Dear ,

If 2023 is the year you're thinking about networking, you're NOT alone. Networking has been a HUGE topic of conversation in coaching over the last few weeks, and in all of my business circles.

So if this is you - or maybe you're considering it *might* be you at some point if and when networking seems less awful, scary, complicated, and strange, I wanted to share these:

1.     You do not need a PLAN. Just show up. As yourself, as a human who likes to help people and be curious. Period. Showing up and being open to chatting and meeting and connecting is 97% of the game. You don't need to have a list of questions, you don't need to have a sales pitch, you don't. Just. Show. UP.

2.     When you meet someone at an event - or the grocery store or a kids' soccer game or where ever - and you like them, ask to connect 1:1, and then show up CURIOUS again. That's it. No plan, just human.

3.     When the person invariably says something like 'and what can I do to help YOU and your business?' say 'Who else do you think I should know? (variations: who else do you love that you think I should reach out to? Who do you love that you think I'd connect well with?) and ask for them to connect you. Let connection create MORE connection.

4. If you are a female, new to networking, and tend towards introverted, it's entirely possible that networking with women's groups will be simpler for you, at least to start. OR, you don't need a group at all. You could just start thinking about people who you kind of know but not really, and sending messages that say 'Hey, I'd love to actually know you a little better - would you be game to chat 1:1 at some point?'

Networking this way does a couple of HUGE things:

First, it takes most of the 'work' out of it. Because if you just have to show up and be you, it's way way less complicated (still likely uncomfortable, but way less complicated).

Truly, it's a shit-ton easier to be YOURSELF and CURIOUS then it is to be whoever you think you're 'supposed' to be and show up 'right'.

It's a relief. And it's also way more fun. Remind me sometime to tell you about all of the games I play without telling anyone when I network...

Second, it creates actual connection - and those connections will 1000% create business for you both in the short and long term if you ALLOW it to (yes, allow).

Third, people will remember you. It is NOT normal to show up to connecting as a genuine human without a sales agenda. It's weird, and also refreshing AF, and so much more enjoyable for everyone involved.

People will be thrilled, you'll have fun, and they will remember YOU and what you do... plus, you'll connect with some amazing people along the way who will become friends, colleagues, clients, referral sources...

Networking does not have to be complicated or terrifying.

Let's make it SIMPLE.

And.

If you have questions?

If you're like 'cool, and where do I do this networking thing?' or whatever other questions you have?

Ask. Hit reply. Do you.

OR, come into my FB group if you aren't already there, because in that group we're all here to help and our community is FILLED with people who are both HIGHLY connected and AMAZING connectORs.

Warmly,

Sara

PS. The next round of group coaching starts the week of February 6th. If you want to grow your business, get a team of collaborators (really, partners in crime is more like it, ha!), and simplify ALL. THE. THINGS. then group coaching is the best possible investment you'll ever make.

If you want that, hit reply and let's set up a time to chat.

OR.

If you're really focused on SELLING this year and figuring it out, once and for all?

I got you. Join us in Selling by Giving and the SbG Implementation Lab starting in March. You can get all the details here. Yes, it's going to be SO. RIDICULOUSLY. VALUABLE. Please don't miss out.