Your Professional Network, Your Way

Networking.

The word probably conjures up images of crowded rooms full of strangers, sweaty palms, and awkward small talk.

But networking doesn’t have to be like that – and done right, building your network can help transform your business, unlock new opportunities, and yes…even directly boost your net worth. 

Don’t get me wrong, the classic, stuffy, sweaty networking still exists. However, there’s so many other flavors of it these days that can actually be fun. (As an introvert, I can’t believe I’m saying that, but it’s true.)

That all sounds great, but what if the classic advice doesn’t really, help? It’s talked about everywhere and might seem a little daunting. 

There is a unique approach, however, that most people don’t talk about where you can still build a valuable network. Let’s break it down.

What Networking is Not

We’ll get to what it can be, but let’s get clear about what networking isn’t. I think a lot of people have visions (or nightmares) of what networking is like because they’ve experienced it, heard a story, or watched it on some TV show. 

We all know the benefits of expanding your professional relationship – it helps you discover new job opportunities, helps you find client referrals, and elevates you to build new skills. However, networking is not always a numbers game, contrary to some advice or what it feels like. 

Knowing a lot of people is awesome, but building and maintaining those relationships is critical.

Network rich but opportunity poor is a real thing. 

Let’s see some other examples of what networking is not.

A Hollywood Professional Network

I think the classic networking visuals are shown on TV or bad stock photos. People in pant suits with slicked back hair, you know what I’m talking about. My first college career fair was like this, yikes. This still exists, but there are so many other forums and styles of networking these days. Building connections can be authentic to who you are, not this painstaking need to network that is plastered all over the internet. 

Don’t be fooled. There are so many types of professional networks, and we’ll talk about ways to help build one that suits you and your style. 

Only Connecting with People on LinkedIn

Everyone knows that importance of virtual platforms and forums in today’s business world. However, only building virtual networks on platforms like LinkedIn isn’t going to do a whole lot of good over an extended period of time. Why? Everyone is doing it. Even the bots. (Disclaimer: LinkedIn is awesome when used well).

Stand out. If you DM someone, go grab coffee with them. Meet them for lunch. Connect with them at an event. Don’t stay virtual, is my point. 

I know a lot of business owners these days who are meeting their prospects and clients face-to-face and getting business. They’re converting in person versus virtually. No, it’s not super scalable, but for a high margin business, does it need to be? 

Online networking is important but is only one tool to build professional contacts. Stay connected with people you meet, but don’t let the quantity of connections equate to the quality of those connections.

Huge and Expensive Networking Events

If you’ve ever been excited about a conference and then felt like you were gut punched in the stomach because of the ticket prices, you’re not alone. Access is a huge challenge especially if you don’t have endless resources. Don’t let this discourage you. 

There are other ways to expand your professional network with people outside of these events. 

Someone you currently know might be able to connect you with someone who has been to an event like that in the past, knows a few people, and can make introductions. Don’t be afraid to ask!

Another Way to Think About Networks

Relationships, relationships, relationships. 

The age old advice about what you know is important, but who you know is even more important, is still true. (I’m not talking about nepotism).

Let’s think about what relationships offer:

• Mentorship and skill building. What better way to level up than to have someone in your network who can mentor you, build a strong awareness of who you are, and then recommend you and your business to their network?
• Trust and credibility. Building relationships offers a pathway to build trust with other people and their networks, opportunities to introduce you to someone who might need your services, and connect you with others in your field to share ideas. 
• New and unexpected connections. They allow you to meet people you may have never met otherwise, and sometimes, the best things are found when you aren’t expecting it.

Here’s my hot take: networks aren’t just for when you need something. Have you ever considered how you give back to your network? 

We tend to think about networks as something we need to get something from instead of give something to.

Challenge: Can you cultivate mutually beneficial relationships in your network where you can offer something, instead of only taking something? Imagine if everyone thinks of it this way. Networking may become something more exciting, more transformational, and way less daunting.

It might actually be, dare I say, fun.

Professional Networking Tips No One Talks About

Networking to give vs. networking to get.  Can you imagine what the world would be like? It’s nice to think about, but let’s talk about how we can make this practical. 

Remember that we said effective networking is about building and maintaining authentic relationships. Any opportunity to be around people is a place to network, technically. The coffee shop line, the checkout line at Zara (compliments, am I right?!), and so many other places.

Building a strong professional network on the intention of giving versus getting is definitely contrarian. There will definitely be times where you need to cash in and take some value, however, what if you started building new connections before you need something? 

Let’s dive into what this could look like.

