3 Reasons You Should Be Networking (In Person)

The Avengers. The Justice League. During the last few years, even our superheroes started networking and came together to support one another.

As a superhero yourself, you should be networking, especially if you would like to become self-employed or already are.

What is Networking

Some hear the word networking and think it’s about computers and networks.

For others, it’s social media platforms (FaceBook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or LinkedIn.)

For others, it meant going to crowded venues, schmoozing, having rubber chicken luncheons/dinners, all dressed-up, or after-hours business card exchanges where there is “forced chit-chat.”

Networking is about personal connection.

Networking is a huge way to avoid the possible isolation self-employment might bring.

When I asked my local network, far and away, the response was that networking was about “Connecting with people,” “Meeting News Business Owners,” and “Building Relationships.”

One respondent noted that “[n]etworking allows for positive relationships to grow and us to recognize how we can help one another to grow our businesses.”

I have made terrific friends with people I would only have met by attending a network group or event.

Since the networking groups I attend are for business professionals, it didn’t surprise me that business building or “growing my business” was a popular thought about networking.

One of the responses was, “Would you like to tell 15-20 people what you do every week?”

The answer is, who wouldn’t?

This is a great way to expand your sales force.

When working with a prospect or client, I often hear them talking about other problems unrelated to web design or who they are trying to serve. It is then that a name from one of my networking groups often pops into my head that I can then offer as a resource for my prospect or a client.

Also, think about how often you ask a friend for a referral. When you go to have work done around your house or are looking for a great place to eat, we ask people for recommendations.

Networking helps build a business.

One respondent said they liked being in a networking group since it gave them “the ability to learn and ask questions with little pressure.”

In most networking groups, they do a brief (30 to 60-second) introduction about who they are and what they do. They usually then end by asking for introductions to a particular industry. Being able to describe who you help and why in 30-60 seconds will help you grow your business.

Other times, a person will ask the group for help with a question instead of asking for a referral. Since these groups have diverse members, we can get input from people with similar experiences. Sometimes, our question is answered by a member who is a specialist in that field.

That kind of free advice would have cost me quite a bit if I had to pay for it.

You can undoubtedly network online. I would challenge you to try networking in real life.

You don’t need to have superhuman powers to form a super network.

A good network, regardless of whether it’s “just a business group,” an online community, or a group at church, is just a circle of friends.