Networking (when done right) can help you to get more referrals and grow your business. But how do you network without feeling totally awkward, but instead forge real, fruitful connections? Here’s how.
My special guest today is a publicity strategist, who is here to teach us that networking doesn’t have to be painful.
If you’ve got a networking event coming up on your calendar and you’re feeling a bit ‘UGH’ towards attending, cozy on up. This episode is for you.
Contents
Tara Bradford simplifies how to get more referrals through networking
Tara is showing us a different approach that’s centered around generosity. She’s going to flip everything you think you know about networking, on its head.
In this episode, you will learn:
- Why we struggle to confidently talk about ourselves at networking events. And how to flip the spotlight on others instead
- Her 4-step method to better networking:
- Know your opening question
- Listen with intentionality
- Become a mirror
- Guide them to what you want them to do next
Tara talks us through the ideal way you can spark more meaningful conversations at networking events. She uses a wedding planner as a case study to explain it all.
No matter if you’re an introvert like Tara, or an extrovert like me, the tips she shares in today’s conversation are super valuable. Try them out at the next networking event you attend this month!
It’s time to simplify.
#DoTheThing!
My challenge for you this week:
Write out a few different opening questions to try at your next networking event. Share it with me, privately or publicly. Snap a photo of you doing the thing, and tag @thesimplifiers on Instagram for added accountability and support!
Links, books and apps mentioned:
Book: The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business – Charles Duhigg
FREEBIE: The PR Checklist – upgrade your online appearance via a 5 Day Publicity Challenge – Tara Bradford
Website: tararaebradford.com
Favorite quotes from this episode:
[05:34] “Be the first person to speak, but don’t be the first person to speak about yourself. Be the first person to answer a question, or to ask a question.” – Tara
[08:30] “Step one is knowing your opening question. Prepare those questions ahead of time and be curious.” – Tara
[10:00] “[Be] intentional about the audience, who do you think is going to attend that networking event?” – Tara
[17:41] “At the end of a networking event, you don’t want 50 business cards of people to follow up with. You want 5, and 5 of the right people, not 50 random people.” – Tara
[20:19] “When you notice people’s body language, you notice when they’re opening up to something, and when they’re shutting down.” – Mary
Book an inspiring public speaker
Would you like me to speak at your upcoming conference, workshop or retreat? I want to meet you!
I’m speaking at Mom 2.0 Summit this week, alongside greats like Dr. Brené Brown, Getchin Rubin, and Lori Granito. And I’ve got a few dates still open this summer – I’d love to come and speak in your hometown!
I’m super passionate and love to talk about:
- How to hire your first VA (aka. Virtual Assistant)
- How to simplify how you use social media, personally and professionally
- How to continue STRONG
- helping you laser focus on your annual business goals
- give you the tools and motivation to stay on track
- teach you how to simplify, as a business owner
Plus, if your event has a taco bar, go ahead and COUNT ME IN.
No matter if your event is big or small, let’s chat. I want to meet you!
Go to thesimplifiers.com/public-speaking/ to learn more about the topics I love to speak on, and to get the ball rolling!
About Tara:
Tara Bradford is a Publicity Strategist, Reputation Designer, and International Speaker. Tara has worked with a range of people, from startup founders to Inc 500 executives. Each time she’s helped to increase their visibility, and become the center of influence.
After Tara was featured in the media every two weeks during her first year in business, she created a program called Imposter to Influencer. Her aim: to help other thought leaders do the same.
Tara incorporates cognitive neuroscience, biochemistry, psychology principles, emotional intelligence, neurolinguistics, and nursing into her work.
Driven by a passion to help the world feel more connected, Tara believes the key is to inspire each of us to become the center of influence, through service to others.
Tara’s vote for the perfect guest on The Simplifiers Podcast:
Lisa Linfield – Financial Planner, Wealth Manager, Founder and CEO of Working Women’s Wealth.
Where Tara hangs out online:
Website: tararaebradford.com
Instagram: @tararaebradford
Facebook: @tararaebradford.co
Twitter: @tararaebradford
LinkedIn: Tara Rae Bradford
Video version of the episode
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Episode sponsored by…
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