For a professional, networking is probably one of the most important factors. “Networking”, everyone knows it, but how well you do it; is the point. Networking plays a special role when it’s job-hunting time. Bad networking is a situation when you associate networking with being all pushy and bearing. And, some people tend to hide away from networking because they don’t want to be labelled, as some sociopath. What we are going to learn is how to be good at networking, and connect to more and more good people.
You have to learn that networking is an ongoing process, which requires persistence, patience, attention, goodwill, and networking skills. Incorporating the skill of networking can get you great opportunities and build relationships that will last a lifetime. In this article, we will talk about some tips that can help you be good at networking. So. let’s get started.
What Is Networking?
7 Tips for Networking
Skills That You Should Have for Networking
What Is Networking?
The best way to explain this: Networking is a two-way street, where getting to connect to people by knowing them better, can be a great opportunity where they might be able to help you and how you can help them in return. A professional networking event is a great opportunity to present yourself, make new connections, and even find yourself a new job of your interest.
7 Tips for Networking
Good Listener
This point is the most favourite because being a good listener is such a turn on to every person saying his/her point. Good networking results when you know how well you can listen and learn, and faster you’ll establish a valuable relationship. A good networker has two ears and one mouth and should use them proportionately. Listen to people’s needs and concerns and find opportunities to help them.
Follow Up Or Not
When you offer opportunities, whether it’s a piece of information, a special contact, or a qualified business referral, to someone who consistently fails to follow up, then you have to realize that you have to stop wasting your time with the person. One respondent said that when it comes to networking, “The fortune lies in the follow-up” and that many people just “Don’t follow up anymore.”
Be Yourself
Before diving into any tactical strategies, you have to learn that there is a pandemic hustling around the globe, which is clearly seen in behaviours. When everyone is trying to become someone who they think everyone will like, be yourself. Because, people enjoy talking to others, not spam advertisements or built-up personas.
Set Realistic Expectations
If you really want to shine, prepare to fail a lot and then rebound with double energy. Before talking to someone, realize that the person you are trying to connect with has some purpose. People cannot help you if you don’t really know what you want. These are the worst type of networkers — the people who only ask general questions without much substance. Come with a specific, concise question and you’ll find people are 10 times more likely to help you out.
Leverage Social Media
Whether it’s marketing or networking, avoiding social media is such a backlash. Ensure that your online profile is always up-to-date. Recruiters often use social media platforms to probe potential candidates, and even to check out your skills and experience.
It’s an effective way to get to know important and reasonable contacts. Seek out like-minded or key contacts you would like to know better within your LinkedIn profile. Hit a conversation with them, and try setting up a meaningful meeting. When you have the opportunity to meet them in person, it will be easier to refer to the previous communications with them. Ensure that your online profile is always up-to-date. Recruiters often use social media platforms to probe potential candidates, and even to check out your skills and experience.
Respond To Others’ Challenges
There’s no better way to establish a business relationship than to contribute to the solution of your new contact’s pressing problem. When someone is facing a challenge, then just help them with something of value that addresses their issue.
Be Approachable
It’s a fact that people easily forget what you said and what you did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. So, when you’re approachable, people feel comfortable; and when they feel comfortable, new, and effective bonds are born. That’s why effective networking always starts with approachability.
Skills That You Should Have for Networking
Communication
Communication is the act of exchanging information from one person to another. It involves speaking and empathizing with others to correctly receive the message that the other person is sending and responding accordingly. While networking, communication is essential in order to develop and maintain relationships with others.
Active Listener
Another important networking skill is active listening. To get people excited about your business and what you’re sharing with them, you need to listen to and understand their needs. Active listening involves maintaining eye contact, nodding your head to show you understand what they’re saying, and responding appropriately. Active listening also ensures you’re able to ask the right questions to keep a conversation moving forward.
Social Skills
These are the verbal and non-verbal skills that you use to interact with others. They include not only words but also body language, gestures, and personal appearance. It also includes friendliness, which conveys honesty and kindness. That, in turn, can create trust and understanding, which can build a strong foundation for a new relationship when you’re networking.
Public Speaking Skills
Public speaking skills can help you be more comfortable if you find yourself talking to a group of people, particularly at a networking event. Even when you’re just speaking with another person, one-on-one, public speaking skills can help you improve the way you articulate, helping the person you’re speaking with better understand you.
Non-verbal Communication
Nonverbal communication is extremely important for networking. It’s important to be aware of your own body language and any messages you may be sending to the person with whom you’re speaking. It’s also beneficial to be able to read the body language of the person with whom you’re speaking. This can tell you if you need to change the way you’re expressing your message or modify something else in your communication style.
Interpersonal Skills
These are often referred to as “people skills” and they impact the way you communicate and interact with others. They include a variety of skills, but particularly skills like attitude, communicating, and listening.
Empathy
Empathy refers to the ability to feel what another person is feeling. Empathy skills are very important for networking, as they make others feel that you understand and can relate to their emotions and experiences.
Positivity
A positive attitude is another important networking skill, as others are drawn to those with a friendly, positive demeanour. Positivity can help you develop a strong rapport with others quickly and, in general, help you to be more instantly likeable and memorable.
Humour
Humour is humanizing and helps people come together on common ground. When used appropriately, humour can draw people to you and eliminate tension, putting people immediately at ease. People with humour also tend to be more approachable.
Focus
Focus is also an important networking skill, as it enables you to give the person with whom you’re speaking your full attention. It will help you be an active listener and allow you to better establish a genuine connection.
FAQs
How can a business network be effective?
10 Effective Business Networking Tips:
- Choose the right venues. Not every group of people will be right for you.
- Develop relationships.
- Dress appropriately and professionally.
- Be prepared.
- Ask questions and listen.
- Sit with people you don’t know.
- Talk to people who are standing alone.
- Move on – politely.
What are the benefits of Networking?
Some of the benefits of Networking are:
- Shared Knowledge.
- Opportunities.
- Connections.
- Increased confidence.
- Raising your profile.
What skills are required for networking?
Important networking skills to have
- Communication.
- Active listening.
- Social skills.
- Public speaking skills.
- Nonverbal communication.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Empathy.
- Positivity.
