Mastering Networking Events: A Key to Business Success

Welcome to the 1559th consecutive day of my diary as a Runpreneur. Today, I want to delve into a topic that resonates deeply with many entrepreneurs and business owners: networking events. If you struggle with the art of building professional relationships, you’re not alone. I’ve been there myself. In this post, I'll share my journey and insights on how to navigate these essential but often daunting events.

As entrepreneurs, we frequently hear that success lies in surrounding ourselves with the right people. The most accomplished entrepreneurs master the skill of pulling together diverse groups to rally around a common mission or goal. This collaborative effort is crucial for solving the world's most challenging problems. The question then arises: How do you gather the best people if you cannot network effectively?

Networking is a fundamental skill for any entrepreneur. It boils down to three essential abilities: communication, problem-solving, and data understanding. But effective networking primarily requires honing your communication skills.

To give you a bit of background, despite appearances, I’m incredibly introverted. I’ve always found social interactions to be challenging due to my ADHD and social awkwardness. However, I’ve managed to turn what was once a weakness into a strength. My biggest asset has always been problem-solving. So, confronting my communication issues, I sought ways to improve.

After university, I embarked on a career in sales. Those 18 months were invaluable. I did numerous presentations and public speaking engagements, participated in interviews, and subjected myself to high-pressure scenarios to build my communication skills. Was I scared? Absolutely. But pushing myself out of my comfort zone was crucial.

Today, while I’m not the world's best communicator, I've reached a level where it doesn’t hold me back. I’ve even partnered with individuals in business who excel in communication, ensuring that all bases are covered.

I’ve got a networking event coming up this Wednesday—100 plus entrepreneurs, all with turnovers exceeding a million. It’s an opportunity I’ve put off before, but this time, I’m going. Do I want to go? No. Do I need to go? Yes. The potential outcomes—building phenomenal relationships or learning valuable lessons—are worth the discomfort.

Many people avoid networking because they hate public speaking, small talk, or high-pressure conversations. But if you want to succeed in business, there’s no way around it: you have to communicate effectively. While your role may evolve as your business grows, and you may communicate less frequently in these settings, the quality of those interactions becomes more significant.

Start attending these events, even if it’s just a handful each year. Practise opening conversations and explaining what you do in a natural, engaging manner. Be genuine, listen more than you talk, and people will appreciate your sincerity. Remember, the goal is to make connections, not just pitch ideas.

So, that’s my take on networking events. I hope you find these insights helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop me a line. I respond to everyone. And if you believe in my mission of saving children’s lives through my ultimate ultramarathon of run vlogging, please subscribe, share, like, and comment. The more people we reach, the more lives we can save. Thank you for your support. Stay positive, stay happy, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.

—Kevin Brittain, The Runpreneur