Mastering Networking

Our recent Mastering Networking workshop facilitated by Mindy Jones, left participants energized, inspired, and equipped with powerful tools to enhance their professional relationships. Here’s a look back at the key insights and strategies shared — and how you can begin putting them to work immediately.

You must be clear and compelling when describing what you do — and it starts with five intentional words. These aren’t just buzzwords or job titles. They should be personal, precise, and meaningful enough to spark curiosity and conversation. Think of them as your brand’s handshake — the first impression you give, online and in person.

✅ Use them in your LinkedIn bio, on social media posts

✅ Say them when someone asks, “What do you do?”

✅ Let them guide your content, storytelling, and outreach.

Your five words should make people ask questions and want to know more about you and your work — that’s when connection begins.

Beyond job titles and services, think in terms of outcomes. When you speak about your work, focus on the transformation you offer:

What challenges do you help people overcome?

• How do you make life, business, or work better for them?
• Do you have an impact in the community? What is that impact?

Generic networking talks fall flat because they speak to everyone — and therefore, no one. When you identify your audience and clearly state the value you bring, you invite real engagement. Connection begins with relevance.

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts — it’s about creating connections rooted in trust. To do that, we need to work on four key pillars:

1. Visibility – Are people seeing and hearing what you do?
2. Credibility – Do you share wins and stories that prove your expertise?
3. Authenticity – Do you show up as the real, consistent version of yourself?
4. Availability – Do people know how and why to work with you?

Prepare for every networking opportunity by thinking through how you’ll express these elements naturally. This will keep your conversations grounded and engaging.

Instead of showing up to an event and hoping it “goes well,” set yourself up for intentional success:

1. Before the event, identify your three points of success. These could be:
   • Connecting with 2 new people in your industry
   • Scheduling one follow-up call
   • Gaining insight about a topic or trend
2. During the event, use conversation-opening tools like:
   • “What brought you to this event?”
   • “What’s something exciting happening in your work right now?”
   • “How can I support what you’re doing?”
3. After the event, follow up immediately with a note, action, or reflection. Keep the energy moving.

Finally, dig deep. Your “why” fuels everything — your story, your presence, your brand. If you’re unclear on this, networking will feel hollow. When you're grounded in your deeper purpose, your passion becomes contagious.

Ask yourself:

• Why do I do what I do?
• Why does it matter to the people I serve?
• Why am I the right person to deliver this?

Your “why” is your north star — bring it with you everywhere.

Participants left with valuable take aways to reflect upon, define, and implement to improve their networking skills.

• Identify your five words.
• Define the problems you solve.
• Plan your three points of success before your next event.
• Practice sharing your credibility stories.
• Reflect on your "why."

Networking isn’t just about showing up — it’s about showing who you really are. When you lead with intention, clarity, and purpose, connections become opportunities and relationships become growth.