Hair Romance

The Best Hair Blog - with tutorials for curly hairstyles and more

  • Home
  • Tutorials
  • Curly Hair
  • Curly Hair Guide
  • Shop
    • Ultimate eBook Bundle
    • 30 Days of Twist & Pin Hairstyles – The eBook
    • 30 Braids in 30 Days – The eBook
    • 30 Days of Curly Hairstyles – The eBook
    • 30 Buns in 30 Days – The eBook
  • About
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • DISCLOSURE POLICY
  • Contact

Beauty blog school: How to network authentically

October 26, 2015 By Hair Romance 4 Comments

Networking is such a polarising word. We’ve all been on the receiving end of someone trying to “work the room” but when someone is authentic, everyone wins.

You can network and be authentic and here are 9 simple tips to help you enjoy your next event.

Little Blog Big social media business workshops Australia

As a full-time blogger I love working online but real life networking has been the real game changer. It’s had the biggest impact on my journey to full-time blogger. It can feel scary to put yourself out there but that’s where things really start.

Online conversations can build real relationships but when you take them offline, that’s where the magic happens.

I remember my first blogging event. I was so nervous I thought about cancelling and staying home. It was raining too so I totally had a good excuse. But I have this saying that good things happen when you put yourself out there. So I got dressed and went out. I was alone and had never met anyone in the room before (though I felt like I knew a couple of people from reading their blogs). It was terrifying but it was also the best thing I’ve ever done.

That one event has lead to amazing friendships, professional relationships and even speaking gigs. Now I regularly attend blogging events and have started Little Blog Big to bring new bloggers, small businesses and solo creative together.

Networking at blogging events isn’t like at a corporate event. It’s more relaxed and authentic. The people you meet are way more interesting and you never know where the conversation can go.

Here are my tips to make networking fun and to make it work for you.

9 simple tips to network authentically

Before the event:

1. Look up the guest list

Check if there is a list of who’s going or if there’s a Facebook group or Twitter list for the event. Doing a little research on the guest list will help you learn more about who will be there and find out if there’s anyone you really want to connect with.

2. Have your elevator pitch ready

Your elevator pitch is a quick sentence or two about you and your blog. It’s a quick way to introduce who you are and what you do. It’s tough to summarise this in a sentence. Try to keep it short and interesting so that people want to ask you more questions and keep the conversation going.

3. Set an intention

Think about what you want to get out of attending this event. Is there a project you’re working on that you need help with, or maybe you are looking to meet more bloggers from your niche. Setting an intention helps to keep you focused.

Little Blog Big social media workshops Australia

At the event:

4. Smile & breathe

If you don’t do anything else, just remember to smile and breathe. Blogging events are fun and nothing to be nervous about. A smile makes everything better.

5. Be present

When you’re talking with someone, give them your attention and listen to them. Don’t worry about what you’re going to say next. Please don’t look over their shoulder to find someone better to talk to. There’s always time to move around the room and talk to others later.

6. Ask questions

If you’re nervous about small talk, remember that most people like talking about themselves. Ask open questions (who, what, where, when, why and how) and let the person answer. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with questions.

After the event:

7. Focus on giving

Often traditional networking is about what the other person can do for you. Instead, think about how you can help the person you met. Maybe it’s a service you offer, or you can recommend a friend or another blogger.

8. Get social

Connect with the people you met on social media. Follow them and message them to say how lovely it was to connect at the event. Keep the lines of communication open and growing.

9. It’s all about the follow-up

You met at this event, now what? Keep developing that connection online. Read and comment on their blog and share their content on your social channels. You never know what kind of collaboration or friendship that initial meeting could lead to.

So don’t be afraid to organise a meet-up with local bloggers or go to a blogging workshop or networking event. You’ll learn so much from taking your online relationships offline.

Little Blog Big social media workshops Australia

Next month is huge for Little Blog Big with events in Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney. Our one-day workshops help you become a social media ninja and are perfect for small business owners, bloggers and solo creatives. Join us here and book your spot! You’ll be glad you did, just like these lovely people.

Do you get nervous at events or do you love them? What’s your favourite conversation starter?

Filed Under: Beauty Blog School, Hair Romance

« 3 simple mistakes you’re making when curling your hair (and how to fix them)
Braid cheat tutorial – Fake it till you make it »

Comments

  1. Sonia from Sonia Styling says

    October 26, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    Brilliant tips! Networking can be scary – particularly if you’re walking into an event on your own – but the beauty of bloggers is that we love a chat, so you’ll have made a bunch of new friends in no time!

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      October 27, 2015 at 6:27 am

      Thanks lovely! And that’s why bloggers are some of my favourite peeps xx

      Reply
  2. Beth at AlmostPosh.com says

    October 26, 2015 at 10:32 am

    Loved this post. Your bit about attending your first blogging event was totally me before Little Blog Big! (Except it wasn’t raining). I find networking super hard but if someone throws me a bone first, I can chat away for hours!

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      October 26, 2015 at 11:46 am

      That first step is the hardest but so rewarding! I’m so glad you came to LBB! I try and remember that most of the room are feeling exactly the same way and we can all help each other out xx

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

HAIR ROMANCE – LOVE YOUR HAIR


Hi, I'm Christina and welcome to Hair Romance. Here you’ll find tutorials, tips and beauty advice to help you to love your best accessory: your hair.
Find out more here...


Search Hair Romance

SHOP HAIR ROMANCE




Learn how to braid your own hair, style your curls and have new hairstyles every day with Hair Romance's ebooks.

ARCHIVES

HAIR ROMANCE

All information copyright Hair Romance™ 2010-2021. Hair Romance is a registered Trademark.

DMCA.com

QUICK LINKS

Home
About
Braid Now course
30 Days of Curly Hairstyles
Advertise Contact
Privacy

CONTACT

Email: thehair[at]hairromance[dot]com

Mail: PO Box 1288,
Darlinghurst NSW 1300

Twitter: @hairromance
Instagram: @hairromance

Copyright Christina Butcher 2020