The past seven days have been a whirlwind 🌪️.

• Graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program with a totally new approach to business

• Had a great session of "Break Out of the Sea of Sameness with the Power of Storytelling" at MPI WEC in Mexico and officially became an INTERNATIONAL award-winning speaker 🌎 🏆 🎤

• Celebrated my hubby, Brandon, for his first Father's Day (it was adorable)

• Spoke in Las Vegas yesterday at Conversion Conference about "Me + You = Magic: The Art of Writing Copy That Converts." The event organizer, Marty, tracked me down to say how people kept finding him to say how much they loved my session

On the plane home from Sin City, I asked myself, "How did I get all of these opportunities?"

My answer: Networking.

One of my former podcast guests, Heather Cox, nominated me for the Goldman Sachs program.

I applied to speak at MPI WEC at the urging of Rachel Sheerin, a fellow speaker. I got in because I stayed in contact with the event organizer.

I met my hubby at a big party (more like flirting than networking, but clearly it paid off.)

I heard about Conversion Conference from someone in my network and, while I was there, I networked my buns off with amazing people.

Networking makes me thousands of dollars, has a huge ROI, and keeps the cycle of abundance moving. I even got a baby because of it. Pretty cool, right?

But I am not talking about the spray-and-pray business card madness or the drunk-as-a-skunk cocktail bonding. I am talking about strategic networking.

Strategic networking is my #1 marketing tool, but you have to do it correctly.

I used to be a mediocre networker, but I became a master networker thanks to the training I received in The Dames.

Unlike most groups, The Dames uses networking education and strategic matchmaking to pair you with strong power partners. You should definitely check them out.

Here are my top networking tips that will make your next interaction more fulfilling and lucrative.

1. Be clear about who you are. You need to have a tight one-liner that describes the problem you solve, your solution, and the results you get for your clients. Be clear, not cute. The goal is for someone to nod their head in understanding, not cock it to the side like a confused puppy. Practice your one-liner aloud until it rolls off your tongue.

2. Be clear about who your clients are. Know their revenue size (spending power), problem, and demographics. The more specific you are, the more the person you're networking with can say, "Oh I know someone who is an exact match." It also helps you focus your manifestation by letting the Universe know exactly what you want to attract.

3. Be easy to connect with. I use Calendly for my power partner scheduling link and automated follow-up. I use HiHello for my digital business card (it's free). You can see my digital business card if you click my email signature below. When someone connects with you, they should say, "Oh, that was easy."

4. Get organized. Just like you have a CRM for prospects and clients, you need a CRM for your network. Include contact information, notes from your conversations, and how you can help them. This "Networking Black Book" will become one of your most valuable assets.

5. Follow up again and again. The power of networking isn't in the first interaction; it's in the 5th. You aren't trying to just connect with as many people as possible. Your goal is to develop true, mutually beneficial relationships. This is networking, not PR. PR is about visibility. Networking is about the depth of connection. Use your CRM to set follow-up reminders.

6. Be easy to refer. Make your network spend as few brain cells as possible to connect you with other power partners or your ideal customers. Create referral email swipe files, a one-page overview of yourself, and a sheet of helpful links to remove barriers between you and your next big connection.

7. Always ask, "What can I do to support you?" Networking is about giving and receiving. No matter your financial circumstance, calendar availability, or role, you always have something to give. Focus on giving first before you receive. When it is time to receive, make sure that your request is clear and reasonable.

Do you have any great networking tips?

How do you leverage your network to grow?

I have a lot of experience, but I am always open to growth (that's a bonus tip - be coachable).

Contact me and let me know how you make the most of your human interactions.

Happy networking!