If this is true, you could be missing huge opportunities.

Online networking has become easier with the advent of social media and the many digital opportunities and means "less effort" than external networking meetings. Another big advantage of online networking is that you have no travel time and your investment in time and costs are much lower.

Yet I also go to at least one external meeting every month, where I can meet other entrepreneurs and leaders in companies live. Because the great advantage of external meetings is the connection and direct encounter with the other attendees. You can present yourself more strongly which will make the other person remember your presence better. 

During my career in business, I was responsible for external networking, stakeholder management for many years. Networking with the experts, companies, professionals and governments. Connecting, visiting, bringing them together to strategize with everyone, sharing the latest innovations and scientific expertise. And then at roundtables and advisory boards to share each other's expertise and come up with new opportunities and advice to help more people get better and/or improve their quality of life.

Many people find networking challenging. Engaging in conversation with "strangers," entering a room full of strangers. Preferring to remove themselves and be present as a listener, rather than standing there as a speaker, attendee and/or leader.

The harder something is = the fewer people do it.

And here are the opportunities for new business and growth

When you start to see networking differently, you will realize that there are many new opportunities and possibilities. For both your personal and business development. 

So if you want to network and present and distinguish yourself remarkably, take a strategically different approach to networking. In a way that suits you and your business.

Because , and if this is true, then you are missing out on huge opportunities, people are going to a meeting IMMEDIATELY. Go to events because a "big" name organizes the event. But do not look at the agenda, the invitees/speakers and the attendance list and judge whether they want to spend their precious time, energy and of course costs (investment ticket/transportation/parking/etc.) on this. 

And if you go to such an event just for the fun of it, fine. But don't be surprised if you don't grow further on a personal and business level because of such meetings.

Strategically smart business by spending your time and energy on the things that matter.

And here's how to prepare for (networking) meetings and make the most of them!

1. Find interesting and relevant events

Google networking meetings, conferences, career and/or corporate events in your industry/market

• Search e.g. LinkedIn, Facebook, meetup (.com), eventbrite(.nl) to find meetups in your field and/or area of interest/development.
• Do you visit the website of e.g. the Chamber of Commerce, your pension or AOV for business networking events.
• Visit trade fairs, conferences and exhibitions 
• Join (professional) associations, network meetings and go to the events they organize.
• Look for (online) LinkedIn Live, workshops, master classes and seminars from other entrepreneurs, as well as e.g. at (local) universities or colleges.

2. Attendance list and make contact with people going

Go to the organizers' LinkedIn page and see if they have posted about the event. And if they have a clever marketing strategy, count on it, they will have done so. Look at everyone who has liked or commented on the post. Send them a message saying you are going to the event, ask a relevant question and ask if they are going too. This is a great way to start a conversation and even agree to meet there. 

Search for the name of the event in the LinkedIn, facebook, or Google (direct to website) search bar - has anyone posted about it? If so, connect with them 'Hi {name}, I see you have also signed up for (event name]. It's my first time participating and I'm looking forward to this event. Have you been to [event name] before? And see if you can meet with him/her there to get acquainted during the break.

Post about it yourself. Mention how excited you are to go to [1TP8Event Name] and if anyone in your network is going, would you like to get in touch with them.

3. Preparation and your plan for a networking meeting

Think about your desired outcome. It is easy to go to a meeting unprepared. Chances are you will then be distracted by all the people and inspiring stories at an event. As a result, you'll wander around without focus and aimlessly and come home with no results for your business. Be clear about what you want to take back, what goal you want to achieve: x number of contacts, at least 3 new appointments, A and B speaking etc.

Prepare a small introductory pitch so you can confidently introduce yourself to people. Know your distinctive story, your remarkable value and know how best to present yourself. Ask good questions and listen sincerely to the other person. Because:

'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel' 

- Maya Angelou

Also, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and looks good (because people will look at it after they meet you).

TIP: Not Linked Yet? Scan the LinkedIn QR code

When I meet new people, I always ask if we are already linked. If not, we scan each other's QR code. On your cell phone in the LinkedIn app, you can find the QRcode if you tap the search function, the search bar at the top. Then the search bar will appear and on the right you will then see the icon of your QRcode. Just let the other person scan it (or visa versa 😉 ) and then at least you have found each other on LinkedIn as well. And then also follow up with him/her after the event, see Tip 4.

4. Follow-up after a networking meeting

Make sure you connect with everyone you have talked to and send them a message, in which you return to your conversation. And share e.g. relevant information, an interesting article or interesting insights. Sharing = multiplying, and you never know how/what/where and when it will come back to you. But as Maya Angelou's quote emphasizes: people remember how you make them feel, what feeling you bring to them. 

So yes, as you see costs you have to invest in building and enriching a valuable network with fun and valuable new contacts. As well as maintaining existing contacts. Strategic smart business and networking is more than sending a few DMs. Building and maintaining a relationship requires genuine interest, attention and trust.

Just like during dating. Then you don't immediately ask the other person to marry you, push a marriage certificate under your nose and sign at the cross please honey. First sniff, explore, and know what kind of meat you have in the bowl. Before you take the next step in the relationship. And that takes time. Allow yourself time to build a rich and valuable network.   

5. The benefits of networking

Networking is an essential part of successful entrepreneurship. Surround yourself with those who are further along than you, who have already achieved things that you want to achieve too. Who you can learn from and those who inspire you. People who uplift you, give you the stage and the successes, as well as being there for you in lesser times. 

