Gina Romero recalls her first networking experience to be “most disastrous” and such a statement may seem like a surprise coming from the CEO and Co-Founder of Connected Women, community of tech-powered women entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals.

“I was literally shaking so much that I knocked the wine all over the table!” She laughingly recalls.

In an interview with Cheryl Liew-Chng of The 24-Hour Woman, one would never have figured Gina to ever be the least bit nervous. So how do you overcome the fear of meeting new people and talking in front of groups? Here’s what Gina has to say.

Find The Right Fit: People and Format

Avoid potentially awkward and embarrassing encounters by doing ample research before going to a networking event. If you’ve been to a networking event before and found yourself checking your phone more than listening to the speaker, it’s not because you weren’t meant to network. It simply means that you weren’t with the right set of people at that time. Or maybe the structure of the event was not for you.

“I love community and I love people,” Gina explains. “And networking is less about the business card exchange and more about building long-term relationships.”

So instead of thinking of pure business, why not set out to make new friends?

“Even the most introverted person is comfortable around friends,” Gina adds with a smile.

So do your research, look for people you could get along with, and select events with activities that appeal to you. And when you find that right group, you’ll know that it is always the people involved that make a networking event a success.

Seek Only Connections You Need

Aside from finding the right fit, you also have to set aside time to study your own goals and identify what you need. Is there a missing link in your supply chain? Do you want to tap into a new niche market? Or do you simply want to boost your confidence and have a new group to enjoy coffee with?

Different groups have different objectives, and you’ll find that there are people out there who will see value in you and what you can do.

Ultimately, networking is about collaboration and mutual success. The key to networking effectively is in knowing what each person can contribute so always be on the lookout for places and situations that you could add value to.

Strategy Is More Important Than Time

It is often perceived that the more often you network, the better you become at it. While constant practice helps to make you a better speaker, it might not be the most effective use of your time.

“Strategy is more important than time. It’s quality over quantity,” says Gina. Once you’ve identified the proper fit and format for you, and once you’ve selected which objectives you want to fulfill, the next step is reflecting on which leads you must follow up on.

“We all have shoeboxes of business cards piled up and forgotten on our desks!” Gina laughs. And the key to avoiding this is to block off time in your diary every week or every month so you could think about your follow-ups.

You don’t have to follow up on everyone because that can prove to be a most grueling task. So to alleviate some pressure from the process, Gina suggests not to approach networking as a gym membership but as a fitness class.

A gym membership reeks of intimidating obligation while a fitness class is more flexible and inviting. And if you wish to pursue only the classes you enjoy then you’d find yourself in a healthier and happier track to success.

Did you know we have another round of meetups happening this February 27th? Join a meetup happening in your city! connectedwomen.co/meetup. If your city is not on the list, you can signup on the form to volunteer as a host or attend the next one! 

 

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