Ideas for Better Networking

Have you ever felt like networking is a mysterious realm? Well, you're not alone. I'm Dana Robinson—entrepreneur, attorney, and your guide to navigating the uncharted waters of networking. I'm not here to bore you with conventional advice. No, I'm all about cultivating organic connections that pack a punch.

Your network isn't just a collection of business cards; it's a dynamic force that propels your life and business forward. Today, I'm excited to spill the beans on effective ways to network like a pro. And guess what? This isn't your typical career advice—it's a game-changer to help you climb the corporate ladder and entrepreneurship.

You will learn to build strategic connections to attain endless possibilities. So, let's dive right into it.

Meetup.com

Have you ever gotten lost in the whole networking maze? Well, here's an effective trick – meetup.com. It's not just for casual hangouts; it's like a hub for finding your people in the professional world. As an entrepreneur, I struck gold in meetups with business owners and startup buffs. 

Why stick to just project management meetups if you're a project manager? You should dive into software and entrepreneur gatherings, too. Mix it with specific, broad, intersecting, and aligned groups. Challenge yourself to hop into a new crew every month, maybe even host one.

Start your meetup group to learn and explore more.

Find Entrepreneurs

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just navigating the 9-to-5, networking is your secret weapon. Why should people with 9-5 jobs join the entrepreneur party? Because that's where the magic happens. 

Entrepreneurs aren't just after customers; they're hunting mentors, potential investors, and collaboration buddies. If you're eyeing a 'quit my job' future, you need to soak up that entrepreneurial energy to spark your journey. Find these meetups at universities and local hubs, pitch events, or dive into the online buzz on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

If you are ready to fuel your ambition, search local gatherings and join those online discussions. Make connections that result in something fruitful. 

Formal Groups

Alright, here's the scoop: formal networking groups are like the VIP section of the networking party. Here are a few names: Think 6 Degrees, Vistage, EO (Entrepreneur Organization), BNI (Business Network International), YEC (Young Entrepreneurs Council), and YPO (Young Presidents Organization). 

Dive into industry-specific organizations, too—whether you're a UX engineer, an accountant, or the project maestro. Here's a pro tip for you: be a networking pioneer. Launch your own group and kickstart a mastermind. 

Get everyone to bring their squad and start a power-packed meetup led by you. Start small by inviting only your mastermind group. After that, you can ask them to invite ten people each and grow your reach. So, go out there and take your networking game to the next level. 

Create a Small Dinner Group

Let me tell you a trick to sidestep the awkwardness of networking events and explore a game-changing hack. It's your own dinner club. Imagine a setting where connections flourish organically and networking feels more like a conversation among friends. 

Here's the playbook: assemble a curated group of 20-25 industry peers. Whether you're a business owner seeking diverse perspectives or a software engineer looking to mingle with developers, freelancers, project managers, and creative minds, this is your tribe.

Host a pay-your-own-bill dinner at a local hotspot. Start with brief introductions over drinks, then dive into dinner. As the plates arrive, encourage each person to share a business obstacle they're going through. 

The group becomes a dynamic brainstorming session and offers concise solutions to each challenge. Keep it lively and ensure the conversation flows smoothly. Post-dinner, the atmosphere naturally lends itself to deeper connections.

You can always consider a follow-up to nurture these new relationships. Create a Facebook or LinkedIn group, or provide a virtual space to continue the dialogue and deepen ongoing collaboration.

Join Masterminds

Let's talk about another game-changer in networking – the mastermind. This concept has been rocking the world for almost a century. It means combining minds to create a powerhouse way mightier than any solo brain. 

Here's the sweet hack: create a mastermind with people you vibe with and see yourself collaborating with now and then. Do you hate your job and dream of a grand exit? Connect with escape artists. 

Your mastermind playground could be your brainchild, like a casual coffee catch-up, a dinner club, or an online collaboration hub. Now, here's the cool part – there are ready-made masterminds in all shapes and sizes. 

Some might be pricey, but they can revolutionize your life. Masterminds have been around forever for a reason – they work personal and professional magic. 

Facebook Groups

In the vast professional networking landscape, Facebook has emerged as a powerhouse for connecting like-minded individuals. Gone are the days of limiting our social circles to high school pals. Today, Facebook is my go-to platform for building connections with professionals and entrepreneurs. 

When I meet someone in the real world, I instinctively check their Facebook presence. Are they active in industry groups? It's a green light for a connection. As the founder of the Opt Out Life group, I've witnessed firsthand the magic of entrepreneurs collaborating and building the lives they desire. 

Groups like the "Hustle and Flow Chart" on Facebook have become my virtual water cooler. You can see the marketing insights and business hacks flow freely. With just a few clicks, Facebook opens doors to mentors, collaborators, and potential business partners. So, place your cursor in that search box and unlock a world of opportunities.

Leverage LinkedIn

People need to pay more attention to LinkedIn as a networking tool, but it holds untapped potential for expanding your professional reach. It's a garden where seeds of relationships can blossom into a vast network over time beyond mere customer connections. So, dive into the platform's mechanics.

You can use targeted searches by industry, job title, and niche. Skip the generic outreach; personalize connection requests with a genuine note. Find a common ground or offer assistance without hidden agendas. Slowly but surely, your network grows, but ensure that your posts catch the eyes of potential collaborators.

