2 Networking ‘Rules’ You Can Stop Following, and One to Hang on to
By Sara Torpey, Business Coach at Torpey Coaching and Creator of Selling for Weirdos
Networking isn’t always comfortable.
And while the ‘rules’ of traditional networking meetings are supposed to help you feel more comfortable and know what to expect, often times they really just heap on the pressure to perform when the spotlight turns to you.
The good news is that networking is changing and with that so many of the ‘rules’ we’ve all been following are on their way out too - which means less stress and more meaningful connections for everyone.
So… which rules are on the way out?
‘Rule’ 1: Have your pre-packaged + perfect 30 second pitch planned, practiced, and automated.
The days of the flawless (robotic) elevator pitch are behind us.
The perfect pitch is out, and instead?
Being human is IN.
Do you still have to say what you do in a way that will help people understand what you do?
Yes.
But does it have to be the same every time, practiced within an inch of its life, or spot-on every time?
Nope.
Try this instead: Before your next networking event, write down two things you want to tell the group about your work that would matter to THIS audience. Introduce yourself and share those. Ta-da!
‘Rule’ 2: It’s all about how BIG your network is and how many connections you have… even if you don’t really know any of them - you’ve got to meet ALL the people on the way to finding YOUR people.
Just like the elevator pitch, the days of collecting a pile of business cards and then blindly adding those people into your email, your phone, or your socials are over.
Once again, being human IS the way - and in this case, what’s IN is quality over quantity.
Why?
Because that pile of names on those cards that you didn’t really know were just names - not people you really knew, whose work you understood, or that you knew if you could refer (or not) effectively — and that’s not really a network. It’s just a list.
It turns out that effective networking takes getting to know more about people than just their names and business cards. And when you do?
It’s way easier for those people to BE your people, or connect you with people who are YOUR people - because they know you, and you know them.
Try this instead: At your next networking event, choose two or three people who you thought were interesting or you want to know more about based on their introductions or ideas shared. Reach out and find time to connect 1:1 so that you can *actually* add them to your network.
‘Rule’ 3 (this is the one we’re hanging on to!): Follow up and follow through.
This rule is really just another version of being human.
When you meet someone new, follow up and connect after the fact. Schedule a time to talk 1:1, find them on the socials, or send an email - whatever you prefer is great - just follow up.
Your effort to follow up reminds the other person that you are as interested in them and what they do as they might be in you!
As for the follow through? If you offer to make someone an introduction, plan to share a resource, or something else? Make sure it happens - the follow through is part of building trust in the relationship and really part of being a good member of a community :)
Since we’re talking about community, I’d love to invite you to join me in one of MY favorite places to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, The Prosper Network. Come feel welcomed by the community, connected to an AMAZING group of women, and invited into new (powerful!) relationships. I’ll see you inside!
Sara Torpey is the creator of Selling for Weirdos and a Business Coach at Torpey Coaching. She helps the teachers, helpers, and givers of the business world sell more and help more people by GIVING + INVITING instead of convincing.
You can learn more and find a time to CONNECT with her on her website.