LOCATIONS Across London | CAMBRIDGESHIRE | Essex | Hertfordshire
With the advancement of digital technology, the ability to have Teams calls, webinars, send voice notes, the opportunities to meet like-minded people are diminishing. For us introverts, it might seem like the digital world is a tool we can hide behind, but face-to-face networking is vital for building long-term relationships in business and we must not shy away from it. We just need to find the right room.
Networking has always been one of the most powerful tools available to business owners looking to grow and scale their business. Sometimes it is more about who you know and being able to meet people in person helps to build trust, rapport, and stronger, longer-lasting professional relationships.
For an introvert the thought of walking into a room filled with strangers can be terrifying. You wonder whether anyone will talk to you or if they do, will you say the wrong thing or forget what you do? While these are all valid concerns, the reality is that while it can feel hard at times, networking as an introvert can be really impactful as we tend to be particularly good at building those all-important connections.
Online networking has its place. It’s great for increasing visibility and meeting businesses from further afield. But it can’t replace the connections that come from being in the room with someone. So much of how we connect with people isn’t about what we say, but how we read their body language, make eye contact and have a real conversation.
It’s often the opportunities that arise in the in-between moments while grabbing a coffee or laughing about the journey in that builds those deeper connections with someone. Talking about what you did at the weekend or laughing about something you saw.
When someone meets you face to face, they can sense your energy and hear your expertise. Meeting face to face means potential clients can feel your authenticity and you move from being a profile or a logo to being a real human they can trust. It’s the in-person interaction that builds depth leading to long-term clients, collaborations and loyalty.
Those that thrive at networking aren’t always the loudest people in the room. We can be put off from attending events because we assume this might be the case. But your calming presence is what will make people gravitate towards you. As an introvert, you can help someone feel comfortable and heard, which is the key for relationship building.
As business owners we tend to be time poor. We don’t have the capacity to be at every networking event and do our day job, so it’s important that we find the events that are going to be beneficial, and worth the time away from the business to work on the business.
Not every networking event will be for you. It can take time to find a space that makes you feel comfortable and able to get the most out of the connections there to be made. It might mean trying a few before finding the one that feels right, but when you find it you’ll know. It’s a space that makes you feel safe and welcomed. It’s a space where you can talk to like-minded people about the challenges your business faces and help you celebrate your successes.
When you find the right group, networking feels very different. It’s not all about winning clients and selling. Networking for business growth is more organic than that. It’s a place where you can form partnerships, collaborative opportunities and building a support group around you. Growth will come naturally because you become a partner that the people you meet want to do business with and recommend.
Six Figured Females is highly supportive environment where we support one another through the tough times and help applaud the wins. Our members find ways to work together in a relationship built very much on trust and authenticity. We recommend one another and build businesses through those connections.
On day one you’ll be met by the location host who will immediately put you at ease and introduce you to everyone. There is no 60-second pitch, no hard sell and certainly no timers. We talk openly about our businesses, build on ideas and grow relationships in the process. If you would like to come along and see for yourself, get in touch!
