Grandma Dottie’s Guide to Networking Like a Boss

Networking. It can be a daunting task, right? You show up, awkwardly chat with a few people, and then…nothing. But what if I told you there’s a better way? A way to make every networking event work for you, just like our resourceful Grandma Dottie made every scrap of material work for her.

The Grandma Dottie Philosophy

Grandma Dottie, bless her soul, never let anything go to waste. Milk jugs became receipt holders, prescription bottles transformed into button containers—you get the idea. She was the queen of efficiency and resourcefulness. And that’s exactly how we should approach networking.

Think of your time as your most valuable asset. If you’re going to invest it in networking events, why not maximize your return? It’s time to ditch the “show up and hope for the best” strategy and adopt the Grandma Dottie method.

The Networking Checklist

Here’s your step-by-step guide to networking like Grandma Dottie:

Before the Event:

Invite a Friend: It’s always easier to attend an event with a familiar face. Plus, it’s a less intimidating way to introduce someone to your network.

Plan Ahead: A week before the event, check your calendar and identify people you’d like to connect with. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid that “deer in the headlights” feeling when you walk in.

Pack Your Business Cards: Yes, physical cards. They’re tangible reminders of your interaction and make it easier to gather contact information. Keep a stack in your car so you’re always prepared.

At the Event:

Arrive Early: Be the greeter! This allows you to meet almost every attendee and make a memorable first impression.

Set a Goal: Aim to collect a business card from every single person. It’s a tangible measure of your networking success.

Use the FROGS Method: Remember our previous episode? Family, Recreation, Occupation, Goals, and Strengths. It’s a great framework for keeping conversations flowing.

Identify Your Golden Goose: Who has the potential to send you referrals consistently? Make a mental note of their interests so you can plan future interactions.

Snap a Photo: Take a picture with the host, speaker, or your new connections. It’s great content for social media and helps solidify the memory of the event.

Consider Sponsoring: If the opportunity arises, sponsoring an event can give you a speaking platform and position you as an authority figure.

After the Event:

Follow Up: Add your new contacts to your email list, connect with them on social media, and reach out personally to those you want to build stronger relationships with.

Share Your Experience: Write a blog post, send an email, and post on social media about the event. Include photos and tag people you met. This amplifies your networking efforts and keeps you top-of-mind.

Plan Your Next Interaction: What did you learn about your golden geese? Invite them to coffee, a ball game, or another event that aligns with their interests.

Remember: Networking is about building genuine relationships. The Grandma Dottie philosophy is about being resourceful and intentional with your time. By following this checklist, you can turn every networking event into a valuable investment in your business and your future.

Want a handy checklist to keep all these tips at your fingertips?  Send us an email to msbizpod@gmail.com, and we’ll send you a copy!