It took me a really long time to understand what networking is and how to network successfully. I talked about being brave and confident this year, and also about connecting with more with like-minded people, as blogging can be a very isolating process. Joining the Style Collective community allowed me to learn and make genuine connections with people I would have otherwise never had the opportunity to meet. So, when there was a new Style Collective meet-up right in Orange County, I was excited to take a #mombreak. Read on for more on sipping cocktails and networking.
The meet-up was at Costa Mesa’s Mesa Lounge, which coincidentally was one of the first date spots Mauricio and I went to when we first moved to this area. It’s a beautiful space, with amazing cocktails and sexy lighting—which means everyone looks gorgeous. On weekend nights they have DJ’s, so it’s a perfect combo of a restaurant and lounge space.
Debbie Savage of To Thine Own Style be True hosted the event and secured amazing sponsors for us, like Middle Sister Wines, and Shawna Henrie of Blue Dog Fotography, who provided these stunning photos as well as the flower arrangements. While Mesa Lounge offered complimentary cocktails and delicious appetizers. Basically the way to my heart; pretty sips and pizza.
How To Network Successfully
1. What Is Networking
First, networking isn’t about finding people who can help you, it’s about putting yourself in a room with others who have the same passions and interests as you, and genuinely getting to know them. Be open to meeting people, focus on getting to know them, not on how they can help you.
2. Sit with Strangers
It’s human nature to spot your friends and sit next to them. I was bummed to realize two of the ladies I was looking forward to seeing weren’t going to make it. So I turned this into an opportunity to meet new ladies, and sat down with women I haven’t met before, and I didn’t stare into my phone, I made small talk.
3. Be Genuine
People can sense if you’re trying to sniff out whether they are useful to you, and it’s a turn off. Instead, ask questions and listen, but also share honestly and openly. I ended up speaking about a frustration I have been experiencing and other Style Collective members made super helpful suggestions.
11 Comments
Hi Beautiful! Thank you for this wonderful blog post! I am so happy you attended. I love the way I feel around you. It was so important that the setting was cozy, warm and friendly and you made it possible by being there!
xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
i love how you made this post informative and useful! networking is something we should all be better at so thanks for sharing!
So good seeing you again girly! I had such a fun time! Can’t wait for the next one!
This is a great post with lots of useful tips! The next time I have to network, I’ll definitely be using them. Thanks for sharing ?
Thanks for sharing this Alina, I’ve not had great experiences with work type networking events. That icky feeling of, “I’m only talking to you because you can get me something I want” happened more times than I would have liked. So thankful none of that is the case when the SC sisters get together! It’s always great to be with like minded ladies sharing and living their passions!
Yes, me too! It’s so nice to meet others who are not trying to evaluate you for what they may need, right?!
Such great tips, I love “Be genuine”. This is key to networking and really journeying through life! Thank you for posting!
Networking is something I need to get better at. Thank you!
That’s great tips! The atmosphere looks wonderful. This looks like a fun event for people of same passions to get to know each other and networking.
Love the how to’s! I would hope no one was trying to find “who was useful” to them at an event — what a terrible feeling! Glad that the group was able to help you out with a frustrating issue. I spent most of my time talking about kids with fellow mommys, haha.
We need to link up next time, I need more mama friends!