I was never big into networking. Not at previous jobs, in college, or in any other aspect of my life. In short, I did not think there was much benefit in going out of my way to meet strangers. I could have not been more off base. Since Rocketship’s takeoff in October, I have found that traditional networking has been one of the strongest driving factors in meeting new clients, vendors, and friends. A saying has been often brought up at networking events, “It’s not what you know, it is who you know.” That could not be more accurate.

If you had the same mindset as I once did, let me tell you why networking isn’t as bad as some make it out to be. Yes, it is time consuming and requires forcing yourself into (sometimes) uncomfortable situations, but let me say it again, it is worth it. People start out as strangers and slowly over time, become friends and people who you would gladly pass leads to and vice versa. It is a great way to brand yourself (some people don’t know my first name, but see me and refer to me as Rocketship, and I am completely happy with that) and in a sense it is ‘free’ marketing for your business and overall brand. To me, it is more beneficial than any other type of marketing because the human interaction is close to priceless.

How to do Networking Right

Consistency - One thing that is important is consistency. Showing up once every three months to a networking event may benefit you, but showing up time and time again will show people that you are committed to not only your business, but to the business community itself. After time, friendly conversation and passing referrals to each other becomes second nature. You get out of it what you give.

Let it Happen Naturally - Don’t be the persistent sales person. Yes, we are all in business to make money, but don’t force your business on people every time you see them. It will most likely may make them uncomfortable and that is not the way to start out a relationship with someone who could be a potential client, customer, or referral source.

Bring Your Cards - Make sure you bring business cards! I am terrible with names, so if you’re anything like me you are too. I can remember faces and sometimes (on a good day) a person’s name and occupation. Make it easy for people to remember you and the organization you represent.

Introduce Yourself - Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. At the very first networking event Rocketship attended, I am pretty sure we looked like scared little lambs in the corner of the room, which we felt was filled with big bad wolves. It was a new environment, but once we started mingling, the tensions ceased and the big bad wolves turned into friendly faces, many of which we still communicate with on a regular basis.

(Social) Networking is Still Important

I am not trying to disregard social media networking by any means. Social media marketing plays a large part in communicating with clients and potential clients, but it happens on a less personal level. The biggest benefit in social media networking versus traditional networking is the reach. With social media, you can reach a large number of people in a rather short period of time, whereas with traditional networking, it can take a long time to meet the same number of people. But there is a trade-off. When you meet someone in person, you are more likely to remember them in comparison to remembering a brand or company on Facebook that you ‘liked’. It is important to find a balance between traditional and social media networking, as both can do great things for your business from a marketing standpoint.

That being said, if you have not been much of a networking type person in the past, give it a shot. Go out and meet new people. Heck, they could even turn into friends or future clients. It all starts with creating that relationship and building that trust factor with someone. Don’t be a lost little lamb.

Want to Know More?

Want more information on networking opportunities in the Fox Valley area? Get in touch and we’ll see what we can do to help you get involved.