TIPSY TUESDAY | 5 Tips on Navigating a Networking Event
If your initial thought is how much you dread the discomfort that comes with networking, don’t worry, you’re not alone! The idea of walking into a room filled with strangers and having to talk about yourself is certainly daunting, even to experienced networkers.
If you’re a business owner, or aspiring business owner, networking is a staple in your entrepreneurial tool-kit. Recently, TC from Branch and Leaf wrote a terrific blog post on why networking events are so valuable for business owners. (You can read the benefits of networking for your business here). If your initial thought is how much you dread the discomfort that comes with networking, don’t worry, you’re not alone! The idea of walking into a room filled with strangers and having to talk about yourself is certainly daunting, even to experienced networkers.
In both my personal and professional life, I’ve had to do my fair share of networking. On the personal side, I’ve moved to 2 new cities by myself and I’ve had to throw myself into unfamiliar social environments to meet new people, create connections and ultimately build relationships. On the professional side, I’ve worked the world of outreach for years, and whether it was through my past corporate jobs or my current business, I’ve found myself in many events having to talk to strangers with the same intention: to meet people, create connection, and to build relationships.
Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years of awkwardly putting myself out there.
Get ready to take note!
Perspective
Before you even get to the event, get yourself in the right mindset. This is a networking event; its sole purpose is to create an environment for people to come together to meet, mingle, share and connect. This means that everyone in the room is looking to do the same thing you are: connect with someone else in the room! It’s also likely that most people in the room are feeling just as uncomfortable as you are. Remembering that other event attendees are in the same boat as you can relieve some of the pressure, and help you feel less awkward and alone.
Arrive Early
Your initial response might be something like, “yeah, right! I don’t want to be the first one there.” But, in fact, arriving early gives you an advantage. You can get a feel for the space and environment, chat with the event organizers as a warm up, grab yourself a cocktail or a coffee and settle in. Trust me, it feels far more comfortable to start conversing with others as they walk in, rather than entering a room filled with ongoing conversations and trying to insert yourself.
Conversation Starters
They say preparation is the key to success, and networking is no different. So, for your next event, try researching a few conversation starters so you feel prepared in how you will approach anyone you come across at the event. Here are a couple of classics to get you started:
Ask if you can join a conversation – Whether I see someone standing alone or I’m looking to join a group, I always like to lead with “do you mind if I join you?” it’s a gentle way of indicating that I’m looking to connect with someone (especially if I’m joining a group conversation) and people are always welcoming. Alternatively, if you find yourself in a group conversation and you see someone standing by themselves or walking around alone, go and ask them to join your group or conversation. We’re all in this together!
Comment on the environment – talk about how beautiful the space is, or how you feel about the food or drinks, or what you like/dislike about about networking events. This is an easy conversation starter because it’s one thing you are sure to both have in common in that moment.
Be curious about the other person – ask open ended questions about their business or hobbies. Do they enjoy the field they are in? What made them start their business? How do they enjoy spending their time outside of work/business?
Ask them why they’re attending the event – How did they hear about it? What are they hoping to gain? Do they go to other networking events? This helps you connect by talking about the community you are both a part of. You might even gain a new networking wingman!
Bring a Wingman
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how much you prepare, you still might not be able to shake that awkward feeling of entering a room alone. My suggestion is to bring a networking wingman, that friend who is looking to network and build connections in the community just as much as you are, and try approaching people together. It can feel far less intimidating when you have someone you know and trust by your side. Just try not to get too caught up in conversation with each other. Remember that your intention is to connect with others in the community!
Have fun
At the end of the day, remember why you decided to attend the event; to meet, connect, learn and grow. It’s totally normal to feel awkward and uncomfortable, but try to take some pressure off and just enjoy yourself and the process!
TIPSY TUESDAY | 6 Major Reasons We See Value in Networking Events! YBB + TC Jordens-Harrah | Branch & Leaf
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?!”
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
TIPSY TUESDAY - Best Boss Books VOL. 2
We did research about not only business books that are recommended by other boss babes but also work/life balance books and inspirational reads that have been acclaimed to be life changing:
Thrive by Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington knows what she's talking about. As the co-founder and editor of the Huffington Post Media group, she has battled and come out on top when others would have counted her out. Hav ing it all does not mean a bigger office and an impressive salary - Huffington cleverly points out that finding the balance between a healthy idea of success and having the life you want is how you truly thrive. Take control of your work life by harnessing the power of mindfulness, intentional relationships and physical discipline - live the life you want before it's too late. Arianna Huffington will walk you through her awakening to being so digital connected that it is killing us to redefining what success means for every business woman.
http://ariannahuffington.com/thrive
2. Purple Cow by Seth Godin
"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" - Dr. Suess
Some books dance around the issue and when you have finished reading them you aren't sure what actionable steps you can take to improve your business. After reading Seth Godin's book, written in his trademark, straight forward style, you will be ready to take a look at who you are in the marketplace and what you can do to be noticed, remembered and successful - be a Purple Cow. If you are looking for a fluffy, inspirational read, this is not it. This is a logical awakening of how you are perceived in your field and how you can leverage your special brand of awesome to grow your business to where you want it to be.
https://www.amazon.ca/Purple-Cow-New-Transform-Remarkable/dp/1591843170/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=purple+cow&qid=1562529907&s=gateway&sr=8-1
3. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Whereas this is not specifically a business book for women, it is written by a woman who has dedicated herself to creating a media empire that has entertained millions, and she did it all while balancing family life, the pressures in a male-driven television industry and her own personal struggles. Shonda Rhimes decided to fully embrace success by taking a personal challenge - say "Yes" more often and see what happens. Reading about the challenges and victories of Shonda in business, daring to do things a little differently is inspiring, and it reminds each of us that taking risks may seem impossible but if you are dedicated and tenacious, you too can dance in the sun and be an example of success in business.
4. Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
The internet is full of businesses trying to stand out and be heard among the noise. We are all trying to be social media marketers, but most of us are unclear on the most relevant ways to tell people why they should choose us in the marketplace. Donald Miller shares the 7 points of a story format that we are all familiar with and respond to, and how to communicate your business message clearly so that you can reach your ideal customer and tell them without any misunderstanding exactly who you are and what you can do for them. Miller has figured out that gaps in communicating our message is the greatest cause of failure in business. His tools will help you succeed and connect better with your intended client base in a way that is practical and smart.
https://www.amazon.ca/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329
Do you have a book you found resourceful? We want to hear about it!
-XO YEG BOSS BABE TEAM
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