Today’s episode isn’t just my tips on  How to Learn to love Networking asked my awesome community on facebook and Instagram what their tips were and I’ll be sharing those along with my own today. So a big shout out and thanks to everyone that shared their wisdom!

1. Make a decision to get out.

I always find great connection when I actually get out.

Networking takes effort. You have to get out of your PJ’s or Ugg boots and get dressed and get out.  It needs to be part of your marketing strategy

Connection is one of the best strategies for growing your business so if ‘marketing’ doesn’t feel good then just reframe it.

2. Manage your expectations

Manage your expectations and have clear goals. @Blue51_holly on Instagram said “My number 1 tip – manage your expectations! expectation is disappointment in training. Attend because you are interested in people, not because you want something from it.  I have a personal goal to chat to 3 new (to me) people which is sometimes tricky at your events because I just love love LOVE The Connection Exchangers!” (thanks Holly!)

3. Get yourself in the right Mindframe

We psych ourselves out of things before we’ve even arrived.  It’ll be hard. What if no one talks to me, what if it’s boring, what if it’s a waste of time.  Your mindset around it is so important.  Whilst you can have goals, also just go to get out and meet people.

So many of us sit and work behind screens today and instead of working in big offices we work at home so just getting out and connecting is just good for the spirit.

Telling yourself it’ll be fun, you’ll meet some interesting people, it’s always worth getting out and meeting some new.

4. If you’re going a lone then have a strategy

I usually head in, grab a drink or something to eat and you’ll always find someone milling around the food table on their own.  Remember that people will feel the same as you if they have come on their own to just be human, say hi and introduce yourself.  The rest will flow naturally.

5. Tips for introverts

Natalie Alleblas’s said: I'm an introvert, so at a networking event I prefer to find others who are alone or with one other person rather than a large group.

samsays If  you’re an introvert then getting there early can help as it is much easier to walk in to a room when there are not many people there vs getting there late when the room is full!

 Fay Chan – Understand that most people are internally fearful of what others may or may not think. So you're all in the same boat. Just like exercising, show up and the rest will take care of itself

 Jo Grist:   Have a look at the RSVP list and research the profile of each attendee to gauge common areas of interest you may chat about.

 Michelle from @daffodillar_ – recommended Stefan Thomas 2016 book Instant networking. Key takeaways were that u don’t have to go in thinking I’ve got to deliver my pitch, get referrals. Biz, biz, biz. Instead go in to connect.

 6. Don’t always ask what they do straight away

Asking how’s your day been or have you been to these events before is a great way to start a relaxed conversation.

Kerry Powell from Your Time matters said –  “Have a couple of questions up your sleeve to start the conversation.. ….build rapport . Do not start with not “What do you do?”- a softer question- how have you spent your day today? Or “how did you hear about this event?”

7. Find the right group for you.

I started The Connection Exchange because 4 years ago I couldn’t find a group that really resonated with me.

Speak out Social- My best tip is to find a group that really resonates with you. Don’t like traditional groups where you are forced to pitch and refer? Try groups that are focused on conversation, connection and wine… don’t forget the wine.

 8. Networking takes all forms

It’s not just about face to face.  Getting your networking fingers warmed up when you’re online is just as important. The amount of times I’ve taken online networking offline is always great.  Instagram I think has changed the game with stories because I feel so much more connected with people when I see them on a regular basis.

The number of DM’s I send people just have a conversation is great.  I’m a big believer in face to face connection because I like to press the flesh and you meet people you may not meet online in person but if you can’t always get and out you want to network on a daily basis then really committing some time to it is well worth it.

9. Business cards are not dead

I’m actually terrible with names so having biz cards helps me re connect a day or two later or follow up on conversations.  I literally just updated my biz cards because the ones that I ordered 4 years ago when I started the biz were out of date so I didn’t want to take them. Now I have one’s that I’m happy to give out.  You don’t need to buy 500, I just bought 100 for about $50.

10. Allocate part of your marketing budget to networking

I learnt this from Dhea Bartlett from Dhea’s Ideas who runs hundreds of events in the Melbourne bayside area and is probably one of the biggest networkers I know – she allocates a budget to her networking so that’ s part of her business and it’s definitely something I’ve been doing more off.  Thinking of it in a way where you say – if I go to one or two networking events a month then I may allocate $100-$200 dollars depending if it’s a breakfast, dinner, general events.

So those are 10 tips on How to Learn to love Networking – I hope it’s been useful because I do think that it’s just good for the soul to connect in person with people.