The Costs of Networking

When I decided to go into building my own business I knew that connections were going to be important. I need not say all of reasons but to name a few, for partnerships/strategic alliances, for collaborations, for keeping abreast of changes and updates within your industry and those outside that impact how you do business, for monitoring and assessing competition, etc.  It is all very important of course as to not do so can be a detriment to your business.  No one can be successful at a business with your head in sand. You have to look around and assess what is going on.  And while online social media is an excellent avenue to make new connections, there is nothing like face to face conversation to gain trust and build bonds going forward.

But this article is not about why it is important, we know that.  To be frank, networking costs.  Particularly for me, someone working a corporate job while building a business in addition time is so valuable and limited. There has to be time for networking.  Most times I can only do so after normal 9-5 working hours or weekends and this is the primary time I spend trying to work other aspects of my business.  I might have a few hours a night and sometime during the weekend if I am lucky.

It also costs me money.  While some events are free to the public, let’s face it, most have some nominal charge for attendance.  It is certainly understandable of course, someone has to pay for the venue and amenities being made available.  And of course they realize how valuable this networking is so of course we do not hesitate to pay the entry fee.   However the fees add up.  Some events are as little as 5-10 to on average 25-40.00.  When you add up how many there can be scheduled in a given month, it is very easy to spend up to $100.00 on just networking and meeting people.

So here is the thing.  I realize networking is necessary but it is important to strategic and logical with how you are spending you time and money.  IF you are going to put out this valuable amount of resource then you should at least be certain that the events you are going to are going to give the most feedback and resource for your company. 

Below are some tips on how you measure if a networking event is beneficial to your company’s root calling.

1.       Is the networking event in your field of business?  It is good to circulate an event within your industry, this is an opportunity to learn about new topics and updates that can help your business as well as survey your competition.  What are others like you doing?

2.       Is the event a paid for or free event?  And what about that cost.  An event is always worth its weight in costs.  There are free events that are more valuable than some with the large entrance fees.  The key again is to assess who is going to be there and will they be able to help you.  Seek out testimonials.  What did other say about this event the last time it was provided?  For those recurring events too you don’t have to go every time they have one.  Go to one every now and then and work it like you won’t be back!

3.       Where is it located and where or how far will participants be traveling? This is important if you are going to be building alliances and partnerships.  IF you are not prepared then no need in attending an event with out of town guests you may never make connection with or even too far local that to collaborate is not going to be logistically possible.

4.       Is it in your budget and does the size meet the cost?  Let’s face it you have to budget.  I started a monthly budget for networking.  I have to be very selective on which events I attend because I have to stretch my funds accordingly.  Ask yourself seriously, is the event worth the money I am spending.  Even if you are unsure too, contact the organizer and ask her the layout of the event.  How many participants, will there be time to mingle or is there a set program.

After you have made these assessments you should carefully evaluate of the events you are going to attend how will I ensure I get the most value?

What to do before and after the event.

1.       If you are able to secure names of participants beforehand, start your research now. Look into the list of attendees and see what you can find out about their business.  Would they be a strategic partner? Think now about the conversation you wish to have with them. And just like a job interview…know a little about them.  People love to know that you are interested in what they are doing and have taken the time to check them out.

2.       Know your business.  Sounds strange but it is true. You have to know why you are there. What are your business goals and how are you going to refer to them to get substance out of your meeting.

3.       When you secure business cards, make notes on the cards.  What did you talk about –what topic and what in particular struck your interest for further conversation. 

4.       If you are able schedule a time to talk more if time permits.  You want to make connection with as many people as you can so given the time and number of participants you may have be conscious of your time.

5.       FOLLOW UP…just like with anything, once you make a connection you need to follow up with the connection. Ascertain next steps or continue your conversation to how you can work collectively to help one another.

There is much more I can lend but these tips should be a good jumping off point for you and give you room to expand upon.  I encourage you to be strategic in networking. Don’t just go because you heard there is one.  Ask yourself the hard questions.  If you are like me, working a regular job and building dream job you want to make the most of your time and goodness knows your money.

Good luck!   Please share your tips that have worked for you here as well.  EACH ONE TEACH ONE!!!!

Leslie Crudup writes for The Business Liaisons – Business Coaching and Consulting

www.thebusinessliaisons.com

The Unspeakable.

