SelfGrowth.comThe Self Improvement Guide
Article

5 Networking Opportunities You May Be Missing Out On

Topic: EntrepreneursBy Monique MacKinnonPublished Recently added

Legacy signals

Legacy popularity: 1,558 legacy views

Legacy rating: 3.3/5 from 3 archived votes

If you had the choice, would you rather forego in-person networking in favor of something that’s less unnerving and more enjoyable? So, what makes us shy away from, or downplay who we “truly” are during networking… that it feels like “selling”? The good news is, you can eliminate your pattern of shying away from in-person networking and truly be your “real” self in this context. Read on… What would an ideal networking experience for you…
  • Look like?: a sports event, any type of competition, an exhibit, a treasure mapping party
  • Sound like?: a lecture at a university, a musical concert, a presentation at a local coffee shop or community centre
  • Feel like?: a charity auction/event, an indoor rock climbing facility, a psychic fair, a live comedy, a wedding
  • Smell and taste like?: a wine tasting function, a reading at a communal table in a coffee shop, a candle party Feel more motivated to network now? Great! Keep reading… 5 simple strategies for finding your ideal networking match: 1. Brainstorm 25 fun activities that you would be willing to commit to, and do or attend. 2. Use your intuition (i.e. your right, not your left brain) to come up with your “top 10” favorites. 3. Plan or spontaneously participate in at least one event per month, and create an intention for it, such as: “I will practice asking people what they love to do, and will share that aspect of myself if my listener expresses interest." 4. Leave your inner judge behind, and simply get out there and play! That’s right; it doesn’t have to feel like work! 5. Tell others what traditional networking makes you feel like, and how this (event) is a much more fun alte ative! (This is optional - but it does help break the ice.) Just because you aren’t in a traditional networking meeting or function doesn’t mean that you can’t slip into a conversation with someone who approaches you with a comment, compliment or question. Or you can make the first move and initiate a chat with someone whose vibe feels good to you. Who knows, your friendly conversationalist may even reciprocate with similar queries or comment. And at this point, you will be able to share how you serve others, or whatever topic springs to your mind that is appropriate, energizing and aligned with your networking intentions. Finally, look at networking reluctance as a sign that you are out of sorts in certain contexts or that you are unwilling to ignite the extroverted side of you. (It’s as easy as: If you can speak, you can network successfully! *smile*) If you choose an environment that feels natural to you, you will find it much easier to cast your shy mask behind and immerse yourself in your surroundings. Besides, instead of investing energy in worrying about the first and last impression you make, trust that you will attract the best people for you, at that particular point in time. Be thankful for the experience, forget about results, and you may even lose track of the fact that you’re networking. Have fun!

    • Article author

    About the Author

    Monique MacKinnon has 20 years’ experience in marketing, management, training, consulting and coaching. Her specialty is helping gifted entrepreneurs who need more direction, focus and accountability to translate their ideas and talents into concrete actions that bring them financially- and-soul-satisfying business and life success. Monique’s work is grounded in both practical and esoteric principles and includes expertise in hand analysis and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).

    To receive a FR/EE copy of the article 'How to be successful by not giving the shirt off your back' and the audio recording and presentation of the webinar ‘Joint venture matchmaking: How compatible are you?’, visit http://www.energeticevolution.com

    Further reading

    Further Reading

    4 total

    Article

    How to Generate More Sales During the Holidays

    The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but especially for small business owners/entrepreneurs. In addition to everything else you’ve got going on: this is a great time of year to be connecting with your current clients and potential clients. Yup, that’s right. This time of year is perfect for generating new business, connecting with those you serve in a way that feels good to you, expanding and moving your business powerfully forward into the New Year.

    Related piece

    Article

    Is Nice Energy Sabotaging Your Business?

    I’ll share with you that when I first started in business the image of a leader that I brought with me was an authority figure who has the power to hurt those that are following them. This was because I was so used to being around authority figures who were coming from a place of leading through fear (I came out of the very toxic public school system). I knew I didn’t want that in my business.

    Related piece

    Article

    Protecting Your Energy with Your Thoughts

    We all know that smiles are contagious. So are bad moods. Experts in the field of psychic energy say it's that energy – not the actual smile -- that connects you to the good mood of the other person. Now there are a lot of people that DON’T believe, but there is a growing percentage that believe ...

    Related piece

    Article

    3 Sure Fire Ways To Connect With Quality Prospects (Your Future Clients)

    Many of my clients share that one of their biggest marketing challenges is actually connecting with enough prospects. They are doing all of this great work in their businesses, but not very many people know about their work; or at least not enough for the flow of business to be moving smoothly and easily. Stop. Start. Stop. Start. Sound familiar? There isn't one perfect way to consistently connect with prospects, but there are many ways that, when used collaboratively, will build you a nice stream of people who are interested in what you do.

    Related piece