Your New Networking Mindset Starts Here With Jennifer Ann Johnson

"It’s not what you know, it’s who you know."
This timeless truth is more relevant than ever in today’s business world. While your expertise and experience are important, it’s often your relationships that drive growth, opportunity, and confidence.

In this episode, I dive into the power of authentic networking—not the surface-level kind, but the meaningful connections that lead to real collaboration, support, and visibility. You’ll learn why networking is more than just collecting contacts—it’s about intentionally building relationships that serve both you and your business community.

I’ll break down simple strategies to make networking feel less intimidating and more effective, including how to lead with value, the importance of follow-up, and why listening is often your secret weapon. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your influence, this conversation will help you reframe networking as a skill worth mastering.

Ready to make meaningful connections that move your business forward? Tune in now and learn how to make networking your most powerful strategy.

Visit us at jenniferannjohnson.com and learn how Jennifer can help you build the life you dream of with her online academy, blog, one-on-one coaching, and a variety of other resources!

Chapters

• 1:13 What Is Business Networking?
• 2:16 Why Networking Matters
• 6:32 Effective Networking Strategies
• 9:08 Overcoming Networking Anxiety
• 10:34 The Networking Mindset

Transcript

Jennifer Johnson: 0:37

We've all heard the phrase it's not what you know, it's who you know. While skills and knowledge are undoubtedly crucial in the business world, the power of your network can be the differentiator between success and stagnation. So let's explore why networking is so important and how you can leverage it to boost your business. Before we dive deeper, let's define what we mean by business networking. At its core, networking is the process of building and maintaining those professional relationships. It's not just about collecting business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn. True networking is about creating meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with other professionals, whether they're in your industry or not. And networking can happen anywhere, at formal business events, industry conferences, community gatherings and maybe even casual social settings. The key is to approach these interactions with authenticity and with a genuine interest in building those connections. So why is it so crucial in the business world? Well, there's many reasons, and one of those is opportunities. Your network can open doors to new business opportunities and partnerships and people that you may have never discovered on your own, which can then increase your knowledge. It's knowledge sharing it allows you to tap into that diverse pool of knowledge and experience that other people have, which helps you learn and grow both personally and professionally. And then it's also about visibility. Regular networking increases your visibility in professional circles and that can lead to more business and career advancement opportunities.

Jennifer Johnson: 2:19

I have known many people who've had a business and they weren't sure if they wanted to continue doing their business or not. They connected with somebody else who had a business and they were hired by that person. So you just never know what opportunities are lurking around the corner. Networking can also help you problem solve. When you're facing business challenges, your network can be an invaluable source of advice and solution and support even, which then in turn helps you boost your confidence. As you become more confident in your business and more comfortable networking, you're going to see an increase in your confidence, which is going to impact every single area of your business. See an increase in your confidence, which is going to impact every single area of your business. And when I was talking about knowledge and knowledge sharing, that goes also hand in hand with resource sharing. Maybe it's a referral to another vendor that this other person that you were introduced to uses, or it's a new tool or another new network.

Jennifer Johnson: 5:30

Networking is a goldmine for resources. So now that we understand why it's so important and what networking actually is. What strategies can you effectively leverage to use this? So be genuine, First and foremost. So be genuine, First and foremost. Approach networking like you would any other thing that you're doing in your business, with authenticity. You don't want to focus on what can this network do for me, but what can I do for that network? Focus on building real relationships, not just collecting business cards or contacts, or business cards or people. Really Don't just be a people collector Give before you take. Look for ways that you can help others in your network Because, as we know, that goodwill often comes back around and a big mistake that people typically make is you go to a networking event and then, after you meet somebody, you throw away their business card, you forget who they were or how you met them.

Jennifer Johnson: 6:43

The power and the magic is in that follow-up Follow-up with a personalized message hey, it was great to meet you at this event, Wondered if we could grab coffee sometime? Very important Then using social media wisely. For example, LinkedIn. It can be really powerful, but powerful when it's used strategically and it's really about you engaging with other people on that platform, not just spamming people with. This is what I can do for you kind of thing practicing your pitch. Make sure that you have a clear and concise way to engage people when you're talking to them for the first time, to tell them exactly who you are and what you do. We often refer to it as an elevator pitch, because that's really what it is, but make sure that you have something in your back pocket that you can quickly bring out. And in your proverbial back pocket Don't have something in your back pocket? Have it memorized is what I'm trying to say, but make sure that it's very clear and concise. And again, I know we've talked about before being consistent.

Jennifer Johnson: 7:53

Networking isn't a one time thing. You have to continue doing it over and over and over. And the last thought I'm going to leave with you on this is listen more than you talk. God gave us two ears and a mouth for a reason. Show genuine interest in others, Ask questions and listen actively. If you want to build those connections, you have to be able to listen, Look them in their eye, put out all of the other distractions and pay attention.

Jennifer Johnson: 8:23

I know for a lot of people, networking can feel uncomfortable. You go to a room filled with people that you have no idea who they are. You've never met them before. Maybe you're an introvert or maybe you're new to the area and you know no one. But that's the point of it. You need to start small. Start with small events. Maybe it's just one-on-one meeting, one-on-one meetings with people before you start to tackle the large events. Then, when you go to a networking event, have a goal. What objective do you want from that? Do you want to meet one person, two people? Who do you want to go away with knowing? Like I want to make sure that I connect with at least three people.

Jennifer Johnson: 9:03

Having a goal will definitely help you walking into those meetings, Even though you may be scared again. Having that goal and setting your sight on that goal may be something that will help Bring a colleague. Having that familiar face with you may ease that fear for you that it will take for you to break out of your shell. But I've also seen it work the other way. You cling to that person that you bring with you and then you don't go out and meet other people. So make sure that they are going to be a help for you instead of a hindrance.

Jennifer Johnson: 9:32

And then practice. Like any skill, networking gets easier with practice. The more you do it, the more comfortable you are going to become. So again, networking isn't just about what you can gain, but also what you can contribute to the other person. The most successful networkers are those who approach relationships with the spirit of generosity and mutual benefit. Every person you meet knows something that you don't. By building and nurturing that strong professional network, you're not just advancing your own career or business. You're creating a community of support, knowledge and opportunity.