When Networking Isn’t Working: Pivot Your Perspective and Purpose
Over the years the Inner Circle has had many guests come through its doors. Some get what we’ve built right away. They enthusiastically start working the Inner Winner Formula, meeting people first at our Happy Hours and Leadership Lunches and then creating 1:1 conversations for follow-up.
Collaboration vs. Competition
On the other hand, some guests come in, see people who do the same thing they do, and move on. They don’t understand the collaboration not competition mindset, and that's okay. It’s not for everyone. But if you are willing to shift your perspective for one network, let it be this one.
Working with someone who does the same thing you do might reveal much more than just the deals you’re not getting. In fact, most growth happens when members who do the same thing work together to understand the market, share larger-scale opportunities which require a bigger team, or create niches that make the work that much more enjoyable. Referral partners naturally form from this mindset and work begins to flow and grow.
It’s amazing how quickly our members shift from Ummm, no, to Whoaaaa, yes!
Networking Not Prospecting
Another issue in the networking world is the belief that you must be in the same room as your exact target client to make the event worthwhile. But we always say, You don’t know who knows who. Our network is filled with community leaders. They are PLUGGED IN. Want to meet famous athletes? Check. Want to meet women who are working with coaches and consultants. Check. Want to work as a partner to a large corporation? Many of our members have access through their existing clients. But here’s the check: they won’t pass that key on to just anyone; that requires a collaborative and trust-building approach. And that takes time, and a tried and true group of people who can help.
Some of our members work for great companies, including big brand names, and they need resources. We work with our members on referring business back and forth and creating years-long relationships in order to capture that elusive whale of a client.
Acting Like It’s All Good
Much of what people dislike about networking is the need to be “on.” Our events are attended by members you’ll see month after month. They become friendly faces and buddies, at both our virtual and in-person events. There are also new faces at every event and we welcome them, creating a comfortable setting in which to participate and not stand out awkwardly. Some of our guests are repeat visitors because they like the energy and efficiency – hop online, get some new contacts, and keep moving forward. With the Inner Circle you can trust these are vetted, strategic connections. We think you’ll find that the people who interact in the Inner Circle are friendly and focused on the same things you are!
So, if someone can get over their instinct to be competitive, get past the fact that there may not be the EXACT person in the room, and can understand that the Inner Winner Formula actually works, then the Inner Circle Is worth checking out. Networking like this is extremely simple: good people meeting other good people in an inviting and focused community = opportunity and fun!