Do you still sit behind your computer paralyzed at the very thought of going to a networking event?  As a business coach, I know this is true for many of you.

As an entrepreneur, it is vitally important that you get out in the world and meet people. Call me ‘old school’ but I firmly believe that doing business is all about building relationships. And the way to build relationships is to get out there and meet people

What I also know for sure is that most of you have just never learned some fundamental networking techniques. As I say to all my clients, it always begins with the ‘why’. Why would you even want to stretch your comfort zone and network with people you don’t know?

That IS the big question, isn’t it?  I can remember going to a local event a few years ago and I met one of my current clients in the parking lot. I was excited to get in to the room and meet all these people who were coming. I was quite confident that I did not already know most of them. That excites me!

My client, on the other hand, expressed terror at the very thought of going into that room. That fascinates me and yet, at the same time, I realize because it is simply the lack of information and skills that causes that kind of thinking. Let me share some of the basic reasons I network (locally) on a regular basis and the major take-aways from the experience.

REASON #1 – PERSPECTIVE. Getting away from your desk and out of your office to be around other people, especially new people, gives you perspective. I particularly love going to events where there is a mix of business owners, versus hanging around people in my own industry. I want perspective on the work I am doing. I love getting perspective from other business owners. When, and as, you continue to work in your own little bubble, it’s impossible to stay on top of trends in the marketplace.

REASON #2 – IT IS FUN. Make it a fun experience! When is the last time you really did have fun at work? I make it fun just by playing games with myself. I’ll set some stretch goals about who I will/want to meet. I’ll practice a new ‘elevator pitch’ to see how it lands. I’ll ask some different questions – for example: what specific strategy did you use in your business last year that contributed to your growth? (Now, first of all, THAT is a great question. Secondly, it takes you back to reason #1 above.) I’ll also pay attention to new clothing trends, LOL. What are women entrepreneurs wearing these days? I’m not much of a shopper myself so, particularly before my major 3-day event in Toronto each October, I get out to see what’s going on in the world of fashion.

REASON #3 – NEW ENERGY. Aside from meeting new people, I love being around new energy. I attended a local event last week and one of the speakers was a 20-year old, from a generation of landscape/greenhouse owners in the city, and he has taken on the major role of PR/Marketing.  He brought vibrant, interesting and diverse energy to his presentation. I laughed. I leaned in. I made a new contact. I have a new resource for my own clients (because I intend to invite him to one of my events in the very near future).

I know these are not the typical reasons you hear for getting out there to network (particularly reason #3) but they are good ones. To attract new business, meet new people, get your message out there – let alone your face – it’s a good idea to identify 2-3 local networking events to attend. People want to know who you are, too. On-line marketing is amazing – but nothing  beats the old face-to-face experience.

Try it – I know you’ll like it!

WHERE WILL YOU NETWORK THIS WEEK?

Please share your thoughts!