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.
competition: the opposite of cooperation. It
arises whenever at least two parties strive for a goal which cannot be
shared or which is desired individually but not in sharing and
cooperation.
Having started #100BusinessGirls in 2011, I sometimes question if it's still necessary. When our meetups first started it was new and exciting. There were only a few groups like ours and we were niche. Well now that niche is no more. And while that's a great thing, it can be daunting if you're someone that has a competitive mindset. It's natural. It's one of the main things that you're taught in Marketing and Business 101. But is having a competitive spirit really healthy?
Competition can be empowering, it can keep your ideas fresh and business interesting. It keeps you sharp, determined, maybe even driven. You can learn from where your competition has failed. Most of all, when others enter your market or niche, it provides validity to the problem you want to solve.
1. Competition can be empowering, it can keep your ideas fresh and business interesting.
2. Competition keeps you sharp, determined and driven.
3. You can learn from where your competition has failed.
4. When others enter the market, it provides validity to the problem you want to solve.
5. Your ego is your biggest competitor. It will keep you from accomplishing your goals and keep you in a state of comfort. Comfort is your default setting that you need to break out of and continuously add things to make you grow stronger. You must master the ability to quiet your ego. So for every negative thought, combat it with two positive thoughts. With practice this will become a habit.
6. In our daily interactions with social media, we can get bombarded by individuals sharing their pictures and good news. Don’t look at individuals as your competition. Don’t believe the hype of the pictures being painted for likes. This will create the spirit of envy because maybe your life doesn’t look like their pictures, and neither does theirs. There are social media strategies and systems that are put into place to earn followers and likes strictly for the purpose of building social media clout. What you want is longevity. Longevity will sustain your business past the latest social media trends.
7. Hating your “competition” only has a negative impact on your well-being. Your goal should always be to focus on the people you serve (audience, customers) because those are the people who believe in what you have to offer.
8. Operate from a perspective of ‘Plenty’. There is enough to go around for everyone.
9. Instead of seeing "competitors" see them as potential partners and allies. No one will understand your journey more than someone taking a journey similar to yours.
10. When you’re brainstorming new ideas, stay off social media. Social media cleanses can be a great way to set new goals and execute those ideas. They can vary from 24 hours to how ever much time you need.
Ask yourself these questions:
Having started #100BusinessGirls in 2011, I sometimes question if it's still necessary. When our meetups first started it was new and exciting. There were only a few groups like ours and we were niche. Well now that niche is no more. And while that's a great thing, it can be daunting if you're someone that has a competitive mindset. It's natural. It's one of the main things that you're taught in Marketing and Business 101. But is having a competitive spirit really healthy?
Competition can be empowering, it can keep your ideas fresh and business interesting. It keeps you sharp, determined, maybe even driven. You can learn from where your competition has failed. Most of all, when others enter your market or niche, it provides validity to the problem you want to solve.
The Benefits + Dangers of Competition
2. Competition keeps you sharp, determined and driven.
3. You can learn from where your competition has failed.
4. When others enter the market, it provides validity to the problem you want to solve.
Focus on Your Own Race
5. Your ego is your biggest competitor. It will keep you from accomplishing your goals and keep you in a state of comfort. Comfort is your default setting that you need to break out of and continuously add things to make you grow stronger. You must master the ability to quiet your ego. So for every negative thought, combat it with two positive thoughts. With practice this will become a habit.
6. In our daily interactions with social media, we can get bombarded by individuals sharing their pictures and good news. Don’t look at individuals as your competition. Don’t believe the hype of the pictures being painted for likes. This will create the spirit of envy because maybe your life doesn’t look like their pictures, and neither does theirs. There are social media strategies and systems that are put into place to earn followers and likes strictly for the purpose of building social media clout. What you want is longevity. Longevity will sustain your business past the latest social media trends.
7. Hating your “competition” only has a negative impact on your well-being. Your goal should always be to focus on the people you serve (audience, customers) because those are the people who believe in what you have to offer.
8. Operate from a perspective of ‘Plenty’. There is enough to go around for everyone.
9. Instead of seeing "competitors" see them as potential partners and allies. No one will understand your journey more than someone taking a journey similar to yours.
10. When you’re brainstorming new ideas, stay off social media. Social media cleanses can be a great way to set new goals and execute those ideas. They can vary from 24 hours to how ever much time you need.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you think competition is healthy in business?
- Have you ever doubted yourself based on what others were able to accomplish?
- What are some ways having competition has helped you succeed? Or has it ever?
Written by: Jamillah Y. Johnson
jamillah@100businessgirls.com
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