Networking this summer

Between all the client meetings, teaching, exam corrections I have been doing quite some networking – Friday is one more: a MidSommer dinner Fest. I love it! Next week I get to get ice cream with a group of people I have joined for a year of networking together- and the venue is even in my own village, for once!

What about you? Your best referrals will come from people you know, no matter what.  So, you need to expand your network to find business, get referrals and maybe, for those of you looking, get a job. Let’s do it!

To find the people who will refer you will have to network.  A web presence is nice and kind of like a “calling card”, and that’s where your referrals go to “check you out”, most people do not find you that way (so, there are way too many people spending time and energy on this, in my opinion) find you”.  Well, usually that’s the case from the people I know.

Thus, you need to get used to the idea of regularly networking and start doing it.  In Switzerland, there are numerous professional groups, networking groups, start-up groups and meet-up groups to help you on your way.  You should not forget the other options:  clubs, in Switzerland called Vereins, religious organizations, and volunteerism, for example.  Below are some networking ideas to get you started.

Here are Nine Networking Ideas

Everyone I know seems to get a little worried when they enter a room full of strangers.  Even Amy Cuddy tweeted that she’s still working on it! (“Yes, I still feel socially anxious. I'm at a reception with hundreds of strangers, too nervous to introduce myself. Still working on it!“)—I just had a conversation about the topic with a client and here’s a summary of my take on the subject, nine ideas:

Before

Before you go, do three things:

Choose

Choose an event and/or venue that really interests you and that you think you will find people with whom you can meet in a meaningful way.  I personally would like book launches (of book topics I am interested in) and TEDtalks, for example.  You would also find me at some art exhibit opening or at a beautiful place.  What interests you? 

Look

Once you have chosen an event you should do a little research.  Who is going?  What is the program for the event? Then, if you do this, post it on your social media and maybe someone will reach out (this happened to me just this week, BTW). 

Expect

Visualize yourself there having a good time.  This is important for your attitude. Prepare by setting your expectations realistically.  How many people will you think you can manage really meeting in a meaningful way at this event?  One? Two? Three?  Set your limits (how long will you stay, for example) and make sure you follow them. 

During

During your time there do three more things:

Pose

When you arrive (or shortly before you leave home) do the Amy Cuddy (à la book Presence) Wonder Woman Pose.  I love this and teach it to anyone who will allow me.

·      Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hands on hips. 

·      Stand and smile at yourself- for a good three minutes. 

A single-person bathroom works, so does doing it at home.  Just do it.  It is research-proven that this will help you feel confident about yourself.  Also, if you are really interested in this practice, email me, and/or read the book.

Practice

Treat each networking event as a learning experience, not a performance.  That means you are “just practicing”, “just learning”.  If you do that combined with the next step, you will enjoy yourself and be able to look at these events as more and more fun.

Enjoy and Be

Most of the people organizing the events enjoy them or they would not do them.  Remember that they try and make it enjoyable for you, the participant.  Find someone you seem to “click” with, do what you enjoy.  Relax and …

Be yourself.

When you are yourself, you will find meaningful new relationships at the event.  AND that’s the real goal:  to start a new relationship with someone that seems to click with you.  The point is not to “get as many business contacts as you can”, but to be yourself with other people who you may enjoy doing work with in the future (or maybe not work with at all). 

These people are people you may try and serve some how, a kind of “pay it forward”,  and introduce them to your network kind of thing. It’s all about relationship.  So, you can be yourself and relax.

After

When the event is over do three final things:

Update

Update your contact lists as soon as possible- don’t keep those business cards collecting dust in the drawer, enter the information into your electronic contact list (and remember to make sure you yourself are entered into it, as well, to send and to use). These days, you may have already connected or will contect with them on LinkedIn, but for those you really want to meet again, see below.

Email or message on LinkedIn

For those whom you want to keep in touch with, but don’t have any specific plan yet, email them and thank them for talking with you.  Leave it open for meeting or even suggest something if you like.

Call or message on WhatsAPP

For those who you set up a meeting, call and confirm.  You can email, too, of course, but a call is more personal.  Remember, these are the people with whom you hope to start a business relationship or with whom you might partner in some way in the future.  They are also people you enjoyed at the event.

Remember that follow-up is important for relationship, as well as for your business.

What’s next for me? For you?

Besides networking, client meetings, correcting papers, preparing for next semester AND for 2025 (more about this later), I am trying to prepare a summer reading list. What are you reading?

Have a lovely rest of the week!

Patricia Jehle              patricia@jehle-coaching.com