Here’s a boring line to start out a blog post with: Networking is important for your professional career. You need to be constantly networking and marketing your business so that you can continue to grow (and closer higher-caliber leads). Despite this fact, many people really struggle with it. It’s hard.
They dread the thought of trying to make small talk with others, even though they know how important networking is. Many people are so shy that they have a hard time attending events. They simply can’t attend networking events.
Then, there are other people who are not good at networking at all, no matter how hard they try. Often, it can seem like the harder that they try, the worse it gets. Some come across as pushy, and are uncomfortable to be around. Many people try to avoid people who suck at networking, both online and off.
Here are three signs that you suck at networking.
- You DON’T go to an event each month. There are so many different networking events, both online and through word of mouth, that you should have no problem finding one to attend every month. Search around on meetup.com to find groups that look interesting to you.
You can attend ones for other professionals or just join a group of people who enjoy the same hobbies as your customers. Start getting you and your business name out there by attending more and more events. You may be amazed at the valuable feedback or referrals you’ll get.
- You spend time at every networking event with the same people. It is easy to network with people that you already know. However, you need to get out of your comfort zone and meet some new people. Otherwise, you are not doing anything to help you grow your business.
You are there to spread the word and meet new contacts, not just spend time with your friends. Ask them to introduce you to others who might want to meet you and learn about your business. - If you are really stuck with the same people, attend different events so that you are not drawn to them. I enjoy the challenge of going to an event where I know no one. That will force you to start talking.
- You are not networking online either. There are millions of potential clients online. You just need to reach them with social media marketing and networking. Join some groups and start interacting.
- Start a Facebook page or Twitter account and turn on notifications! Follow-up with people from events and tweet helpful resources to potential clients to get on their radar.
Just because you might suck at networking, does not mean that you have to give up. Unless you’re shoving business cards down my throat not listening to to the person you’re talking to. Then please do. Just freaking give up. Stay home!
It takes time to become more comfortable around people. With time, patience, and practice, you can become great at networking. You may even look forward to meeting new people once you get in the groove!
It is very important to start attending events every month so you can continue to grow your business. Learn to enjoy yourself and you start attending events several times a month. At events, you need to meet new people, not just hang around people that you already know — try to meet 3–5 new people. You also need to try to reach out to all of your potential clients that are online.
Originally published at www.handshakin.com.
