There’s nothing like networking⁠ to get you on the road to success.... and provoke anxiety. I like to say that when I invite people to a networking event, people often have the same reaction as if I said, “Hey! Do you want to go sit in traffic with me?” Traffic sucks. So, let’s make sure that networking doesn’t feel like “work” - or traffic. ⁠ As a photographer, I used to go to tons of networking events in hopes of meeting other business owners in my industry, entrepreneurs who might become friends, and, yes, photographers, too.⁠ ⁠ ⁠But many weren’t really interested in meeting me. ⁠ ⁠ They saw me as the competition.⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠We’ve all been there, right?⁠ ⁠ We’re trying to grow our networks, but we’re not always sure the best way to do it.⁠ ⁠ So, I decided to break the system and District Bliss started hosting welcoming, collaborative networking socials. ⁠⁠ ⁠ They were immediately popular.⁠ Clearly, I wasn’t the only person craving this type of environment where everyone can feel welcome, safe, and really enjoy meeting new people!⁠ ⁠ ⁠Today, I thought I’d share a few of my tips for networking that I’ve seen work time and time again:⁠ ⁠ ⚡Go into the event with an open mind. You never know who might be your next referral partner, affiliate, client, or friend.⁠ ⁠ ⚡Don’t forget that even people who you consider to be your competition may need to refer to — or hire — you at some point.⁠ Don’t write someone off just because they do something similar to what you do.⁠ ⁠ ⚡Don’t avoid networking altogether. There’s nothing else like it! You really do have to get out there and meet people, even if you hate the traditional networking events; just find the right events for you!⁠ ⁠ ⚡Ask questions, engage, and really listen to the people you meet. One of the reasons that I’ve been so successful with building this community is that I care about each and every person I meet. I want to know about you and your business; I want to know what you’re up to personally as much as professionally. You matter to me and I want to see you be happy and succeed!⁠ ⁠ What are some of your most successful networking strategies? Hit reply and let me know! ⁠ We hope to see you at our next event!⁠