Networking: A Core Pillar of Building a Business
I used to hate networking. I still have to pump myself up to go, but I’ve come to peace with it. Working from home, networking is a great way to get out of the house and be among people. It allows me to practice listening with curiosity and have an open heart for people. I get to practice not making assumptions and listening to where I can be of service to others. I’m a connector and love helping others in this way.
When it comes to networking, I have to remind myself that I don’t need to prove anything. I just need to show up and be myself. If it works out that we can do business together, then great! If not, maybe there’s some way that I can support their business or make a connection for them. It’s all about karma, baby!
And courage. It definitely takes courage, but I like what Brene Brown says, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
Quick Tips for Successful Networking:
Be a Professional: Show up in a timely fashion (I get it, you don’t want to be the first one there! But don’t be the last either!), dress like you give a shit, actively listen, respond thoughtfully, treat others with courtesy and respect, and have integrity.
Carry Business Cards: Always have business cards with you. This may be controversial, but I prefer physical cards over electronic ones because they leave a lasting impression. If I meet you and you send me your electronic card, it’s an email, and unless there’s a significant reason to be in touch, I’m not putting you in my "save" system. In fact, it’s an extra step for me. Don’t make me work so hard to remember you.
Honor Your Time and Energy: Treat networking events like business meetings. Be punctual, focused, and efficient. I’m in and out, maximizing my time and interactions. Sometimes I am more talkative than others, and that’s okay, but I always make sure to connect with at least one person, and gold stars for me if I connect with more than two.
Know Your Elevator Pitch: Practice what you’re going to say when someone inevitably asks you, “So, what do you do?” or “Why are you here?” Practice in the car out loud on the way to the event. Find your words. And continually refine it. You’ll see how people either move on to the next person (which totally happens sometimes) or they engage with you. Work on making your elevator pitch about them. How would someone across from you, engage with your product or service? What circumstances would have them hire you or buy from you?
Make It a Priority
My coach this year, the delightful and skillfully pushy (in the most loving way!) Lauren Paige, challenged me (and most of her clients) to attend two networking events per week. I know, right? It sounds scary and exhausting.
But I can do hard things. Yes, I can. (Enter my pep talk here.)
Really it’s like taking your vitamins. You know it’s for your long-term health, but sometimes you choke those capsules down. It’s what Herminia Ibarra, a former Harvard Business School professor and leading thinker on leadership, tells us, “Networking is a lot like nutrition and fitness: we know what to do, the hard part is making it a top priority."
So just do it. It’s for your long-term business health.
At the end of the month, I sit for about an hour, do research, and tentatively plan out the month. I literally type into Google, “networking events for [my area].”
Then again, on each Sunday, I look at my week. Do I have my two? Is there anything that I can add that I can fit in among my exercise classes or social calendar? Sometimes, I have to ask myself, “What’s more important to me this week: my de-stressing exercise class, time with friends or family (is that time refueling or draining?), or putting energy into my business?” I get to choose, but I make a conscious choice if I’m going to hit my two that week.
Finding the Right Networking Communities
I look for regular networking communities to build relationships. My requirements are within 15 miles from home (which is a 30-minute drive). There shouldn’t be any requirement to recruit others, and there should be something to eat or drink (which helps with the small talk). Additionally, I prefer environments that aren’t “dude” or “bro ham” heavy. I’m interested in inclusive and supportive communities.
My Favorite Local Networking Organizations
Here’s a list of my favorite local (North County San Diego) networking organizations that I regularly schedule (or attempt to). I’ve even become a member of a few!
Cafecito & My San Diego North County
There are monthly events in Escondido, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, and Oceanside. Morning coffee networking and a WineStop event at Orfila Vineyard once a month. This is always a great group of small business owners. David Zumaya, the founder, is dedicated to small business owners and has his heart in the right place. Reasonable membership. See the Cafecito Calendar of Events.
North County Women in Networking (NCWIN)
North County Women in Networking is a lovely group of women. They meet monthly at the Shadowridge Golf Club in a luncheon format with a presenter for 20 minutes. It is a great way to connect with people at your table and provides some opportunities to mingle with those other than your table. I felt very welcome here. The membership is very reasonable.
Encinitas Chamber of Commerce
As I was walking to the most recent Moonlight Mixer, I mentioned that I was a newbie. The man I was strolling in with said, “This is the place to be! You’re welcome here. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this.” He was right. Everyone was really friendly and the format for the mixer was great. They also have monthly coffee networking that’s free, and you get a free donut from Broadstreet! Membership is incredibly reasonable as well. See their Events.
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
I have yet to attend a Chamber event, but I see that they have a number of events that I would attend, like Lunch Mob or Coffee Connection. However, my calendar just hasn’t lined up yet with those events. However, I just registered for a Happy Hour later in August. I’ll report back. See Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Events.
Wine, Women, and Wealth
Wine, Women, and Wealth is a nationwide organization that combines wine and financial education, both of which I am happy to consume (in moderation, of course). The group meets in Encinitas at Total Wine & More on the first Tuesday of every month and is very welcoming. The last time, it went longer than I anticipated, so be sure to reserve two hours in your calendar.
Locally Well
Locally Well is a fantastic list of curated news, events, and articles about health and wellness in San Diego. They host a free monthly North County networking meetup for health, wellness, and fitness professionals in San Diego looking to expand their referral network. They also welcome service providers to that community. It’s typically held at the California Institute for Human Science in Encinitas for one hour in the middle of the day on the first Monday of the month. I’ve met a lot of great people in this network, including my coach! See North County Wellness Networking Meetup
Mimi's Monthly Meeting of the Minds for Womenpreneurs
This small group is for women local to North County San Diego, who are entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for support and empowerment in their business endeavors. The only requirement is that you are a woman with an already established, self-created, small business that you desire to take to the next level. This group is warm, welcoming, and incredibly supportive. This networking group is small, so be sure to register ASAP.
Networking might not always be easy, but it's essential for building a successful business. By being professional, carrying business cards, and showing up (with courage!), you can make meaningful connections that could benefit your business and others. Explore local networking communities and find the ones that best suit your needs and preferences.
Invitation
If you have other great networking experiences in North County San Diego that you’d like to contribute to the list, please share them! I’d love to hear about other valuable networking opportunities.
Additionally, if you’d like to receive regular updates on where I’m planning to attend networking events, please subscribe below (in the footer) to join my mailing list. Plus, it's always great to see a friendly face at an event!
Let’s connect and grow our networks together!