Community through Connection
Networking, networking, networking. If you work in the professional world, own a small business, or are an entrepreneur, you network. When I launched Seven Stones, I started a journey that included endless networking. I am not a natural networker and approached this task with the sole intent of “drumming up business.” But since I approached it in this way, it became a chore. Is this the case for you? If so, it is time to change it up and this is how.
Change your intention – As I stated, I had approached networking for the sole purpose of finding my next client. I have changed that and now my current approach is to think about how I can help the person I am meeting, not just if they can help me. In addition to sharing my collateral, I ask them to share information about their company, and I save this in a file for future reference. Some people indiscriminately introduce people to others via email, almost as though they have a daily quota they need to meet. I don’t do this. I intentionally think about who I know who might be able to use the services of the person I am meeting with. Only then will I make the introduction.
Change your venue – When I first started my business, I would travel far and wide to attend a networking event. I would get myself a cup of tea and start to work the room. It was so disingenuous. I was not at all interested in buying private jet services or office supplies and most people were not interested in a life coach (at the time, I had not yet expanded my services to business coaching). I stopped attending these types of events. Now, I am very selective and only attend events that are interesting and where there will be interesting people to talk with.
Build a community – Here is the best part. I now approach networking as building communities through connection. Define your community however you want. I think of my community in broad terms, including local employers, non-profits, service providers, and potential consumers and new clients. Rather than just focusing on what the person does, I learn about who they are. I think about how the person I am meeting might serve this broader community and how I might be able to help them. Maybe they have an adult child looking for their first job. What employers might I know who are hiring? Maybe they are a marketing whiz. Do I know any non-profits that are looking for board members with this expertise? Of course, I still tell them about Seven Stones and ask if they know people who might be interested in my services!
How might you change your networking strategy and build a stronger, better community?
By the way, I would be pleased to talk with you about my community and my coaching services! You can book a free session via my website.