place is the right place for you.

And there isn’t just one right place for you.

You need to identify the best right places for you to have conversations that matter.

I believe there are 12 steps you can use to always be in the right place.

Let’s start →

1.?Define Your Networking Goals:

You must know why you are networking. Are you looking for potential clients, collaborators, mentors, or just industry insights? Your goal/s will guide your choice of networking platforms and events.

2.?Understand Your Target Audience:

Who do you want to network with? Identify your target audience and understand where they are most active. Consider demographics, industries, and professional backgrounds. This will help you tailor your networking efforts to places where your ideal connections are likely to be.

3.?Choose Virtual Platforms:

Utilize online platforms that align with your goals. My favourite is LinkedIn because it is professional and transparent (and not full of selfies!). But you may need two or three to properly cover your targets. The community must be active, engaged and relevant to your industry or interests.

4.?Explore Industry-Specific Events:

Put yourself out there and attend virtual or physical events that cater to your industry. Conferences, trade shows, and webinars provide opportunities to connect with professionals who share common interests and goals. And the more these people see you, the more they will want to hear from you.

5.?Local and Global Networking:

Balance local and global networking based on your business needs. Local events can foster connections within your community, while global networking can provide a broader perspective and access to a diverse range of opportunities. There are no country boundaries on LinkedIn, so reach out to anyone who may fit your target audience.

6.?Evaluate Professional Organizations:

Join industry-specific associations and organizations. These sub-groups often host events and offer platforms for networking with professionals who are committed to their field. This is where your networking success can accelerate as there is a higher concentration of your target audience.

7.?Consider Networking Events:

Attend networking events, whether virtual or physical, hosted by industry leaders, professional associations, or networking groups. These events provide a focused environment for making meaningful connections and in person events give you the best chance of making real connections.

8.?Utilize Alumni and Business Networks:

Leverage your alma mater's alumni network and other business networks. These networks often provide a foundation of shared experiences and can be valuable for both personal and professional connections. Not sure where to start? Reach out to old connections and ask them where they connect best.

9.?Evaluate Online Communities:

Participate in online communities related to your industry or interests. This could include forums, social media groups, or niche communities where professionals gather to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities. The more you contribute the more your visibility will increase, so don’t be shy.

10. Be Open to Serendipity:

Like the movie, but for business. Sometimes only after meeting someone and having a conversation do you realise you were at the right place, at the right time. Don't limit yourself to traditional networking avenues. Serendipitous connections can happen in unexpected places. If your ears and hands are open, you might just walk into a magical movie scene of connection.

11.?Consistent Engagement:

I can’t stress this enough. Consistency is the golden ticket to networking success. Engage regularly in your chosen networking spaces. Show up to events. Be visible, be useful and keep giving. Building relationships takes time, and maybe the 3rd time you talk to someone the magic will happen!

12.?Evaluate and Adjust:

Continuously assess the effectiveness of your networking efforts. If certain platforms or events are not yielding the desired results, be willing to adjust your strategy. Communicate with the groups and ask questions to keep your sails pointing in the right direction. Networking is dynamic, so stay flexible.

Final Thought:

“The long way is the short-cut. Keep moving.” Someone Smart

Coming up…

Next week I’m at the SAICA Finance Leaders conference from 21-22 Nov.

More info > financeleaders.saicaevents.co.za/

You can book me to talk at your year end / start strategic session: