Adapt & Thrive Mastermind, August 13th
Do you struggle with networking? Is it fun or frightening? The simple truth is that networking is key to business success! We invited Mary Hornickel, a local networking guru, to help boost our confidence and teach us a little more about how to effectively network both online and (someday, eventually!) in person.
Our Top Takeaways:
- Develop a networking strategy. Figure out which groups, events, can benefit your business. Decide how many hours a week you’ll spend networking, and create a schedule for yourself.
- If you feel uncomfortable or shy, bring someone with you. It’s okay to have a wingman! Remember that others will also be new, so you don’t need to feel intimidated.
- Not every networking connection leads to a follow-up opportunity, but you should strive to have a few good conversations with the other attendees. When networking, you are building and maintaining business relationships with people–focus on leaving a positive impression, but don’t stress out.
- Prepare a short, informative introduction for yourself and your business. Bring a business card or have a digital one. If you collect anyone else’s card, write the date and where/when you met this person (so you don’t forget).
- Stay connected now, when groups are mostly online, in order to maintain the relationships you’ve built through past networking events. Ramp up your social media presence, so you can connect there with people you’ve previously met in person.
- Be consistent in what you do. As you stay active in groups, track and follow up with contacts, you’ll build trust relationships with people you’ve met. Those networking connections can turn into future leads or joint ventures.
So many people loved Mary’s presentation, we’ve included it as a downloadable resource below! You can find networking events through service organizations, clubs, chambers of commerce, and mastermind groups like Adapt & Thrive. Get out there and connect!
Your friends @ Local Links
For questions or requests, email my@locallinks.online.
P.S. Want to watch the mastermind on demand? Sign up for an Adapt & Thrive Plus Membership! For just $5 a month, you get access to nearly all of our mastermind presentations, as well as any slide decks and additional materials shared. Also register for the next Adapt & Thrive here!
