7 Lessons from Networking and Community Events
Hi friends!
If you’re a community-based organization, you already know how powerful networking can be.
Being active in your community and attending local events is a great way to network, spreading the word about what your organization does, who you help, and how people can get involved…
But it can do way more than that, too.
Here are seven things I’ve learned from attending networking events over the years.
1 - Always look out for storytelling opportunities
Social media posts only give you so much room in the caption for details, and nobody wants to watch a 3-hour-long video. Networking and community events give you something that these other types of engagement can’t: time to tell your organization’s stories with all the details you’ve had to leave out before.
2 - Making time for other people’s stories = endless inspiration
One of the best ways to find inspiration is to hear other people’s stories. Ask other attendees why they love what they do, what their favorite project is, where they volunteer, what they wish they had more time for… questions that give them a chance to talk about their passion, and you a chance to get inspired as their faces light up.
3 - Don’t forget about the actual networking part
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the social part of events — because you definitely should have fun! — but make time for the networking part, too. Take notes about what other organization are doing, see what is/isn’t working for them, and keep an eye out for people you can help or referrals you can make. You’ll thank yourself later!
4 - Following up afterward helps you stand out
Following up after an event sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference because not everyone does it. I always reach out to new connections I made in some way. Sometimes it’s a handwritten note or an introduction email, and other times it’s a resource I mentioned when we chatted. Either way, it keeps you top of mind.
5 - Questions are valuable learning moments
I always learn from the questions I get asked about my business. Questions I’ve been asked have sparked ideas for social media posts, email newsletters, and Lunch & Learn events. Repeat questions have also helped me understand any misconceptions about my business or services that I can address in an email or marketing campaign.
6 - Relationship-building is the key to success
So many of the opportunities I’ve gotten can be directly traced back to a conversation I had at an event! Sometimes that looks like a referral or introduction, and other times that looks like someone reaching out months after we talked. Either way, focusing on building genuine connections is the key to new partnerships and work.
7 - It gets easier every single time you do it
I used to get nervous before big networking or community events, but they really do get easier every time you go. But, if you’re worried about not knowing anyone or having awkward conversations, bring a friend or coworker to ease the stress! Just make sure you challenge yourself to join conversations outside of your comfort zone.🙂
Networking and community events help you spread the word about your organization, make valuable connections, and discover new ideas and inspiration to guide future efforts.
And, at the end of the day, the more people who know about you, the more they can share with their friends, family, and professional contacts — and word-of-mouth advertising only means good things for you!
See you in two weeks,
Catrina
P.S. If you’ve got an event coming up and need support with event promotions, reply to this email and let’s chat about how I can help!
