Falling in Love with Networking Again
Posted on 4th February 2025 at 20:44

Networking is without doubt one of the most important ingredients for business success; but sometimes, even with the best of intentions, your priorities can shift and change. Perhaps you’ve taken a break from networking, or maybe you’ve been so busy with day-to-day tasks that setting time aside for nurturing new connections has fallen by the wayside.
If that’s been the case for you just lately, fear not! February is the month of love, and I’ve got a few tips here to help you fall in love with networking again…
1. Start Local
If you’ve been away from networking for a while, it can help to revisit groups you were part of previously. Reconnecting with familiar faces can be a comforting way to ease yourself back in, and it’s always easier to rekindle older relationships while you establish new ones. I guarantee they will be delighted to welcome you back!
2. Set Realistic Goals for Your Meetings
Jumping back into regular networking meetings can feel daunting, so start small and set some manageable goals for yourself. Begin with just a couple of meetings a month, and set an intention for each one: that could be to reconnect with a couple of old contacts, introduce yourself to new people, or simply to find out about the new businesses out there since you last joined. Setting small, achievable goals will make networking feel less overwhelming, and give you a sense of achievement as well.
3. Try Virtual Meetings
Not all networking meetings need to take place face-to-face, especially if you’re still feeling a bit out of practice. Many groups now offer virtual meetings, which are a great way to dip your toes back in. You can attend from the comfort of your own home or office, and the more relaxed environment can make it easier to find your networking feet again.
Virtual meetings also offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling, allowing you to fit networking into your busy calendar without too much disruption. Once you feel more comfortable, you can start mixing in a few in-person meetings to get the best of both worlds.
4. Prepare and Get Into the Right Mindset
After a break, it’s natural to feel a bit nervous about returning to regular networking events. To help ease those nerves, set some time aside before each meeting to prepare. Have your 60-second elevator pitch ready, make sure you know what you want to get out of the event, and think about a few conversation starters. Being prepared can boost your confidence and help you make the most out of each interaction.
Remember, networking isn’t about collecting as many business leads as possible – it’s about building authentic, meaningful relationships. Approach each meeting with curiosity, and aim to listen and engage rather than just promote your own business.
5. Consistency is Key – Stay Committed
Getting back into the networking habit is all about building momentum. The more consistently you attend, the more natural and enjoyable it will feel. After attending a few meetings, you’ll recognise familiar faces, have deeper, more productive conversations, and you’ll start to feel part of the group. Relationships will form, and you’ll begin to see the value of them as they develop.
And if you find that a particular group or event doesn’t feel like the right fit, don’t be put off networking altogether. There are countless opportunities out there, and it’s all about finding the ones that align with your goals and values. Keep experimenting and attending different groups until you find a community that really supports the business growth you want to achieve with your business.
Back in the Habit
Getting back into regular networking meetings doesn’t have to be daunting. By starting small, setting achievable goals, preparing ahead of time, and staying consistent, you’ll quickly regain confidence and see the value of reconnecting with your professional community. Networking is all about relationships, and taking the time to build those connections will open up new opportunities for growth and success.
So make this February the time you take the plunge: deep breath, grab your business cards, and start falling in love with networking again!
There’s a whole range of meetings to choose from within the Busy Network. Have a browse, and contact me to talk about the perfect place for you to get back in the networking habit.

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