TOTW #11: HOW NETWORKING CAN CHANGE THE GAME
Do you sometimes step out of your confort zone to get in touch with someone you don’t know but admire or really want to meet?
2 weeks ago, I went to the DWP Congress, an event for professionals in the Wedding Industry. It was super interesting to analyze the concept of networking and to realize how building connections is primarily about the human element, even before the business aspect comes into play.
Networking can definitely change the game, there are several ways to contact or approach those you wish to meet.
Before taking any action, ask yourself the following two questions:
- Is this the right person for you? : The first and the most important thing is to make sure the person is a right fit for you, your values and your personality, and someone who will help elevate you. Someone on your same level or higher with more experience or more famous. Considering what you want for your brand in the future. If it is someone that is more of an amateur, you can see it as an investment if you think the person looks promising, someone that will do great things, you want to be a part of their network NOW because you know they will develop their business.
- Are you ready? : Make sure you are ready and up to the level when you meet this person, you don’t want to ruin your only chance. You have one chance to make your first impression. Find people who fit were you are now.
Once you are certain this is the right person, there are a few steps to follow:
First contact (making the first move): Be in touch in a certain way, even if its anonymously. For example, following them on Instagram, LinkedIn, etc, comment on their posts, like their posts. Being subtlety present.
Start a conversation: Starting a conversation can be made easier when you have something in common with the other person. For example, if you both share a love for dogs, it can serve as a great starting point for a casual conversation. Personally, I love dogs, so I find it easy to talk about dogs with others who have the same interest.
Spontaneously present yourself: Present yourself but do it in a way that doesn’t feel like you are just trying to sell something. Be different so that you stand out from all the other messages they might receive.
Get introduced by someone else: This is often considered the best way to meet new people and make connections. It can make a big difference when you have someone who can vouch for you. It is not always easy; you can try to identify someone you both know and have in common to facilitate the introduction.
Send a Gift: Send them a spontaneous gift on a special holiday or their birthday, without trying to sell anything. Most of the times, they are pleasantly surprised, and they contact you to thank you and to let you know they have checked your work and would like to have a call. This is amazing because the idea of taking the next step, is coming from them.
Be Transparent, Be Yourself: Don’t try to be someone else because you heard something worked for them. If it’s not your personality, it won’t work for you. Accept who you are, be yourself, this is the best way to be surrounded by people with the same mindset and values as yourself.
Putting the human connection first will often lead to discovering shared values, interests and mindsets, which can make working together more meaningful. Starting with building a personal connection before discussing business can reveal surprising things you have in common and make working together, more obvious and amazing.
Once all this is done, the secret, at least in my experience is to avoid being overly persistent or overwhelming. As I always say, “Your Dignity= Your Credibility”
In conclusion, go out of your comfort zone to meet new people, the more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel. Attend as many events as possible, you never know where the opportunity will present itself. Keep in mind, that sometimes you have to spend and to give, to win and to earn.
The concept of networking is to invest your time, your energy and sometimes your money, but you will definitely get something in return.
I love Networking because I love people, but I love people with the same values and mindset as me and I don’t waste my time trying to convince someone who doesn’t fit my business, personality and values.
I would love to hear your feedback on networking. What do you think about networking? Where, When and How do you typically engage in networking? Is it a significant part of your business, marketing and communication strategies?
Let me know. See you next week!,
Maddy
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