Tips to Networking Like a Maverick
By: Lauren Marsicano
Insta: @networkingmaverick
Tips to Networking Like a Maverick
If you ask any successful entrepreneur for a list of business tips, networking will likely be near the top. I’ve spoken to many budding entrepreneurs about their networking experience, and a lot of them report a similar experience. Specifically, they start by attending every networking event they can, regardless of the people attending or the type of event. But as they start to build up their connections, they find the need to become more intentional about how and with whom they network. And those networkers seeking more purposeful interactions are the ones who inspired me to share these tips.
If you’re just starting on your entrepreneurial journey, I have something for you too! Click here to watch my “Top 5 Strategies for Turning Your Network into NetWORTH.”
Now, if you’re that entrepreneur looking to network with intention, keep reading to learn how to network like a maverick.
Set a Goal
This is the first tip, and probably the most important for an entrepreneur looking to network more intentionally. One question to ask yourself when setting a networking goal is: Why? Why am I networking? Do you want to meet people in your field? Do you want to diversify your network? Are you looking for specific collaborations? Is there a specific skill you want to learn? Is there someone with whom you would like to connect attending the event? Knowing your “why” will help you determine which kinds of networking events you should go to, and which ones you can skip.
Takeaway: Set a goal that aligns with your “why.”
Make a Plan
Ok, so you set your goal. Now, make a plan that aligns with it.
If your goal is to meet people in your field, then plan to attend events that your colleagues will attend. But, it is best to attend by yourself or in a small group. If the group you go with is too big, it could make it harder for you to make connections with new people.
If your goal is to diversify your network, attend events that interest you but will not have many people in your field in attendance. For example, I’m a lawyer, but I love scotch. So to diversify my network, I attend events for “scotch aficionados,” where I meet people who don’t work in my field, but with whom I can connect to expand the scope of my network.
Here is some general advice for an effective networking plan: Choose quality over quantity. Plan to make a maximum of three connections, and follow up with them after the event via their preferred method of contact.
Takeaway: Make a plan that aligns with your goal.
Follow Up
You’ve made the desired connections. Now what?
Now, you follow up first.
Although networking is a lot like dating, the rules for making contact after a first date definitely do not apply.
After you meet your new connections, make sure to follow up as quickly as possible. Include information about where, when, and how you met, and what you talked about. If you can find something of value to share with them - something that will help them in their business - include it in your follow up email, direct message, text, or call.
Takeaway: Be the first to follow up via their preferred method of communication.
Provide Value
This tip is essential to creating a business relationship that will strengthen your referral network. If they need help in their business, refer people you trust. Share articles that will help them. If you hear of a business opportunity that will benefit them, share it. When you add value to every interaction, you become a strong presence in their network, which means they will likely refer people to you for business. That’s how you turn your network into your net-worth.
Takeaway: Add value to every interaction.
Tap Into Your Network
All relationships - including business connections - are a two-way street. When you bring value to your network, they will be more likely to help you when you need it. If you need advice, ask your network. It is preferable to tap into your network for anything you need, rather than try to make connections with someone you don’t really know or trust.
Tapping into your network will strengthen your business relationships and can create a bridge where they send you business and vice versa. If someone in your network needs help with something, and you know someone who can help, make the introduction. When you connect others, you create bridges that will bring you and your network more connections to help everyone grow together.
Takeaway: Tap into your network, so everyone grows together.
Personalize Interactions
Whenever you send someone an email or make an introduction, make sure to personalize your messages. Explain why you thought of them and decided to share an article with them. If making an introduction, talk a little bit about why you are introducing them, and share a little bit about each of them to open up communication between your contacts. Sometimes social media sites will have response templates - don’t use them.
Takeaway: Personalize all interactions.
Check-In
Contact your closest connections every month or two just to maintain the relationship. Make sure not to check-in or tap into your network too often, or they may stop answering your calls or opening your messages. If you find the right balance for checking in with your network, they will be more likely to answer you when you contact them. Some connections can grow deeper, and check-ins can become more frequent, so use your judgment when contacting or giving someone space.
Takeaway: Check-in to stay in contact - but not too often!
Share Successes and Show Gratitude
When others in your network succeed, so do you. So share the successes of others. Send cards to congratulate them. Send thank-you notes. Share your successes and those of your network connections in your social media posts and/or stories. Do shout outs on social media to those who have helped you achieve a goal. This helps keep you visible, connected to your network, and top of mind when they need someone with your skillset.
Takeaway: Share your successes and the successes of others. And show gratitude to those who have helped you.
Make It a Habit
This is where the sales and marketing rule of seven comes in. Since you are a representation of your brand or product, you must be seen by someone seven times before they buy from you. That’s why you should make it a habit to show at networking events with the same or similar groups of people. The more the people see you, the more likely a natural business relationship will develop. Creating relationships with others isn’t easy, but the more you show up, the easier it will become to form connections.
Takeaway: Make it a habit to show up to networking events.
Takeaway Tips to Network Like a Maverick
Set a goal that aligns with your “why.”
Make a plan that aligns with your goal.
Be the first to follow up via their preferred method of communication.
Add value to every interaction.
Tap into your network, so everyone grows together.
Personalize all interactions.
Check-in to stay in contact - but not too often!
Share your successes and the successes of others. And show gratitude to those who have helped you.
Make it a habit to show up to networking events.
Now you have all of the best tips to network and maintain connections with purpose and intention. So get out there and start networking like a maverick!