Networking is an important element of communication in every sphere of human life, because it initiates new opportunities and/or cooperative relationships. Whether you are going to accompany a conference, attending a party or social gathering or are in the process of a correspondence through the internet, networkingthus effectively creates opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. Below, you will find the recommendation on how to build successful networks.
1. Set Clear Goals
This means that goal setting should always come before one is able to engage in any form of networking event or situation. For each goal, ask yourself what you're trying to get. Do you wish to make new contacts, get more information from industry leaders, or get new customers? Networking has a loose structure and having a defined purpose will help in shaping how you interact with the people you are trying to connect to and make your efforts surpass the actual goal. Being focused knowing and having a clear set of objectives keeps you glued to the task and ensures that in every instance where you come across people, you are able to make the most out of such opportunities.
2. Do Your Homework
For networking to be effective it must be planned for. Find out about the particular event, the people that are likely to be in attendance and the organizations they work for. Being informed about background and interests of the people with whom you are planning to connect, you can adjust your communication and show interest. It will also assist you in finding out areas which both of you have in common, and so build instant rapport. It is always useful in a digital environment to find out something about the person with whom you are going to talk – for example, check their LinkedIn profile or the project they've recently completed.
3. Effective Listening as the Art
This is to mean that while it is crucial to dress appropriately and to talk appropriately and professionally, and it indeed is about the business cards, and the handshakes, and the pinstripes, all of which are often brought together under the broad label of networking, it is equally about the listening. If you take your ears to the people, then what that says to the people is, 'I'm willing to listen.'This is whereby the listener asks thoughtful questions, makes gestures such as nodding as a sign of agreeing and restating probably the most important ideas to the speaker to show that you are following the conversation. It also assists you to establish improved interpersonal contact while at the same time collecting important data.
4. Be Authentic and Approachable
In the process of networking, one of the most effective weapons is authenticity. In other words, if you are real and blunt, people are likely to get in touch with you. Do not try to enshrine yourself in something that would be accepted by society; just be yourself. When people are genuine it enriches conversation as well as establishes a solid foundation of trust hence fulfilling relation goals and objectives in the long-run. Furthermore, it is imperative to have an agreeable and friendly body posture and behavior. Making eye contact and a good smile when first meeting, also the good hand shake with the person is a good start.
5. Provide Value
In other words, networking is reciprocal. While it remains a noble approach to look for what you can get for yourself, addition of relative value to the other party will boost your networking. This could be as simple as giving information that will be helpful, refer someone to a person they will benefit from meeting or providing help. People are more likely to remember your favor, or better still, be in a position to return the favor if you have always been adding value to their lives. I suggest that there is a natural way of getting more people to know you by ensuring that you are known as a 'fixer.
6. Follow Up Consistently
But again, the question remains of where the real strength of networking actually is – is it in the meeting, the greeting, the exchange of business cards, or somewhere else? It is recommended to make a follow up not longer than three days after the initial contact has been established. Sometimes this might be an e-mail, others it may be a message on Linked in or even a written note. Recall one particular detail from your conversation for the reminder of whom you are to the person who receives your message. Follow-ups are important in keeping the relationship active and they avail chances for future business ventures.
7. Go to a Vast Array of Occasions
Also, changing the context of the events which you attend will not only expand the circle of contacts but also can open a view on different markets and approaches. Do not only join specific regional or field-related activities; you may join workshops, seminars as well as social functions that the public may attend. Besides, this variety not only enhances your chances to meet potential partners or buyers, but also provides you with rather diverse views on various fields of activities. The opposite of the former is the broad learning network which in essence mean that one will have a variety of learning chances.
8. Leverage Social Media
Hence in the modern world, social tools such as LinkedIn Twitter and Facebook are very useful in introducing one to another. These sites enable you to create professional networks, choose your groups and communities, engage in conversations and even share knowledge. It includes being diligent on these websites by posting, responding to posts by other people, and being part of a discussion. On social media, the benefit is that they can keep in touch with their team even if they are not likely to see them in person for sometimes.
9. Write Personal Bio Statement
An elevator pitch can therefore be described as a brief, impassioned speech that a person can us with an aim of drawing attention to what he or she is doing. It is named an elevator pitch because you should be able to complete your pitch within the time you would take to spend in the elevator. In your pitch, please, shortly and politely, who are you, what are you doing, and why are you doing it?An elevator pitch can consequently sell the benefits of association with you and thus is useful when arranged in a well-articulated manner.
10. Be Patient and Persistent
Networking should be viewed as a long-term process that needs dedication in order to payoff. People do not become friends just within one or two meetings and thus calls for many meetings and interactions. It is very important not to despair and give up if there is no effect right away. Leads, maintain interactions, continue to go to events, and offer value and follow up. But that does not take long, because as the size of the networks increases the opportunities do come through.
