Networking: In Person, Virtual, or Both!
When I started my business, I immediately started networking. I was a member of two groups that met in person every month. At that time, you could also join Facebook groups for meeting people who weren’t local, but meeting in person was the official way to network. I’d drive there and then home, chat with people before and after the official event time, and it would always take longer than I expected.
The pandemic changed all of this drastically. In person groups scrambled to get online and meet consistently. Many people I know were not happy about this change, but it was better than risking the side effects of COVID. So we adapted. Suddenly there were more online groups than we could have ever imagined.
But somehow I found myself with many of the same people in each of the online groups I’m in. Now that things have settled down, there are some groups doing more in person events combined with online events as well. There are pros and cons to both options.
Online Networking
You have a further reach and can network with people globally.
It’s time efficient. There’s no travel or chit chat time.
There are always new groups forming online.
Bad weather does not stop the meeting from happening. (Unless you lose your internet)
In Person Networking
It’s refreshing to get out when you work at home all the time.
You can exchange business cards if you still use them.
Energy and charisma are much easier to pick up on in person.
You have more control over who you get to connect with at the meeting.
I just launched a chapter of Women’s Business League with my friend and colleague, Beth Knaus of That’s a Spade Copywriting. We had both been involved with a women’s networking group that we both benefitted from, but they were forced to shut down after the pandemic.
We realized that we wanted the best of both networking worlds, and decided on hybrid meetings - once a month in person and once virtually. We haven’t done much networking in person since early 2020, so we didn’t really know how much interest there would be. We held a launch event supported by WBL and filled the room with eager and enthusiastic business women. The energy in the room was incredible. In fact, there was so much conversation going on we managed to drown out the sound of the gentleman in the next room who was using a microphone.
It turns out that there are plenty of women business owners looking for in person networking opportunities that will allow them to connect and support each other. After two plus years of avoiding in person events and activities, along with challenging world events, and the dividedness in the country over many issues, people are starting to feel safe again and looking to build new relationships with new people in new circles.
We know that we are ready!
Networking is a crucial part of business growth and strategy. If you or anyone you know is from the Foxboro/Mansfield, MA area or surrounding towns and looking for an excellent networking opportunity, please contact me.