Networking - A Powerful Communication Tool

Professionals are constantly networking to grow themselves and their businesses. It really works. Some people, however, resist networking for whatever reason, be it that they are too busy or impatient or that they aren't confident enough to put themselves out there. Still others are trying, but may not be networking in the best way. The following tips will help you and your business gain an edge through effective networking. Prepare.

Before any networking interaction, prepare as well as possible by learning as much as possible about the potential connections you will be interacting with. By doing this, you can target questions and tailor the conversation in a manner by which you will be better able to relate to people and see how you could work together. In addition establish what you aim to achieve from networking and what you are looking to gain and offer. 

Don't look at it as work. If networking feels like a chore, you won't be getting anything out of it. Go in with a positive attitude and really get into conversations in which you're talking to and learning from each other. Organic conversations will follow and you will make a better impression. Be genuinely interested in the other networkers, not to keen to talk about you and your needs and wants.

Team up. By working with somebody else in your networking efforts, you might find yourself being more successful. One way of going about this is to an event and talk up the other person and their ideas. Spreading positive views will, whether or not they realize it, make people more inclined to feel the same way. Essentially, it is extremely valuable to have someone there to look out for and promote you. Another route is to establish a strategic relationship with someone who is already reaching and interacting with your target. 

Add value. Networking is a give and take process, and you should focus on the give. You will have to give before you get. If you do something helpful for someone or provide some form of valuable service or insight, you will make a much better impression on these people that are likely asked for favors and advice all the time. Relationships will develop, and you will be better off in the long run. Join the right group. Don't waste your time and energy being part of a group that isn't valuable. The people in the group should provide resources, knowledge, and a willingness to share, and they should be influential. Communication should be consistent, respectful, and professional, and the network should offer support in overcoming challenges and frustrations.

Don't go into a networking interaction with a sales pitch. By conversing openly and informally, you will find that people are more inclined to do business with you. Suggest topics that are not difficult to discuss and really pay attention. Listen well to the other person and stay involved in the conversation. Be engaging and enthusiastic, mind your manners, and smile. Interact with the right people. When you go to networking events, the amount of people that are there for you to reach out to can be overwhelming.  Find the right ones. Talk to the organizers and influencers who understand the inner workings and have a lot of connections.

Follow up. After any interaction, you probably promised some sort of follow-up, like a phone call or sending some information. You must actually do it. Following up with the people with whom you made connections will demonstrate interest and availability and increase the likelihood that a mutually profitable relationship will blossom. Business networking can help you make connections, close deals, grow your business, and increase your likelihood of employment, but only if done correctly. Put these tips into practice in order to gain success in your networking endeavours.


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