Networking is something that most professionals know is valuable, yet we try to avoid it when possible. It is uncomfortable or even scary to put yourself out there and to initiate new connections. But at the end of the day, people work with people, not with companies which is why personal connections are the biggest resource you can have. To grow your business or to advance your career, you simply need to overcome the fear of networking... and once you start doing it, you may even begin to enjoy it!
PS! If you want to practice networking, you are welcome to join our monthly Powerful Mastermind Club meetings.
This blog post is part of the 100 videos that Mari-Liis Vaher, the founder & CEO of Powerful Marketers, has created on her journey to launching a podcast for marketers and business leaders. On her pre-launch journey she posts a short video every day for 100 days in a row inside the Powerful Marketers Community.
Here is the overview of the tenth week:
See the recap of the first week HERE, second week HERE, third week HERE, fourth week HERE, fifth week HERE, sixth week HERE, seventh week HERE, eigth week HERE and ninth week HERE.
What is Powerful Marketing Tips podcast about?
Powerful Marketing Tips podcast launches on October 21 and it is filled with some of the best tips for overwhelmed business owners who are responsible for marketing that drives sales. You will learn the strategies and tactics that any growth-oriented professional can use to build, run and organize their marketing long-term.
3 reasons to network as a business leader or a marketer
Having great relationships with a wide variety of professionals can open doors for you when you need them. You can learn from other people's best practices, as well as hear about industry insights and trends. You will increase your confidence by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
How to use the GAINSx technique in networking?
The best way to strengthen your network is through authentic human interaction, reciprocity, honesty, and good follow-up.
To be more #effective at networking, use the GAINSx framework, originally developed by Ivan Misner. You can use it to get to know the other person and also to share more information about yourself!
How to work with your network?
Make sure to track your networking KPI's to keep yourself accountable! For example, some KPIs you could use:
# of networks you attend every month # of new relationships you start # of new A-List connectors # of 1:1 meetings you have # of referrals you give
Networking tips for introverts and shy people
Stop comparing yourself to others and work on your own mindset instead. Turn your "weakness" into your uniqueness! Practice different approaches to find the one that feels natural to you. Grow your confidence by practicing in safe environments at first.
3 ways you can network as a marketer or business owner
Did you know that 85% of jobs are obtained through networking? 
Start attending networking events. Join networking groups on social media (e.g. on LinkedIn). Just start conversations with new people you meet in your day-to-day life.
How to avoid the most common networking mistakes?
Stop using email as your main method of networking. Stop trying to make your meeting request all about you. Stop being in the comfort zone of talking only to the people you know. Stop ignoring the importance of follow-up!
Make sure to join the Powerful Marketers Community on Facebook to follow Mari-Liis along on her podcast launch journey! She will be posting new videos every day at 3 pm Central European Time and on every Wednesday, she will go LIVE – feel free to join the discussion!
Please share this blog post with everyone who works as a marketer at any level - it might be someone who just started to learn about it or someone who has worked for decades in marketing. The topics we cover here are timeless and we would really appreciate your help in building this unique podcast for marketers!