You might be doing networking all wrong. Sorry about the negative intro, sister. But it’s true! There is one networking goal that should trump ALL things when you enter into a networking scenario whether that be in person, on a virtual meet up, in Facebook groups, etc.
I was recently running a business training call with some members of The MOMpire Network…and this topic came up. There were MANY ah-ha moments in this call, so I wanted to share them here!
The Mistake Most Entrepreneurs Make When Networking
Remember those pre-COVID days? When you were getting all dressed up to go to a networking event with other amazing entrepreneurs? Or maybe even a moms group? It’s likely that you were heading to the event with the goal of meeting new people as potential clients or customers of your business. LEADS…am I right?
This should NOT be your main networking goal. If this is the goal of networking (which it often is for many business owners), then the networking event just ends up being one big Facebook Group “Advertise Here” promo thread.
It’s very possible that someone you meet at an event might very well be looking for what you have to offer. And that’s great! But getting that 1 or 2 leads in exchange for all of that time, energy, and even money that you give to these events is just not worth it.
So What IS Number One Networking Goal?
Instead of thinking about leads when heading to these events (again, in person or virtually), think about LEAD GENERATION!
How do you create many leads from just one contact?
Answer: Referral Partners.
Identify who, in any given space you’re in, would be an ideal referral partner. The right person is usually a good human, has the same ideal client or network as you, and has similar values as you.
THIS IS THE NUMBER ONE NETWORKING GOAL! Find other business owners who will send people your way and shout you out from the rooftops! And guess what…you will do the same for them!
How Do You Identify the Right Referral Partners?
No worries…we’ve got you! You can download the free Identify Your Referral Partners worksheet. ID them and then go for it! Ask them to coffee (in-person or virtually) and chat about how you guys can create an invaluable partnership together!
When we talked about this concept in the business training, light bulbs were going off! Networking is not about leads…it’s about fueling your LEAD GENERATION MACHINE by identifying, connecting with, and doing business with referral partners. This is what creates a sustainable business for you, mama. Skip that hustle, BS. Ain’t no mama got time for that. Enjoy your newfound simplicity. Now go get it!
