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5 Networking Opportunities You May Be Missing Out On

Guest post by: Monique MacKinnon

Article Overview: Networking can feel like "hard" instead of "heart" work if you don't enjoy the process, people or venue. This article shows you how to creatively put the fun, and concrete payoffs too, back into your networking through 5 simple strategies. Then you'll be able to kiss goodbye to any networking reluctance and failure you may have been experiencing!

5 Networking Opportunities You May Be Missing Out On

If you had the choice, would you rather forego in-person networking in favor of something that’s less unnerving and more enjoyable? So, what makes us shy away from, or downplay who we “truly” are during networking… that it feels like “selling”? The good news is, you can eliminate your pattern of shying away from in-person networking and truly be your “real” self in this context. Read on…

What would an ideal networking experience for you…?

• Look like?: a sports event, any type of competition, an exhibit, a treasure mapping party
• Sound like?: a lecture at a university, a musical concert, a presentation at a local coffee shop or community centre
• Feel like?: a charity auction/event, an indoor rock climbing facility, a psychic fair, a live comedy, a wedding
• Smell and taste like?: a wine tasting function, a reading at a communal table in a coffee shop, a candle party

Feel more motivated to network now? Great! Keep reading…

Top 5 steps for finding your ideal networking match:

1. Brainstorm 25 fun activities that you would be willing to commit to, and do or attend.
2. Use your intuition (i.e. your right, not your left brain) to come up with your “top 10” favorites.
3. Plan or spontaneously participate in at least one event per month, and create an intention for it, such as: “I will practice asking people what they love to do, and will share that aspect of myself if my listener expresses interest."
4. Leave your inner judge behind, and simply get out there and play! That’s right; it doesn’t have to feel like work!
5. Tell others what traditional networking makes you feel like, and how this (event) is a much more fun alternative! (This is optional - but it does help break the ice.)

Just because you aren’t in a traditional networking meeting or function doesn’t mean that you can’t slip into a conversation with someone who approaches you with a comment, compliment or question. Or you can make the first move and initiate a chat with someone whose vibe feels good to you. Who knows, your friendly conversationalist may even reciprocate with similar queries or comment. And at this point, you will be able to share how you serve others, or whatever topic springs to your mind that is appropriate, energizing and aligned with your networking intentions.

Finally, look at networking reluctance as a sign that you are out of sorts in certain contexts or that you are unwilling to ignite the extroverted side of you. (It’s as easy as: If you can speak, you can network! *smile*) If you choose an environment that feels natural to you, you will find it much easier to cast your shy mask behind and immerse yourself in your surroundings. Besides, instead of investing energy in worrying about the first and last impression you make, trust that you will attract the best people for you, at that particular point in time. Be thankful for the experience, forget about results, and you may even lose track of the fact that you’re networking. Have fun!

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Article Tags: creative networking, networking, networking payoffs, networking reluctance, payoffs, reluctance
Referred by: http://www.prostrategies.com



Related Forum Posts
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?
Marketing 2012 - I am interested in what works for you in 2012, Social Networking, Search Engine traffic, Blogs, Articles, Forums, what? This is a quote from a 2009 Topic "Twitter, Social Networking, What is your Method? From my experience, social networking traffic (Twitter included) also converts at a far lower rate than search engine traffic. Evan Is this still true, or do you use something that gives us better returns and conversions
Re: Work At Home EStore (13775) - Maybe we need a folder where people who want to post this type of stuff can post it, rather than scattered throughout the forums... Something like Opportunities for Entrepreneurs... or something?
Re: How can a social networking site make serious money? - Hi There, It is quite interesting, that some Social Networking do produce an income. I think testimonials are always a benefit to share. See one below: This Social Network has changed my life! Every night is a Friday night and everyday is a Saturday!! Because of it, I have been able to leave the workforce 10 years early.It has given me back my life. Many of us would like to retire early. I am sure there are many more. The point is of focusing with great determination. The ongoing challenge is to stay focussed and not be sidetracked into a newer scheme or so. Also I have read, during this financial turmoil, more people turn to Social Networking for various reasons.
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - [quote="burnsrunner":1zobscwk]I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?[/quote:1zobscwk] I am on Twitter and Linkedin, have not joined Facebook yet as my time is fairly limited and one needs a lot of time to devote to all these various networking platforms. Unless you do this full time (the networking I mean). MichelleJ


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