Today on the blog I’m joined by Tracy Burliegh, CEO of MPWR Business club for her tips on how to make networking less awkward!
Networking is an essential and necessary part of being in business.
After all, YOU are your business, so people need to see you, meet you, connect with YOU!
Half of the time we don’t even know we are doing it. Most of us cringe at the thought, but it really is an important part of progressing your career, especially if you are starting your own business or side hustle. We prefer to call it making connections. Sounds less scary, right?
The trick to getting it right is to find networking that works for you.
Not all of them will. It makes lots of people feel uncomfortable – getting put on the spot for a pitch or a referral. Being on screen in front of a load of strangers in a forced environment is not for everyone.
On the other hand – some people love this! They love the opportunity to sell and talk in front of people (we don’t meet so many of those!)
There are lots of options out there for you. Structured sessions with accountability, national audience, local groups, women only, industry specific.
Figure out what you like and what works and get signed up for that. One of the positive things left behind by the COVID pandemic is that there is so much available online now too. Networking online has so many benefits (wearing pj’s and not worrying about parking for example!)
My top 5 tips:
Do your research.
Find out what the format is. There’s nothing worse than joining an event to speak to a specific person only to discover it’s a free for all and that the break-out rooms you were promised are nowhere to be seen.
Set yourself some goals
or at least have an idea about what you want to achieve from networking. Now more than ever being part of a community is essential for all of our wellbeing. Just having some human interaction is key – maybe this is the main reason you want to network.
Remember to Listen.
People love to talk. Especially about themselves. So get started, ask one question and then listen. You’ll soon be chatting away but give the other person space to speak.
Commit to it.
Regular networking within your industry can have a huge impact on your reputation. Your name will get known and you never know who might be on the next interview panel or on the look out for what you do or provide.
Practise.
Always remember – you’re always networking. You’re doing it without knowing you are doing it. Chatting at the school run about what you do, chatting to new people at a class or attending Visibility School.
Networking with MPWR:
Our networking meetings might be a little different to what you are used to. There’s no dress code, there’s no awkward 60 second intro’s and pitches. It’s relaxed and sociable with lots of chatting and getting to know like-minded businesswomen.
We run face to face networking once a month in York (more locations coming soon) and online networking twice a month (national). You don’t have to be a member to network with us.
“When you’re making a connection with someone, you are connecting with their whole network. Their family, their friends, their gym buddies, someone they meet at the supermarket… if they like you, they’ll recommend you – that’s what making connections at MPWR is all about.”
Instagram: @mpwrbc
