In my last post, I mentioned that I was working from a coffee shop. Well, turns out I didn’t get that much work done, but instead, it turned into a networking opportunity. After I finished the blog post I was writing, I got up for a refill of coffee (just like I said I was going to do). When I got up to the counter, I saw a former employer of mine who happens to be a real estate agent. I hadn’t seen him since I started my business, so I was happy to tell him all about what Mann Made Time does, and the services we offer. We sat down and chatted for quite awhile, and he seemed very interested in the VA industry.

On my way out of the coffee shop, I approached one of the staff members there and asked if I could leave my business card on their bulletin board. He said that would be fine, and he asked me about what I do, stating that he loves networking. As I explained that I am a VA, he was very interested. He asked for a stack of my cards so he could spread the word about virtual assistance by handing them out. This guy, Geoff, was great at networking and I’ll tell you why. He asked about me and what I do, asked questions about my business and offered to help spread the word about Mann Made Time.

That brings me to the point of this post. Networking can happen when you least expect. Some business owners shy away from in person networking. That’s not breaking news or anything, but as this post suggests, networking can happen anywhere. Are you networking whenever you can? Do you talk about your business at every turn? If you do, that’s wonderful - but networking has to work both ways or it’s not really networking. Talk to people about what they do. Ask questions about their daily struggles and how you or your business can help alleviate some of their stress. I realized when I got into my van upon leaving that coffee shop, that I didn’t ask Geoff what type of business he was in (assuming that he must be in business of some type because of his interest in networking). I have to follow up with him this weekend and learn a bit more about what he does. It’s just good networking and shame on me for not asking him while I was speaking with him yesterday.

My husband laughed at me when I was getting ready to leave yesterday. Early on a Saturday morning, going to a coffee shop, wearing a corduroy jacket, dress pants, heels and lipstick. If I went out wearing flannel pajama pants, crocs and a t-shirt I don’t think I would have had the confidence to approach anyone at all, let alone for business sake. I don’ t think it matters if it’s 8:00 in the morning, 4:00 in the afternoon or 8:00 at night. If I’m heading somewhere that I could possibly encounter a client or a potential client (which is just about anywhere) I try not to leave the house in anything less than business casual. If I have my kids and husband with me, I’m out and about as a mom, not a business owner and I don’t worry as much about my appearance. (I still don’t believe you should leave the house in pajamas, even if you are going out as a mom.)

Be prepared for networking wherever you go. Yesterday morning, all I expected to get at Beanz was some broadband and a cup of coffee. I got that, but I also made two good business connections. I might keep going there to work a couple times a week, even when I get my internet back up and running!

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