No pressure ways to network for people who hate networking
As a fellow introvert, HSP, and empath, the one thing that could hold me back was networking.
Shudders
You see, I pictured networking to be something that older men did in tuxes and fat gold watches in a crowded room with fancy drinks.
When actually it’s all about
Meeting people who may be potential clients someday
Finding your next business partner
Or finding that person to connect you to someone else they know
That’s it.
You may or may not work with the people you meet, but at least you get to know the human being that they are. And honestly, that’s worth more than you could ever imagine, right?
Networking may seem overwhelming but at its core it’s another form of marketing based on 1:1 connections. That’s right it’s not dependent on small talk, but more on listening (which us introverts are fabulous at).
So say you go to a networking event:
You walk into the room, palms sweaty and eyes darting around. You see a somewhat familiar face of a photographer that you follow on IG. You make your way to her and start making some small talk ( yuck, I know, but if you’re like me this quickly pivots to questions like, “what’s your dream for the next 3 years?”).
If you have social anxiety (hi, it's me) this can be a relief to not have to talk about yourself.
BUT If you are thinking: what questions should I ask?
How did you get started in this field?
What projects are you working on now?
What is inspiring you lately?
What is a big lofty goal you have this quarter, year, etc
Who is someone you'd love to collaborate with?
(You're welcome 😉 )
Often you'll find yourself asking questions based on something interesting they might have said and the conversation goes on and on.
But you can always take the introverted approach and stand by the drinks until someone approaches you (works like charm).
That’s it. That’s the formula I use to network as an introvert. So far, it’s served me well.
I hate to say it, but it really is about shifting your perspective.
Where can I find a networking event?
In person networking
I recommend that everyone network in their local area. In this online world, it’s easy to forget that there are businesses that need your services in the community, and this is usually where you find them. A few places that I look for in person events are Eventbrite, Meetups, and Facebook events.
Your local Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters, and Rising Tide/Tuesday’s Together.
Online networking
When you’ve gone to about every place possible to network within a 25 mile radius, then I suggest you start with free groups: Facebook (and maybe Slack).
I know, I know, you're trying to avoid the Big F but there are some pretty worthwhile groups. I actually got my first paying client from a Facebook group!
Again, start with local groups (they’re more likely to be smaller). I searched for “Boston Female Entrepreneurs” & “Women’s Small Business Owners Boston” and found tons of groups this way—including my favorite group: She Built This.
Then you can after the big ones like Women in Marketing, Create & Cultivate, and Freelancing Females.
But my favorite two groups would have to be The Break Room with HerHQ for service providers (sorry, no coaches) and The Ambitious Introvert.
A lot of Facebook Groups are moving to Slack, such as Freelancing Females (for directory members), so see if your favorites have a channel.
Group Programs
A great reason why you should take a course, you can meet people who may need your services and get right in front of your ideal clients. I actually got my first clients from a branding course in which I was the only copywriter (score).
Paid Communities
I recommend trying a few paid communities. Usually, it takes me a month to get a feel of a group and meet people and decide if you want to stay or not. Most of these communities have a trial period that you can use when first starting.
When I first joined a paid community, I introduced myself and would invite people over for a coffee call.
From there I would follow up (always follow up) every quarter and I would add them to my handy dandy referral form.
Here are my recommendations:
For a true community: The Table by Oh Sierra
I always recommend The Table. Xanthe and Frank understand marketing is all about connections and showing up as yourself. The Table is the perfect place to learn about social media and content marketing, reframing your mindset, and work life balance.
For those who want to build a standout brand: Gold Brand Co with Bryn of Grey and Gold
If you are
a) unsure about how you want to build your brand or
b) not sure if your brand is resonating.
Then I recommend this intimate group of women to get support on how to create a brand and community for your audience. One that serves and feels down-to-earth.
If you are a Digital Nomad: The Lab
I’ve been to a few Digital Nomad Girl Events and I can say that it has been life-changing. The groups truly are supportive and everyone has been so wonderful to give feedback. Although I am not a part of this community when writing this, I know I will keep joining their open events and jump into The Lab someday.
If you want a no-BS community: The Doers by Team AP consulting
Ashli P of Team AP Consulting, is a no-frills, hold-you-accountable kind of leader. The Do-ers runs the same way. Made up of ambitious women, there are tons of trainings on marketing and sales that embrace your values and feel good. So there is no need for you to brag about your income to get people to sign up for your service. & no, I will not be naming names, thank you for not asking (:
If you are a Christian creative: Co Creatives
If you are a woman of Faith who identifies as a creative (painter, designer, photographer, writer) then you will love this small community of women. Meetings are biweekly, you get a prayer partner, and the workshops are right on point. My favorite part has to be the rather groundbreaking reflective prompts.
