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If you so choose to do searches, you’ll find article after article on business networking. How to guides, what to say guides…and yet little is focussed on some of the intangible benefits of networking, so I wanted to explore this with 6 unexpected Cs you’ll get from networking.
Confidence
Without a shadow of a doubt, I can say from experience, that learning to network for business, is one of the things in my life that has really boosted my confidence. I used to run a large team and was confident in my work and my ability to deliver. I was confident in my ability to articulate a message, however when I started networking, I didn’t have a company behind me to fall back on. No messaging, no jargon, no marketing speak and company strategies. It was me, myself and I. Over time, I really felt my confidence growing as I met people, connected them in an intentional fashion and really, truly started to believe in myself and find my ‘own voice’.
Clarity
Many people start out their networking journey with one thought in mind. The general reason for starting is to get more sales. But they aren’t clear on who they want sales from.
You’ll know the person I’m talking about. At a networking meeting, they want to talk to ‘anyone’ who might need their services.
As they network, their thoughts develop and evolve. They meet people who see their business differently, who spark creativity and widen their perspective. This all creates clarity of messaging, clarity of purpose, clarity around who their target customers are.
Communication
Joining networks is a great way to develop your confidence, as I mentioned above. A part of this is the fact that you generally have to do an elevator pitch of some sort. It might be 30 seconds or 60 seconds on your business. At business and referral networking meetings, there is always a speaker rotation for companies to do a deeper presentation on their company. This generally will last 10 or 20 minutes.
For people who are not used to presenting, this can seem daunting, but
Collaboration
When you go to a networking event or a network meeting, it’s likely that there are the regulars in the room. But frequently there are visitors. What can happen could be called serendipity. Two new people meet, hit it off, get to know each other and a new relationsip blossoms. A new idea is espoused to create a new ventures, a joint venture or a new collaboration.
Community
Finding the right networks for you means that you’ll find your tribe, your community. You’ll find a group of peers who support you, lift you up, who want to see you succeed. These people will be your sound board, the board you can’t afford
Cameraderie
If you are running a business alone, it’s got to be daunting. Every business has ups and downs, curve balls, knock you down balls, but it’s made easier when you have a community of people, your tribe lifting you up. They want to see you succeed. They have your back. Whether it’s a meeting for coffee, a testimonial, a hug or virtual hug…having a tribe and a community it so important to your success.
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
African Proverb
Connect With Me
If you have other ideas and suggestions, I’d love to hear them. You can reach out to me at hello@networkingjean.ie.
Getting Social
Do connect in with me on Linkedin and Instagram. (I’m also on Twitter and Pinterest). Let’s keep the #networking conversation going!
Mailing List
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