How to Build Relationships and Creating Opportunities as Part of Your Networking Strategies

Networking can feel like a daunting task, but it’s also your secret weapon for career transition or advancement! In-person networking can be an excellent opportunity to build meaningful relationships and create opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

What is networking? 🤔

Networking is about building and maintaining relationships with people who can help you achieve your career goals. It’s a way to connect with like-minded people and share information that can lead to future opportunities.

Networking can happen both online and in person, but in-person networking allows for face-to-face interactions and the chance to make a lasting impression. 

Why is networking important? 🤷🏽‍♂️

I can say networking is important until I’m blue in the face…but you probably already know that. And I get it: the thought of attending networking events and chatting up strangers might make you want to curl up in a ball but trust me, it’s worth it. 

Networking is essential for personal and professional growth, but if you still need more convincing, here are just a few particular benefits that networking gives you. 

👉 Networking expands your professional circle. When you network, you expand your professional circle and gain valuable insights and knowledge from others. By building these relationships, you can gain access to new ideas, career opportunities, and collaborations that you might not have been able to achieve on your own.

👉 Networking builds your personal brand. By establishing yourself as an expert in your field, you’ll gain the respect and recognition you deserve, which can lead to even more opportunities down the road.

👉 Networking builds meaningful relationships. Networking is all about making connections and building relationships with people in your industry. These relationships can lead to new opportunities, insights, and collaborations. Plus, it’s always nice to have a few work friends who “get it.” 

👉 Networking creates new opportunities. When you network, you expand your circle of professional contracts, which can lead to new opportunities, promotions, and partnerships. Whether it’s finding a new job, starting a new project, or gaining access to resources and information, networking can help you achieve your goals and expand your horizons. 

Besides, you never know who might be able to help you down the line. 

👉 Networking helps you learn from others. Networking is a great way to learn from others in your field. By attending industry events and conferences, you’ll gain valuable insights and knowledge that can help you improve your skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Engaging in conversations and asking questions will also help you gain valuable insights and knowledge that can help you grow professionally and personally. 

👉 Networking establishes a positive reputation. When you network, you have the opportunity to showcase your skills and expertise to others in your industry. By establishing yourself as a thought leader and a go-to person in your field, you’ll gain respect and recognition, which can lead to even more opportunities. 

👉 Networking shows your commitment to the field. When you attend events, participate in organizations, and volunteer, you show others that you are committed to your industry and passionate about your work. This can lead to more opportunities and collaborations in the future.

👉 Networking helps you get support and advice. Let’s face it, sometimes work can be tough. When you network, you have the opportunity to connect with others who can offer support, advice, and encouragement. It’s always nice to have a few cheerleaders in your corner. 

Now I know what you’re thinking. “But networking is SO awkward and uncomfortable!” Trust me, I’ve been there. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little bit of preparation and a positive attitude, networking can actually be fun and rewarding. 

Why should networking be in-person? 💁🏾

I know, I know. Networking is already scary, but somehow hiding behind a computer screen and introducing yourself over email or private message seems a bit less scary than meeting someone face-to-face and “putting yourself out there.” 

There’s nothing wrong with online networking and it can be effective (more on that next week!) but here is why in-person networking is so important. 

📌 It builds REAL relationships. When you network in person, you have the opportunity to build real relationships with people in our industry. These connections can lead to new job opportunities, collaborations, and friendships. 

📌 It enables the free exchange of ideas. When you attend networking events in person, you have the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from others in your field in a different way than you do online. You can gain new perspectives and insights that you wouldn’t get from just reading articles, watching videos, or messaging someone through a chat box. 

📌 It helps establish a positive reputation. When you attend events and make connections, you have a greater opportunity to showcase your skills and expertise to others in the industry. By establishing yourself as a knowledgeable and passionate individual, you gain respect and recognition, which can lead to more opportunities down the line. 

📌 It creates lasting impressions. When you network in person, you have the opportunity to create lasting impressions on others. Whether it’s through your knowledge, personality, or sense of style, you can make a lasting impact on the people you meet. And who knows? They may even remember you when the opportunity arises.

How do I network in real life? 👥

For many of us, the thought of attending events and striking up conversations with strangers can be intimidating. That’s why I’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help you get started with in-person networking. 

✅ Attend events. One of the easiest ways to get started with in-person networking is to attend events in your industry. Look for conferences, trade shows, and workshops that are relevant to your field. Be open and approachable, and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. 

✅ Join groups and organizations. Joining a professional industry group or organization is another great way to connect with others who share your interests. These groups often hold regular events, workshops, and seminars, which provide opportunities to meet like-minded professionals and learn from others in your field. 

