So…what do you think about networking?

By Shannon Giordano, Serendipity Social Media.

 

Networking sometimes gets a bad rap. I was talking to a friend recently who adamantly stated “I hate networking!” Funny enough, the next thing I knew (as if Alexa was listening and she told someone to do this), an email appeared in my box with the subject line “Never network again!”

It’s got me thinking a lot about the value of networking in building relationships. That’s what networking is all about, right?

When I first started my business, I jumped into all the networking. If there was an event, I was there. But then I grew weary of seeing someone in a suit, making a beeline for me with a business card ready to stab my palm. I tried to find a way through those events to make real connections but I have to admit, for the most part, it didn’t net me any new friends or new business.

In today’s world, networking is over zoom (at least it is right now). It can still feel frenetic but I’ve learned so much more about what I want to get out of it. I understand now that we don’t need to meet EVERYONE. More is not better.

It’s the same with social media. It’s much better to have a small to medium-sized following who are huge fans and continually want to work with you vs. a huge following who don’t engage.

Lately, I’ve put away my business cards and now I focus on:

*  Making fewer, more meaningful connections.
*  Reaching out with value vs asking for a referral.
*  Leaving the business cards at home!

So…what do you think about networking? Have you found a way that is more meaningful? I’d love to hear about it. Respond back to this email and let me know how I can support you in your networking!