Navigating Networking: A Tale of Awkward Encounters

I’m not a fan of Networking events— Although are they not the necessary evil of professional life for small businesses?

The mingling, the small talk, the pressure to make meaningful connections—it’s enough to make anyone break into a cold sweat. Let me take you through my recent escapade at a networking soirée.

The Scene: After a pandemic-induced hiatus, I found myself at a swanky event in a shiny new building. The dress code? Spring chic. The ambiance? Buzzing with anticipation. My mission? To establish myself in this town that was still new to me.

Solo Arrival: Late, thanks to the lack of Uber availability, I entered a room pulsating with chatter. Way too loud Jazz music played in the background, competing with the lively conversations. Everyone seemed to be in their cliques, and I felt like an outsider. What was my game plan again?

Social Lubricant: Straight to the bar, I went. A wine glass filled with “sav B” (apparently, the hip term for Sauvignon Blanc) became my ally. But wait—was I too old for this “young professionals” gathering? Who knew wine had its own secret code?

Chance Encounter: Our eyes met—a fellow solo attendee. She was as lost as I was. Turns out, she specialised in branding. We exchanged pleasantries, then a couple of other branding enthusiasts joined the conversation. Suddenly I felt less like a loner, although still slightly on the outer.

Lost in Translation: As the music blared, our chat turned into a branding symposium. Acronyms flew, strategies were dissected, and I nodded along, pretending to understand. The food from roving waiters provided a distraction, but my wine glass emptied too quickly.

Exit Strategy: Politely excusing myself, I sought refuge at the bar once more. The branding trio faded into the crowd. Except for the first girl— later bumping into each other in the restroom . We exchanged our verdicts on the night: awkward yet oddly memorable.

I later had several brief unmemorable encounters with people I couldn’t hear over the music and never ended up exchanging details with, so never saw again.

Conclusion: Networking isn’t just about business cards or elevator pitches. How many business cards have you collected from networking events that later go straight to the bin, or collect dust in a drawer? Networking is about connections—the ones that might lead to unexpected collaborations. Unfortunately I didnt find any this time, although

Sometimes the best connections happen when you least expect them. Although this wasn’t the case for me this time it got me thinking what are some alternative ways for small businesses to connect if networking event aren’t your thing:

1. Online Communities and Forums:

   • Join industry-specific forums, Facebook groups, or LinkedIn communities. Engage in discussions, share insights, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.

   • Participate in virtual events, webinars, and online workshops. These platforms provide opportunities to network without the noise of a crowded room.

2. Local Meetups and Workshops:

   • Seek out local business meetups, workshops, and seminars. These smaller gatherings allow for more meaningful interactions.

   • Attend workshops on topics relevant to your business. You’ll meet fellow entrepreneurs and potential collaborators.

3. Collaborative Projects:

   • Partner with complementary businesses on joint projects. For example, a coffee shop could collaborate with a local bakery for a special event.

   • Look for win-win scenarios where both businesses benefit from the partnership.

4. Social Media Engagement:

   • Leverage social media platforms to connect with other businesses. Follow, comment, and engage with their content.

   • Host Instagram Lives or Twitter chats to discuss industry trends and connect with your audience.

5. Volunteer and Community Involvement:

   • Volunteer at local events or community initiatives. Not only will you give back, but you’ll also meet fellow volunteers and community leaders.

   • Attend charity fundraisers or community gatherings. These events often attract a diverse crowd.

6. Industry Associations and Trade Shows:

   • Join industry-specific associations or chambers of commerce. Attend their events and conferences.

   • Explore trade shows related to your field. These events are excellent for networking and staying updated on industry trends.

Remember, networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about building relationships with likeminded small business owners and professionals, learning from others, and finding your tribe. Whether it’s in a noisy room or a virtual chat, authentic connections can lead to exciting opportunities.