Wondering if networking is right for you?

You’ve probably heard the horror stories from friends and business besties about having to stand up in a room full of people, all eyes on you and then having to reel off this well rehearsed 60 second pitch. The pressure, the intensity, what if you say the wrong thing? What if you run out of time? What if you don’t know what to say? What if you croke it?!

Yes this type of networking does exist and it can be a great form of networking for certain people and types of business, but it isn’t for everyone and that’s okay. Networking isn’t a one size fits all, it’s about finding the right fit for you. How do you do that I hear you ask? Well here are some things to consider;

Consider this;

• What do you want to get from networking?

Is it to gain new clients? Is it to make new connections? Is it to socialise with other people in business? Maybe to raise awareness of your business and brand? Perhaps it’s to share events you may have coming up? Or to have a sounding board of people to bounce ideas off? Maybe it’s to build new relationships and friendships with people in a similar boat to you. Really think about what it is  you want from the networking as they will help you find the right fit for you.

• Do you want a membership?

Some networking groups will let you try out their networking, like a taster try before you buy and allow you to attend one or two meetings before committing to membership. Others are a pay as you go scenario. So you need to consider if you want and can commit to the membership to get the most out of your investment, or whether a PAYG group is more suitable.

• What type of businesses do you want to network with>

Are you wanting to network with people who could be your potential customers, people you could collaborate with, or businesses who would be good for referrals and open you up to their network.

• What is your vibe?

You want to be comfortable networking, so you can show up unapologetically and impactfully, so being comfortable in your surroundings is important. Don’t book yourself on to a formal lunch meeting in a 5* hotel if you aren’t comfortable in those surroundings. These days there is something for everyone, you have the morning formal affairs, casual coffee shop vibes, walking networking, evening drinks, conversations over lunch, breakfast networking, even crafting and networking, there really is something for everyone, so choose one you are comfortable with.

• Mixed or same gender?

This can be a little controversial for some, but there are networking groups avaialble to everyone and there are ones that are gender specific (normal female orientated). For me, I like both forms of networking and I feel there is a real value in all female networking, which is why my networking group Blossoming Connections is all female. The conversations you have when it is just women often go deeper, are off topic from a business perspective and allow you to create a more meaningful connection with someone than you would if it was more of an open setting.

My experience

When I first started networking a decade ago I was terrified, really scared. I wasn’t a confident public speaker, I was shy and introvert (still am but I’ve learnt I’m an extroverted introvert and how to make that work for me), I didn’t have business cards, I certainly didn’t have the confidence to show up as my unapologetic and fabulous self. However the more I’ve networked, the more people I meet, the confident I have become in doing it and I now love networking. I have found the secret sauce that works for me and I’m going to share it with you;

• I show up unapologetically me, so that means wearing clothes that I feel confident in whether that’s sequins, light up trainers, or jeans and t-shirt, what you see is what you get.
• I have the most fabulous business cards that I can’t wait to hand out as they really represent me and my brand.
• I don’t do early morning networking or evening networking because I don’t want to.
• I will happily walk up to a group of people chatting away and introduce myself.
• I don’t do pushy or hard sell, I have a conversation, make connections, find common interests and go from there.
• I don’t go with the mindset I’m here to find clients, I go with the mindset I want to enjoy myself, meet new people, make connections and share my skills with people.
• I always follow up with people I’ve had great conversations with either via email or social media.
• I like to mix it up, I will attend casual coffee shop networking, ones over lunch, craft ones, walking ones, what ever I think I will enjoy.

My recommendations;

Hopefully this has given you a few things to consider about whether networking is right for you. What I will say is this, I believe networking is one of the best forms of marketing for SME (small & medium businesses) as people buy people and creating that connection and relationship face to face is hands down a great marketing tool. It should be part of a larger marketing strategy. You just need to see which ones are the best fit for you, and the best way to do that, is to give them a try. If you aren’t enjoying it, not vibing with the people you meet, or don’t feel comfortable, try a different one until you find the right fit.

Blossoming Connections

All of this is why I set up Blossoming Connections, which is networking for women who want real conversation, to make blossoming connections, in a safe, fun, empathetic and unapologetic environment. It’s in the most gorgeous coffee shop in Romsey, the breakfast is light and yummy and the environment is relaxed where you can have real conversations whether it’s business, whether personal, or if you want to bounce ideas off people, it’s the perfect setting.

I have been running events for over a decade and having small intimate meetings like this are just delicious. I don’t want to tie people into a membership, I don’t want to have formal everyone must sit and you only talk to the person next to you or opposite you, there is no forced 60 second pitches, there is no hour long boring training sessions, it’s about having real conversations and making blossoming connections and if that sounds like your vibe, you can book the next meeting here.