Networking doesn't have to suck

There’s a reason that networking has such a bad reputation. It’s hard to walk into a space full of strangers and talk about yourself and the business you’ve created. It can be nerve-wracking honestly. However, if we shift our mindset about face-to-face networking and what it looks like, we can have very positive experiences in these spaces. Here are some tips for finding engaging and supportive networking spaces.

VOLUNTEER

If you volunteer in your community, it’s likely that you’ve been networking, and if you haven’t it’s a really good place to do it. Becoming a volunteer at organizations that interest you personally puts you in contact with people who share your values, and possibly professional expertise. You can easily expand your network while volunteering, with the added benefit of giving back and making friends.

JOIN A MEETUP

Meetups are a great way to meet professional contacts, and it’s not just the business and career groups. Join a hobby focused group, such as a craft circle or dance group. It’s extremely common for people in the United States to ask each other what they do for a living. It’s a common topic of conversation. While it may take a while to get to that point, you will have built common interests and rapport. Leveraging real relationships is the best way to network, and joining hobby-based meetups makes this easier and more enjoyable.

JOIN A NETWORKING GROUP

Yes, if you want to maximize the leverage networking provides in a short amount of time, joining networking groups is a necessity. Again, meetup.com is an excellent place to find these groups, but don’t hesitate to do a quick web search for others in the area. The main thing to realize about these groups is that they have different goals and vibes. I recommend finding one that fits your needs the best. If the group has a mission statement and values, look through them to gauge fit. Review some of the past events, if they’re listed. Finally, you may have to try out a few of them. I recommend visiting a group a couple of times to get a feel for how they work. Networking groups should feel like supportive spaces, but also provide the framework to challenge members. Networking group meetings often have business development portions, so pay attention to whether or not that’s part of the group's offerings.

Finally, networking is a must for any working professional, whether you’re an employee or an entrepreneur. Since we have to do it at some point, we might as well find spaces that make these experiences more enjoyable and valuable.