Jillian and Veronica discuss their views on networking and how it can be beneficial for business. Jillian emphasized that she doesn't network for her own gain, but rather to connect with interesting individuals and facilitate introductions. She also emphasized the importance of having a plan and being aware of one's purpose and posture in any situation. Veronica agreed, mentioning that she had gained clients through casual conversations unrelated to business. They ended the conversation with Veronica launching a challenge related to attitudes in networking.
Veronica shared her strategies for meeting new people, such as attending sessions and engaging in conversations, and emphasized that networking effectiveness can depend on personality. They discuss the traits of effective networking, emphasizing the importance of being present, asking questions, and actively listening, and that networking's real value comes from after the event, such as following up with potential connections.
Jillian Vorce discusses a tactic she used to network effectively by hosting curated coffees or lunches, bringing together a selective mix of people to create value and allow each person to shine. She emphasizes the importance of creating an environment for others to shine and positioning them in front of everyone else. Jillian also highlights the significance of follow-up after networking events, suggesting sending LinkedIn messages and using tools like Calendly for scheduling calls. Veronica Guguian adds that it's crucial to focus on what you do after networking, as that determines its effectiveness. She recommends inviting connections to personal events and making notes for different actions, while also considering automation solutions when appropriate.
Veronica emphasizes the shift towards inspiration and networking in events and how the pandemic changed her approach. She also mentioned her plans for a quarterly face-to-face series. Jillian highlighted the importance of strategic planning at events, such as using apps for connections and immediately following up with new connections. She also shared her experience with hosting events, suggesting starting small can be effective and curating mixes of people for business lunches or coffees. Both agreed on the benefits of networking in a group setting and emphasized the importance of allowing each person to shine. They concluded that effective networking events should be simple and not overwhelming, with smaller, more intimate events being ideal for meaningful connections.
Jillian Vorce challenges the misconception that extroverts make better networkers, emphasizing the value of listening and asking questions. They both agree that networking is not just about attending events but also following up afterward to build relationships. Veronica shares her approach of attending events for inspiration rather than solely seeking clients. Jillian suggests tactics such as planning ahead, utilizing social media connections, and hosting one's own events for effective networking strategies.
Veronica shared her strategy of using LinkedIn and personal notes to connect and follow up with new contacts.Jillian emphasized the importance of personal touches like snail mail and event invitations, and highlighted the role of 'posture' and body language in networking. She shared her experience of attending an event and striking a conversation with John, which led to three speaking engagements and a meaningful personal relationship. She attributed her success to her observation skills and understanding her purpose in networking situations.
People & Resources Mentioned in This Episode
About Veronica Guguian
- Website: https://spinideas.nl/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-guguian
About Jillian Vorce
- Website: https://thejilliangroup.com/better
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianvorce
Credits
- Music Composed by BeeLa Music
- Voiceover by Amanda Balagur