7 Tips for More Effective Networking with a Chronic Condition

Written by Liz Carmines, Founder of Social with Purpose

Successful networking goes beyond showing up at events and handing out business cards. Making the most of your time spent networking requires taking intentional action from preparing for the event to being present during to following up after. The goal of networking is usually to grow your business or propel your career forward, but focusing on relationships will be the most effective tool to achieve that.

These are my 7 tips to help you navigate networking with confidence and professionalism while living with a chronic condition.

Be Intentional

I learned this valuable tip from a mentor and though it is simple, the effect is so powerful. Before any networking opportunity, like going to a local event, set a goal or intention for what you hope to accomplish. Are you looking to connect with a referral partner from a certain industry? Put feelers out to find someone to hire? Explore collaborations with other local businesses? Set up 3 coffee chats with other professionals? Get advice on a specific topic?

Being clear on your goals will help you stay focused and give you a way to measure success. It will also provide a natural point of conversation with people you meet and if the interaction goes well, a clear direction for follow-up.

Give Before You Get

The most successful networkers show others that they care, so consider how you can give the other person value first. This is another tip I learned from a mentor and it has never steered me wrong. By demonstrating that your interaction is a two-way street, the people you network with will appreciate that it isn’t just a transaction.

You can approach this by asking the person you’re networking with about their goals or how you can support them. Whether it’s sharing advice from your experience, making an introduction, or providing feedback on a project, your genuine interest in their success will build trust.

This is in stark contrast to going to a networking event with a sole focus on handing out as many business cards as possible. With this transactional approach, you won’t be memorable, and your card will most likely end up in a stack never to be reached for again.

Get to Know People Beyond Business

To take it one step further, spending time getting to know others on a more personal level can build deeper, more genuine relationships. People do business with people they know, like, and trust, so try to find a personal connection. This can be common interests or family similarities, or if you’re a Chronic Boss living with a chronic condition, you may find that there are many others with experiences like yours.

In the midst of networking with lots of people, potentially from the same industry, these extra touchpoints can make you stand out in their minds and foster future opportunities for connection. Plus, finding people who “get it” can be an absolute game-changer on your journey, since business ownership can be quite lonely.

Keep Showing Up

Consistency is key when it comes to networking. Being present, both physically and mentally, shows your commitment to the relationships you’re working to build and fosters trust in your credibility. Making an effort to consistently engage with others also keeps you top of mind and that visibility will lead to more opportunities.

However, this tip can be a double-edged sword, because time is something most business owners feel like they never have enough of! Especially for Chronic Bosses living with a chronic health condition, showing up consistently can be really challenging, like when going through a flare-up.

Give yourself grace and don’t feel the need to apologize for putting yourself first. You can certainly share what you’re going through when it feels safe and appropriate, but never feel obligated to disclose your condition. Nothing is more important than your health and well-being.

Join an Aligned Group

Networking groups are one of the best avenues to build consistent networking relationships. Unlike going to ad-hoc events and meetings, being part of an organized group in which the same people meet regularly allows you to form deeper connections.

Not all networking groups are built the same, so consider what you’re looking for specifically in a group. Here are some considerations:

1. Personal and business goals: Most of all, determine what your goals are for networking. Having clear goals will help you assess whether the time and effort you invest are worth the return. Some goal examples could be to make friends with other business owners, build referral partnerships, or reach new clients within a specific industry.

2. Level of commitment: Consider how frequently you are willing to meet, what types of participation requirements feel realistic, and what level of accountability you are looking for.

3. Types of people and businesses: Ask yourself if you want to meet more people like you, or people outside of your typical sphere. Groups like the Chronic Boss Collective present a wonderful opportunity to connect with people like yourself, ambitious women living with chronic conditions, creating a no-BS environment built for community and support. On the other hand, groups outside of your normal network could be beneficial for tapping into new markets.

1. Group format and structure: Consider the group size you are most likely to thrive in and the meeting format such as online versus in person. Also, decide whether you’d prefer a more structured group or a free-flowing group focused on open networking.

Be a Good Representative of Others Who Refer You

If someone refers a trusted client or friend to you or your business, they’re essentially giving you a stamp of approval. It’s essential to be a good representative of both yourself and the person who referred to you, and this can greatly impact your reputation within your network. They have put their trust in you, so be professional, reliable, and communicative with their referrals.

This can mean the difference between getting more referrals in the future and not. If they hear that their referral had a poor experience working with you, not only does it reflect poorly on them, they will be unlikely to send any more business your way. On the other hand, if their referral is pleased with your service, this will build even more trust and they will be likely to keep you top of mind for future opportunities.

Follow Up

For networking to be successful, it can’t end when the event is over. Be proactive about following-up with people you connected with in order to build that relationship. You can connect with them on LinkedIn or send an email, and be sure to reference your conversation and any follow-up items you discussed. This could include sending them a document you talked about or booking another time to meet.

Nurturing relationships makes all the difference between networking that can lead to long-term business growth and surface-level relationships that don’t move the needle. Additionally, it reinforces the “give before you get” mindset, showing that you’re interested in a genuine, reciprocal relationship. This mindset will help you to build a vast network of connections with individuals who you can rely on for support, referrals, and collaboration as you help each other advance in your careers.

If you’re a career-oriented woman living with a chronic condition, and looking for a space to network with people like you, consider joining the Chronic Boss Collective!

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