Networking can be a powerful tool for growing your career. In this article, we’ll explore some expert networking tips so that you can get the most out of your time and effort networking. Walking into your first event can be intimidating, so if you’re not sure how to get started, we’ve got you covered.
Have a plan
When networking, you always want to start with a plan or goal for the event. When you’re getting ready for an event, think about what you’re looking to get out of it and what you want to achieve. Are you looking for new job opportunities? Are you looking to connect with other professionals in your industry? Are you looking to grow your personal brand? Having a clear goal in mind will help you focus your efforts and improve your results. With a little planning upfront, you can walk away from these events with actions and new opportunities.
In order to make the most of your time, you also want to do a little homework before an event. With a little research you can have a clear idea of the types of people you want to connect with. Look at the guest list, read the bios of the speakers, and find out what types of companies or organizations will be represented. This will help you feel more confident and make it easier to start conversations. You can even prepare some questions ahead of time to reduce nerves and give your conversations a jumping off point. Keep up to date on industry news and discussions and use these as another avenue to keep your conversations interesting.
Then, continue to adjust your plan based on your results. If you find yourself attending events but not walking away with the connections you’re looking for, take the time to re-assess your strategy and adjust the types of events you’re attending or your approach. Tweak your strategy based on what works and you’ll soon find yourself making more effective connections.
Practice good conversation etiquette
Being a good conversationalist is one of the most important skills you can have when it comes to networking. It’s not just about what you say, but also how you say it. A good conversation is a two-way street, and you want to make sure that you’re engaging with the other person and showing that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say.
One of the key elements of being a good conversationalist is having a strong opening. The first few seconds of a conversation can be crucial, so it’s important to have an opening line that is engaging and easy to respond to. This can be something as simple as asking about the other person’s job or interests. This is where a little preparation ahead of time can help you.
Once the conversation is underway, it’s important to listen actively to the other person. This means paying attention to what they’re saying and showing that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say. Avoid interrupting or dominating the conversation. Instead, ask open-ended questions that allow the other person to share more about themselves. Open-ended questions allow the other person to share more about themselves and their work, and they also provide an opportunity for you to share your own experiences and expertise. Find similarities and shared interests with your conversation partner and highlight these as you’re talking. This will help you establish a rapport and find common ground.
As the end of your conversation nears, make sure to exchange contact info on your platform of choice. Since you will likely be meeting many people over the course of an event, it helps to send a short message with notes on what you talked about and any areas you’d like to connect on further. Or take a selfie together so that you can easily identify each other in the future. Then don’t be afraid to keep the conversation going over coffee, or virtually.
Be authentic
Authenticity is key when it comes to networking. People can sense insincerity, and it’s unlikely that they will want to connect with someone who comes across as fake or inauthentic. When networking, it’s important to be true to yourself and be genuine in your interactions. This will help you build trust and make it more likely that people will want to connect with you. People will appreciate your authenticity and it will make it easier to build relationships.
As your talking, show your value to the partner you are chatting with. Share your own experiences and expertise in a way that showcases how you might be of use to them. This will help you stand out and make a positive impression. Share your accomplishments, your education, and your experience, but also show how you can provide value to the other person. By highlighting how you might be of value, you increase the chances of making a lasting connection. Your unique talents can help you get noticed while showing you’re a natural collaborator and your authentic self will shine through.
And remember networking is not just about receiving, it’s also about giving. Help others before you ask for help. Offer to collaborate, provide feedback, or share resources. This will establish trust and make it more likely that people will want to help you in return. This principle of reciprocity is an essential part of networking, and it can help you build lasting relationships. When you help others, they will be more willing to help you in return, and it will strengthen your professional network.
Make the most of your networking follow up
One of the most effective ways to manage your networking efforts is to leverage a CRM (customer relationship management) software. A CRM allows you to keep track of your contacts, schedule follow-up appointments, and manage your communication with others. This can be a valuable tool for keeping track of your networking efforts and ensuring that you don’t miss any important follow-ups. With a CRM you can stay organized and professional in your communication and it helps you avoid any missteps.
