Do you dread networking? Even though we know that networking may not be at the top of your priority list, everyone knowns networking ultimately helps you grow your business. Jenna Curry recently taught a Forge webinar about the power of networking! Jenna is the owner of Remedy Digital Agency and we are recapping the highlights from her teaching. You can watch the full recording here.
Jenna Curry, Owner of Remedy Digital Agency
How can networking get you…
friendships
clients
referral
partners
board members
donors
employees
free advice
free stuff
In order to network effectively, you want to bring your best energy to each opportunity.
For networking to work, you must connect! Here’s how:
- Have a “give first” mindset- see how much of an impact you can make on others
- The only self-serving goal should be to find at least 1 thing you can learn from someone to apply to your business/life
- Know your value and determine what value you bring to each situation
- Know the problem your business solves for your customer and your customer’s customer
- Care about the people you network with
- Exercise that energy/value
- Focus on getting to the next step on the ladder instead of sealing the deal
Networking with Mixtroz at our IWD 2020 event
Getting Started with Intentional Networking:
1. Make a list of your next 10 dream clients
2. Write out what time, knowledge, gift or access can you provide to your ‘Future Dream 10’ Clients?
3. Write out who, what, where, and when for each person you want to impact
4. Start making contact and keeping track (using a CRM or Google sheet) of who, what, where, and when for each.
5. Iterate and repeat
6. Grow your contacts and grow your business!
Jenna told us to ask ourselves, how can you leverage your energy?
- Emotions: send encouraging messages, pay attention, give feedback
- Time: volunteer and show up!
- Knowledge: offer a free training, a guide, “how to”
- Monetary: gift or offer
- Access: to a connection, space, to information, to a following, a community, an event
Connect- Virtual Networking Meeting
What time, knowledge, gift or access can you provide to your ‘Future Dream 10’ Clients?
Who can you thank today? Take time to send a text or write a personalized thank you card!
Here are some things that Jenna has personally done to grow her own network:
- start a networking group
- share wins for myself and others on social media
- host a ladies night
- host a training
- volunteer for events (show up early, stay late)
- join a business book club
- treat friends to golf
- write an article
- host/attend a fundraising table lunch
- write a review
- send a thoughtful gift
- invite someone to a Zoom lunch where she had lunch delivered
- refer business
- and much more!
Don’t forget to thank people profusely!
Forge recently launched Connect– a weekly virtual networking meeting. We wanted to create a way that you can conveniently make new connections to ultimately grow your business! Connect is open to the public and meetings are Tuesdays from 12:00-1:00pm. You can still sign up as a Founding Member (at a discounted rate of $15/month) through March 31. April 1 price will go up to $25/month.
Thank you Jenna for sharing your wisdom and experience with networking! Be sure to check out Remedy Digital Agency– look at their blog for lots of helpful resources!