I’m not here to be negative. Really.
This post isn’t about bashing your networking skills or telling you everything you’re doing wrong. Instead, I want to help you spot a few things that might not be working, because once you know, you can make changes and start seeing better results.
Sometimes networking can feel like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. If you’re doing all the right things but not getting results, it might be time to evaluate a few key areas.
Be Proactive in All Your Efforts
Networking isn’t a passive activity. If you’re waiting for opportunities to just fall into your lap, it’s no wonder your networking isn’t working.
Being proactive means reaching out regularly, following up consistently, and showing genuine interest in the people you’re connecting with. You can’t just attend one event, hand out a few business cards, and call it a day.
Ask yourself:
– Are you actively looking for new connections?
– Are you initiating conversations rather than waiting for others to come to you?
– Are you offering help or support when you see an opportunity?
The key here is to be intentional. Whether it’s setting up a coffee chat, sending a quick LinkedIn message, or attending that monthly meetup, take the lead. Proactive networking builds momentum and shows that you’re invested in building relationships.
Stay on the Grid and Add Value Before Building a Relationship
Here’s a common mistake: you meet someone once, have a great chat, and then vanish. Months go by, and when you finally reach out again, it feels forced or awkward.
Staying on the grid means maintaining visibility. It’s not about constantly being in someone’s face, but rather staying relevant and offering value even before there’s a formal relationship.
How to stay on the grid:
– Share useful content on LinkedIn or other social platforms.
– Engage with their posts by commenting thoughtfully or sharing.
– Offer insights or resources that might be relevant to them.
– Use the “three I’s” to stay in contact and watch your results SOAR!
It’s all about showing up without asking for something. Build that connection before you need it. Offer value consistently, and you’ll naturally stay on their radar.
Be Consistent About Who You Are and What You Provide
Consistency is key. If your message keeps changing or you’re pivoting without explaining why, it can leave people confused. And confused people don’t refer business.
Being consistent doesn’t mean you can’t evolve or shift your career. But it does mean you should be clear about what you’re doing and why. Especially when making a transition, take time to craft a message that explains your new direction without losing your core identity.
Here’s how to keep it clear:
– If you’re changing fields, explain how your skills from the past transfer to your new focus.
– Update your LinkedIn and other professional profiles to reflect the change.
– Communicate with your existing network to explain the pivot thoughtfully.
– Be clear about how your new focus benefits your clients or connections.
You can pivot as many times as you need, but each time, think about how to position the change so it makes sense to your network. You want people to see you as evolving, not as someone who lacks direction.
Top Referral Sources Are Gold. Value and Nurture Them
If you’re lucky enough to have people who regularly refer business to you, hold on tight! Your top referral sources are your biggest champions, and they deserve attention.
Think of your referral sources like a garden, you can’t plant seeds and just hope they thrive without care. You need to water them, nourish them, and make sure they feel appreciated.
Here’s how to nurture your referral sources:
– Connect regularly to see how they’re doing and if you can offer assistance with anything (not just when you need something).
– Offer value in return, whether that’s connecting them with someone useful, sharing insights, or supporting their work.
– Publicly acknowledge and thank them when appropriate.
– Keep them in the loop about your business especially if things change.
By consistently valuing and supporting your referral sources, you create a relationship built on mutual respect. They’ll know you appreciate their efforts and will be more inclined to keep referring business your way.
Key Takeaways
Networking is an ongoing effort. If it’s not working for you right now, don’t be discouraged. Take a closer look at your approach and see if any of these areas might be the reason:
1. Be proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities, create them.
2. Stay visible: Keep adding value before there’s a formal relationship.
3. Be consistent: Clearly communicate who you are, even if your focus shifts.
4. Value your top referral sources: Nurture those relationships, they’re your gold.
Networking is about building genuine connections. It takes time, effort, and consistency. If you’re looking to fine-tune your approach or need help figuring out what’s not working, reach out to me! I’d love to help you strategize and make your networking efforts more impactful.