The Key to Making Professional Networking Events EASY!

There is something to know before reading this article:  94.7% of people feel NERVOUS before attending professional networking events (according to an article in Summary).

What does this mean?  If you are someone who experiences a little “pre-event” anxiety, you aren’t the only one!  It can be nerve-wracking to walk into a large room, business cards in hand, all while less-than-eager to mingle with other professionals.  Just remember that the general majority of those in attendance are nervous AND anxiety-ridden!

Sure, there are those professionals who thrive off large networking events; you know who they are…. they walk in like they own the place while wasting no time meeting new people.  But if you really stop and observe, that isn’t how most of the room acts.

You may see many people on their phones, or off to the side by themselves with a “deer-in-headlights” look on their faces, and/or others only talking to the person they came with.  These are protective behaviors of those who are nervous to be in the room.

Caveat:  You won’t see too much of this at one of our monthly Business Mixers in the Ozark area.  The reason why is we plant “visitor hosts” and “ambassadors” throughout the room to seek out those who are new or nervous to help ease them into the room, show them around and introduce them to people who may be able to benefit their business via referral networking.

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Now that we know that the VAST majority of people in attendance are nervous, here is the golden key to making professional networking easy:

Become a business resource for professionals you meet.

How do you become a business and professional resource for professionals you meet?  I have a system that I’ve been using for years, and it works like a charm!  Essentially, it’s a system whereby people come to YOU instead of you having to approach them after a networking event.

How to Become a Pro at Professional Networking Events

1. Attend various professional networking events.

I know, this may seem daunting to an introvert but, stick with me.  You want to be seen at various different professional networking events several times.  I would choose three or four a month to be at.  This includes your local chamber events, 1Million Cup meetings, I’d pick a monthly business networking meeting to attend, and maybe a monthly luncheon or awards ceremony.  That’s the key!  At least 3 to 4 a month.

Keep in mind to stay picky!  You WANT to network with those who can benefit from your business and vice versa.  For example, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense for someone who is a sales rep for commercial uniforms to attend a realtor luncheon.  Find your people, find your groups, pick 3 to 4 and stick with them.

2. Attend these meetings REGULARLY!

A big mistake I see professionals make is that they show up once or twice, throw their hands in the air and say, “This doesn’t work!”  This is almost the same as wanting to shed a few pounds, hitting the gym once or twice, and becoming discouraged when you haven’t lost any weight!

Stick-to-it-tive-ness is key here.  Become a regular! Be seen and be approachable at these business events!

3. Set one-to-one or face-to-face meetings AFTER the professional networking event.

On average, you have to get in front of someone six or seven times before they start remembering you.  But if you set a face-to-face meeting, and have coffee for an hour, they are more likely to remember you.

Fun fact:  you are up to 40% more likely to close a sale face-to-face rather than over the phone.

If you are introverted, this is great!  All you have to do is ask whoever you are meeting various open-ended questions about their business, any challenges they’re having, and how you can be of better service to them.

4. THIS IS KEY!! “I am a resource for YOU!”

This has probably helped me more than any other networking tip or trick.  At the end of my face-to-face meetings, I always say something to this effect:

“It was awesome meeting you and learning more about your business.  FYI, I serve as a business resource for those in my business network.  If you are ever looking for something or looking to meet another professional, please don’t hesitate to shoot me a text.  I don’t care if it’s been a year since we’ve talked, feel free to be direct and to-the-point in your text to me.  I am happy to pass you some contact information!”

This last key alone has not only helped me stay top-of-mind in my social network, but it keeps me in touch with people I may not have spoken to in several months.  In other words, THEY will reach out to YOU for advice and to connect you with others.

Caveat:  Not everyone wants their cell phone number shared.  Be sure to save your contacts email too so as not to overstep professional boundaries.  This is a no-no!

BONUS:  Another thing I do to stay up to date on my social network, is to go through my contact list every six months and reach out to those I haven’t spoken to in a while.  I don’t do this necessarily to have another one-to-one.  It’s more of a “Hey!  Haven’t seen you in a while so I figure I would touch base.  How’s work and life?”

SPECIAL NOTE:  Not Every Person You Meet is A Professional

Keep in mind that not every professional you meet at a professional networking event isn’t necessarily someone you want to become a resource for.  I’ve had to learn this the hard way a couple of different times.  I’ve experienced everything from someone following me around the room trying to hard-sell me products, to getting hit on *cringe* to even having someone try to solicit me for sex.  And it doesn’t stop there!  I’ve got stories for daaaayyyyysssss!  You can read more about who these people are and what NOT to do at a networking event!

Two Keys to Help You Determine Whether Or Not Someone is Worth Your Time

1. Do NOT listen to what they say – observe their actions.

I have experienced everything from being told lies, to meeting opportunists, and I even dated someone who was merely trying to position me to help make HIM more money.  I learned the hard way, so take it from me – observe their actions!

2. How they do one thing is how they do most things.

Do they cut corners in their business?  Do they cheat on their spouse at professional events?  Do they hit on everyone, male or female, that walks into the room?  Do they honor their word in business?  However they treat others, they will probably do the same to you – so be wary.  There’s no shame in being picky and protective of your time and resources!

In summary, it is great to be a resource for professionals, but people-pleasing will land you in hot water – take it from me!  Set up firm boundaries, and get out there and find the golden nuggets.  There are a lot more good people out there than bad, in my opinion!

About We&Co & The We&Co Huddles

We&Co is a professional co-oping & networking business that was founded in Springfield, Missouri in 2020.  While there are many professional networking groups in and around the United States, We&Co focuses on creating small industry-specific groups with five to ten professionals who all have the same target audience but offer different products and services.

In essence, professionals come to us when they want to save time while making more money.  These industry-specific groups are essential pods of professionals surrounded by their ideal referral partners.

These small groups of referral partners (called “Huddles) meet up twice a month for an hour and talk strategy on how to become that one-stop-shop for their clients.  If you are a professional who is interested in joining or launching your own We&Co co-op (or “Huddle” as we like to call them), feel free to set up a 1-hour complimentary consultation here and set YOUR meeting on the calendar.