Business
In the Right Rooms
I remember being told, “it’s not always what you know, it’s who you know.” But, I was really bad at networking. I had even more trouble maintaining relationships. Being in the right rooms with the right people never helped me because I never knew how to interact. The people closest to me all have stories about how long it took for me to “warm-up” to them.
Over the last two years, I have made every effort to be present and open to networking. It has gotten easier because I go to events as a representation of my business. I want my business to be successful, so I can lead with my journey. I can openly talk about business even though I am the face of my brand. It’s a little less disconcerting for me to discuss my Academy or Masterclass than it is to just talk about myself.
Being in the right rooms doesn’t mean you’ll get the right results. You have to maintain those connections. Last year I was in a business incubator, and I stayed in contact with several people from my cohort. I have built relationships with people that were in different cohorts, and I attended every event they offered after I graduated. Stating connected has provided me with even more opportunities to be in the right rooms with the right people. I am getting better at making and maintaining connections. I believe that is why I was invited to speak about my business at the Westside Future Fund Summit last week. I was present.
Some of my favorite resources to help me get in those rooms come from newsletters I’ve subscribed to (I join all the workshops and webinars, not just to learn, but also to network).
Here are some of my favorites:
Courier
Nasdaq
Hello Alice (grants)
Some of my relationships have been more informal. It might be a comment on a social media post, a quick DM, a follow, subscribing to a newsletter and sending a message, but all those connections have helped. Recently, I was added to the Black Virtual Mall where will be able to list my courses. The audience and reach of the Mall will be beneficial to the growth of my business.
Staying in contact with people that have interviewed me for online magazines and podcasts has allowed me to remain relevant in the world of successful online teachers. There’s a lot of legwork behind building a business, maintaining it, and making it a recognizable brand. Every time I think I have reached a high point in my businesses, I realize that I could, and should, be doing more.
The Work Never Really Stops
Next time you’re in a room, even if it is a Zoom room, think about yow you’re showing up.
Quick Tip
I never leave my name as Jade when I am in a Zoom meeting. I always add my business name (Jade I TeacherJade.com) or my social media handle (Jade I @teacher_jade). Show people how to find you.
Quick Tip
Rather than spamming the chat with your contact info, share a resource, a tip, or strategy relevant to the presentation. Engage in conversation. This will make people want to find out more about you and what you offer.
Check out the full video from the Westside Summit Below.