I attend a lot of networking events each month and I often have the opportunity to watch the interactions between the participants.  There is something very different that happens when you put men and women in the same room together, unleash them and have them network versus when I watch what occurs at women only events like the DARE To Be Phenomenal’s Networking Events.

Typically at a Chamber event I see something strange happen to the women.  They suddenly forget how to connect.  They aimlessly go around shaking hands and exchanging business cards without “connecting” to the people they are meeting.  Fast forward to one of the women only events I attend and you see something almost magical transpire – true connections being made.

So how to you stay true to you when networking?  Follow these simple tips to make your next networking event more authentic for you.

Remember  Your Heart

In a nut shell, be yourself! Real connections come from the heart.  They are heart-felt, honest interactions between two or more people.  No one is phony, inauthentic, or out solely for their own benefit.  The difference is dropping that phony business persona you have created and instead interacting with people as if they were your friends.  Now this doesn’t mean being unprofessional, but it does mean allowing people to see the real you.  Others want to connect with like-minded quality people and will be more apt to introduce you to friends and associates if they like you.

What are the keys to business success?  Honesty, curiosity and vulnerability coupled with intimate connections are the foundation of a successful and satisfied business and life.  So stop thinking you have to be something you are not and start being yourself!

Have the Right Mindset

If you come from a place of service first and not from a mindset of what’s in it for me you will be more likely to make the kinds of true connections that you are looking for.  Use your intuition to help you discern who would be a good connection for you and who would not and let this be your guide as you navigate your way.  Not every person you meet will be someone you want to do business with.  Always trust your gut, it will never steer you wrong.

Have Clarity

Be clear on what you want to accomplish at each event.  Taking the time to meet with two or three people at an event where you can share some quality time learning about them and their business is better than running around collecting business cards of people you will never remember and who probably won’t remember you.

Networking is a great tool to build your business but it’s in the relationship building and follow up where true business connections are made.  Be yourself, have the right mindset and be clear on your goals and networking success will be yours.

2 Responses to “It's All In The Connection”