Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Covert Networking


OK – so we all know that finding great networking partners is hard work – and, mostly likely, you will be hard-pressed to find any at the typical networking event. If you’ve read my recent articles, you may be asking yourself, “Well, if networking events aren’t worth the time – or I don’t enjoy attending them - where can I find some great networking partners??”

Glad you asked!

Obviously, lots of really skilled networkers find opportunities to connect with and help others everywhere, which is obviously ideal. Others, especially newbies or those who don’t realize they are networking, prefer something a little more structured. So here are a few ideas that I have for professionals to find networking opportunities and potential networking partners at places other than networking events:

1) Co-working – Working in the same space as others who are business owners like you, but in different professions, will not only give you a change of environment (if you work from home or at Starbucks), but also allow you to have a measure of camaraderie that is perfect for building long-term networking relationships. Some great options for co-working are LaunchPad Creatives (http://www.launchpad-creatives.com) in Central Jersey, Regus (http://regus.com) in any major city, or this interesting one that I found in the Philadelphia area (http://www.meetup.com/CoworkingForparents/).

2) This for That – The notion of getting something without having to pay cash for it is great – the networking opportunities with this presents with those you are bartering with are even better! In the Philly area, check out http:// whoja.com. Please list any bartering services you know of in your area below!

3) Take a Class – This little networking secret was shared with me by a seasoned networker – and it makes perfect sense! Sign up for a business class or workshop. Why? Because you are very likely to meet executives and decision makers there . . . AND you might learn a thing or two! Try http://BusinessDevelopmentUniversity.com or http://newman-network.com for some great business classes on a wide variety of topics.

4) Volunteer Your Time – Spending your time making a difference in your community is a great way to meet new people and show off your skills and provides tons of opportunities to be a connector! What great organizations are you passionate about?

Of course, there’s always the option of meeting great networking partners through The Power Lunch Project (http://ThePowerLunchProject.com), where you are matched up with other professionals to network over lunch or coffee! (ß----my plug!)

To clarify, you aren’t trying to “trick” anyone here. The point is to start relationships with professionals outside of the typical business card exchange modes!

Where have you found the best situations to network covertly?

~ Sara Rosenberg

Connector-in-Chief

The Power Lunch Project

http://www.ThePowerLunchProject.com