Power Networking Blog
Some people attend a large amount of networking events. How helpful are networking events considering the amounts of time, energy and other resources needed for various events?
Whether they are helpful or not depends on what your purpose is for attending the networking event in the first place.
Does having 500+ connections on LinkedIn make a difference?
Probably not! Does not having 500+ connections on LinkedIn make a difference? Possibly!
How do I build a network of friends and clients as a freelancer, without attending graduate school or working at a job?
I don’t believe not attending graduate school or working in a job should hinder you in any way getting out there and developing your professional network.
You describe yourself as a freelancer but don’t provide any details as to what field you’re working in.
Is it even possible to build a client base or network with no website?
Yes, it is most certainly possible, however by not having a website you are losing out on a strategy to build your network.
As an introvert, do you agree that networking is the key to success?
No, I disagree with the statement on several levels. Networking is one component that can lead to success.
Even the term ‘success’ is ambiguous. To one person it may mean that they have achieved fame and fortune. On the other end of the continuum, success to a person suffering from clinical depression may mean they have been able to get up out of bed that day and have a shower.
How do I expand my professional network at large conferences?
This is similar to some questions I have answered in the recent past:
How useful are meetups for business networking?
There are no benefits inherent to a meetup.
Any that are gained are due to your ability and willingness to leverage a specific meetup and what it has to offer.
What are good catch phrases when networking?
“Do you come here often?” works for me. Sure it’s a sleazy pick-up line but when I deliver it there is no mistake thinking that I’m on the move.
I’m not a believer in using catch phrases. I believe that it is more important to have a short elevator pitch that piques the other person’s interest so they want to learn more about you. I also think it is important to be a good listener and an interviewer.
As someone who is introverted and uncomfortable with the idea of networking and self-marketing, how can I foster networking connections?
This question seems to have been kicking around for a while awaiting some new answers. According to some researchers, over 40% of Americans describe themselves as being shy.
This seems to be on the increase. Just take a look at any bus stop where you could have 20 people with their smart phone earbuds in place and trying to avoid making eye contact with any of the others at the stop.
I would like to expand my network on Linkedin but I can't keep pretending to be everybody's friend, how can I do that?
I would suggest starting by changing your thinking on the word ‘friend.’ Friends are with Facebook.
Far better to think of your Linkedin connections as ‘colleagues’ or even possibilities.
More...
Is networking with people easy?
Is networking with people easy?
Yes, no, maybe, sometimes, always. This question doesn’t elicit a one-size-fits all answer.
Those who are extroverted and outgoing thrive on social activities like networking. However, not every extrovert is outgoing.
What should you do when you're at an event where you don't know anybody?
What should you do when you're at an event where you don't know anybody?
This is similar to some questions I have answered in the recent past:
Is it a good idea to network with random people you share interests with on LinkedIn?
Is it a good idea to network with random people you share interests with on LinkedIn?
I would say that it is neither good nor bad.
There can be value in linking to people who share common interests. It can be a good way to build your network and extend your reach. Opportunity often arises from people who share common interests.
Networking with Different Careers
How do you describe yourself to others a networking events when you have several different active careers?
I have faced this challenge many times myself. As a registered nurse working in mental health as my main career, I've usually had several side-hustles on the go at the same time.
When I attend business networking event, I'm usually there to promote one of my businesses or organizations that I'm involved with rather than my nursing position.
In some of the books I have written I use a system I call ‘how high does your elevator go?’ The concept is that buildings have elevators that go to different heights. Some may go to 2 floors some may go to 20 floors. Some buildings may even have multiple elevators.
Popular Post
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Some people attend a large amount of networking events. How helpful are networking events considering the amounts of time, energy and other resources needed for various events?
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Does having 500+ connections on LinkedIn make a difference?
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How do I build a network of friends and clients as a freelancer, without attending graduate school or working at a job?