Networking in Unlikely Places

What vision comes to mind when you hear the word “networking”?

A room full of business executives in their suit and ties mingling around shaking hands and passing out business cards? A place where you’ve got to have this stellar performance to sell what you have to offer? A place where you don’t feel like you fit in?

The word “networking,” for many of us, especially those of us who are introverts, conjure up feelings of dread. The interactions seem insincere and uncomfortable.

On many occasions, I’ve asked my husband, Robert, to join me to attend business networking events. He would graciously accompany me, but they’re certainly not his thing.

Robert is the behind-behind the scenes guy on the Scrivener Solutions team. His day job with Scrivener Solutions involves primarily editing and producing podcasts for our clients.

Marketing our company in official business networking channels is not where Robert’s area of excellent lies. Although he’s very talented in his skills of editing and producing podcasts, he’d rather be making leather hunting pouches.

Recently, we made a trip to Conner Prairie outside of Indianapolis, Indiana. Robert had signed up for specialized classes for his fur trade era mountain man artistry.

Robert was nervous about going because he knew he’d be in the same room with leaders in the niche and he didn’t know what to expect. He had fears that his skills didn’t measure up.

“I’m with my people.”

What resulted was five days of discovering that he was truly “with his people.” He learned new skills, but most importantly, he genuinely got to know leaders in this niche. He received advice, direction, and encouragement. Conversations led to new discoveries of skills, interests and new connections.

Robert realized that he was networking.

In today’s episode, I asked Robert to join me so that we could share our conversation about how you could be networking and not even knowing it.

The very root of growing your business is creating relationships and helping people. Having genuine conversations with individuals may start as little ripples in your business growth but will lead to big waves down the line.

Networking doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or boring.

If you’re the creative type trying to make a living with your creative talents, perhaps this episode will help you gain perspective. Find your people and you’ll realize like Robert did, that you are networking when you’re honing your craft through classes and events.

Enjoy!