✅ Volunteer. Volunteering for an organization or event in your industry is not only a great way to give back, but it’s also a great way to network. Volunteering allows you to meet new people, work alongside them, and establish yourself as someone who is passionate about your field.

✅ Follow up and maintain relationships. Once you’ve made a connection with someone, it’s important to follow up and maintain that relationship. Send a thank you email or message, and suggest meeting up again sometime for coffee or lunch. Keep in touch regularly, and offer your help and support whenever possible. 

✅ Join alumni organizations. If you’re an alum of a college or university, consider joining an alumni organization. These organizations often hold networking events and provide opportunities to connect with other alumni in your field. 

How do I get started? ☝️

Here are some tips to help you network like a pro:

📍 Know your goals. Before you start networking, it’s important to know what you want to achieve. Are you looking for a new job? Trying to break into a new industry? Once you know your goals, you can start targeting the right people and events. 

📍 Set goals for the event. One of the secrets I use, when I go to networking events, is setting a goal. One of my favorites is to set a goal to talk to 5 new people. Making it a game made it more fun and less stressful.

📍 Bring a friend. If the thought of attending a networking event alone is too daunting, bring a friend or colleague with you. Having someone there for support can make all the difference.

📍 Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be authentic, and genuine, and let your personality shine through. People respond better to sincerity than to fake charm. 

📍 Be prepared. When you attend networking events or meet with someone for coffee, do your research and be prepared with a few conversation starters. Ask about their career path, their current job, or their favorite projects. And don’t forget to bring business cards! 

📍 Listen actively. Networking isn’t just about talking about yourself. It’s about listening to others and learning from them. Ask questions, show interest in what they have to say, and be open to new ideas. 

📍 Follow up. After you’ve met someone, be sure to follow up within a week or two to keep the conversation going. Send a thank you email or a LinkedIn message, and offer to meet up again for coffee or lunch. 

In-person networking is all about building relationships and establishing yourself as someone who is passionate about your field. So, get out there and start making connections! 

Overcoming common challenges 🤹🏾‍♀️

Networking can feel like a huge challenge, but it doesn’t have to be Here are a few tips and tricks to help you overcome common networking challenges and make the most of your opportunities. 

➡️ Fear of rejection. The fear of rejection is a common barrier to networking. Remember, not everyone will want to connect with you, and that’s okay. Don’t take it personally and keep trying. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you’ll have to connect with people who share your interests and goals. 

➡️ Fear of networking. Many people feel anxious about attending networking events, but it’s important to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Try to shift your mindset from “networking” to “building relationships.” Focus on making connections with people you genuinely want to get to know, rather than just trying to collect business cards. 

➡️ Difficulty initiating conversations. Starting a conversation with a stranger can be daunting. Try to come up with a few conversation starters beforehand, such as asking about someone’s career or interests. You can also look for commonalities, such as attending the same event or working in the same industry. 

➡️ Feeling like an outsider. It’s common to feel like an outsider when attending networking events, especially if you’re the only woman in the room. Try to find common ground with others, such as attending the same event or working in the same industry. You can also look for networking groups or organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion. 

Everyone faces challenges when it comes to networking. With a little practice and the right attitude, you can overcome these barriers and make valuable connections that will help you advance in your career.  

In conclusion…

Ladies, it’s time to network! Yes, I know it can be intimidating, but trust me, it’s worth it. Networking is not just about handing out business cards and making small talk, it’s about building relationships that can help you achieve your career goals. 

And if you’re feeling nervous, don’t worry. We’ve all been there. Attend events, be genuine, listen actively, and be prepared. And if you’re still feeling hesitant, remember that overcoming your fears and taking a chance is always the first step towards achieving your dreams. 

So, let’s network! Who knows where it might take us?

👇🏽 Tyche Takeaways 👇🏽

• Networking is about building relationships that can help you achieve your career goals. 
• Attending events, joining groups and organizations, volunteering, following up and maintaining relationships, and joining alumni organizations are great ways to network. 
• To be an effective networker, be genuine, have a clear goal in mind, listen actively, and be prepared. 
• Overcoming common networking challenges such as fear of rejection, fear of networking, difficulty initiating conversations, and feeling like an outsider is possible with practice and self-belief. 
• The benefits of networking include creating new opportunities, learning from others, building meaningful relationships, and establishing a positive reputation. 
• Networking in real life is important as it can lead to long-lasting, meaningful connections that can benefit you in your personal and professional life. 
• Don’t be afraid to take a chance and put yourself out there. You never know where networking might take you!