Active engagement in industry groups is another LinkedIn gem. Spark discussions, showcase your expertise through articles, respond to comments, and share valuable content. LinkedIn harbors a realm of like-minded professionals eagerly awaiting connection. Seize this opportunity to expand and strengthen your network effortlessly.

Volunteer

Volunteering isn't just a noble pursuit; it's a powerful networking strategy, but only if you choose the right avenue. Pursuing your passions is crucial; however, aligning volunteer work with your industry amplifies its networking potential. 

If you're a graphic designer, consider volunteering for organizations like Creative Mornings or groups dedicated to the creative community. This strategic move places you among peers, business owners in your industry, and influential figures who can significantly enrich your network. 

So, while pursuing your philanthropic goals, why not cultivate connections that resonate with your professional journey? It's a win-win – giving back to a cause you care about while organically expanding your network.

Connect with Colleges

Most colleges and universities boast multiple organizations hungry for speakers, mentors, and more. It's a chance to network while paying it forward. Formal school-run groups are easily accessible. However, don’t overlook student-led organizations. They are less centralized, but these dynamic groups offer unique engagement opportunities.

You can also attend mixers to connect with ambitious students in your field. Dive into panel discussions to share your expertise; these students will soon transition into your professional circle. Capitalize on the chance to invite them to connect on LinkedIn. 

They're current students but future colleagues you'll turn to for valuable insights. In this symbiotic relationship, you enrich their learning and build a network. It pays dividends as these budding professionals enter the workforce.

FoundersCard

Let's explain another awesome networking goldmine: FoundersCard. Sure, the annual fee grants you discounts on everything from tech to travel. However, the real gem lies in the exclusive events across major U.S. cities. You can mingle with professionals from diverse industries, all walks of life, and various career levels.

It was originally crafted for company owners and founders. FoundersCard has evolved into a dynamic platform for connecting across a broader spectrum. I've rubbed shoulders with marketing directors, CFOs, product managers, and departmental directors. 

The beauty of this is that you can scout out the event's attendees in advance. It gives you a sneak peek. It's not just a card; it's your ticket to a dynamic community where connections transcend boundaries and opportunities arise.

Attend Trade Shows

Industry events are rife with untapped networking potential, and it's surprising how many people miss the mark. But what's the key to better networking at tradeshows? Shift your mindset. If you attend to check off a corporate duty, you'll miss the chance to build a network of genuine connections. Instead of card collecting or chasing sales, attend it simply to make connections.

Engage with speakers and panelists, and don't just sit passively. Be inquisitive, ask questions, and feed your curiosity. Here's the secret: the true value of these events isn't confined to the scheduled program. 

The magic happens in the interactions around the event. So, step out of your comfort zone and embrace the networking mindset. These industry gatherings are not just events but catalysts for authentic and lifelong relationships.

Look for Sideshows

The true magic of networking at industry events lies in unofficial and offsite happenings. I call them sideshows. The lobby bar, or as I affectionately term it, LobbyCon, reigns supreme. It's not just a casual hangout; it's the epicenter of authentic networking, where connections flourish over drinks. The human interactions take precedence over passive speaker-listener dynamics.

But here's the real hack: don't limit yourself to the obvious. Scan the event's periphery for covert conversations that might lead you to exclusive parties or offsite gatherings of industry peers. Keep your senses tuned to whispers of a happening dinner nearby or a secret soirée elsewhere in the venue. 

Be inquisitive, offer assistance, and see how a small favor can unlock doors to networking opportunities you never knew existed. The sideshow often steals the spotlight.

Host a Podcast

Have you ever thought about turning your professional curiosity into a podcast? It's a fantastic way to connect with industry folks. Creating a simple podcast is surprisingly easy these days. 

You can use tools like SquadCast for virtual interviews on a budget. You can even hand off the nitty-gritty stuff like editing through websites like Upwork to focus on what matters: finding interesting guests, conducting killer interviews, and building your brand.

Think about it – you're not just having conversations but creating a space that attracts and connects professionals. It's a win-win. Your network grows, and you become a thought leader in your industry. So, grab a mic, hit record, and let the networking magic happen.

Ask for Contacts

Do you ever wonder where the coolest networking ideas come from? Simple – by tuning into what successful folks are up to. Those intimate masterminds and private dinners? They're not necessarily exclusive; they're just a bit elusive. 

As you listen in on your colleagues' experiences and seek input, you'll stumble upon some real winners. But here's the catch: not every idea is a winner just because someone else is doing it.

Before diving in, ask about the effectiveness of the activity. If it sounds like it's more about wasting time than forging genuine connections, give it a pass. Networking is about quality, not quantity. So, sift through the good and the bad and focus on activities that enrich your professional connections. Your network will thank you.

Check Your Warm Market

Your friends and family are precious. Let's be honest; nobody likes feeling like a sales target. Steer clear of the multilevel marketing route that often exploits these close connections for sales. Instead, take a step back from the familiar faces in your life – your friends, family, social circles, and school parents.

Rather than pitching products, focus on understanding them as individuals who can contribute to your organic network. Build connections that go beyond transactions. I’m talking about relationships based on mutual respect and value. 

I'd rather have someone in my personal network to turn to for business advice than just another customer. They'll let you know if they're interested. Genuine connections trump sales pitches any day. They don't bring immediate returns but a wealth of long-term benefits.

That’s All

If you liked this article, have requests for more, or have any questions, please comment or contact me at hello@danarobinson.com. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter at www.danarobinson.com for updates on all of my content and special promotions.