Got Connections?

If you know me well, you know I do not enjoy "Networking". It's not that I am antisocial or don't enjoy connecting with people, but I need to make genuine connections because the only relationships I'm interested in developing are authentic ones.

How do we make the right connections for our business without feeling like a door to door salesman or the stereotypical Avon lady?

Here's a few of my own tips!

1. Get Social

Were you invited to an event that might be a great networking opportunity? Most Likely! Now don't feel like you "have to go," see who is attending, what the theme or goal of the event will be, the the atmosphere and the commitments involved. If it appears to be people you would ENJOY meeting or connecting with then take a chance and go! If you feel like you will be dragging yourself there and you would only to be going to hand out biz cards and split, then this isn't the event for you. Not every local networking opportunity will be your style and that is OKAY because there will be more.

2. Check out Local Businesses

Using Instagram, Facebook or Google, look up what local businesses are in your area. "Shop around" online for which businesses appeal to you and if you find some that really interest you, go check them out. Meet people in person, send them a DM to see if they would like to collaborate with you or try one of their products. Again, be genuine! When we honestly LIKE products or services it is easy peasy to share with others and that is how business relationships blossom. 

3. Don't Feel Pressured

I know a LOT of entrepreneurs. I know people with their own businesses and a lot of people involved in home-based Multi-Level Marketing Businesses. There is NO way I can afford to buy all of their products. I will support and promote them as much as I can after I have built an authentic relationship, but I do not buy from feeling pressured into it. I WANT to know about everyone's products & services, but I don't want to feel obligated to buy because I had ONE conversation with someone. I don't pressure others and I don't like being pressured. Share, Educate and Offer your business to make connections but don't pressure or harass people! Give people time to get to know YOU and your business. Building a sense of trust is important before buying or selling products, especially if you want to continue sharing your business ventures with other entrepreneurs.


4. Join or Create a Group

This is something I have recently done. I have joined a Facebook group with a few other female entrepreneurs to help each other grow and promote our businesses. I joined because I saw other women that I could relate to and it was a small enough group to make solid connections. BIG groups can be overwhelming and difficult to feel "safe" sharing your experiences or tricks and tips. Look for people that inspire you, share common interests or want the opportunity to collaborate with. My group is all females within my area that all have their own businesses. We share Social Media tips, "like"and support each other's content, attend events and organize meet-ups together.

Making connections can be fun and you don't have to compromise your beliefs or authenticity to do it! Just like YOUR business, you have the freedom to create your own unique network of people to build your professional circle and look to when you need a little encouragement or support. 

I hope you enjoyed today's topic! Feel free to check out the amazing local business that I have connected with recently, listed below:

Iddy Biddy Fitness Apparel www.iddybiddyfit.com
Wonderfit Training http://wonderfitinc.wixsite.com
Forever Yours Paper Petals www.foreverpaperpetals.com
Hart and Honey www.hartandhoneytees.com
Shop Katie's Closet www.katiec.ashleylemieux.com
Sentient Body www.sentientbody.org
Epic Limo https://epiclimo.ca

Wonderfit Training

Iddy Biddy Fitness Apparel