Networking is one of the biggest buzzwords in today’s business world and with good reason.
Not only will these activities improve your business relationships and ultimately increase your profits, but networking can lead to new friendships, expanded business deals, and endless excitement for your personal and professional life.
I like to say that I practice “lifestyle networking.” It just means that my whole life is a constant process of exchanging or networking.
Whether I’m on a plane, standing in line at the grocery store or eating at a restaurant, I am open and eager to communicate with the people around me.
Introducing yourself, then sharing a brief word or idea usually elicits a similar reaction.
It’s been amazing the amazing things I’ve experienced, the people I’ve met, and the results I’ve seen from lifestyle networks.
The benefits are endless and the rewards are great.
In short, networking is about developing relationships. It takes time, energy, and patience to see the long-term benefits of networking.
Too many professionals expect immediate results from contact, something I find unrealistic in most situations.
Networking is an investment that will mature and grow over time.
Networking keeps you fresh and up-to-date with other professionals. It can bring you a lot of new experiences and a lot of knowledge and wisdom from other people.
{10 Secrets to Help You Make the Most of Networking}
On average, you will have face-to-face contact with between 15 and 25 people per day. This fact alone should motivate you to start networking. Here are 10 tips on how to get the most out of it!
- Effective Networking Engages Multiple People Skills
Asserting yourself, asking good questions, listening carefully, presenting yourself in an attractive way, being seen as knowledgeable or skilled in a particular area, and showing interest in empowering others are just a few of the ingredients needed to see positive results from your efforts.
A Carnegie study showed that 85% of one’s career success depends on the ability to relate and interact effectively with others.
Remarkably, only 15% of job success is related to technical ability.
Undoubtedly, to be successful, you have to be people oriented.
- Never Make Promises You Can’t Keep
Honesty is always the best policy.
It’s easy to get carried away in conversation and say things that inflate the truth.
Be aware of this deadly mistake by staying focused on your networking goals, short introductory meetings.
Networking shouldn’t be a bragging session or ego trip for either party, it should be an informative, two-way communication process.
- Be Enthusiastic When Describing What You Do for a Living
Use motivating adjectives, smile and keep it simple when explaining your work to other professionals.
Positive body language (nods, smiles, and verbal cues) is very important, because it speaks louder than words.
- Visibility is very important for Networks
People need to know who you are.
Get involved by being active in a civic organization, at a public event, or for a cause you truly believe in.
Find ways to stay in the media spotlight regularly through newspaper articles, photographs, radio and television appearances.
- Always Try to Remember the Name as Your Network
Listen carefully as the other person is introduced to you so you can use their name in the next sentence.
Try hard to remember each name so you can remember it the next time you see that person.
- Networking is Fun and Easy and can be Done Worldwide
It is said there is a chain of no more than six people connecting every person on this planet to every other person.
And it doesn’t cost a penny to do it, it just takes energy and time!
It also allows you to help others along the way. There is nothing more enjoyable and fulfilling than giving yourself to someone else.
- Networking Helps You Build Your Client Base by Collecting Leads and Business Cards
This process can provide tremendous financial rewards through increased business.
Always remember that people do business with people, not corporations.
Kindle new friendships in a casual networking environment and new business relationships can develop naturally.
- You Must Take Action to Network
Put yourself in front of people by attending networking functions offered in your community, such as those sponsored by chambers of commerce and conventions & visitors bureaus, or by joining networking groups such as Business Network International.
Challenge yourself to make at least three to five new contacts at every event. Get out of your comfort zone and take it at your own risk.
Too often, we assume the networkers we admire most were born that way.
It’s just a myth.
The best networkers go all out and realize that building a network is a conscious and ongoing process that takes a lot of effort.
In general, people who do the best work networking are confident and have little, if any, difficulty communicating with all kinds of people.
Always end networking conversations on a positive note.
- Be careful not to give too much
Lots of information in the first informal meeting. Save a few things for later when you follow up.
Try to spend no more than 10 minutes with specific individuals at networking events so you can meet a variety of people.
And, finally, offer to exchange business cards at the end of the conversation and make it a priority to follow up within five business days.
- Practice, practice, practice
The more you practice your networking skills, the easier and more productive they will be.
After a few months, networking will become a natural part of your lifestyle.
And I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results you’ll get, both professionally and personally.
