The 3 Best Places to Network
Where To Do Your Best Schmoozing
So, we all know how important networking is – it can help us make new contacts, learn new ways of thinking, hire new employees, or even land a new job. What you may not know is how important it is to network in the right places and meet the right people. Networking is all about access, so focus your energy on getting the right kind of access to the right kind of people. To do that, you have to know where to go.
Here are 3 places that are awesome for networking:
In my opinion, LinkedIn is the best digital networking platform out there. Why? It’s literally designed for networking. You can be more selective about the people you speak to and set up your page in a way to attract the type of interactions you want. I’ve also found that LinkedIn is more professional than conferences, since conferences vary in attendance type. Everyone is there to network, so you don’t have to worry about Jerry cornering you during cocktail hour and telling you his personal problems.
Conferences
Conferences are the best in-person/physical networking opportunities out there. (Some conferences have shifted to a digital footprint during the pandemic – and those are great too.) Similar to LinkedIn, conferences are awesome because people are there to network! And no, conferences aren’t just for salespeople, they’re for everyone – so find a conference in your line of work and go. 1UP: Don’t be shy when you get there. This is especially crucial when you’re just starting. Get some business cards, go to the optional parties, and pass them out. I still have tons of great connections from doing this, and you can too.
Social Media
Social media is a great way to gain access to hard-to-reach people. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, you name it – any and all social media platforms can work. You have direct access to people you otherwise might not, so don’t be afraid to leave a comment or send a direct message. Not all of them will get answered, but some of them might. You never know until you try, so get out there and network!
Networking is easy if you let it be – just choose the right place, then start talking to people. Eventually, you’re going to connect with some like-minded folks. Need more help with networking? Check out my HOWs and WHYs of networking too! Want to get some practice in? Join my Essential Leadership Skills Workshop or connect with a group of like-minded leaders with my Leadership Mastermind program!