Follow-up is an essential aspect of networking. After meeting someone at an event, it’s important to follow-up with them in a timely manner. This can be done through an email or a message on social media. Following up helps you stay top-of-mind with the person you’ve met, and reinforces your connection. Reference your prior conversation and share a new insight or send an article on recent events to get their take. These tactics allow you to continue the conversation in a way that is natural for both parties and it can help you build a relationship over time
In addition, show gratitude in your networking follow-up. Expressing appreciation for the time and energy that the other person has invested in the conversation is a simple yet effective way to leave a positive impression and build trust. This can be done through a quick message, an email, or even through a handwritten note.
Finally, use networking tools such as Slack, Discord, or Meetup to help you connect with other professionals and build a community around your work. These tools allow you to quickly connect with others in your industry, share resources, and collaborate on projects with a community you curated yourself. Building a community of like-minded people can benefit you in many ways including by helping you improve your skills, get feedback on your work, and can even be the source of new opportunities. Keep in regular contact with your connections to stay top of mind. To do this, get their take on some industry news or send along a new thought or article related to your conversations.
Leverage your current connections
Your current connections are a valuable resource that you can leverage for networking. Scour your networks and ask for introductions to professionals you would like to connect with. This can be a great way to expand your network and meet new people. Additionally, you can also use your current connections to help you host networking events. Invite people from your network to attend and to bring along at least one other person. You can also partner with local organizers to take advantage of their know-how and connections. This can help you expand your network and build new relationships with immediate credibility.
Hosting a virtual event is another effective way to connect with other professionals in your industry and showcase your expertise. Host virtual events such as webinars, live streams, or online workshops. Ask your current connections to spread the word and share to their networks who might be interested in the topic and expand your reach. This will give you an opportunity to connect with others in your industry, showcase your expertise, and build your personal brand.
Finally, your alumni network is another valuable resource that you can leverage to connect with other professionals who have graduated from the same institution as you. Many people are willing to help you get your foot in the door or make a connection for you. You can join groups on social media platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with other alumni. You can also find alumni networks or clubs for some schools in different cities which can be another great route to look into.
Be patient
One of the biggest mistakes people make when networking is expecting immediate results. They attend a networking event and expect to come away with a new job or a host of new clients. However, networking is a long-term process and it’s important to be patient and not get discouraged if it takes a while to build relationships.
The key is to be consistent in your efforts. Attend networking events regularly, follow up with people you meet, and stay in touch with your connections. Building relationships is a gradual process and it takes time to establish trust and credibility. After a while, you will build a network of people you see or speak to frequently who can form the base of your community.
Don’t get discouraged if results aren’t immediate. Focus on and celebrate your small wins or improvements. Maybe you met 10 new people, or one person from a company you admire. This is still great progress on your networking journey and you should treat it as such. Each new connection brings you closer to your goal and you never know which connection might lead to the next breakthrough in your career.
Networking tips conclusion
To sum up, networking is a powerful tool for building relationships, growing your career, and expanding your professional network. By implementing some of the tips provided in this article you will be able to meet the connection that takes your career to the next level.
Networking is a journey and to be most effective, it’s important to have a clear goal and to act strategically. Prepare ahead of time, practice good conversation etiquette in the moment, and be authentic to yourself and your unique talents. Stay focused on your conversation partner and highlight your skillset and how you can be of service to them. This will ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward and you’ll be better equipped to achieve your networking goals.
Keep in mind that networking is a gradual process and it takes time to establish trust and credibility. Maintain relationships with those you have met and don’t be afraid to lean on the relationships you already have to get you to that next step. With patience, consistency and the right approach, you can build lasting relationships and open doors to new opportunities. Networking is not just a one-time event, it’s an ongoing process that requires effort and commitment to be successful. But with the right mindset and approach, you can build a strong and supportive network that will help you achieve your goals.