Networking is about people
A lot of people struggle with network events. They worry about what to say, to whom, plan interaction and are constructing different scenario's linked to their own business goals. From my own experience, nothing good comes out of this beside terrible conversations and useless phrases. As I grew into being a female entrepreneur I had the opportunity to meet a lot fo wonderful and authentic people and am thankful to be in their company. One of them is Els Scheepens.
Why struggle?
Why struggle if it can be so easy? To be yourself is the best asset you have, people will notice that you are reliable in what you say and how you present yourself because you stick to your own personality and values. Do you see the picture above? Even the photographer at this wonderful VKW networking event must have noticed we like each other a lot. The smiles are authentic and we were, without any agreement, completely dressed up in soft pink coloured clothes. We embrace our femininity alike, though girls wearing soft colours because we don't need or desire to overact, to be all over the place or in someones face. As natural as the color was, the interction was, so why struggle?
Building stories together
The future is not about being a sole survivor but being part of ecosystems that grow over time. We have met each other through different occasions and at every encounter we share experiences, professional and private ones. Lately, we are part of the same work group wherein I have learned in more detail about what Els does to disentangle conflicts that hinder the further growth trajectory of family businesses. As she focuses on group coaching, I focus on the individual and as we work side by side, we meet more frequently and build stories together.
Be honest
It's a simple advice, but when you are you can only get dissapointed by others failing you for being honest. You are less likely to dissapoint yourself or divert from your own values. Even in difficult times, it is important to share what is really there for there is always someone who can help, from facing the same problems or knowing someone who can help you out. If you don't share your problems, no one can help you to sort them out or help you fix what's wrong. As networking is about people, a true network is like an old fashioned handwritten list of telephone numbers to call when in trouble.