Networking For Solo Pro’s
Networking at events is not for everyone.
It’s important! Especially for solo professionals.
A slide from one of our presenters during We[Con] 2024. How to enhance engagement for events! Let’s Play! How do you play?
Humanity strives for connection. The introvert, the extrovert, the introverted extrovert, and so on. We all feel the need to connect with one another. However, in the professional world, connecting or networking comes easier to some than others.
In the fast-paced world of professional development, one catchword echoes louder than most: "Network! Network! Network!" It's a word that emphasizes the importance of creating connections on the journey towards business growth and success. Yet, for many solo professionals, stepping into the realm of networking can feel daunting, overwhelming, and even isolating.
However, the essential part of networking lies not in the mere exchange of business cards, but in the initiation of meaningful human connections.
Recognizing this, organizations are increasingly prioritizing initiatives to ensure that every attendee, particularly newcomers, feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to harness the full potential of networking opportunities.
The Intent:
Creating Organic Connections
Business Growth
Collaboration
Education
The Feelings:
Overwhelm
Isolation
Daunting
Exhausting
Personal experience often serves as the most compelling testimony to the effectiveness of such initiatives. Recently, I had the privilege of participating in We[Con] 2024, hosted by the Southern California Chapter of #MPI. The warmth and inclusivity extended by MPI, alongside gracious hosts #VisitNewportBeach and #TheRenaissanceNewport, exemplified how intentional efforts can transform networking events into catalysts for personal and professional growth.
As a relatively new member of MPI, attending my first We[Con] Conference was both exhilarating and a little bit stressful. The initial thoughts about how to navigate this week, make those connections, and keep them, left me feeling a little bit apprehensive. Yet, armed with determination and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone, I embraced the challenge of forging new connections and expanding my professional network.
So, how can organizations facilitate this journey for newcomers, ensuring that they not only survive but thrive in the realm of networking?
A Warm Welcome and Registration Desk: The first point of contact sets the tone for the entire networking experience. By establishing a welcoming registration desk in the lobby, organizations create a tangible space for newcomers to receive guidance, support, and essential information, easing their transition into the event. The Welcome / Registration Desk should be there with a staff person throughout the entire event. It is very helpful!
Engaging Welcome Reception: A well-crafted welcome reception serves as more than just a formality; it sets the stage for meaningful interactions. Incorporating action stations for food and beverage allows attendees to stand in line together and talk. Ensuring name badges are worn, so those can be visual ice breakers. Additionally, if you add colorful wristbands with different meanings, then you can naturally create groups, and start conversations.
Ice-breaking activities or off-site events set the stage for organic connections among attendees. It takes the pressure off of the idea of “Networking”, and gives each attendee something else to focus on and comfortably network without the added pressure.
An example of an ice breaker / conversation starter.
Welcome & Registration Desk:
Provide Essential Information
Provide Support +Troubleshooting
Staffed By A Smiling Human
Engaging Welcome Reception:
Set The Stage For Meaningful Interactions
Creating Opportunity with F&B Action Stations
Visual Icebreakers As Conversation Starters
The Result:
Takes The Pressure Off “Networking”
Focus On Something Else
Comfortably Show Their Authentic Self And Shine
Reflecting on my own experience at We[Con] 2024, the planners' welcome reception rose above the expected networking luncheon. Upon arrival, we were instructed to be in the lobby at 11:15a.m. We boarded buses for an off-site adventure, where we embarked on a journey of discovery and connection. I got a chance to speak with another planner who sat next to me on the bus, and we instantly connected and talked about ways in which we can grow our businesses. We arrived at the venue for lunch, and we walked in with a feeling of excitement rather than apprehension. We were already warmed up to one another, so the conversations carried on. Everyone was more willing to talk to a “stranger” now without any hesitation. The hosts, #VisitNewportBeach, handed each of us a different colored wrist band as we entered. We wondered what they were for.
After the luncheon, we were introduced to our drivers. Not the bus drivers, but the Duffy Boat drivers that we would be teaming up with for the Scavenger Hunt throughout Newport Harbor. I was a part of the Baby Blue Team. We were 7 women, 7 strangers, who teamed up on a small Duffy boat, and took off to compete in this scavenger hunt. We were given the 7 landmarks we had to find, and the adventure began. We all introduced ourselves to one another, assigned roles for the hunt, and came together with great energy, teamwork, loud music and a glass of champagne. We drove off into the harbor with determination and excitement to win the scavenger hunt! We came in 2nd place, but we all truly believed we won as we did the extra credit and found the bonus landmark! Regardless of who won, this was an unforgettable networking experience.
Our Baby Blue Team During The Duffy Boat Scavenger Hunt in Newport Harbor
Whether navigating a scavenger hunt or sharing stories over a networking luncheon, the experience encouraged collaboration, laughter, and genuine engagement. The success of networking events, in my opinion, should now be reframed as networking experiences. These experiences set the stage to foster authentic connections grounded in shared experiences and fun! By prioritizing intentional connections with the design, activity, competition, or communication, organizations can transform networking events into vibrant ecosystems of collaboration, innovation, and growth.
In essence, networking is no longer a transactional pursuit of how many business cards one can get. It has become an intentional celebration of human connection. It is now being embraced as an opportunity for collaboration, creativity, experience, and true growth. It emerges not in isolation, but in the intentional thought put into the feeling of belonging.
Action Food Station: Cut your own broccoli and cauliflower with cheese dip, ranch, or blue cheese. What do you think?
To all the solo professionals stepping into the networking space: embrace the challenge, seize the opportunity, and let the journey of connection propel you towards new horizons of success. Join organizations within your industry that combine education and networking, and get to know people. The more you show your face, the more you will get recognized. After all, in the fast-paced world of professional growth, it is the organic human connection that leads to unthinkable collaboration.
To The Solo Pro:
Join The Organization
Use LinkedIn To Connect On Your First Interaction
Dress the part, listen, and learn
Embrace The Challenge! You Got This!
I’d love to connect with you and get to know the human side of you! Let’s make 2024 an amazing year with intentional connection.