A colleague recently mentioned to me that she polled some business students and the number one thing they wanted to learn was networking. I was a little surprised by this! Who needs to learn to network?
I grew up with a business owner father who was capable of talking to anyone, anywhere. He’d always come home with stories that started with “Today I met…” And don’t even get me started on my pre-teen mortification as he spent 15 minutes talking to the grocery store checker.
But it turns out that not everyone grew up like this. For some people, networking doesn’t come naturally. Which is a challenge, because networking is really critical to the success of your business.
Why does networking matter?
First and foremost, networking matters because you can’t run a business by yourself. I’m not talking about employees here. A business needs people. Not just customers, but allies, cheerleaders, and promoters. And the best way to meet these people is by going to events and networking.
The second is that your business needs buzz in order to grow. And the best way to develop some buzz is to meet people and tell them about what you do. The more you talk about your business, the more likely it is that other people will do so as well.
Third, your business needs resources. You never know when you’ll need to do something that’s outside your wheelhouse or comfort zone. At conferences, I’ve met designers, photographers, web people, and so many others that I can utilize to help me grow my business.
And finally, networking is a great way to learn. I charge $250 an hour for consulting. The Marketing for Makers e-course is $500. But I gave out a lot of information free. All you have to do is sit down next to me at a conference. And the same goes for many other people. People will share a lot more about their businesses with someone they meet at a conference than with someone who emails them out of the blue online.
If you aren’t networking, you’re missing out on growing your business. But I understand that networking makes some people uncomfortable.
If you didn’t grow up with a gregarious roll model, you can still develop your networking skills. Here are some suggestions to help you network like a rock star the next time you find yourself at a conference or event:
Go with clear intentions. Last week I was in Salt Lake City for the Alt Design Summit. And I went with a networking plan in place. I knew the areas of my business I most wanted to promote, and the people I wanted to connect with. And social media has made it even easier to plan your networking goals. Prior to going, I created a Twitter list of speakers, and paid attention to the Alt Summit hashtag. I knew who was going to be there and who I wanted to meet. With these networking goals in mind, I was confident that I’d see a return on my investment at the conference.
But be open to the possibilities. While it’s important to go with goals in mind, it’s equally important to be open to meeting and talking with everyone. I made some fantastic contacts because we sat next to each other at dinner or stood in line together at the bar. Contacts that I didn’t even know I wanted to make! When it comes to networking, chance is just an important to planning. So don’t disregard anyone just because they aren’t on your target list. You never know who they are!
Speak up. At every panel I went to, I sat in the front and asked questions. (Yes, I’m still that same girl from elementary school.) But here’s the thing. People remember those people. (Especially when you ask insightful questions.) When I asked a question, both panelists and audience members noticed, and I talked to more than a few people as a result of asking a question during a session. Yes, raising your hand to ask a question takes a little bravery. But the rewards far outweigh the (perceived) risks.
Introduce yourself. A conference is no time to sit in silence. Every time you sit down next to someone new, introduce yourself. I know this seems like an obvious one, but so many people don’t do it, that I felt compelled to mention it.
Ask questions first. You can still meet people even if you’re uncomfortable talking about yourself. One of the best strategies is to ask other people questions. It’s a great way to start a conversation, especially if you’re a little hesitant to just introduce yourself. Keeping a few simple questions in rotation, (“Is this your first time at Alt?” or “Where are you from?”) is a great way to start a connection.
Try to have fun. Remember that your fellow attendees aren’t snarling monsters, they’re just people. If you’re shy and networking makes you uncomfortable, then you’re likely to assume that the person next to you is a snob for not introducing themselves. But the truth is, they’re probably just nervous too! When you make a point to relax and enjoy meeting new people, it makes the whole situation a lot easier.
Follow up. Of course, meeting new people is only half the battle. Keep those business cards you collected (you did collect them, right?) someplace safe, and follow up when you get home. It doesn’t have to be complicated. A brief “it was great to meet you” email can be enough to continue the connection.
Networking is crucial for the success of your business, and it really can be simple. Relax, say hello, and remember to have fun, and you’ll be on the right track when it comes to growing your business!