Networking offers you as a leader, entrepreneur numerous benefits that contribute to the success and growth of yourself and your business:

• New opportunities and growth possibilities: A strong business network enables companies, entrepreneurs to identify new business opportunities such as potential customers, partnerships and leads.
• Increased visibility: By putting yourself in a strong position and actively participating in networking events and online networks/communities* you increase your visibility and (personal) brand value in the marketplace.
• Knowledge sharing and inspiration: Networking provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with other professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders which can lead to new insights, ideas and assignments.
• Access to help and advice: A good network is a source of support, advice and expertise that you can access when you need it.
• Building reputation: By making valuable contributions, sharing value and knowledge, you are going to position yourself strongly and remarkably as the experts in your field.
• Access to valuable information: A diverse network can serve as a source of current information about the industry, trends and potential opportunities.
• Increased chance of referrals (referrals): Active networking makes people think of you faster when relevant opportunities arise, such as job openings, freelancing or business opportunities.
• !!!Opportunity for strategic collaboration: By connecting with entrepreneurs, leaders, professionals from different businesses and markets, you increase the likelihood of collaborations and partnerships. (This is seen as difficult/complex and as I wrote above: The harder something is = the fewer people do it. And here are the opportunities for new business and growth)

But don't rush into signing up for all kinds of communities*, clubs and meetings. First determine your goal: What do you want to achieve, what do you need and who can help me achieve it? And this is different for everyone and every company. 

 One Life. Lead it. Live it.

Have a great week,

Gerdi

*My own Health & Business Club - The Community where healthy living, healthy business and a healthy financially free future are central. Focused on female leadership, strategic networking, cocreation, personal, business and financial growth. 

Both online and offline (collaboration and networking), Learn & Connect Lunch meetings, Business meetings, Masterminds, Guest speakers, company visits and 1:1 mentoring. 

For ambitious, visionary women leaders and entrepreneurs who want to grow both personally and professionally. For more impact, revenue and freedom to live your life and business on your terms.

Alone you go faster, Together we achieve more.

PS. If you would like to know how I can help you, your position or your company become the visionary leader of your life and business in your own remarkable way, schedule a free appointment with me. I will be happy to discuss what opportunities and growth possibilities I foresee for you.

Strategically smart business and living on your own terms,

so you can spend your time and energy on those things that matter.

Whenever you are ready:

✅ 1:1 Executive Leadership Coaching - starting at 6 months
Successful women leaders and entrepreneurs looking to grow in revenue and freedom. From 6 months on a subscription model basis, executive and leadership coaching. Completely free, based on your needs I stand beside you as a strategic business partner. Because as Leader of your Future, you want to live and do business on your terms with unlimited freedom. Investing in your leadership position, your value, the value of your company and the value of your financial future.

✅ 1:1 Program onMarket Profitable - 16 weeks
Achieve remarkable leadership and a profitable strategy in 16 weeks, so you know exactly what you need to do to achieve your goals. Want to take a new step and go full steam ahead with their own business. Be strong in their leadership position and get paid for the value you deliver.

✅ Tailored Strategic Consulting 

No need for a long-term collaboration? But do you need concrete and quick strategic advice, which you can start working with immediately afterwards? Can be scheduled directly for 1 hour or 1 day.

New:

✅ DIY Program onMarket Profitable - 3 months

In 3 months working by yourself in my Online Academy on your remarkable leadership position and a profitable strategy, so you know exactly what you need to do to achieve your goals. 

Extra Bonus: 1:1 1-hour Strategic DeepDive and live Q&A sessions every two weeks

New:
✅ Monthly - Online Leaders Learn & Connect Business Meetings
Every month an online Business Meeting with content and connection.
A relevant topic each month with master class, templates and live Q&A New:

In June, I will start monthly: Leaders Learn & Connect Business Meetings 

Every month you can participate in an online networking meeting online. Every month I cover a topic and give an online Workshop about it. An interactive session where you not only enrich your knowledge but also become part of a powerful group of ambitious leaders and entrepreneurs. 

You can sign up monthly or become an immediate member of my Health & Business Leadership Community.  

You will read more about it in the coming days through the mail, my website and my posts. 

And for the visionaries who are already convinced and know what they have to do

 Claim your leadership spot here

New:
✅ Future Leaders Business Community Club
Monthly Learn & Connect Business Meeting
Access Community - frameworks, tools, templates, recordings.
Closed group communication for questions, interaction, networking
Live Business Meetings

New:
✅ Retreat Health & Business Meeting on Terschelling
Working with a group of like-minded people on health, mental/physical health, healthy and nutritious food, active outdoor activities, business meetings and workshops. Several days "out of office" and surround yourself with a group of like-minded people who, like you, want to grow as a healthy leader in a healthy and growing business and financially healthy future. For anyone who wants to grow in their own healthy way.

Living life as a healthy leader of a healthy future-proof business and financially sound future. 

Invest in yourself, invest in your business and invest in your future

Achieve greater returns and grow profitably on a personal and business level

PS. Also want to become the visionary leader of your life and business? Schedule a free appointment with me. I will be happy to discuss what opportunities and growth possibilities I foresee for you. 

Book tips:

Books that have helped me 

Thomas Erikson - Surrounded by Idiots

Daniel Kahneman - Thinking Fast & Slow

Ichiro Kishimi - The Courage to be Disliked

PS. I have a whole book list. If you are interested and would like to receive my favorite books list? Send me a message and I'll send you my favorites list. Sharing = multiplying.

As Leader of Your Future = Living and Entrepreneurship on Your Own Terms