This post is courtesy of guest blogger: Becca Berkenstadt, Owner of Worldly Strategies.

It feels like I have been networking all my life. As a young girl, my mother would take me to charity galas and benefits for the local Madison (Wisconsin) community. Giving back to the community was paramount in our family. It was something she was passionate about and now it’s ingrained in me. At these events, whenever a new face appeared, my poised and proper mother would either extend her hand or offer a genuine hug.

I watched her closely and did my best to emulate her when she introduced me to someone she knew. I wanted to be as polite and revered as my mother. I was blessed to be given the opportunity to hone my networking skillset at such a young age. The process has now become second nature to me, almost like following a recipe.

My mother, Holly Cremer, is a civic leader and many awards have been bestowed upon her. In fact, on many occasions, I have been given the opportunity to present these awards to my mother. This was the beginning of my public speaking career.

To this day, I utilize these experiences in my professional endeavors, particularly when I attend a Professional Women’s Club of Chicago (PWCC) event or an Inner Circle event.

Today I share my networking recipe with you. May it bring you luck, success, prosperity, and great friendships.

Ingredients

• A Genuine Interest in Others: The foundation of effective networking.
• Active Listening Skills: To truly understand and engage with others.
• A Compelling Elevator Pitch: Your professional story in a nutshell.
• Follow-Up Strategy: To maintain and nurture connections.
• Persistence and Patience: Building relationships takes time.

 

Step 1: Identify Your Goals

What do you hope to achieve through networking? Are you looking for new clients, job opportunities, mentors, or power partners? Identifying your goals will help you target your efforts more effectively.

 

Step 2: Do Your Homework

Research potential contacts or attendees before events on LinkedIn or the organization’s membership directory. This preparation will give you conversation starters and help you make a memorable impression.

 

Step 3: Craft Your Elevator Pitch

Your elevator pitch should succinctly convey who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for. Practice it until it feels natural and can be delivered confidently in any setting.

It should be no longer than one to two minutes. Make sure you add in something that helps you stand out and allows you to shine. I usually mention that I started my digital marketing agency, Worldly Strategies, during my college years, at just 20 years old.

Don’t forget to add something personal about yourself. This is where people can easily connect with you and find commonalities. If you don’t know what to say for this part, mention where you live and who you live with. For example, “I live in Highland Park with my husband Kyle, son Henry, and our Havanese dog Jelly Bean.”

 

Step 4: Start with a Smile

A genuine smile can break the ice and make you more approachable. It sets a positive tone and opens the door for friendly interactions.

Don’t be afraid to stand next to people having an informal conversation and politely interject with a smile and additional thoughts on the topic they are discussing, this shows a sign of confidence and a willingness to get to know people at the event.

 

Step 5: Listen More Than You Speak

Effective networking is more about listening than speaking. Show genuine interest in what others are saying. Ask open-ended questions and demonstrate that you are listening by asking relevant follow up questions based on the information they share.

 

Step 6: Exchange Business Cards

Always have business cards handy. When you receive a card, take a moment to look at it and make a mental note of the person’s details. This shows respect and helps you remember them later.

Once, I acquired a client through a social situation. At a dinner party where business wasn’t on my mind, I met the Director of Doug Bruno Girls Basketball Camp. Upon learning about my digital marketing agency, he requested a business card and a meeting. It turned out they were dissatisfied with their current marketing firm. Had I not had my business card at that dinner, I may not have won their business.

 

Step 7: Make Use of Technology, Follow Up Promptly, and Offer Value

Use LinkedIn and other professional networks to connect with people you meet. Send personalized connection requests that reference your conversation to jog their memory.

Try to follow up within 24 hours before they can forget you. A brief email or LinkedIn message thanking them for the conversation and expressing interest in staying in touch goes a long way.

Networking isn’t just about taking; it’s about giving too. Share articles, introduce contacts, or offer assistance in that first email or LinkedIn message to keep the conversation going. Being a resource to others makes you a valuable connection.

 

Step 8: Attend Regularly and Be Patient

Consistency is key. Make networking a regular part of your routine by attending industry events, conferences, and local meetups. The more you show up, the more familiar faces you’ll encounter.

Building a strong network doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and persistent, and don’t get discouraged if results aren’t immediate. Relationships take time to develop.

It took me one year of being in PWCC, joining a committee, and attending many member events before I got business through the organization and my networking efforts. Building a personal connection with people in an organization is essential for earning their trust to engage your services or recommend you to others.

 

Step 9: Seek Out Mentors and Mentees

Look for opportunities to both mentor and be mentored. I’m incredibly grateful to have had Alyssa Burns as a mentor early in my PWCC journey. Today, Alyssa and I are not only friends but also power partners, collaborating on a variety of projects and clients.

 

Step 10: Join Professional Organizations

Join professional associations related to your field, or, for business owners, consider joining a professional organization that includes members from various industries.

I recommend taking this effort a step further by focusing on one or two professional organizations at a time and volunteering your time, talents, and resources. I served on the PWCC board for eight years in roles such as President, Vice President, Immediate Past President, Membership Co-Chair, and Sponsorship Co-Chair. These leadership opportunities have led to deep friendships and valuable business opportunities with people I enjoy working with.

 

Step 11: Host Your Own Events

Consider hosting your own networking events or meetups. This positions you as a connector and allows you to bring together diverse professionals from your network.

After learning about Tami Palmer’s Facebook group for Park Ridge Professional Moms, I created a sister Facebook group called Highland Park, Highwood, and Ravinia Professional Moms. We are still growing but soon we will start hosting events.

 

Step 12: Share Your Successes

Don’t be shy about sharing your achievements, it’s a way of showcasing your value and keeping your network updated on your progress. When people see your accomplishments online, it gives them something to discuss with you in person. Often, someone will approach me and say, “Wow, you’re really busy these days.” I typically post on LinkedIn just once a week, but I ensure each post is well thought out.

If you feel shy sharing, say something like, “I am so honored to have been chosen to speak at XYZ conference,” or “I have been working really hard on XYZ project for one of my clients and I am excited to see the success of what I have built for them.” The art of the humble brag is always helpful in situations such as these.

Networking is an ongoing process that requires effort, but with the right recipe, it can be incredibly rewarding. By following these steps, you can build a network that supports your professional growth and opens doors to new opportunities. Remember, the key to successful networking is the goal of building long-term relationships, and with persistence and patience, you can master the art of networking.

 

Bio:Becca Berkenstadt is recognized around the Chicago area as a digital marketing expert and a captivating professional speaker. As the President of Worldly Strategies, a digital marketing agency celebrating over 15 years in business, Becca leads a team of specialists that focus on driving growth for clients.Learn more about Becca and Worldly Strategies at https://www.worldlystrategies.com/