Networking Isn't Scary: 3 Places You Should Be Meeting People
Networking! 🎵 Dun, dun, dunnnnnnn. 🎵
This used to be my reaction when I heard the dreaded word.
I don’t want to meet new people and try to be charming! Ew.
It always felt so fake to me. I don’t like interacting with people only to see what they can do for me and then casting them off if they have nothing to offer. Especially being a spiritual person, this type of approach feels icky and completely out of alignment. On top of that, it doesn’t usually work very well. Most people can smell desperation a mile away.
And it stinks to high heaven.
So, if you want to be authentic and you’re in an industry where you need to meet people and partner with them to grow your business (spoiler alert: this is every industry), you want to try an approach that fits your values.
It’s as simple as shifting your mindset from “What can they do for me?” to “How can we both help each other?”
In this blog, I’ll give you examples of places online where you can begin networking and tips on how to use that platform to show up as your truest self.
LinkedIn Isn’t Lame
I used to think LinkedIn was where serious business people hung out. When I was in a business class in college, they made us make one, and I was instantly turned off. I didn’t see myself as a business person who did “networking stuff”. I wasn’t serious or important enough — or so I thought.
Now that I have some years of experience, I think LinkedIn is actually really fun! (Does that make me a nerd?) I see a lot of people on there sharing inspiring, funny, and helpful content.
What I love about it is that everyone is there to network.
Do not sleep on LinkedIn!
Most people on LinkedIn are genuinely there to connect and know that it is a business platform. It takes some of the pressure off of the interactions to know that the other person is expecting a business pitch.
I don’t have to be serious in my LinkedIn content because it’s a place where people can stop by to get a sense of my personality and what I do. I can offer helpful tips or simply share a little bit about myself. Authenticity and lightheartedness are assets since there are already plenty of people making bland content on there. If you have some fun, you stand out.
Focus on what type of content would be helpful to your potential clients, customers, or partners, and start making that. You might be surprised at how quickly you meet like-minded people.
Facebook Forges Alliances
Specifically, Facebook groups are places where people gather around shared interests. If you know your target audience really well, you can probably find a Facebook group where they are hanging out.
Be aware that these groups are not necessarily a place to pitch yourself. But they can be places where you can offer helpful insights and grow relationships with people in your industry. You might even decide to start a group of your own!
Facebook groups are also a great resource to get advice about something you’re struggling with in your entrepreneurial journey. I was trying to find a recommendation for a printing service for one of my clients, and I was able to give her options from a post I made in a Facebook group.
If you go in with a helpful attitude and not a lot of expectations, you start to form bonds that lead to business connections. It didn’t take as long as I thought it would to have an online community where I feel supported.
Alignable is Awesome
If you are a small business owner or your target audience is a small business, Alignable might be the online networking platform for you! It’s a lot like LinkedIn but it’s specifically for small businesses and emphasizes forming relationships with local small businesses.
I love their recommendations feature because it allows you to be a cheerleader for each other. Another thing I appreciate about it is the emphasis on referrals and partnerships. On your profile, you get the chance to outline your ideal customer/client and your ideal referral partner. It’s almost like making a dating profile for business. If you’re clear about who you want to work with, they can find you easily.
In my experience, small business owners are hungry to connect and happy to assist. There are interesting groups on Alignable and a lot of them have Zoom events you can attend to get to know each other better. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Bonus: Five Steps to Online Networking
Optimize your profile
Make sure people know who you are and what you do very easily just from looking at your page. Do you look pleasant and professional in your profile image? Is your website easy to find? Highlight what you offer that makes your business unique.
Start following people in your niche
I recommend following 50 to 100 people on LinkedIn a week when you are starting to build a network. Join 5-10 relevant Facebook groups. Connect to as many people as Alignable will allow you to in a week. You want people to begin to be aware of you and your business.
Like and comment
Like at least 5 other people’s LinkedIn and Alignable posts a day. Comment on at least one. Find someone on a Facebook or Alignable group who has a question or issue you can help with and offer your 2 cents. The purpose of this is not to sell anyone anything but to make them aware of you and get a good feeling about you. The goal is to offer genuine value to your network.
Post quality content regularly
Some people recommend more but I post 3 times a week on LinkedIn. You can schedule your posts if you want to batch your content work. I only post once or twice a week on Alignable but you can do more if you are getting a lot of traction there. Be sure to always follow the rules of whatever Facebook groups you have joined. Some allow promotion and some don’t. In general, I like to stick to just being helpful in those groups and not overtly advertising my services.
My posts range from infographics and blog posts to photos of my dogs and book recommendations. You can reshare other people’s content, too. Just make sure your posts are mostly related to your business and how you help people with what you do.
Respond to and send DMs - TAKE OPPORTUNITIES!
It seems obvious but…when people message you, answer them. You might even feel called to send a message yourself. Keep your messages focused on the other person and how you working together would benefit them.
I have found opportunities to be featured on a podcast, a blog, and teach an online seminar simply by using my network on LinkedIn, Alignable, and Facebook. All three of these opportunities came from people I have never met in person.
The moral of the story is that in this modern age, the internet can be a powerful tool for networking and networking doesn’t have to be scary! You will find people who click 😉 with you and your business more easily when you are being true to yourself.
So get out there and meet some dream clients! 💪
As always, if you’re looking for a copywriting queen or are in need of some advice about your marketing strategy, feel free to book a consultation here.
Amanda 👑