Should you be networking?

AHHH NETWORKING. I know I said last time that YouTube was my favorite day, but THIS DAY I LEARNED SO MUCH ACTUALLY USEFUL THINGS FOR LIFE.

What is networking? EVERYTHING. #1 way to get business. In a sense, #1 way to make friends, colleagues, or socialize with anyone you may need to.

First order of business: NOT EVERYONE SHOULD BE NETWORKING. It’s for introverts and extroverts, but not people who are socially awkward. No one wants to be talking to them.

There is a wrong and right way to present yourself at networking events. Gary taught me and Meagan this, and when he was done, he had each of us repeat back to him the top 3 things we learned or found interesting (good thing I was taking ample notes).

He said the big mistake he used to make was feeling the need to impress people, but instead that always ended in word barfing. Over time (preferably as soon as possible), networkers gain confidence - by far the most important skill.

Gary walked us through the steps to appear confident and successfully make connections, get business, and lengthen your clientele… all through networking.

1. Prepare for event 

   Go to an event where your target market is at, or people related to it!

2. Make sure that you have the right mindset

   • Go in with a certain attitude: what am I trying to accomplish?

   • 95% of people who network do it the wrong way - they are immature or selfish: What can this do for me? They try too hard to impress others 

   • Right way: What can you do for others? (How can I help this person? Listen to them? What are their needs and desires?) They should be doing most of the talking, you are just navigating 

     1. Good for introverts 

3. Build your confidence 

   • People want to be around confident, humble people (builds trust)

     • Not arrogant; that’s doing it the wrong way

   • Go with a wing person!

     • They are your safe place (THIS IS RELATABLE) 

     • Go to the people you know FIRST and then go meet new people 

     • Meet new people, come back to comfort crowd/wing person so you always have someone to talk to

   • STRONG BODY LANGUAGE 

     • Not shifting weight

     • No crossing arms (closed off) 

     • Has to do with the perception of you, not actually you 

   • The bar is the best place to have a conversation with somebody

     • Talk to people exiting the bar (dopamine hit once they have the drink)

     • The entrance is the worst place to have a conversation 

     • Wondering if you should enter into a conversation? Look at their shoes. 2 people with their feet pointed towards each other? Don’t go in 

       • If feet are pointed out to the room, they will be more receptive

4. Conversation starters

   • Don’t ask, “What do you do?” for your first question, you won’t stand out

   • A better start: “Are you from here?”

     This way, you…

     • Connect with them within the first 5 minutes

     • Follow up with, “What do you enjoy about your career?” or “What do you do for a living?”

     • Ask FUN QUESTIONS

5. Be likable

   • In Gary’s words: “Don’t try to one-up somebody because you’re insecure”

   • SMILE, be inclusive, ask questions, listen (Don’t be a Me Monster)

     PRO TIP:

     1. Only ask for business cards if you want to do business with them 

     2. When you ask and they give it to you, write on it in front of them. If they ask what you are doing, show them you care. Gary says tells people he has bad memory (I don’t know if he actually does), so he wants to take notes on the conversation you just had. Be sure to write personal things you can’t find online about them!

     3. Follow up email the next day, make it sound personal 

        1. Don’t go transactional - They might wonder, “Do they even like me for me? Or do they just want my business?”

        2. End with a call to action, ask a personal question, “Why do you like the Steelers?” “I’d love to grab a lunch with you.” 

WHEW. That was a lot. I hope you learned as much as I did if you’re still with me! I was able to reflect on what Gary taught me with writing my next article: Looking At Their Shoes - Networking Strategies 101 (since I found the tip about shoes the most intriguing, why not use it as a hook?).

I also like that tip because it applies to any social situation, no matter the age or event. Knowing how to talk to people and present yourself is a skill that a lot of people possess… But do they possess it well? Networking will help you practice public speaking, interviewing, and communication - much like I try to teach young kids in Gavel Club.