Nearly 90 people attended our February Huddle at Bellamore in Greer. We assembled a fun group of experts for a fireside chat on how to do networking the right way.
Once the crowd agreed that networking is uncomfortable for nearly everyone -- including extroverts -- we decided to lean into the icky feelings and figure out how to make the most of the time we invest in making connections.
We didn't consult Gallup to achieve scientifically valid results, BUT there is no doubt about how this Huddle crowd felt about a networking mainstay: Business cards. Many of us are switching to digital options instead of printed cards, but nearly everyone in the audience said they still prefer physical cards. Some people file them in a specific way. Others write notes about the person, their business, or potential connections on the back of the cards they receive. One person said she may throw a business card in a drawer for a long time, but she knows it's there to spark her memory when she needs it.
Our next networking event is IGNITE Greer on February 21 from 8:30 to 9:30am. Join us upstairs at Cartwright Food Hall. We'll provide the coffee from Flying Fox. You share your ideas with our presenters!
In no particular order, here are some take-aways from the February Huddle on networking:
· Don’t let negative self-talk keep you from putting yourself out there.
· Get out of your comfort zone. That’s where growth happens.
· Accept that others are also uncomfortable and lean into that.
· Smile. Don’t underestimate the power of this simple expression.
· Introverts: Take a networking buddy.
· Introverts: Come armed with a list of conversation topics.
· Introverts: Ask organizers to share the format of the event so you’ll know what to expect.
· Seek out the “connectors” in the room. Build relationships with them.
· Reciprocate. Networking is a give and take.
· People do business with people they know/like/trust. Foster the relationship first.
· Know your target audience. Find out where they network and go there.
· Keep an open mind. Don’t prejudge who might or might not be a good connection.
· Be authentic.
· Don’t try to “sell” at a networking event.
· Be aware of your body language.
· Do what you say you’re going to do.
· When making a connection, check with both parties to make sure they actually want to be connected.
· Be mindful of the connections you make – build trust by making beneficial introductions.
· Follow your interests and passions and connect with people who enjoy the same things. Business connections will naturally follow those personal connections.