Networking for entrepreneurs is like breathing: it creates a favorable environment for the necessary sparkle to elaborate an idea further, to not give up, to work on an idea until a successful end, to grow up and improve an idea. Some entrepreneurs know well how to network. Or at least they believe that they know. Others do not favour networking but they do it, because everyone around tells them how important it is. Here are my sincere advices on what to keep in mind to decide is networking for you or not, and if yes: how to approach it:

1. It is important to first understand what networking is about, as it is not just “a meeting” or “another business contact”.  Find out what the benefit of the networking is – not only for you personally, but also – what can you contribute back to the network.

2. Find out how do you communicate in a networking mode, Do you use the same way to present yourself, like you would do in any other meeting? What does it mean “an effective communication in a networking mode’? What do you expect as a result?

3. Networks are open spaces, horizontal entities without a precise structure. This is the beauty of networking! It provides the so much required space for creativity, mutual sharing and exchange. How much you are willing to share and what is your level of tolerating risk as a result of sharing of your new idea, new project, new business model?

4. Spend time to think about your own “networking strategy”. It is important to understand that in a network, the process is more inspiring than the result out of it- it is a unique entity more of a type “here and now” rather than “goal-orientated behavior”. Visualizing why do you network is important. Otherwise you might end up running from one meeting to another and becoming exhausted without results.

5. Spend time to follow up what different types of networks are doing and where as well as why to join. Spend also time to think about “Me in the network”. We all have different communication skills, character, ways to present ourselves and our projects, and we need to learn “how to operate and communicate in a networking mode: not following up the rules of communication, but having in mind our own traits and strengths.

6 There is a huge difference between networks where people have business orientation, and the one gathering “non-profit” organizations and managers. Networks also differ based on their geographical scope and activities ( international,, local, national global). Most of the networks today combine the offline mode with online presence and exchange, and social networking online becomes as important as personal meetings. Take your time to research the diverse networks and find out where to join-based on both your long-term vision, as well as your intuition which one might be the right one for you.

7. Make a story, intrigue, be sharp and memorable when you meet someone during a networking event. If you are a real entrepreneur – “think beyond the box” and be “non-conventional” even in very quick presentation moments about who you are and what you do. Otherwise your actions of “showing up everywhere’ and “communicating conventionally” will be tiring and upsetting!

8. Follow up after an event in a clever and engaging way – especially with those people who are not just “key” in an industry or in a field, but with the one who have impressed you and have inspired you.

9. Approach networks as a “learning environment” not just as a communication platform or a tool to present your idea and find supporters. There is an immense power in the learning process, so, use networking events to update yourself, learn something new, feed your curiosity, find out innovative practices and business models. This keeps our minds fresh and elastic.

10. Have fun with networking. It not only increases our professionalism and our contacts. It brings joy and inspiration in our life. It is about socializing, communicating, sharing, exchanging, inspirational experiences: all these are important ingredients to have a happy life!

If you still feel isolated: start your research and your own “thinking exercise” on networking. If you are overwhelmed about networking, find a quiet place and rethink how you network, what you might improve: find a better networking approach.  If you are experienced in networking, find a way to share and coach new comers.

Networking is not  only a basic necessity in the entrepreneurial practice. It is a kind of “social meditation”: it helps us to be in a special moment of an “open space” where chances to be creative and to lift up our business and ourselves on an upper level drastically increase.