Going to a networking event can seem daunting, especially if you’re a bit of an introvert (like me!) I’m always thinking things like
“All those people in that room are going to be looking at me and I have to present my best self or they won’t like me. What if I talk too much or not enough? What if I have a bat in the cave?!”
Here’s one of the things I’ve learned over the years- we’re ALL thinking the same things! It’s easy to lie to ourselves and get wrapped up in worry, but these things are not true! Everyone is so focused on their own insecurities in the world that people hardly notice the “problems” we see in ourselves.
The networking events I’ve attended with YEG Boss Babes have quieted that little insecure voice in my head. Honestly the people I’ve met there are always so amazing, they would probably let me know about my bat in the cave in a way that I came out of the interaction feeling COMPLIMENTED. Some sort of friendship witchcraft if you ask me.
I’ve compiled a list of the major reasons I see such value in attending networking events to help you get out of your head and into some new business relationships!
Building Relationships-
We all love building relationships, it’s part of human existence. But you know what else is great? Sometimes those relationships can turn into leads, and sometimes that means $$$! This entrepreneur community looooves supporting each other and often it’s easy to meet people who are looking for exactly the product of service you provide. And hey, you might even find someone providing the product or service YOU’VE been looking for! Win-win if you ask me.
Opportunities-
It’s funny how things work out when you get out of your house and meet new people. There is something to be said for hustling your butt from your computer in your bath robe all day (any sale is a good sale, get it girl!) but any good influencer knows a great way to get your name out there is to collaborate with like-minded people. Collaborating is beneficial for both parties in that you get exposure to a new audience and so does your partner(s). Networking events are a great place to meet people looking to team up and work together!
Connections-
Rolling on that snowball from the previous point, connections are everything! While doing research for this article I kept seeing everywhere “in business it’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know” and honestly that couldn’t be more true. If people don’t know who you are- how in the heck are they ever going to hire you?! You’re great, your product/service is great, now you just need to meet the right people to get that ship a-sailing.
Brand Recognition-
Let’s take a second and think of the brands that spring to mind when I say… leggings. Now what about coffee? What about computers? Yeah, we’re thinking the same thing. Am I wire tapping your brain? NO! Those brands just have awesome brand recognition. You don’t even need to see their company name, the logo is enough! Let’s get your business to the same caliber. You can definitely do it if you play it right, but the walk of a thousand miles always begins with a single step. Get moving!
Increased Confidence-
Like I talked about at the top of the page, when we try new things, it’s easy to get wrapped up in negative self talk (this is probably more of a problem than you’re aware of and I suggest reading UnFu*k Yourself, but that’s another topic) but the easy way to get over that self confidence hill is to jump over it! As soon as you meet someone great and some opportunities start to arise you’ll realize “hey, maybe I am actually good at this. Maybe I do belong here. Maybe this could actually work!”
Sense Of Community-
Us entrepreneurs tend to spend a lot of time surfing the Wi-Fi waves from our kitchen table (or office, if you’re fancier than me) and it’s so easy to feel alone. Staring at screens all day and then finishing it up with a healthy dose of checking out other peoples’ highlight reels on social media is a nasty recipe for low confidence. We all feel it. We all feel lost once in a while and it’s important to get up, put some pants on, and spend time with people who get you and who get the struggle.
I hope you’re feeling inspired to try something new or go out again and meet some new people. Think of all the things you could learn from all your new friends and all the ways you can move your business forward with these sparkly new connections. I hope to see you at the next one!
TC Jordens-Harrah
