Networking is the linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship building, become walking, talking advertisements for one another. It is a socioeconomic business activity by which business-people and entrepreneurs meet to form business relationships and to recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities, share information and seek potential partners for ventures. Networking is developed to help business-people connect with other managers and entrepreneurs to further each others business interests by forming mutually beneficial business relationships. Here are some tips about networking:
Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.
Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.
Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.
Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.
Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.
Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.
Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help. Too often people in conversations ask, “How may I help you?” and no immediate answer comes to mind.
Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honour that and your referrals will grow.
Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.
Here are five easy ways to make networking work for you:
1. Mix It Up – Don’t go to the same places with the same people over and over again. It is very easy to seek a pattern or habit when are in a new and potentially uncomfortable place. Expand your list of contacts. Grow your circle. Increase your influence.
(a). Network in groups of people who are looking for work
(b). Network with people who are active in your industry
(c). Network with people who already know you
(d). Network with professionals who have companies in the same city
2. Know Your Message – You are the President, CEO, and Sales Manager for You, including What you are selling? Who are you selling to? Be specific. You should be able to tell anyone who asks, without hesitation, what your strengths are, and what value you bring to any gathering. You should also be able to tell people you would like to meet or get to know better.
3. Do What You Say You’ll Do – Everyone knows actions speak louder than words; when you are networking, this is more important than ever. You are sending micro-messages to your network with each and every commitment you make and keep (or don’t).
4. Stay Top Of Mind – It’s important to be aggressive, but not so much people stop reading your messages or taking your calls because they are tired of your constant requests for help. Find a comfortable pace at which you will run the race.
5. Be Ready To Work – Networking is work. Most networking meetings – whether one to one or in a group – are designed for people to connect. So put enough of yourself out there so that others can connect to you. Smile. Laugh. Enjoy the opportunity to make some new contacts and potential friends. In sales, there is a saying people do business with those you know, like and trust. Be someone who others will seek to know and like. The trust will follow when you are authentic in your relationships.
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