The secret to networking is that you need to focus on bringing value to others first.
Throughout my career, I’ve attended events without knowing a single person there and I’ve left with new relationships because I’m genuinely interested in and focused on creating them. Networking is as important as managing my team, building my business, and executing my mission of helping people communicate better.
As a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, mastering the art of networking is vital for building and growing your business. Relationships are what can take your business to the next level. Through networking, you can enhance your reputation by nurturing relationships with key industry players and potential clients. It also serves as an essential resource for talent acquisition, hiring, and recruiting, enabling you to connect with skilled professionals and expand your team with top-tier talent. By actively engaging in networking, you not only lay the groundwork for future opportunities but also have the potential to accelerate the growth of your business.
Networking: Be a Super Connector
Networking can bring tremendous value and deposits for future cooperation. The most important reason to attend an event is to create new relationships and reconnect with people you know. When you go to an event or dinner, embrace the mindset of being a value creator. Focus on making authentic connections by genuinely engaging with others and understanding their needs. You can bring value to your network by discovering what they need and value and finding ways to deliver it. Do you have someone in your network that you can connect them with? Can you make an introduction to someone else at the event and it would be a mutually beneficial connection for both parties? One of my biggest pieces of advice is to try to meet as many people as you can and introduce people to each other—be a super connector. Don’t think about what’s in it for you – genuinely aim to bring people together to create serendipity. You never know what might come from being a super connector.
Attend Industry Staples and New Events
Attending industry-relevant conferences or summits allows you to meet people with similar interests and provides opportunities to brainstorm and connect with them on a personal level. Afterall relationships grow over time – so you have to put in the reps and keep showing up. I also recommend attending events you wouldn’t normally consider attending to reach new audiences, gain new insights, and develop new relationships. If you keep going to the same party – you won’t grow your circles or network – force yourself to switch up industries. Speaking from experience, the relationships you build at other industry events are invaluable. You not only learn new things, but developing new relationships can open doors to new lines of business, mentorship, or partnerships. Another bonus tip: elevate your event networking by showcasing your expertise as a speaker instead of just an attendee. Once you attend an event and know how it works, find a way to bring value to the event and offer to speak or moderate a panel.
Make Networking Your Superpower
You can only make networking your superpower if you give up the biggest misconception: that your network is there to serve you. Most people think a network is a group of people you tap into when you need a favor. While some people do use their network for professional reasons, the true purpose of networking is to create value. I want you to have your own network of relationships – it’s valuable for your employer and it’s valuable for business if you’re an entrepreneur. By having all the cards—resources, relationships, and supporters—you have an incredible advantage. If you don’t own relationships yourself and need others to activate them, you are not relying on yourself to create value for others. Invest time in building your very own network. The saying “It’s not what you know but who you know” holds true.
Networking Playbook: Practical Tips for Events
Events of all kinds—conferences, conventions, and seminars—are great ways to meet people. If you’re going to an event, don’t just register and show up, especially if you paid for travel and accommodations. Follow these strategies:
- Share in advance that you are going to be attending that event: Post about the event on social media and signal to your network that you will be there and find mutual connections.
- Study the event program and agenda: Highlight sessions and speakers you want to attend and meet.
- Develop a list of key people to meet: Follow them on social media and keep up with their recent activities.
- DM speakers or attendees: Establish connections before the event.
- Meet the event organizers: Connect with those in charge of programming and sponsors.
- Have a QR code with your business card: Make exchanging information quick and easy.
- Follow up fast: Send a photo and your contact information immediately after meeting someone.
- Volunteer to speak to the press: Gain free publicity and deliver your key messages.
Modern networking has evolved, and long-term players adopt networking with an always-on mindset. You need to recognize that the opportunity to network is everywhere. Just as our world operates in real time, you have to be good at networking in real time across various touchpoints, including social media and virtual work environments, throughout your day.
Remember that effective networking is about creating value for others and building long-term relationships. Be genuine, prepared, and strategic in your approach. Networking is not just a skill but a superpower that can open doors to endless opportunities and it happens over time.