Most recently I attended a blogger event and after attending several of these events, you could say that networking has become an art to me. But that being said, that was never the case pre-blogging. Call me “the shy one” or the “one that preferred to observe”, I always felt threatened or never smart enough to engage in conversations in a group setting, saying something that didn’t matter always made me shy aware from meeting new people. But that all changed the moment I became a mom and a blogger. The power of networking has not only been beneficial to building relationship for me and my kids, but has gained me the confidence needed to become a “mompreneur”.
If you want to become more effective at connecting with people, consider these seven habits that I have learned along the way:
Related Post: Beauty Blogger Bash Event
What is Networking? {noun} via Dictionary.com
1. a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest:
“Working mothers in the community use networking to help themselves manage successfully.”
Networking has to happen in a space where there are lots of commonalities between the people in the room (i.e. PTA, women groups, meetup groups, blog events). Think about it. Every time you meet someone, you are networking. Every time you greet someone, you are networking. Every time you pick up the phone, you are networking. Every time you send an e-mail, you are networking. Every time you engage someone in conversation, you are networking. Every time you write a note (yes, some people still write notes), you are networking.
1. Ever Great Mom Needs A Network. Connecting about pregnancy, milestones or if you are in need of a girls night out are important people to have in your network. Just as you met these great women that you call friends, is the same way you are able to meet new ones. Enter a room with head held high and walk over to the first person you see. They too are intimated and unsure of their surroundings, so extend your hands, smile and own the room.
Looking to meet new moms? Meetup.com is a great place to find mother support groups in your area.
2. Networking is More Than Socializing. We fail to realize that our best friend’s father is the CEO at a company in our desired industry, or our BFF’s uncle is head of HR at our dream company.
Chances are, someone in your network is able to introduce you to people who could be beneficial to you breaking into the industry you are vying to work in. It’s important to be able to reciprocate the helping hand, however.
People who just take and fail to give are quickly brushed aside. A successful networker will be able to give and take, not just take.
3. Building Your Mom Brand: Do take a handful of business cards with you to any networking event you plan to attend (that includes PTA or Little League). And YES Mom Cards are very trendy and highly effective when arranging that next playdate. And, as you gather cards from your connections, take a few notes on the back to help you remember key points.
4. Location Is Key: The mere thought of networking can be overwhelming so smart networkers choose their venues. Choose a place, time and date that is less likely to threaten to you. If you are not a morning person, breakfast groups may not be your thing. If you don’t like mixing and mingling at cocktail parties, find another event. It is more productive to seek organizations with activities you enjoy at a time of day that works for you. You can make valuable connections with like-minded people anywhere.
5. What is Your Strategy: All in all, there is a strategy for networking. Usually before I attend any event or engage in any opportunity, I ask myself….Who do I plan to meet? What do I hope to accomplish? How will the relationships be mutually beneficial?
6. Pitch Yourself. OK, so you have made contacts, now what? Whether you are looking to start a new career or join a women’s group, prepare yourself and pitch away. Know what to tell them about yourself and also what you’d like to ask them. Start with who you are and what your interests are. Be yourself – don’t be still, uptight or rude. Then figure out what you’d like to ask your contacts. Enhance Your Skills.
Have open-ended questions ready to get others to talk to you and pay attention to the answers so you can keep the conversation moving.
7. Practice Etiquette Skills: Successful networkers make others feel valued by focusing attention on them. They listen and respond to what is being said. Listen 80 percent and talk 20 percent. This is also good practice for your children. Teaching your child to feel that you’re being responsive to his needs as well as your own, will make him more willing to listen to you in the future.
Also, end your evening with a handshake and follow up with a note stating how nice it was meeting them and what type of relationship you are hoping to build.
If you network properly it could open a lot of doors for you and for a lasting relationship.