Nifty Fifty Fridays

50 Networking Tips for Nonprofit Professionals

Networking!  Some of us love it.  Some of us … don’t love it.  Wherever you land on that spectrum, networking events are a great way to find new donors and connect with your community.  Here are 50 tips to make networking easier and more fruitful.  (Introverts please note! I didn’t say ‘fun!’).  To connect with other fundraisers and nonprofit leaders, in a warm and welcoming community, come to the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference!

1. Set Goals: Before attending networking events, set clear objectives on what you hope to achieve.

2. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch: Be able to succinctly explain what your nonprofit does and why it matters.

3. Be Genuine: Authentic connections can go a long way. Show real interest in the people you meet.

4. Ask Questions: Asking thoughtful questions not only demonstrates your interest, but can also uncover new opportunities.

5. Follow Up: After meeting someone new, make sure to follow up with an email or a LinkedIn connection.

6. Offer Value: Networking is a two-way street. Find ways you can help others.

7. Listen Actively: Show interest by actively listening to what others say.

8. Attend Events: Regularly attend nonprofit events, conferences, and workshops.

9. Join Online Groups: Participate in relevant groups on LinkedIn or other platforms to expand your network.

10. Be Patient: Building a strong network takes time.

11. Volunteer: Offering your skills at an event or a nonprofit can open the door to meeting like-minded individuals.

12. Practice Good Body Language: A warm smile and good eye contact can leave a positive impression.

13. Use Business Cards: They can help people remember you and follow up after the event.

14. Stay Organized: Keep track of your contacts and the conversations you've had.

15. Use Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn can be effective networking tools.

16. Join a Board: If the opportunity arises, join a board or a committee to meet people in your field.

17. Use your Existing Network: Leverage your existing contacts to meet new people.

18. Collaborate: Look for opportunities to collaborate with others on projects or events.

19. Show Appreciation: A simple thank you can go a long way.

20. Speak at Events: Sharing your expertise can position you as a thought leader in your field.

21. Seek Mentors: Find those who have experience in your field and can provide guidance.

22. Share Your Passion: Enthusiasm can be infectious. Let your passion for your work shine through.

23. Be Approachable: Keep an open demeanor and invite others to engage with you.

24. Don't Forget to Network Internally: Networking isn't only for meeting new people. Strengthen your relationships with existing colleagues too.

25. Engage in Local Community: Participate in local events to connect with your immediate community.

26. Stay Informed: Know the latest trends and developments in the nonprofit sector.

27. Offer to Help: Assisting others can strengthen your relationships.

28. Don't Oversell: Networking isn't just about promoting your organization. It's about forming genuine connections.

29. Remember Names: Remembering and using names can make your interactions more personal.

30. Network with Different Levels: Don't just focus on the top executives. Networking with peers and junior colleagues can also be beneficial.

31. Engage in Professional Development: Attend workshops, webinars, and courses where you can meet people.

32. Be Positive: Maintain a positive attitude. People are generally attracted to positivity.

33. Create a LinkedIn Profile: Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date. Many professionals use it for networking.

34. Build Relationships, not just Contacts: Prioritize quality over quantity. Deep connections are more valuable than a large number of superficial contacts.

35. Host Events: Hosting your own events can position you as a leader and connector in your field.

36. Be Consistent: Consistency in networking can help you stay on top of mind for your contacts.

37. Take Notes: After meeting someone, jot down notes about your conversation to refer back to later.

38. Find Common Interests: Shared interests can help forge deeper connections.

39. Be Respectful of Time: Be concise and respectful of others' time during conversations.

40. Stay Connected: Regularly check in with your network even when you don't need something.

41. Be Open-Minded: Everyone you meet has something to offer.

42. Prepare Beforehand: Before events, review the attendee list and identify people you'd like to meet.

43. Get Involved in Nonprofit Associations: These groups can offer numerous networking opportunities.

44. Practice Networking: Like any other skill, networking gets better with practice.

45. Recommend Others: If you know two people who could benefit from knowing each other, introduce them.

46. Use Icebreakers: Have a few conversation starters ready to break the ice.

47. Maintain Confidentiality: Be respectful of confidential information shared with you.

48. Respect Different Views: Be open to differing opinions and perspectives.

49. Embrace Diversity: Seek to network with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

50. Remember It’s About Giving, Not Just Taking: Be generous with your knowledge, connections, and time.