Hey. I get it.
Standing around making small talk with strangers is no fun. In fact, it can be a lot of pressure on you as a business owner and a professional. That talk about the weather can eventually bring you business or make someone question working with you. That’s a lot to think about.
If you hate networking and wish you could avoid it altogether, I’m asking you to give it another chance. You can be wildly successful.
I promise you.
Seriously.
A lot of people look at me and assume I’m a natural networker. Surprise! I’m not. It’s taken me years to get to where I am and this is how I have succeeded in networking and getting to know people better for the benefit of my business.
5 Easy Networking Tips for People Who Hate to Network
Find Common Ground
One thing I do a lot with ThinkQuik is volunteer in the community. I love this area. It’s my chosen home. I love the combo of sun, sand, and surf. Because of that, I’m often out in the community promoting it.
Is there something you feel passionate about?
Volunteering on a project you feel passionately about is a good way to give back, feel good, and meet people. Networking with others on a volunteer project provides you with common ground and doesn’t feel as forced as talking about the weather. You can dive right in using the link you share and build a deeper relationship from there.
Go on a Story-Finding Mission
Everyone has a story and something interesting about them. Yes, even the most boring person has some element of their lives or knowledge base that will strike you as intriguing. I promise.
Sometimes you have to dig for it.
Don’t think about your next networking luncheon as a boring, forced hour out of your life. Instead, pretend you’re a human-interest journalist and you’re trying to uncover that interesting tidbit from someone’s life. When you show an interest in them by asking questions, it will deepen the relationship more quickly.
Become a Mentor
If you want to become a better networker, try practicing on a smaller scale like one-on-one as a mentor (or mentee). Developing this type of strong professional relationship in a small duo will help increase your networking confidence on a larger scale.
Check with your local chamber to see if they have a mentorship program. Your industry association may also be able to pair you up.
Join a Business Incubator
Again, like the volunteer opportunity, networking with a common cause can help give you something meaningful to talk about. Entrepreneurs can benefit from being around one another but so often they’re growing their businesses on their own.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
If you join a business incubator or co-working space, you’ll find others who share your interest in your fledgling businesses. You can bond over mutual struggles and share solutions. Networking in these types of spots feels as easy as getting to know co-workers.
Reiterate to Yourself the Benefits and Goals
If you’re a “why” person you’re probably asking all the time about reasons for actions. Networking is no different. Why should you network? Not because people tell you to or Napoleon Hill says it’s the right thing for business.
You should be clear on why you want to. What are your reasons and benefits? List them before going out that evening. They could be:
- more or better-suited clients
- to get your name out in the community
- to find partners such as vendors or investors
- to build your brand among a particular type of professional or demographic
Giving yourself a reason to network and an immediate in to help yourself get past trivial discussions will help deepen your networking meetings and assist others in getting to know, like, and trust you.
What are your favorite places to network? Share them here.
You know what else helps in networking and making a name for yourself? Business cards and swag, of course. Contact ThinkQuik today to see how we can help you stand out to the people you’re meeting at your networking functions.
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