4 Creative Ways to Network

Relationship-Building Matters.

When you’re building a business, relationships matter. You never know who you’ll meet and how they’ll change your life. Supportive partners, potential clients, friends, referral partners, collaborators, or someone you’ll hire for yourself… 

The possibilities are endless. But you have to meet them to discover the opportunities that await!

Between you and me though, I’m kind of sick of traditional networking. It feels a little stale to me and uninspiring. 

This year, because I was a little sick of the standard events, the typical go-around-the-room and introduce-yourself, I decided to think outside the box and try some creative ways to meet people instead of swapping business cards. 

4 Overlooked or Undertalked About Ideas for Networking: 

1. Collaborating 
2. Using Social Media Creatively 
3. Micro Networking 
4. Connecting 1:1 Consistently
5. And… a surprise BONUS at the end! 

First, let’s define Networking: 

Credited to my Chat GPT (whom I call Dolores): Networking is the process of building and nurturing professional or personal relationships with people who can provide support, opportunities, or knowledge. It involves connecting with others in a mutually beneficial way, often through sharing information, resources, or introductions. Networking can occur in various settings, such as in-person events, online platforms, or casual interactions, and is driven by the goal of creating a strong network of contacts that can help advance careers, businesses, or personal goals.

My take: Effective networking is built on trust, authenticity, and genuine interest in forming connections that can lead to long-term collaboration and growth.

The key is that there’s a purpose behind it and a focus on growth – together and individually. 

While the definition above alludes to the fact that networking can LEAD to collaboration, I also think that collaboration can be a great way to network!  

Collaborating as a Form of Networking: 

I’ve written an ample number of blogs and done a ton of podcasts on collaborations.

When I talk about using collaborations to “network” I’m talking about creatively connecting to people you want to meet and putting yourself in a place where it’s give-give right away!

Examples of networking through collaborations: 

• Podcasting: guesting, hosting, cohosting 
• Cohosting events
• Guest blogging 
• Speaking 
• Working on projects together 

Using Social Media Creatively 

I don’t simply mean more posting more… in fact, I don’t mean more posting at all! I’m talking about using social media to engage with others and have conversations. 

Examples of networking through social media (the “dark” social): 

• Messages, responding to stories, commenting on other’s posts 
• Using tools like Voxer, WhatsApp, etc. 
• Engaging and being the go-to person in Facebook groups, contributing more than you take
• Moving it OFF social media to further connections 

Micro Networking 

This could be a small, intimate mastermind, a trade group, or any micro gathering in a cozy setting. Choose 4-5 business friends and do a planning/dreaming day, arrange a local walking group, attend a book club.

Micro is getting involved (consistently) with anywhere from 4-10 people – whatever feels comfiest to you and getting to know one another more deeply, thanks to a smaller setting. 

Examples: 

• Organize a small weekly or biweekly group with your peers 
• Start a book club 
• Arrange a walking group locally 
• Set up a business planning day with your favorite business pals 

Micro networking is a great way to engage without feeling overwhelmed by the size of a group, or getting lost. The intention is that the small group gathers around a shared interest or community, so there’s an instant connection point. 

Conversations often go a bit deeper because you’re bonding over a shared passion or interest. 

Connecting 1:1 with Consistency 

1:1 Networking is still hands-down my favorite thing! What I like to do, and have been focusing on this year, is not trying to meet as many people as I possibly can but meet with the SAME people as many times as possible. I want to go deeper vs. wider with my connections and collaborators so we can really learn how to help one another, hear about each other’s needs, trust each other, stay aware of what the other is focusing on at a given time. 

Examples:

• Coffee
• Dinner
• Virtual meeting
• Netwalking date 
• Phone call 
• The list goes on!

Connecting repeatedly with the same people is a powerful way to build and grow, establish trust, and get clear on how to help each other. 

Bonus! Educating Yourself While Networking for a Double-WIN! 

I LOVE attending educational workshops and meeting people for a win-win-win!

When I sign up for a course or a workshop, I love “networking” with the other participants.

 It doesn’t need to be limited to business learning either… here are some examples of where you can learn and connect all in one room:

• Pottery class 
• Rock climbing
• Dance class 
• Online courses/workshops 
• Educational events and seminars 
• And beyond! 

Networking doesn’t just need to be a “shake hands and recite your title” kind of event. It can be far more enjoyable, an ongoing intermeshed part of who you are and your business!

It’s building relationships and genuine connections and thinking of creative ways that suit YOUR personality type and comfort level to do it.