A lot of people think of networking events as boring events that bring no benefit, and they think wrongly, as networking is about building real relationships. And these relationships can surprise you with the opportunities they bring, the personal growth they offer, and the learning that they expose you to.
Shift from Transactions to Relationships
When meeting at events and coming together with other businesses, it is just about swapping business cards or getting referrals or sharing client information, but it is getting to know each other and talking about the real stuff, like sharing advice and experiences to help each other, and about celebrating each other’s achievements and talking about new ideas and thinking about possible collaborations. It is about bringing a sense of genuine care and friendship into the business and fostering a sense of community and humanity, and making it feel like people are looking out for each other, rather than just business colleagues who are trying to get better than each other.
Technology to Connect
If you are looking for people who share the same interests as you and would want to listen to the experiences of others and learn from them, technology can play a huge role. There are many matchmaking algorithms, event apps, and other virtual platforms where you can meet like-minded people. And in any case, online connectivity these days has made it even easier to find people with similar ideas. You do not even have to travel, as some events can be arranged online where people buzz in with their ideas, and discuss potential drawbacks, or even just simply share their experiences or give tips on how to tackle problems in the business world, etcetera.
Overcome Challenges with Collaboration
Real growth comes with collaborating with each other and putting great minds with great ideas to work together, rather than working separately and competing. Challenges in a business are unavoidable, but you do not have to face them alone when you have others to rely on, for example, when two similar businesses are faced with the same economic crisis, they can collaborate with each other to overcome it. Events are great ways to connect with people who think similarly and have the same business ideas and opportunities to work together. You can also use backlit trade show booth displays to showcase your ideas and get more attention from people with similar interests.
Get Uncomfortable
When you are at any event, try to connect with people from different backgrounds, careers, and industries. Talking to a wider audience will make you broaden your perspective and even get a newer perspective on the thing that you are currently working on. It can make you explore horizons that you did not even think about before, so try to step out of your comfort zone and just not limit the conversation to sharing designations and business cards, but question and ask, and show the person in front of you how interested you are in knowing about them, and in this way, you may be able to find mentors who can boost your personal growth and offer you real guidance and support.
Maximize Networking Benefits
When you get the opportunity to network and connect with new people, be sincere and genuine and take a serious interest in others, listen attentively and carefully, and do not discard others’ perspectives on things. Do not only get information from others but also give it back. So, if you have expertise in something or can offer valuable guidance, do it. Do not just limit your conversations there but also try to follow up with a text and try to check in on the other person from time to time in order to make the connection feel alive and real. Almost 100 percent of people believe that networking is important, but it is hard to stay in touch, and less than 50 percent stay connected with their network.
Conclusion:
Do not think of networking as a transaction or as an exchange where you just get each other’s contact information. Think of it as more than that and as a way to grow yourself. Before going to any event, open your brain and be open to welcoming fresh perspectives, and be genuine and willing in your interactions, and you will be surprised by the type of opportunities you end up uncovering.
