The art of setting boundaries
In the bustling world of networking, where opportunities and connections abound, it's easy to find yourself caught in the whirlwind of constant meetings, events, and engagements… or overwhelmed by the sheer concept of adding more “to-do’s” to your already-full plate. While networking is a crucial element of professional growth, it's equally essential to establish boundaries to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance.
The allure of networking can be intoxicating, especially when you're passionate about making meaningful connections, and beginning to experience success from it. However, it's crucial to acknowledge your limitations of time and energy. Overcommitting to networking events and meetings can lead to burnout, leaving you with little time for essential work tasks and personal life. In this edition, we are going to discuss some strategies to avoid over-commitment.
Protect Your Calendar: Creating boundaries in networking starts with protecting your calendar. Begin by setting a limit to the number of meetings you are willing to take per week. (You’ll likely need to do more in the beginning stages of your business, or as you’re developing a new market.) It can also be helpful to block off specific times of day for networking meetings. Next, define the types of casual networking meetings you're willing to take - these are meetings where there is no clear business purpose. By doing so, you safeguard your time and energy for activities that align with your professional and personal priorities. I usually only take 1 “casual” networking 1:1 per week, and often times I will do this as a 30-minute meeting on Zoom, rather than in-person. Below is an example of how I might block my calendar off for networking.
Use Technology - I saved 1,218 emails & 44 hours by using Calendly to schedule my meetings last year. I’m a huge advocate for anything that saves you time and makes your client experience cleaner. Technology can do this for you. Zoom is the industry-standard for virtual networking meetings, and is a great tool for casual meetings, or if you don’t have the time to get across town to meet someone in-person. I’m still a huge advocate for in-person meetings as often as it makes sense, but technology can be a great time-saver for you! Some of my favorite tools are:
Calendly
Zoom
Notion
ChatGPT
Google Calendar
** I’ll do a separate post later on how to utilize technology! **
Strategic Group Participation: Not all networking groups are created equal, and it's essential to be selective. Choose groups that align with your goals and values, and where you feel like you fit in and are accepted. Assess the types of engagements these groups offer and their impact on your overall schedule. This strategic approach ensures that you invest your time where it matters most. The more you network, the more groups you’re going to be invited to - be selective, and re-calibrate if & when you need to. It’s best to be deeply engaged in a couple of groups than spread thin between a bunch.
Stay Open to Opportunities: While setting boundaries is crucial, it's equally important to remain open to new connections and ideas. Striking a balance between protecting your calendar and embracing new opportunities requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. Be discerning about the engagements you commit to, ensuring they align with your objectives and contribute positively to your professional journey.
The Power of Saying No: Setting boundaries often involves saying no, and that's perfectly okay. Politely decline invitations or meetings that don't align with your priorities or may lead to overcommitment. Remember that saying no is a strategic decision that allows you to focus on the most impactful opportunities. Any time I have set boundaries with a professional, they have respected my decision - if they want to meet with you badly enough, they’ll make the time or work to align calendars. :)
Remember - creating boundaries is not a sign of withdrawal but a strategic move to ensure sustained success. By protecting your calendar, using technology, staying selective in group participation, and embracing the power of saying no, you pave the way for a more intentional and fulfilling networking experience.
Here's to navigating the networking maze with clarity and purpose!