Networking is BS!
Networking is BS. How many times have we heard people say that? We’ve heard conference speakers say it, read it in blogs and other news articles, even in some bestselling books. Well, I beg to differ. I would say “Networking: You get out what you put in.” In the Atlanta wedding industry, we must have at least two or three networking events per week. You can network with brides, with other wedding industry professionals or even with other business professionals just about any day of the week. So, you take the time to register for an event, you get properly dressed, business cards in hand and you get there and then what? You see 100 of the same people you see at every event and 50 new faces you are a bit timid to meet. I believe this is why people think networking is BS. If you spend the entire evening socializing with friends and business associates you already work with then you can’t really call that networking. You’re merely socializing with the circle you operate in daily. You’re only going to get out what you put in. So that means, get out there. Introduce yourself. Tell someone new about your business and what services you offer. Opportunities are based on relationships, not transactions. It’s up to you to build relationships with new vendors in order to continue to thrive in this business.
Ultimately, I truly believe there is only one relationship that is most important and if you have a personal relationship with Him, opportunities are destined to meet you along this journey.
This is a great post PW! I especially like when you said, “Opportunities are based on relationships, not transactions.” As of late, I have been a verbal advocate for building relationships and not connections in order to achieve(here transactions). Many industry vendors want to connect for referrals until the referrals slow down. Then you don’t hear from them as much. Thank you for this lovely post.
Thank you so much! You have said a mouthful. I am looking forward to doing more one on one networking in 2011. When all has been said and done, the true blessings come from God and if the opportunities are there for you no man can take it away.