Tollisha Joseph is the founder and CEO of The Official Glue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As an entrepreneur, she helps people get on the "Yes" side of their business. How? Through the art of networking. She has been doing this for the past four years. How did she get to this status? By working several jobs and learning about various industries. How did she get started? By helping others. She has also been featured on the Clubhouse app. She drops gems on how Clubhouse is set up and the best way to use the app.
Networking. What is it, and why should you be doing it?
Like dating, you should be strategic in your networking. How do you get those top-level positions? By positioning yourself as that top-level candidate.
According to Tollisha, "You will need to network effectively to get on that Yes-side."
First impressions are critical. Networking is professional development. It would be best to define where you want to go in your profession and who can help you get there. You get to create your tribe and master your goals. Strategy is key. True networkers go into the event with a specific person in mind that they would like to connect with. Networkers understand building their community to help them realize their professional vision.
Tollisha’s top 4 tips to networking in Miami and Fort Lauderdale:
- Be selective. You don’t have to go to every event. Do your research before you go. Will this event help you with your professional goals?
- Networking can be expensive. According to Tollisha, a good event in South Florida could be about $500. You will need to budget and do your research to ensure that these events are worth the money you are spending.
- Learn how to connect with others - This will help you ask the right questions to the right people to create meaningful connections.
- Go into the event with a plan - If you don't know what you want to get out of the event or who you would like to connect with, the event will not be fulfilling.
How do you know what to look for when networking?
Think of it as a marketing strategy for your future. Think of yourself as a business. How would you like others to perceive you? Understand your message, your vision, and have a mission statement. Have your 15-second elevator pitch ready. If someone were to ask you what you do, would you be able to respond without hesitation? Networking is like speed-dating. You only have 30 seconds or less to make a lasting impression. What you say will determine if the person would like to stay at your table and learn more about you. Sometimes by making your statement a question, it makes you seem more attractive. The value in the networking event is not how much you spent but the connections that you make. Emerge Broward is an affordable and great place to connect with the right people.
Clubhouse. What is it, and why should you be plugged in?
According to Tollisha, Clubhouse is a drop-in audio app, which is networking on steroids! You are in control of the type of conversation you would like to join. You can see the titles of the rooms and the people in "the room." Everyone has a bio. You can strategically drop in and speak with like-minded individuals, or you can bring value to a room to get yourself noticed.
Final tips on budgeting while networking locally
Be wise with your spending. Don’t get caught up with the same networking events. Tollisha suggests broadening your horizon. Attend annual events, that way you will gain access to a large group of people. Finally, make a financial and networking plan to make the most of your time and budget.
