You’ve heard their 60-second pitch. You’ve glanced at their website. But let’s be honest—you don’t really know what someone in your networking group does, let alone who they are. To truly understand, you need to go a little deeper, and that’s where the one-on-one meeting comes in. It’s your chance to move beyond the business card and build a real relationship. This is a critical skill for anyone looking to build a successful .
Walking into a room full of strangers can be nerve-wracking, especially at those unstructured "open networking" events. Many of us find them intimidating, but with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate them effectively and build valuable new connections for your business.
If you’re about to walk into your first networking meeting, this is for you. I’m going to cover everything you need to think about before you even leave the house. But even if you’re a seasoned pro, stick around. You might pick up a new strategy or just get a fresh dose of motivation for getting out there. When you’re , making these events count is crucial.
Across the country, convention centers are buzzing with trade and business shows. Some are massive, industry-specific expos, while others are general events for local entrepreneurs. While the main attraction is often the sea of trade stands trying to sell to attendees, there’s a powerful undercurrent of networking happening everywhere. Sometimes it’s a scheduled event, but more often, it’s about finding opportunities to make genuine contacts in the midst of the chaos.
People show up to networking events for all sorts of reasons. Whether you’re a business owner or happily employed, there’s a surprising amount of value to be found. But to really get the most out of it, you have to understand how to weave networking into your broader strategy, especially with marketing and social media.
If you ask just about any successful person what time they wake up, you’ll likely get a similar answer: early. From personal experience, I can tell you that shifting my wake-up time has made me significantly more productive. For anyone trying to build a better, more active life—especially if you're focused on —learning to be an early riser is a game-changer.
When you think about online marketing, search engines are probably the first thing that comes to mind. They're incredibly popular with both businesses and customers for a reason—they deliver fast, accessible results. But a truly effective goes much deeper than just search. Let's walk through some other powerful methods you can use.
Think of insurance as a financial safety net. Its whole purpose is to shield your assets from a catastrophe that could derail your future. Whether it’s your house, your car, or your ability to earn an income, insurance is there to prevent a financial disaster. The key is to figure out how much risk you can comfortably handle on your own and then insure the rest.
Before I became the Founder and CIO of Capital Innovations, before my work was featured in , and long before I wrote , I was the youngest of five kids growing up south of Pittsburgh. My worldview wasn't shaped in a classroom; it was forged at the family dinner table.