The Top 10 Networking Tips for Women-The Other Side Of The Coin

“They” say that everyday you should learn something. Who are “They” anyway?? In any case, I do agree and I do try and follow that rule in my life whether personally or professionally. Do you know how many people come into your life? How many of them have made an impact on your life? Everyone of them in some way. I truly believe that everyone comes into your life for a reason. Some are there for a brief moment and some are keepers but ALL have made an impact.

With that said, here is what I have learned Not to do with networking:

1-Don’t make networking your full-time job-it has a way of doing that and you can be busy attending networking events every day and you cannot build a business if your attention is not on doing just that

2-Sort out the groups you have visited and decide which groups you can benefit from going forward and join. You have to put some skin in the game and people need to know you are serious. You can go broke if you join every group so don’t over commit yourself

3-Remove the thought of “What’s In It For Me” attitude from your brain. This is all about building relationships and that thought process will certainly make you stand out in the crowd…but for the wrong reason

4-Talking about standing out in the crowd-dress professionally so you are taken seriously. This is not a day at the beach or a night out at the club

5-DON’T surround yourself with those that you already know…that is called “hanging out” not networking

6-DON’T get caught up with everyone’s opinion. You will know when you are networking too much because opinions will start be contradictory and it can bring you to tears. That’s when I knew I had to be more selective in my process. I was hearing so many opinions that I started second guessing myself

7-Don’t second guess yourself. Yes I mentioned that already but it bears repeating. No one knows your business the way you do. Everyone has an opinion and that is what works for them. Some are very successful and some are faking it until they make it. If you believe it what you are doing, stick with it

8-Don’t schedule 1:1 meetings with everyone. Yes you can feel so popular when you look at your schedule and every breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and hour is filled. Schedule with a purpose that is beneficial to both parties

9-Don’t take it personally. The group may not be right for you but there is a chance that you are not right for the group. Some groups will invite you as a guest and then may or may not extend an invitation to join. Things happen the way they are supposed to

10-Don’t make everyone your friend rather than a business connection. Remember women develop and cultivate relationships. Be careful you don’t cross the line and make everyone your new best friend. The point of networking is to build you business and help others do the same.

I believe networking is the way to go whether you are just starting out or have been in your business for years. You never know who you will meet or who will stumble across through others. Just be smart about what you are trying to do and always remember it is just one spoke in your wheel to grow a business. If you haven’t tried networking, choose a smaller group and get your feet wet. If you are a pro and do it all the time, take someone under your wing and help them ease into it. I have been fortunate enough to have met the most interesting, intelligent and amazing people through networking and will continue so that I am able to be that to someone else.