Networking In Action (You're Too Broke To Not Be Visible)
Now that you’ve prepared yourself by building a strong online presence and ensuring you have something to offer, it’s time to get out there and network. But how do you make sure every interaction counts? In this second part of our networking series, I’ll walk you through some practical strategies to network effectively.
Networking doesn’t only happen at networking events.
Let’s debunk a common myth—networking doesn’t just happen at networking events. It happens everywhere. Whether you’re at a conference, a concert, or even a birthday party, there’s always an opportunity to connect with people. This mindset shift changed the game for me.
Once I realized that every social gathering is a networking opportunity, I stopped stressing about attending formal networking events and started seeing value in every interaction. I never leave the house without my business cards, because you never know who you’ll meet. Whether you’re at the mall or the grocery store, stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.
Develop your elevator pitch.
An elevator pitch can sound daunting, but it’s simply about being confident in who you are and what you do. When you introduce yourself, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for. Whether it’s potential funders, partners, or clients, having your goals in mind will guide your conversation.
Here’s a tip: Start with a concise introduction about yourself, your business, or your organization. Then ask the other person about themselves. Listen carefully for connections between what they do and what you’re looking for. You don’t have to dive into a hard ask during the first conversation—it’s about planting the seed and building a relationship.
Find a networking buddy.
Networking can feel intimidating, especially if you’re doing it alone. One of the best decisions I made was finding a networking buddy. Going to events with a partner takes the pressure off and makes it easier to approach groups of people. You can even tag team conversations—introducing each other to people you meet, or splitting up to cover more ground.
Having a buddy makes networking feel more approachable and less overwhelming. So if you’re just starting out or feel uneasy about networking solo, find someone who’s also looking to build connections, and tackle the scene together.
Follow up and stay connected.
Networking doesn’t end when the event does. One of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of networking is following up. After you’ve made a connection, send a quick follow-up message on LinkedIn or via email. Reiterate how great it was to meet them and express interest in staying connected.
But don’t stop there! Keep in touch over time by engaging with their content on social media, sending them relevant articles, or even checking in periodically. Networking is a long game—it’s about nurturing relationships over time, not expecting immediate returns.
Setting Goals
Networking is most effective when done with clear and intentional goals in mind. Rather than diving in aimlessly, take some time to set manageable objectives that align with your capacity and priorities. Here are two simple yet impactful types of goals to consider:
1. Connection Goals
New Connections: Decide on a realistic number of new people you’d like to connect with each month. Personally, I think 1 new connection a month is a sustainable and achievable goal—quality over quantity is key.
Strengthening Existing Connections: Set a goal for reconnecting with or further developing your relationships with old connections. For example, one meaningful follow-up or touchpoint per quarter works perfectly.
When it comes to connection goals, it’s not about how many people you can add to your contact list but how well you nurture those relationships. After all, what’s the point of connecting with dozens of people if you can’t do the basics of following up and building genuine rapport?
2. Opportunity Goals
Engagement Opportunities: Set a goal to participate in a specific number of networking opportunities each month. Whether it’s attending an event, joining a webinar, or even scheduling a virtual coffee chat, one opportunity a month can be both effective and manageable.
These goals help you stay consistent and intentional without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, networking is a long game, and small, steady efforts can lead to significant results over time.
If you’re looking for a way to put these strategies into action, join me on March 7 in Calgary for NotJustYou’s networking event & stem cell drive, Cellular! It’s the perfect space to connect with like-minded professionals while making a real impact. Tickets are available here: https://lu.ma/cellularyyc
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