subject: 7 Great Networking Tips [print this page] Networking is about establishing authentic connections with people. It is a great way to build trust and relationships, and an even better way to extend a helping hand to those in need.
There are various reasons for wanting to network. It may be a desire to learn from others, to reach out to people, or simply to establish business relationships.
Depending on your goal, you must pick the groups whose objectives spark your interest. You may be looking for sound and reputable leaders, or you may want to touch base with people who will support you - not judge you.
The following are great tips on how to properly network:
Be prepared. Always bring your proper tools - call cards, name tag, and marketing communication materials such as flyers and brochures. If you want to "sell" yourself or your services, always be armed with the materials to ensure that you leave a lasting impression on people.
Have a clear plan. If your purpose is to expand your network, then you're not going to an ordinary neighbourhood party to simply have fun. Work on a definite course of action during a gathering. If you plan to establish solid contacts with 3 people, then focus on selling yourself and your product to 3 people. It is easier to talk to a few than it is to focus on 50 individuals with various quirks and demands. Of course, be ready to make slight changes, but don't deviate too much from your original plan. Be ready with a personal presentation, and make sure you come off as professional yet humble and genuine, and not fake and all-knowing.
Always show the best side of you. If you have problems at home, then leave them at home. Put on your happy face and be positive, and if possible - try to "radiate" with zest and hopeful anticipation. Nobody wants to interact with a gloomy, defeated individual. How do you expect others to believe you if you so obviously also don't feel great about yourself?
Find out how you can be of help to others, too. Nobody likes to connect with a person who so obviously only has plans for self-promotion. In order to be an effective networker, you must be able to give back the equal amount of assistance as you would expect from others. Be interested in what others have to say. Don't monopolize conversations. Ask open-ended questions to convince others that you are also interested in what they have to say.
Listen to others - they may be what you're searching for! When people are sharing ideas, don't just seem interested - BE interested. Listen not just with your ears, but with your heart and mind as well. The greatest gift that you can give to another person is to truly hear what that person is saying. No matter how hard you try to act as though you understand what the other person is saying, if you didn't really listen, then one question is enough to blow your secret. Once people discover that you are not truly sympathetic, then it's enough to turn them off forever - thus eliminating any chances for you to redeem yourself. Just put yourself in other people's shoes and internalize.
Teach, don't preach. If you're networking to publicize your business, then don,t speak with people as though you're selling a slow-moving product in a department store. The goal of networking is not to make an immediate sale, but to spread the word about how you can help others out. Inform others of the possible benefits your product or business can bring to others. Engage them in conversation. Give examples of positive client experience. Remember that in networking, your purpose is to inform others about what you do - so that the people you have made contacts with can relay the message to others.
Follow through/ Follow up. After you have "the presentation," a follow through is necessary. So many people make the mistake of simply presenting, without showing a desire to maintain contact long after the first meeting. If possible, send contacts a thank you note, with a short anecdote to remind them of what you talked about. If they gave you referrals, then it is your job to contact the people they referred. Don't let the opportunity pass you by. Success, at this point, is within reach. It's up to you if you want to grasp it, or simply let it go.
