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| In this Picture: Nzinga Basir, Jamillah Johnson, Denisha Choice, Tamika Rose, and Brandon Slaughter |
This past Sunday, October 2, we hosted our Let's Do Brunch! NYC meetup at Clyde Frazier's Wine + Dine (485 10th Ave). Our Business Girl Topic of the Day was "The Rules for Life + Business" and our special guest was Brandon Slaughter, who spoke about his The Rules 4 Life project. The Rules 4 Life is part social game, part collaborative scrapbook that allows you to write down thoughts on various topics. The book can also be passed around to others so they can include their take on life.
Here are the topic questions that were discussed for you to think about:
What are some golden rules you live by?
What rules have you learned during your entrepreneurial and/or professional journey?
What do you wish you could tell your younger self about life?
Learn more about The Rules 4 Life or The Rules for Marriage
Nzinga Basir ~ Blue Mystique Fashion
Tamika Rose ~ Girls in Ballet School - The Bodysuit Specialist
Denisha Choice ~ Black Diamond Getaways
Do you feel like you're not getting anything out of your networking efforts? Do you attend events and leave without meeting anyone you would want to keep in contact with? Have you completely given up even attending networking events?
Well this is for you. I know you're sick and tired. I've been there and this is how I got out of my rut.
One major thing I did was create my own networking group that catered to my needs and the needs of so many other women. But if you're not up for going that route, I know it can be a lot to take on, here are some keys to getting out of that "I don't like networking" rut.
1. Attend Events That Speak to You
Sometimes you just have to trust your gut and not bother attending every single event that doesn't fit in to what you want to accomplish. Find a meetup group and be active. Groups cannot survive without your support.
2. Arrive Early
Arriving early to an event gives you the opportunity to possibly meet the host and see who's who coming into the event. You can get a jumpstart on your conversations and connections.
3. Bring Business Cards
But talk to people first before giving them out. Make sure there is a connection before just giving them out.
4. Initiate Conversation
If you're someone that hates small talk, one great lead in question after introducing "How did you hear about the event?" that always leads into more conversation. Don't open with "Hi I'm Michelle, what do you?" Being nice helps. Ask "How are you?" Don't be afraid of feeling awkward, everybody feels awkward. It's okay to feel uncomfortable.
5. Follow Up
If you ask someone for their email address, be sure to follow up. And if someone sends you an email be kind and respond. Following up doesn't have to consist of a lunch or coffee invite. If you have a question you want to ask, save time and ask it in your email.
6. Lower Your Expectations
Every event you attend is a new experience. Some will be unorganized and some will exceed your expectations. Be open to the possibilities.
7. Invest When Necessary
Some events are worth the financial investment of who will be in the room. You have a higher chance of meeting people like you who are willing to invest in themselves.
8. Travel
Get out of your hometown and attend events in other cities. This can be a nice refresh if you find yourself attending events and running to the same people.
Well this is for you. I know you're sick and tired. I've been there and this is how I got out of my rut.
One major thing I did was create my own networking group that catered to my needs and the needs of so many other women. But if you're not up for going that route, I know it can be a lot to take on, here are some keys to getting out of that "I don't like networking" rut.
1. Attend Events That Speak to You
Sometimes you just have to trust your gut and not bother attending every single event that doesn't fit in to what you want to accomplish. Find a meetup group and be active. Groups cannot survive without your support.
2. Arrive Early
Arriving early to an event gives you the opportunity to possibly meet the host and see who's who coming into the event. You can get a jumpstart on your conversations and connections.
3. Bring Business Cards
But talk to people first before giving them out. Make sure there is a connection before just giving them out.
4. Initiate Conversation
If you're someone that hates small talk, one great lead in question after introducing "How did you hear about the event?" that always leads into more conversation. Don't open with "Hi I'm Michelle, what do you?" Being nice helps. Ask "How are you?" Don't be afraid of feeling awkward, everybody feels awkward. It's okay to feel uncomfortable.
5. Follow Up
If you ask someone for their email address, be sure to follow up. And if someone sends you an email be kind and respond. Following up doesn't have to consist of a lunch or coffee invite. If you have a question you want to ask, save time and ask it in your email.
6. Lower Your Expectations
Every event you attend is a new experience. Some will be unorganized and some will exceed your expectations. Be open to the possibilities.
7. Invest When Necessary
Some events are worth the financial investment of who will be in the room. You have a higher chance of meeting people like you who are willing to invest in themselves.
8. Travel
Get out of your hometown and attend events in other cities. This can be a nice refresh if you find yourself attending events and running to the same people.
Jamillah Y. Johnson
jamillah@100businessgirls.com
jamillah@100businessgirls.com
For more great tips get your copy of 70 Tips for Women in Business (Click Here)!
RSVP
Update: Due to scheduling, our Philadelphia meetup has been cancelled. Please be on the look out for a new date or join us in NYC, thanks!
If you're someone frustrated with type of connections you have or lack, are tired of attending lame networking events, or just want to connect with like-minded individuals, then starting a networking group could be right for you.
Are you organized? Enjoy meeting new people? Open-minded to trying new things? These are just some of the qualities that you should possess when taking on this task. Maybe you want to collaborate with friends or colleagues.
Everyone needs help building their network. We switch careers or jobs, start businesses and really don't have the connections that a traditional work environment provides. So starting a networking group not only helps you but serves the greater good.
1. Start with a small free event, by small I mean no more than 8 people. You want to get in the swing of learning who people are and engaging in conversation.
2. Have a discussion topic that pertains to something current in your industry or business, an issue or news topic that will allow for people to engage.
3. If you have an area of expertise, offer a discussion based around that or give tips for people to acquire new skills.
4. Choose a location that will allow for conversation without disruption (such as loud music, foot traffic, etc.).
5. If you host at a restaurant, choose affordable options with entrees under $24. (This will be different if you select to offer a prix fixed menu, have a caterer, etc.)
6. Promote on social media, email your LinkedIn contacts in your area, and utilize sites such as Eventbrite. (Eventbrite is just a suggestion, if you don't want to utilize direct email. If you host future events you will be able to reach your past attendees more easily.)
7. Give a thank you gift or parting favor. It adds a special touch to your event.
These are just a few quick tips, if you have any questions don't hesitate to connect with me at jamillah@100businessgirls.com.
Are you organized? Enjoy meeting new people? Open-minded to trying new things? These are just some of the qualities that you should possess when taking on this task. Maybe you want to collaborate with friends or colleagues.
Everyone needs help building their network. We switch careers or jobs, start businesses and really don't have the connections that a traditional work environment provides. So starting a networking group not only helps you but serves the greater good.
1. Start with a small free event, by small I mean no more than 8 people. You want to get in the swing of learning who people are and engaging in conversation.
2. Have a discussion topic that pertains to something current in your industry or business, an issue or news topic that will allow for people to engage.
3. If you have an area of expertise, offer a discussion based around that or give tips for people to acquire new skills.
4. Choose a location that will allow for conversation without disruption (such as loud music, foot traffic, etc.).
5. If you host at a restaurant, choose affordable options with entrees under $24. (This will be different if you select to offer a prix fixed menu, have a caterer, etc.)
6. Promote on social media, email your LinkedIn contacts in your area, and utilize sites such as Eventbrite. (Eventbrite is just a suggestion, if you don't want to utilize direct email. If you host future events you will be able to reach your past attendees more easily.)
7. Give a thank you gift or parting favor. It adds a special touch to your event.
These are just a few quick tips, if you have any questions don't hesitate to connect with me at jamillah@100businessgirls.com.
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