I’ve got the power! To network…

I was chatting with my team this week about networking, and its importance. The conversation started because they asked me what I’m doing when I spend time on LinkedIn, at the Chamber of Commerce county events, or networking in BNI or Rotary meetings.

When I told them I was networking, they grew curious - networking looks a little different for them!

For me, networking often means making connections through my coaching clients (parent, 1-2-1, and group), people in the audience at my speaking engagements, or chatting with members of the wider community. I tried to explain it as casting a net; you throw your net out by communicating with other people, and those who like what they hear will get snagged, and you’ll be able to create a niche. The key is to never stop at one net - one net may give you ideas about where you’re catching the most “fish”, what water’s you enjoy “fishing” most, and even what seems to be the “net” for you to cast. For me, this is at speaking engagements - whether it’s talking with other speakers, chatting with those who were there to watch, or enjoying the work that goes in behind the scenes to create an impactful event.

For my younger employees, networking has looked a lot like business cards, keeping up with linkedin, making connections at their school and through professors, before moving on to the wider business world. They also utilize social media much more than myself and most of my colleagues do - though I am coming to appreciate its power.

I think the younger generation finds networking confusing sometimes, because the older generations don’t realize that social media IS a form of networking! But sometimes when I hear networking spoken about, it’s like this mystical thing that only happens in very specific circumstances, and it sounds very formal. I’ll be honest - the most incredible networking connections I’ve ever made have been laughing with colleagues barefoot in the parking lot after kicking off our nice event shoes!

You may be wondering why I’m choosing to share this with all of you; and the answer is because I firmly believe that professionals need to stop gatekeeping important life skills like networking, professional development, and self advocacy- Once you learn to speak about your value proposition, and advocate for yourself, the world is your oyster.

If you find yourself wanting to know more, and growing curious about professional development and learning to identify your strengths to package yourself in the professional world, drop a line my way - I have free consultations, lets discover the new you thorough coaching you out of yours self limiting belief systems.