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Networking Season
Dymond Phillips • Jul 09, 2019
I don't care what your career path is, you need to be networking. It's key for any market or niche. Networking is essential for many reasons. Social media is a good tool, but FACE-TO-FACE NETWORKING, is undefeated. The reality is, life will always be more about WHO you know, rather than WHAT you know. The sooner you realize that, sooner you'll begin to do things differently. For example, you can have an amazing website, great Instagram pictures, and great quality products, but if you are not getting in front of your target customer, you won't have anyone to purchase. Networking is a huge part of life. Also, when networking, you never know who you're connecting with; Your paths may intertwine within a day, or even years. A major key when networking is having an open mind and making sure you're leaving great impressions with everyone you meet.
(In the picture: Millionaire Business Coaches and Serial Entrepreneurs Stacia and Ariana Pierce and I at their Ultimate Success Seminar)
So many times people think the best way to network is up. Networking with the CEO's and Billionaires is amazing, but you also want to network with peers who are on the same level as you. According to Grad Logic, "You build connections in three directions: You network UP to those who are more powerful and important than you are. You network ACROSS with your peers. You network DOWN to those who are coming after you." Make sure that when you're networking you're keeping this in mind. You never know what the future holds, as time goes on your peer may become the multi-billionaire.
(In the picture: Serial Entrepreneur Koereyelle and I at her live podcast)
One of my major focuses for 2019, is forcing myself outside my comfort zone to network. If you didn't know, I'm a true introvert. It's awkward and weird for me to walk into a room and mingle with strangers. Each time I do it, it gets a little easier. Back in January, I told myself I'm going to at least two networking events a month. I'm happy that I've kept my word. In 2019, I've been to free meet ups, grand openings, conferences, seminars and even more. I've connected and met so many people. I've even been in rooms with millionaires. Each networking event I've gone to, has changed me in different ways. A lot of people are not willing to pay for events. Personally, I would rather spend $100 on an event than $100 at a club. I see it as investing into myself. I follow many successful people, who I admire. When I see someone I admire is having, or speaking at an event, I make it a priority to go. The knowledge and privilege you get from physically being in the room is unmatched. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice and pay to get in the room, but it will be worth it. Once you get into the room, it's up to you to determine what comes next. I write down so much information while networking. I try to soak as much of it in as possible.
(In the picture: Full-time Blogger Mattie James and I at Nars Beauty Event)
Back when I decided to focus on networking, I had to come up with a plan. I'm very strategic when it comes to going to events. Myleik Teele once said in a podcast, "Networking always starts with you. What do you look like? Do you look like what you're selling? Are you prepared?" Ever since I heard that podcast, I changed the way I network. If the answer to those questions are not all yes, you need to brainstorm. If you want to be a lawyer, but you're out networking in jeans and a t-shirt, you aren't prepared. If you sell bundles, but you go out and your frontal is lifting, you're not prepared. If you're in school to be a dentist, but you're out networking with yellow teeth, you're not prepared. If you're a makeup artist, but you're networking barefaced, you're not prepared. This was something I personally, had to get clear on. I'm a blogger who was once networking in leggings and a t-shirt, with no business cards. Why would anybody take me seriously, when I didn't look the part. It takes two seconds for someone to gain their first impression on you. Remember, first impressions are everything!
(In the picture: Fashion Buyer and Designer Nichole Lynel and I at Summit 21)
Another thing, people think passing out business cards, is networking. So many times I'm at an event and people are just passing me business cards left and right, but fail to stop and have a conversation with me. Those are the business cards that tend to end up in the trash or lost in my purse. When networking, try to build actual relationships. When I network I stop and have a real conversation with people. Rather than pass out 100 business cards, I spend at least 10 minutes each, chatting with about 10 people. Out of those ten I'll probably stay in contact with 2-5 of them. That doesn't mean I won't speak to more but that is my goal at each event. Remember, it's a difference between networking and advertising. Earlier this year, I attended a beauty event and met Nahjae, who is the owner of a e-commerce clothing boutique Noteworthy Clothing. At a different event, I met Nesha Monae, who is a makeup artist in Atlanta. Now, Nesha, Nahjae and I all have a friendship, where we encourage each other and even go to networking events together. Recently, I was in Orlando, and Nesha came by coincidence, we ended up having so much fun, you wouldn't have know we only met this year. Nesha has even done my makeup for events, without me having to ask. That's the networking secret, rather than be transactional, focus on building genuine relationships
(In the picture: MUA Nesha Monae & E-Commerce Boutique Owner Nahjae and I)