Craft An Intentional Mindset

Adopting this mindset is step one. How often do you find yourself running from one thing to the next? It’s hard to pull yourself into the present, but practice makes perfect.

For a more formalized networking event (not the the checkout line at Zara), whether it’s a happy hour or convention or what have you, think about why you are there. This helps you frame your thoughts and behaviors. If you don’t know why you’re there, you should probably leave.

You showed up for a reason – what is it?

Think about it in two ways:

• What can I give the people that I meet? 
• What am I seeking when I talk to people?

The answer is not nothing – you always have something to give, and you always have something you can improve on. Spend some time thinking about it. The next tip will help you.

Set a Goal

This helps with intentionality, and your timeline! If going to a networking opportunity makes you sweat because you don’t have an exit, let your goal be your ticket out. Here are some examples:

• Meet 2 people and have deep, meaningful conversations about their business, role, and understand why they are at the event
• Exchange contact information with 1 person
• Share one experience of yours with someone you meet (we just talked about networking to give)
• Meet the keynote speaker

Okay that last one though, go get it! The point here is that your goal can be as small or as big as you want to make it. Honestly, not a lot of people even have a goal in that room, so you’re already set apart. 

Once you reach that goal, you then have the decision to stay or leave. If you’re enjoying it, stay, if you’re not, then don’t stay. Having a goal is one way to measure success at these events instead of showing up drained and leaving even more drained.

Let it get you excited because you’re on a mission now!

Be Interested

This was the greatest single piece of advice I have ever received about networking or meeting strangers in general. 

Be more interested than interesting. 

This is for you other introverts out there, you’re welcome my friends.

But seriously, be interested in people. If you’re not, you have no business being in the room. Ask questions, get to know people, and listen. When people realize you’re listening, they will start to behave differently in the conversation, and they tend to open up more. This is where meaningful professional connections are made.

Sounds great, but how do you do this?

One way to do it is to have your go-to questions. You don’t need a laundry list – have up to 5 go-to questions, and the rest will come as part of the conversation (if you’re really listening). 

Here are some examples:

• What got you interested in X?
• What’s the origin story of your business?
• What keeps you up at night when you think about the future of your business?

If people ask you about you, I’m not saying not to share. The essence of what I’m saying here is to ask more questions than you make statements. Listen more than you talk.

Practice it, and see what comes from it! You might get some fresh ideas.

Offer Value Without Expectation

Ultimately, people want to build networks with givers, not takers. Think about the type of network you want to cultivate – a network of takers doesn’t leave a lot to be desired. 

Look for every chance possible to offer immense value to your growing roster of connections.

Value for free makes people uncomfortable, but it also builds incredible trust. It’s the best way to sell because people get to experience your excellent work, receive value, and it doesn’t cost them anything.

When you’re stuck on a project, have a great opportunity to share with a new sales channel, or whatever else is up your sleeve for your business, these are the people who are going to help you. 

Some of this could look like:

• Making introductions between people who would benefit from knowing each other
• Sharing an interesting article or piece of industry news relevant to someone’s work
• Providing strategic advice based on your experience
• Offering one or part of your services for free as a trial

The more you give, the more goodwill you generate, which will pay itself back tenfold down the road as your network actively looks out for you in return.

Bonus Tip – Walk Slowly Through the Room

I couldn’t end without sharing this piece of wisdom that was shared with me. You’ve got your intentional mindset, your goal, your questions ready to go, and you’re ready to get out of there. 

Don’t miss what you didn’t expect by moving too fast.

Walk slowly through the room, be present, be friendly, and stop to chat with someone who pulls you aside. Be open to the unexpected because you never know what it will produce in you or in your business.

Networking is Important but Authentic to You

Networking to give and grow your value at the same time feels a little counter-intuitive. In a society where we talk a lot about how to take, what to take, and when to take, strategic networking sounds a little shady. 

Putting on this contrarian mindset of giving makes networking a whole lot more authentic, and maybe even easier. It takes pressure off because you’re there to cultivate instead of compare. 

The perspective of networking to give doesn’t mean you can’t receive – it’s a mental model for how you can reduce any feelings of being overwhelmed and intimidated. 

Remember, networking at its core is simply about forming genuine connections with other professionals. There are some new and exciting opportunities on the other side of those conversations! 

Approach building your network with an abundance mindset, lead with empathy and care for others, and focus on nurturing relationships rather than transactions.

The rest – enhanced career opportunities, business prospects, purposeful work and yes…even increases in your overall net worth – will organically blossom as byproducts.

You got this!