Ah, networking. That magical word … You know the drill. You walk into a room, armed with your best ‘”I’m totally fine making small talk with strangers” smile, pockets full of business cards and a deep-seated dread that someone’s going to try and sell you essential oils or crypto advice.
Then came Covid, and suddenly the world of networking was flipped on its head (and onto Zoom). Gone were the awkward buffets and limp handshakes, to be replaced by breakout rooms, “You’re on mute!” chants, and the glorious freedom of only needing to dress from the waist up. Never before had it been so easy to build connections while wearing a shirt, tie, and pyjama bottoms. Result! Networking became more accessible, more inclusive, and, for many of us, a lot less stressful without the need to navigate traffic, parking, or small talk over a soggy biscuit.
But here’s the thing: I don’t believe that real networking is supposed to feel like speed dating with sales pitches. It’s supposed to feel like finding your people. You know, those who’ll clap when you win, lend an ear when you’re stuck, and send memes when you’re on the brink of chaos.
I’m not sure how it happened, but somewhere along the line, someone decided networking meant being a “closer.” You had to work the room, dazzle with your elevator pitch, and leave with a list of prospects so long it needed its own spreadsheet.
No wonder most of us would rather fake a dentist appointment than attend a “networking breakfast.” (Because nothing screams “connection” like trying to talk about your business while chewing on a cold bacon butty at 7:00h)
There is another way. And it involves something radical: finding a network group that works for you. Here’s the secret sauce: the best networking groups aren’t built on selling. They’re built on support. It’s about creating a space where people help each other grow, cheer each other on, and occasionally laugh about how we’re all winging it more than we care to admit.
Want to stand out in your network? Don’t pitch. Listen. Don’t go in thinking “what can I get?”Go in asking “how can I help?” Ironically, that’s where the magic happens. The sales? They come later. But the relationships? Those are gold from day one.
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Less “closing deals”, more opening doors for each other.
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Less “What can I sell you?”, more “What can I do for you?”
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And definitely less jargon, more actual conversation. and being “real”
Because when we support each other instead of selling to each other, we build something far more powerful than a sales funnel, we build a community. And that, is networking done the right way.
If you would like help finding the right group for you that doesn’t make you cringe, message us and we can have a further chat.
Photo by Evangeline Shaw
