I must warn you, this article may be your wake-up call. I won’t hold your hand, but I will hold you accountable. After reading, you’ll be ready to attend a local networking event with disarming levels of confidence — or at least enough confidence to make a few connections.

I’m Sophia Call, the so-called Networking Queen of Buffalo and a branding and marketing professional with Philosophie Solutions, but I didn’t start that way. I started out cutting my teeth marketing in real estate, but corporate wasn’t for me. Between the burn out and thankless schedule, though, I did realize my passion for marketing and crystallizing others’ stories. So, I did what any broke introvert would do with a dream; I left my corporate job to go freelance and attended eight or nine networking events a week to find business.
 

Because (tip no. 1) relentlessly showing up is what gets you connected. Even if you’re drained, shy, or truly dislike people, show up. Give yourself a gold star for each conversation you have, even if you don’t make a sale. Show up until they remember you — because they will.

A year and a half into my networking journey, I was dubbed the Networking Queen of Buffalo by a fellow attendee simply because I showed up to every event, from beginning to end, and she noticed. Soon enough, other networkers noticed. They messaged me, wanting to know where the next big event was, and I was their living, breathing bulletin board. Enter The Buffalo Brief. My newsletter is your one-stop shop for Buffalo’s networking events. If you’re unsure of where to start, that’s your blueprint.

Once you’re in the event — nametags and small talk galore — what do you do? Tip no. 2: You don’t sell, you connect. People don’t want a bunch of business info shoved in their face. Chances are that most attendees in the room are selling, so be the person who doesn’t. Even if you have a really great elevator pitch, people would rather laugh with someone about their dog or their favorite TV show. Then, hand them your business card. When you show up repeatedly with genuine energy, people will remember you, then they’ll recommend you to others. It’s that simple.

Synergy and collaboration are important, so (tip no. 3) build a bench. Do not think about a strictly corporate bench built solely upon referrals and sales, but instead about who wants you to be successful and who will talk you up when you’re not there. Your bench must be able to pitch you blindfolded because your skill set is crystal clear to them. Added bonus: having a bench means you won’t have to attend every networking event known to man. You can divide
and conquer.

Once you’re a fully-fledged networker with an established bench and multiple leads, foster the next generation of networkers. Tip no. 4: Be a mentor, not a gatekeeper. When you spot the individual whose eyes are shyly scanning the room, but their feet are planted, approach them, bring them into your fold. People who truly want to succeed and want others to succeed are collaborators. They share resources, recommend other people and make connections. This is the point.

Now, it’s your turn to make connections. You have the tools and no excuses. Go forth and network.