I have been doing some networking lately. I actually had really gotten into it last year, going to events about once a week, but the holidays and a broken wrist threw me off a bit, so I’m getting back at it now.
I have really enjoyed it so far and have met some great people. Many of these people have been great contacts and have even helped me in my job search. Just this morning I received an email from a contact I have made telling me about some positions that will be opening in his department. Others have been there to offer advice on moving this blog forward and engaging people online. And some have become friends, too.
I started attending an SEO meetup where I have learned more about putting The Stolen Colon in a good position on the web. In just a few months, I have seen a significant difference in my rankings. Plus, that knowledge can help me in a number of different fields.
Networking really takes me out of my comfort zone. I have never been good at just walking up to someone and starting a conversation. I am also not particularly good a chit-chat. Once I am in a conversation, I’m fine; I know how to keep it going, to ask appropriate questions and to not give one-word answers. But getting there has been my problem. Most of these events, I attend by myself, so I am forced to go out there and mingle. (I even made some awesome Stolen Colon business cards!)

I am also starting to figure out what are good networking events for me to attend. I have been to a number of different ones around the area, some that have been very productive and others that I probably would have done better to stay home. Smaller events seem to be more my speed. I get a little overwhelmed when surrounded by a huge crowd of people who all seem to be engaged in on-going conversations. I find that the more intimate events allow me to meet more people and not feel so lost in the crowd. However, regardless of the event, I do always try to make at least one connection at every event I attend. I try to make that connection someone who could be helpful to me or I could be an asset to them, but even if I don’t come across someone who fits that description, just making a connection is good practice for the next event.