Networking.

Some of us thrive while networking. For others, it’s a bit more of a struggle! 

Whether you fall on either side of the networking ditch or land somewhere in the middle, you can always refine the way you collaborate with others.

As a leader in the nonprofit sector, building strong relationships is key before asking for donors or volunteers or inviting guests to an event. 

Here are some things we’ve learned in our corner of the marketing world to help you prepare for that next big conversation and take some of the pressure out of the equation:

Reframe Networking to Connecting.

Aren’t they basically the same thing?

We often use these words interchangeably, but here we want to show a specific difference between the two.

Networking is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups or institutions. Specifically, the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.

Connecting, on the other hand, has several definitions and connotations. One we like is simply to become joined. 

When networking, it’s easy to think in terms of getting and giving. Get a business card and give a business card. Get a lead on a new client. Give others a taste of your organization’s services. Sometimes, we subconsciously create a quota in our heads and feel defeated when we don’t meet it.

Connecting shifts our focus. We’re not connecting to give or to get. We’re there to meet, to hear, to share and to grow.

Focus on building meaningful relationships.

Picture this. You’re attending a conference or a networking event. You hear from a speaker in your field or learn a business professional with decades more experience is in attendance. 

If you’re a nonprofit leader, your brain might go immediately toward having this person join your board of directors, become a major donor or even speak as a keynote at your organization’s upcoming fundraising event.

Whereas networking implies a give/get relationship, connecting is a simple step.

Ask them if they’d be willing to meet for coffee or connect on a phone call so you can hear their story or ask questions. In your approach, make it clear you aren’t trying to get anything — and mean it.

If they say yes, approach your coffee meeting, lunch or phone call with the expectation to learn. If something else grows from this connection, that’s simply a bonus!

Whether a standard transaction occurs — your new contact fills an open position, you gain a new major donor — or you simply leave with more knowledge, you’ve improved personally and professionally.

Look for local coworking spaces or business alliances that organize opportunities for connection. And actually go!

At every event, remember you’re there to build relationships. Giving out your business card would be the cherry on top!

Meet with other leaders in your space, even competitors. Meet with other business leaders in completely different fields. Their passion, progress and point of view might just be the push you need to make a change or take the next step in personal and professional growth.

In the future, a service you offer might be beneficial to the people you meet or they could be a good fit to meet a need you or your organization has, such as a donor or volunteer. The connection you build now could be foundational to this person’s accepting your service or meeting your needs. 

But your goal should be to know and respect the individual first. Their business, their donation or their time is a bonus!

While we’re on the subject, we’d love to connect with YOU! 

Comment below, follow us on social media or contact us today.