FYI: Networking is not selling. Networking is simply an information exchange between you and another person. It involves establishing relationships with people who can help advance your career in many ways, strengthen your business, and help you build lasting relationships.

Three years ago, I moved to California from New Hampshire. Leaving all my family and friends behind was really hard, but I knew I had to leave my comfort zone in order to embark on a new journey that I always envisioned for myself. When I moved to California I only knew a couple people, but they lived 2 hours away, so basically, you can say, I didn’t know anyone. The whole experience and atmosphere was pretty foreign to me, which made me excited to really put myself out there. The best way I knew how was to go to networking events that sparked my interest. 5 years ago, you would never catch me at an outing or any events by myself with people I didn’t know. Now, you couldn’t get me to stay away from networking. I even get disappointed when my schedule doesn’t allow me to go to certain events. Networking has opened up a lot of great opportunities for me and I want to pay it forward and share 5 reasons why you should invest your time into networking.

I’d love you hear your suggestions or questions in the comment section below.

1. Friendship

Networking doesn’t always have to convert into a business transaction, it can put you in a position to meet genuine people and gain friendships that will last a lifetime. Being new to California, networking helped me meet some amazing people that I have in my life now. The great part about networking is that you get to pick what event that you are interested in, so you are surrounded by like-minded people that understand you on psychological and emotional level.

I met these to lovely ladies at Meraki Allure second debut

2.Opportunities

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. I know this sounds cliché, but it’s so true. Networking opens opportunities that you wouldn’t have necessarily been exposed to. If you are not getting enough opportunities in your career, business, or anything in your life that needs more exposure, then you are definitely missing out on massive opportunities that will help you to reach your goal.

3. Increased Confidence

Back in 2012, I went to my first networking event by myself through Meetup and I was nervous as hell because I didn’t know what to expect and I didn’t know anyone there. To be honest with you all, the first half of the event was awkward, but once I started to warm up it wasn’t so bad. Fast forward to today, you can’t keep me away. I love meeting new people. Networking has made it easier for me to spark up a conversation with almost anyone and help me learn how to ask meaningful questions. Networking will literally push you to talk to people you don’t know, which will take you out of your comfort zone, especially if you are a shy person. Networking is great for people that aren’t confident because it helps them to come out of their shell. It’s also a great way to learn how to make conversation and create lasting connections.

4. Positive Influence

Have you ever heard of the saying, “You cannot hang out with negative people and expect to live a positive life?”  Attending networking events will put you in a position to rub elbows with some of the most positive and successful people.  Modeling successful people is a proven way to increase your own performance.  Every time I’m around people that are running on the same positive wave length or someone that is thriving in their career, I get so excited and more motivated than ever to go even harder towards my goals.  I’m obsessed with surrounding myself with uplifting people where we can feed off each other mentally.

5. Get Advice or Meet Mentors

I noticed that some people are so quick to give advice, but when I look at their lives they don’t follow or standby their own advice and to me that’s a red flag. I don’t take advice from just anyone, I seek advice from individuals who have expertise or are knowledgeable on that particular matter. I’m more likely to trust a person’s advice when they live out the advice they are giving.

Vision Board Seminar Event

I’m very blessed and grateful to come across some amazing people that still remain in my life and I owe a lot of it to networking. I encourage and challenge others to step out of their comfort zone and build their network. You will be surprised how positively your life will be impacted.

Eventbrite and Meetup are great apps to use to connect you to all kinds of networking events.

I would like to hear from you!

Are you open to networking?

How have networking impact you for the better?

Where do you go to network?