According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of networking is : the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions
specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business
Very often I see business owners who are trying to grow their business through networking and get frustrated or drained by it. They try networking and are either not getting the results they want or are stopping it all together because it is not working the way they thought it would. Often this happens because the type of networking they are doing is not congruent with their personality.
If you want to grow your business by networking, then grow relationships with people by actively participating in activities that fill you with energy. I call this “high energy” networking. This positive energy will help you connect with like-minded people and naturally help you develop relationships.
Some examples of “high energy” networking are:
- Individual Sports clubs – running, swimming, biking, triathlon
- Team Sports clubs – Basketball, football, rugby, hockey, soccer
- Hiking clubs
- Knitting groups
- Gaming groups (in person)
- Book clubs
- Car hobby clubs
- Racing clubs
- Music clubs (singing, band)
- Dancing
- Poetry clubs
- Volunteering on a regular basis
- Meet Up Groups that are of interest to you
- Church or bible study groups
The list is unlimited. Just find something you like to do and go do it! Before you know it you will be networking using “high energy” strategies and this will help you grow your business.
Where have you had success networking by participating in or doing activities that fill you with energy?
