 We rise by lifting others. -Robert Ingersoll Hey ya'll! I'm excited to share with you about the topic of networking and how powerful it is to connect with fellow powerhouses and be intentional about finding ways to support one another. There's so much I could say about this topic but for today, I'll share 5 tips that will lead to success in networking for you, your ministry and/or business! Then, I'll share an example of a conversation I had years ago that 1. Show up. It's important that we step out and build relationships with other entrepreneurs that will spur us on and that we can mutually encourage. Sometimes, it's just about showing up and asking the right questions. You never know what might come from a handshake and a quick conversation. 2. Be intentional about the exchange of contact info. This is something I've really had to work on and didn't come as naturally to me at first but has paid big dividends. How many times have you met someone amazing at an event only to get home and not remember their name to connect via social media? Me too! I always try to exchange contact info so that I can follow up. 3. Know your elevator pitch. I know, I know. Everyone says that but it really is true. Think about walking onto an elevator. Could you articulate "what you're about" and what you do by the time you exit the elevator? If not, I would encourage you to begin crafting your elevator pitch and practicing it. Tweak it and modify it until you feel comfortable that it clearly articulates YOU. 4. Ask good questions. While you're networking, ask good questions! Show the person you're talking to that you're genuinely interested in what they have to say. You never know what you'll learn! 5. Follow up puts you in the top 1%. Did you know that? By simply following up on an ask, a question or a favor, you're taking the next step that most won't. I keep 2 index card holders in my purse at all times. One is for my own business cards and the other is for the cards of those I meet and want to follow up with! I hope you enjoy those tips and can put a few into practice! While we're at it, I want to share a recent example of networking years ago that resurfaced this week! In 2015, I attended a conference for Christian writers, speakers and leaders called She Speaks (first of all, I highly recommend you check it out). You've heard me talk about it before but it truly was and is an amazing experience. I still have friendships today that were formed at that conference in 2015 and 2018. I had dinner with the sweetest lady named Shelly Templin one evening and (enter the elevator pitch) we had some time to get to know one another. She's a blogger in Texas and was the absolute sweetest. Fast forward three years: Shelly reached out to me and had remembered me telling her about 818 Ministries. She asked if she could do a blog about my journey and how to get involved. It was so great to hear from her after several years and so cool that God put 818 Ministries on her heart to share. Feel free to check out Shelly's blog about 818 Ministries and, you never know, one day you'll have the opportunity to reconnect with someone you met years ago in a new and fun way! Prayer for the entrepreneur: Jesus, You made us to desire authentic community. I pray I would be the salt of the earth to those around me, always seeking to serve others and glorify You in the midst of pursuing my calling. May I not fall into a trap of comparison, but fully believe that there is enough room in the Kingdom for my voice AND theirs. May I always have an encouraging and not a judgmental tongue, pursuing relationships that are edifying and glorify Your name. In Your name, Amen
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
RSS Feed