Sometimes I go brain dead when trying to figure out what to write about and share with you. Whenever this happens, I can always count on my Facebook friends to get me unstuck.
Scott Bradley suggested I write something about networking so here goes:
I've cut back considerably on the number of networking events I attend. Why? Because of the time and costs involved. I use the word cost instead of investment because there are instances when I've gone to things and have left feeling like I wasted my money. In picking and choosing where I go, these factors come into play:
1. THE EVENT BENEFITS A CAUSE
I make a donation in exchange for attending and that donation/registration fee or a portion of it becomes a charitable contribution. It's always fulfilling to give back and this allows me to kill a few birds with one stone.
2. TO DEEPEN RELATIONSHIPS
A presentation I attended in October was facilitated by a lady who happened to have been the room monitor at one of my speaking engagements this summer. After the conference was over, I sent an email thanking her for helping me out, but I didn't get a response. Since she'll be speaking, it gives me an opportunity to see her on stage, show my support, and find out if there's a possibility to broaden our relationship. At the conference she mentioned us collaborating; the talk I presented was Dollars and Sense: Maximizing the Outcome of Your Income and she happens to be a financial planner. The seminar is being sponsored by the local chapter of the regional conference I attended, so I get to see the chapter president again and strengthen that relationship as well. I want the organization to know I appreciate them choosing me as a speaker and would love the opportunity to speak to them again.
3. LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Sometimes learning trumps the relationship factor when I'm deciding where to go. I know once I'm there some kind of a connection is going to be made. However, "connections" has become a buzzword in both online and offline networking and while it's the first step in the process, it doesn't always mean a mutually beneficial business relationship will evolve.
I see so many people who are everywhere all of the time simply because that's what we're told to do - show up and be seen. But if you're just popping up all over the place and not helping anyone or offering any solutions, then what's the point? You have to do more than what I call, "The Business Card Shuffle". You can't glide into the venue, wait for the opportunity to deliver your pitch, and then cram your business card down someone's throat (I think some folks proudly refer to this as 'working the room').
There's always going to be something going on. Just as you would invest your money wisely, you should make those same decisions when investing your time into networking.
Photo credit: activebob
This post is so timely Donna! I just attended two networking events in the same day and got two very different experiences! One was paid, the other was free and the one I paid for was definitely worth the investment. The information was valuable, the attendees all had the same focus and everything was well organized. It's also interesting to see how different people "work the room". I'm thinking about starting a meet-up for small business owners and I want to make sure that it's well worth the (time)investment. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and commenting and happy to hear the post was timely. You made a valid point - each networking experience will be different. I've attended some free events that were just as good as some for fee gigs. It all depends on the organizers.
I have two successful Meetup groups and encourage you to go that route. The investment you make and resources you have access to is so worth it. Wishing you much success and let me know if I can be of any help!
First of all, I love the point about the relationship being mutually beneficial.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason that I haven't tapped into yet, it seems that my greatest strength can also be my greatest weakness.
Connecting with people comes naturally to me. However, as an aspiring entrepreneur who is struggling with clarity and confidence, the challenge for me is to know what I bring to the table to benefit the other person in the "connection"/relationship.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. As a stay home dad as well, getting to events is a whole different topic.
I am going to look into creating a "Meet-Up" here in Las Vegas for business minded stay home dads... as soon as I gain a bit more clarity and confidence.
Eric,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the feedback and more importantly, your transparency. It takes confidence to own up to your struggles and challenges, but I'm a firm believer that acknowlegdement is the first step in overcoming them. If you allow yourself to be who you genuinely are and listen to and be totally present with the other person, you'll be just fine. When you do those two things alone, you'll find out what the other person needs and then be able to become a resource for that person.
If you can't find a group that meets your needs, start your own! Do a bit of research and set a deadline for getting your Meetup up and running. But do me a favor and don't name it something like "Dadpreneurs". Be original and creative.
Ah, Donna. What a perfect topic! I just left a Chamber of Commerce Mixer the other night, feeling the same dissatisfaction I normally do. Still trying to figure out where the disconnect is. I also find like you that usually when I pay for an event, even a small amount, I come away with so much more. More can be in terms of knowledge, connections or the satisfaction of supporting something with a larger goal. I really like you criteria ans I intend on using it as more and more offers to Network come my way.
ReplyDeleteSharon,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy mixers. Simply because people are more relaxed and laid back. I'll be checking out my local chamber in the next few months and I'll let you know how it goes.
Ah, Donna. What a perfect topic! I just left a Chamber of Commerce Mixer the other night, feeling the same dissatisfaction I normally do. Still trying to figure out where the disconnect is. I also find like you that usually when I pay for an event, even a small amount, I come away with so much more. More can be in terms of knowledge, connections or the satisfaction of supporting something with a larger goal. I really like you criteria ans I intend on using it as more and more offers to Network come my way.
ReplyDelete