If you are an introvert: The Introvertpreneur Club with Tara Reid
I love Tara Reid’s events that she hosts for, well, introverts. The Introvertpreneur Club is one way to meet with other service providers and course creators. I never feel uncomfortable and always feel embraced whenever I am in this circle so you might too.
Who should I connect with?
So who should you be on the lookout for to make connections when networking?
Shoulder industries. These are industries that complement one another.
Side Note: These are all people I would recommend and have collaborated with or connected with, but they are not paid sponsors.
Copywriters and Brand/Web Designers
Copywriters and Designs go together like PB & J (but I’m allergic to peanuts so maybe not).
Designers that I trust are:
Samara of Samara Bortz Creative (she designed my website so if you like it, she’s to thank)
Bryn of Grey and Gold Creative (check out her newsletter if you want to feel seen)
Esther of Sereth Design
Marissa of November Design Studio
Morgan of Thuro Design
Anjuli of Studio Junk (specializing in social impact organizations)
AnnMarie of West Finch Studios (Branding, Book Illustration, Book Designer)
Jonni of Porch Creative
Sarah of Live Edge (who created my graphics for social media)
Rodi of Her Creative Details (check out her Wordpress templates)
Tianna of Wilough Design (for product-based WOC minimalistic style businesses)
By the way, I am not afraid to pair you with another copywriter if we aren’t a match. Feel free to email me.
Web Designers and Developers
Amber Ladd, Studio Kaly, Haley of Selah Creative are UX Designers that you should definitely follow for knowledge and know-how on UX. As for developers, I don’t know any specifically, but if that’s you, then email me.
SMMs and VA’s
It’s just me over here but the SMMs and VAs that I follow and recommend are:
Christine Mo (VA),
Mary KC (VA/Pinterest/SMM),
Studio Trieste (VA/SMM)
Social Media Managers
Courtney Weimer (SMM)
And Gigi of GG Media Communications
OBMs and Specialists
If anything, you must take Sarah Burk’s Pinterest Course. Sarah, if you are reading this: you are’ hired. Her posts and stories are ones that look up to when I think of how I want to be as a marketer.
Other Pinterest experts include Keelie Pearson and Grace John Creative.
As for OBMs, I recommend Alex of Bloom Assistance, Monica of Conscious Workflow, and Chynna of Byte Bodega.
For CRM Specialists, I recommend Dubsado with Martine, Amanda Wagner at Riot Haute for Honeybook, and Whit Radcina.
Others to have in your referral list:
Mentors
When looking for a mentor (someone who supports you in the journey of learning and business), look for someone that is steps ahead of you. Someone who is living the life that you want to have. As a copywriter, some of my mentors (in the literal and figurative sense) are Christine Gomolka, Krista Walsh, Kerry Campion, Eman Ismail, Lola of The Brand Doula, and Susan Reoch. These are people who have helped me in my journey and that I have learned tremendously from whether through paid courses or blogs.
SEOs
Julia Renee, Mariah Magazine, Duo Collective are the SEO gurus that I follow and have gained so much knowledge from.
Brand Photographers
Want to refresh your photos?
Lisa Hakoum of Golden Brand offers virtual branding photography and she has a thought provoking newsletter.
Colleen of CK Media Co and Elizabeth Joy Sanders are two Boston branding photographers I recommend if you are in the area.
Lawyers
Dana Shaker, Berkley Sweetapple, Legal CEO Loft, Coaches and Co, Legal Miga, Artist’s Lawyer Magi Fisher of the Artists Lawyer are all lawyers that you can consult with (but hopefully not) or buy contracts from.
Make Friends
You can and should make some friends in this industry. A perfect way to do this is by joining a group based on connections. Which is why I recommend Guidance Groups.
If you just want to talk about where you are in life: Yellow Co
Guidance Groups are unlike anything I have ever seen. Meeting every other week, each group comprises 6 women in similar areas of life. These groups are a sounding board for
dumping your frustrations,
getting advice and support,
And overall just making new friends
Whether you are a new business owner or have been doing it for years, Guidance Groups are great for finding online friends and sharing experiences about business or life.