Let's talk fun: She x Shines Fun

I went to a beyond amazing women networking event in Philadelphia, PA the other day.

Have you ever had an experience like this? Where you are surrounded by like minded women, who are all having a good time, laughing, sharing business tips, drinking champagne, and empowering one another?

If you haven't done something like this, put it on your bucket list because I am telling you it was worth the 3+ hour drive.

There are a bunch of reasons why you need events like this one if you are a business owner.

Unless you live in Philadelphia, PA or close to there you won't have a She x Shines event to go to. But I'm sure if you look hard enough you can find some other sort of networking event in your area. There are so many different types of them, some are industry specific and others are just for women or moms. Find something that suits you and what you need.

But make sure you find one.

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Here's why:

Reason #1: Connections are Currency!

I say this all the time. But seriously they are. You never know where a connection can lead. Will this person hire you or buy your products. Maybe they have the solution you have been looking for. They could know someone who is in dire need of your services. Or they could turn out to be a great friend and business supporter. Either way meeting them was a win.

Connecting with someone could take you in so many different directions. The one thing they all have in common though is they all go forward. When you connect with more people you are growing. Growing your audience, growing your clientele, growing your support system, growing your attitude, growing as a business owner, growing into the NEXT level you.

It is kinda like a piggy bank. Each person you meet is another coin in your piggy bank. One connection goes into your mindset slot because they gave you some great tips on confidence and their IG page is all about motivation. One goes into business growth because they want to hire you and need what you provide. One goes into support because they love what you do and give you feedback on ways to improve on what worked for them. An event like this is all about connections, and as you can see connections really are currency.

So go to a networking event so you can meet new people!

Reason #2: You learn so much!

Some of these networking events can be super informative and have workshops or tips on different business related topics. Which is super amazing and helpful. But you also learn stuff at the events that are just socializing oriented.

Why??

Because small businesses love helping other small businesses.

You can ask someone a question about a launch or a program and see how it worked for them. You can get feedback on your products or your website. A lot of people at these events also give out freebies or conversational tips that have a huge impact. But my personal favorite way to give out information at one of these events (and lots of other people do this so you may meet someone out there like me) is to slide my Instagram handle into the conversation. I get people to follow my account and stay connected after the event...but more importantly I offer crazy amounts of value on my IG so if they connect with me there they get crazy amounts of value all the time!

It is a way for you to continue learning from someone and getting to know all their tricks and added value for way longer than the 10 minute socializing period together. Bonus you get to continue to nurture that relationship too.

Reason #3: Gaining Confidence

These are networking events. The whole point is to connect with other business owners. A big part of that is pitching yourself to them. Giving your business card, explaining who you help, what you do, all the things right?

Who couldn't use a little more confidence in doing this??

As someone who started out in business having no clue what I was doing, not sure how to ask someone to pay me, and not even sure what "pitching myself" meant....this was a huge saving grace. As a business owner you will have lots of practice pitching your brand and trying to promote your services. But when a sale is on the line there is this added pressure. We get nervous, we get overwhelmed, we let our limiting beliefs get in the way. All of that leads to our confidence going down and sometimes not closing with that client.

The best way to get over what I call "the Pitching Effect" is to practice your pitch, and it was always awkward trying to practice in front of a mirror. I like myself a lot, but when I start talking to myself somedays.....I feel a little out there.

So what else can you do? There is no one better to practice with then someone who is in the same boat. Who can help you if you mess up, give you some constructive criticism, and overall boost your spirits after you give an awesome sales pitch. Anyone who goes to this kind of an event understands the pressure and nerves of pitching. This is your best way to practice and promote yourself at the same time and whether you get a client or not leave feeling good about what you brought to the table.

Reason #4: The Content this Provides

Okay so I had to throw this in there because social media is obviously my jam. But seriously content like this is gold! People want to get to know you better as a business owner and not just a business. Sharing about being out in your community, about the people you meet, shouting out other local business owners you connected with all of that is amazing content. It also is a great way to give yourself a break and not feel pressured to come up with a post for that day.

Also side note....every single one of the networking events I have been to have had cute little photo opportunities set up. The best part is you are surrounded by other entrepreneurs who understand the need to Boomerang that champagne clink or take a quick "get to know me" photo. So you don't have to feel awkward at all stopping what you're doing for photo sessions.

Double bonus** There are so many selfie queens and entrepreneurs there who will gladly support you and be your stand in photographer. Which is always a plus. Check out me and the co-founders of the She x Shines community ( Alex Wynter and Anna Laura Sommer) taking advantage of this cute photo opportunity.

Alex, Myself, and Anna Laura enjoying the She x Shines Spring Social Event

Aren't we cute???

Moral of the story here... GO TO A LOCAL NETWORKING EVENT!!!

Seriously it is beyond worth it.

I'd love to hear what experiences you have had if you have been at an event like this and what you learned from it. Share your message with me I love to hear it.

Much love. I hope you have a high vibe rest of your day.