At LOOM, we know that networking is a fundamental tool for professional and business growth. It allows you to meet people in your industry, generate leads and build lasting relationships.
However, networking can be an intimidating activity, especially for those who are not extroverts by nature. That’s where storytelling comes in.
What is storytelling?
Storytelling is the art of storytelling. It’s a powerful way to connect with people on an emotional level and make your ideas more memorable.
How can you use storytelling in networking?
- Share your personal story
One of the best ways to use storytelling in networking is to share your personal story. This can include talking about your background, your career path and your goals for the future.
Examples of how to share your personal story:
– Talk about how you became interested in your industry.
– Share a challenge you overcame in your career.
– Explain what motivates you to get up every morning.
2. Tell stories about your successes
Stories about your successes are an excellent way to demonstrate your skills and experience. However, it is important to be humble and avoid sounding arrogant.
Examples of how to tell stories about your successes:
– Describe how you helped a client achieve an important goal.
– Share an example of how you overcame an obstacle and reached a goal.
– Share healthy self-care and motivational habits at work.
3. Use humor
Humor is a great way to break the ice and make your interactions more enjoyable. However, it is important to use humor appropriately and avoid making jokes that may be offensive to others or fall into easy banter.
Examples of how to use humor in networking:
– Tell a funny anecdote about an incident at work.
– Use sarcasm in a tongue-in-cheek way to make a point.
– Show your creativity and mental agility with a well-timed funny intervention.
4. Ask questions and listen actively
Storytelling is not just about talking, it’s also about listening. Pay attention to others’ stories and ask questions that show you are interested in what they have to say.
Examples of questions you can ask in networking:
– How did you become interested in this industry?
– What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
– What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in this field?
– What challenges and next steps do you see in the short term?
At LOOM we hold weekly activities in Madrid and Barcelona where you can meet other professionals and expand your network.
5. Be authentic
The most important thing is to be authentic. Don’t try to be someone you are not.
Tips to be authentic in networking:
– Speak passionately about what you love.
– Listen carefully to what others have to say.
– Be honest and transparent.
Benefits of using storytelling in networking
There are many benefits of using storytelling in networking, including:
It helps you create deeper and more meaningful connections.
It helps you build trust and credibility.
It helps you position yourself as an expert in your field.
It helps you generate business opportunities.
Tools to create stories
There are different tools and techniques you can use to create engaging stories, including:
– The 3-part framework: This framework consists of telling a story in three parts: introduction, development and conclusion. The introduction should capture the reader’s attention, the development should explain the story in detail, and the conclusion should leave the reader with a feeling of satisfaction.
– The Hero’s Journey: This framework is based on the idea that all stories follow a similar journey. The hero faces a challenge, overcomes it, and comes back changed.
– The STAR Method: This method is useful for telling stories about specific situations. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result.
Storytelling is a powerful tool that you can use to build stronger relationships in networking. By sharing your stories, you can connect with people on an emotional level, build trust, and create a lasting impression.
Remember that at LOOM we offer coworking spaces in Madrid and Barcelona where you can meet people in your sector and expand your network of contacts. In addition, we carry out afterworks and weekly activities in Madrid and Barcelona where you can meet other professionals, who, like you, seek to create valuable professional connections.