Thanks so much for this great advice! I’m one of those shy people who have never been good at networking. It’s always been a struggle for me but something that I know is important for my business. These are some great tips that I will definitely try to use at any opportunity I have to network! Thanks!
Those are some great tips! I missed the Alt Design Summit this year, and I really wanted to go. Can you recommend some other great conferences that are similar in nature, where we can all try out these networking skills?
Thanks for sharing these awesome tips for networking! I started my own jewelry line, JB Originals and donated 10% of sales to various charities after resigning from teaching for 12 years. With National Board Certification, a Masters, and bilingual skills, I have been able to work with families as a private tutor and continue to create special order jewelry. I have also worked as a nanny developing relationships with families who are impressed with my work and refer me to others. While I am still seeking full time employment utilizing all of my acquired skills, I have been able to continue expanding my horizons through networking. It only takes confidence in one’s abilities & desire to share them with the world to speak up, introduce yourself, and ask questions. The people you meet will serve as links to other opportunities and build the bridge to the life you’ve always wanted to live.
Networking seems to come easy at the arts and crafts shows I do, but put me in a lecture audience and I will probably be the last one to raise my hand.
Great tips, definitely something to work on and think about.
I love this! I’m getting better, but networking does not come naturally to me. I am finding that the more events I attend, the more comfortable I am at the next one. Thanks for the awesome tips and ideas!
Megan! This is an awesome post with great suggestions and pointers! These will be going with me to Alt Summit 2013 for sure! Thanks so much for all of your great insights. And, it was SUCH a pleasure to meet you in person at Alt! Nice to be connected. 🙂
p.s. – And, thanks for offering me that seat in the panel session! I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and consideration. 🙂
This is great advice! I do most of my networking online, though. I think a lot of people don’t like to networking online, because it seems impersonal and it’s harder to create a lasting impression like you can when meeting in person. But since I’m brand new and limited to doing the majority of my networking online, I have this advice- instead of just connecting with everyone you meet online (particularly on Etsy) take time to make connections with people who share a similar target market with you. Ask if they mind that you share their shop with your blog followers or browse their shop to come up with a unique way to approach them, a conversation starter, then send a message that creates an impression, this way you’re more likely to urge the new connection to browse your online shop.
Hope that’s not too off-topic.
This is such a great tip! Sharing business advice with someone in the same market as you can seem counterproductive but as long as you both know there is not an underlying competitive motive asking for/giving advice is essential. Building that relationship with someone who understands you, your business and your customers is just going to build you and your business (along with the other persons) up further. 🙂
Also – I totally agree with your “online networking” stance. Since I too am just starting out and don’t have the resources to attend conferences yet I have to do all of my networking online. SO consider this me sitting next to you in a lecture audience and saying, HI! I am Skye. Is this your first time here? Nice to meet you! 😉
Ha! I grew up with the exact same type of dad. it was so mortifying, but now I can appreciate it 🙂
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i love to ask questions, and yes…doing that does get you more noticed and others talk to you- i think that it kind of breaks the ice and they see you as a person who is confident and knows something. thanks for helping me know it’s ok to do!
i missed the summit– only 20 minutes away too. maybe next year. 🙂
all this suggestions by you are awesome! we don’t have this kind of events here in italy, but i recognize that connecting at craft fairs as well isn’t always easy for me too! so i’ll take care of your advices for sure! thanks for sharing, sissi
These are great tips!!! Thanks for sharing!
Great tips–I find that I’m good at setting intentions and making a “hit list” of people to meet, but not as good as just introducing myself and striking up a conversation. Will be more conscious of that. Thanks, Megan!
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I can TOTALLY relate to a networking dad who owned his own business (and the mortification it caused in middle school). I think my dad could network in his sleep! He’s retired now and still he tells me stories of people he’s met all over the city. For this reason (and lots more), I’m so glad to have had a father like him. I grew up seeing this day in adn day out, so it feels natural to me. Still trying to figure out how that translates to blogging.
So glad to have your site via Gussy Sews.
It amazes me how people are not good at networking or need to be consulted on how to. If you keep talking to the same people at an event you are no longer networking. Go out, ask questions, network like your life depends on it. It kinda does if you are a small business owner. The best advertising is word of mouth and that happens at events and meeting new people.