Coffey & Cake

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Day 7 : Everyday Networking Tips


The past week has been outstanding! The insight from all the ladies involved in this blog series has blown my mind. Yesterday Fathima shared some handy tips when it comes to creating an online shop and today I have the privilege of sharing around a topic that I love… Networking.
We’ve all heard it before… “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and this has become so true in my journey as a young creative. Networking isn’t easy, it requires courage to step out and make that call, or organise that coffee meeting even if you aren’t sure you will have anything to talk about with the other person. However, networking is one of the most powerful first steps you can take when starting out on your own.

“Pulling a good network together takes effort, sincerity, and time.”

I love this quote from author Alan Collins, and it has been my inspiration in putting this post together - “Pulling a good network together takes effort, sincerity and time” and the truth is, everyday is an opportunity to network. Networking can happen in a banking queue, it can happen at a dinner party or it can happen at a work event. In this series we want to equip you through our experiences so here are some tips to encourage you in your networking journey.

Networking Requires Effort

No one can expect to sit in their office and hope that people will hear about them. No, we have to make an effort & take initiative. So here’s what I have found helpful…

I have found social media to be so helpful when it comes to networking. Following industry leaders and being part of groups helps you keep up to date with what’s trending in your industry and you can find out about events happening in your city. It’s not called a social network for nothing 🙂 So go ahead and search for people in your industry to follow & if you aren’t sure of how to use social media for your business click here.
Plan to meet up with someone in your city who you think you could learn from. This may seem like a scary thing to do but the benefits will outweigh the nerves. There are always people out there who you can learn from and who can learn from you.Email people in your industry and ask if you can send them a few questions that could help you as you start out. Most people wont mind and more often then not they will be highly complimented.
Go to networking events even if you don’t know anyone else going. I have done this so many times and as scary as it seems there are always other people who don’t know anyone either. At these events everyone loves to share their contact details and you may just get mentioned in someones blog so trust me you want to attend these events.
Don’t give up after the first attempt. It will get easier and more fun. Unfortunately you can’t just attend one networking event and think that’s enough. So go ahead and get in touch with someone or sign up for that event you’ve been wanting to attend.

Networking Requires Sincerity

People can see through a false agenda so these are some pointers when it comes to being sincere when networking…


Be yourself! If someone doesn’t like your brand image, that’s OK. If everyone had the same ideas wouldn’t the world be such a boring place.

Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle! I love this saying and it is something I remind myself of often. Comparison is a thief of joy, and we want you to sincerely enjoy every moment of YOUR journey starting a business, so stop comparing.

Always respond politely even if someone doesn’t agree with your ideas. Integrity & sincerity go hand in hand in business and in everyday networking opportunities.

Engage in small talk (whether in person or on social media). It builds a good rapport and likeability with potential business contacts.

Don’t be afraid to tell people about your business and share your own experiences and thoughts, it really shows sincerity & authenticity. When a person hears sincere passion they will be compelled to tell others.

Networking Takes Time

This is where the rubber hits the road. Building up a good network doesn’t happen over night, it takes time and it takes up a lot of time. So may this encourage you…

Firstly, keep up the great work! You may feel disheartened at times but know that every meeting and every event is helping your brand grow, even if you don’t feel it.

Plan networking into your monthly schedule. Contact a few people every month and set up a time to chat over a cup of coffee.

Networking may need to happen over the weekend but the time it takes up will inspire you and it will help you to grow in confidence and grow your brand identity.

Follow up with people after you have met them at an event. This can be a simple message over social media, an email, or a phone call.

Lastly I want to stress this point again, DON’T COMPARE YOUR BEGINNING TO SOMEONE ELSE’S MIDDLE! Building up a network takes time, so enjoy every step and have fun while you’re doing it.

We network because we can always learn from others, we network because we can benefit from collaborating with like minded people, we network because it inspires us, and we network because we want others to know about what we have worked so hard for. With all this in mind it is important to remember that everyone has their own strengths and their own way of connecting with people, so I hope that if anything these tips are an encouragement to get you started, and if you are already networking… keep it up.
If I can leave you with one challenge this week… meet up with someone for a coffee to chat about your business ideas or the industry you are a part of. You’ll be amazed at how inspired you will feel after.
*if you’re in SA and have no idea where to go for coffee, choose from one of the many coffee shops on my blog 🙂
I hope that one day we can meet for a coffee too!

*This post is part of a blog series where 9 creative women are sharing tips on ‘How to start your own creative business’. If you’ve missed a day or two, then don’t waste another minute, click here to read about the series and get the links to all the other AMAZING blog posts.

Comments

  2. I know we have recently “connected” on the social media platforms and am excited to network via that route but would love to meet up for a not so virtual coffee when I am in Durbs one day or shout if you ever come up to Jhb! 🙂 X

    Reply

  4. That Allan Collins quote is right on the money! Social media networks have made it easier to connect with others, but I’ve seen a lot of people who post very little relevant content, or are just aiming to gain followers. Someone may have a huge following, but if it’s only a number and has nothing to show for making actual connections, it’s not worth anything at all. Putting effort into posting relevant content, sharing sincere thoughts, and taking time to engage others — now that’s how to do it!

    Reply

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