859 - Do you attend live networking events?

I love networking. I am passionate about meeting new people, but I frequently notice habits that hinder people's effectiveness in these settings.

It's called netWORKING for a reason.

Attending networking events without a strategy is like fishing without proper technique.

Set clear goals and plan your approach to establish meaningful connections.

Be open to the unique experiences, skills, and insights each person offers, regardless of their job title.

Many individuals view networking events as social occasions, thus missing out on the true value of building connections. Often, I see attendees spending time with familiar faces or linger at the bar, neglecting the opportunity to build new relationships.

To maximize your networking potential, focus on individuals who appear to be alone or hesitant to mingle. Many introverts attend networking events but feel awkward. Engage them in conversation, and seek ways to assist or connect them with others who may benefit their goals.

Remember, networking is about cultivating relationships rather than selling your services.

I can't write about networking without mentioning @joe Apfelbaum's book High Energy Networking.

Networking requires effort but will yield valuable rewards, such as future clients, friends, and referral partners.

Patience and a genuine desire to help others are essential for successful networking.

And don't forget the second most important thing (after attending the event) about networking, consistently following up with new contacts to maintain connections and unlocking opportunities.

How can you adjust your approach to networking to focus more on building relationships and helping others?