When you are just tired. I think entrepreneurs fear the word.  Tired? WHO’s TIRED?  Anyone that is tired is just not ready for this…anyone who is tired is already defeated.  Anyone who is tired is not trying hard enough…or maybe they don’t need it bad enough. 

The truth of the matter is you can be tired! It is okay to be tired.  Tired is a part of life really, think about it.  EVERYBODY SLEEPS.  Your body and your mind need time out to recuperate from the stresses of the day.  Any wonder why folks are looking into yoga and meditation.  Your body tells you what it needs.  Sometimes your body tells you that you need to take a break.

Proud Mary like many folks wears so many hats that during the day I can become easily frustrated from the constant. The constant worrying and battling.   Yes I said it…it is a battle and you are always worrying.  I personally think that when you just sit back and realize that while this can be stressful on your body and mind, it is part of life’s journey and so with that then you can find ways to ACCEPT IT (for lack of a better term), acknowledge and address it.

How do you address being tired short of just falling flat on your face when you come in the door from a 14 hour day?  I mentioned early about meditation or yoga and sometimes just a time out doing absolutely nothing.   Sometimes it could be doing something fun either by yourself, with your significant or a group of friends. I don’t think I need to tell you how to unwind, we all know how.  The problem is we don’t allow ourselves the time to do so.  We hinge every day on accomplishing so much that at the end of the day we won’t even reward ourselves with what was done, but what was NOT DONE.  I do it often, I am guilty.  I make a list and check it off and when I do not accomplish everything on the list I sometimes feel defeated.  It is natural..natural for me and natural for you.

When you are working a day job and coming home to work on your dream job you can easily come at war with yourself. I know I do.  So the question is…. what do I do….and what works for me?

Well, for one I write now.   I write about my experiences and I share them now because it is therapeutic for me. I know some friends that do too!  If you haven’t considered it I do encourage you.  Write in a journal or a blog or just write letters to yourself.  To be able to bring out your feelings on paper is a form of release.  And how do I know…from my other process…reading.

I always enjoy reading, fiction, nonfiction, biographies…etc.  Recently I have been reading about people that I admire, wish to learn from and feel empowered by.  Some readings I have recently enjoyed are below.This is my list..doesn’t have to be yours but I will tell you that is it amazing to hear from other perspectives how they deal with life’s challenges. How they deal with day to day tiredness.  What do they do for release?  Do they write as well? 

BALANCE IS THE KEY TO LIFE

When I am not writing or reading I am spending time with my family.  How simple a concept, right.  But how often do you say it..”the only time I see you is when we are at a funeral.”  And we promise our family that we will make a point to spend more time with each other….until the next funeral.   That is why my family is so big on birthdays.  With there being at least someone’s birthday almost every month of the year we make a point to do something…even if we just have cake and ice cream, collectively go to the movies or bowling.  We find some moment out of our lives to live with each other.  PRICELESS.

My family doesn’t know what I do every day. They don’t know my struggles and ½ of them don’t even know that I am pursuing this dream job as hard as I am.  I will tell you though, they are my refuge, my release and my support system.

I want you to do a couple of things if you can.

Tell yourself when you are tired.  I mean say it out loud!!!    Give your body and your mind a break. 

Set your daily goals but don’t over task yourself.  If you posted your SMART GOALS on your wall under your VISION BOARD then just look to them and use to focus.

Balance is the key to overcoming being tired too.  Don’t negate your sleep. If you need a nap take one.  The body can do so much on just a 5 minute siesta, trust me.

Schedule..schedule..schedule. You don’t have to micromanage yourself but you should set up some reasonable goals and set the timelines achievable.  Pick 5 goals for the week and tell yourself I only need to reach 3.  Anything after is a bonus! 

Celebrate how far you have come too.  I try to never beat myself up on what I didn’t do. I look at what I accomplished and well, the rest goes to next week’s list. I have to remind myself this…I am not perfect.

The unspeakable is acknowledging that as strong and resilient as we appear or want to appear, we are only human, we need our rest, we need our breaks.  Meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, family time, doing nothing….these are all components to being a successful entrepreneur.  And if you are like me, swinging both doors and challenged by the day then find someone like yourself and go have coffee.  Sure do a little networking but then go to the movies!!!!!!!!!

Leslie Crudup writes for The Business Liaisons – Business Coaching and Consulting

 

www.thebusinessliaisons.com