In today?s society it is not uncommon to hear someone say ?you have to get out and network?, or ?it?s all about networking.? So, what exactly do they mean when they use the term ?networking?? In the business world, networking means leveraging your professional and personal connections to grow your business and bring in new clients. Although it may sound fairly simple, business networking is actually a complex process. It is all about building relationships!
Business networking must be strategic and focused. Many people have the misconception that if they show up to an event, shake a few hands, and collect business cards then they have been ?networking?. However, all they have really done is collect small pieces of paper and shake a lot of hands; no relationships were actually formed. To begin building a relationship?a connection must be made between you and the person you are meeting. That connection will be what helps you determine if that contact can contribute to the growth of your business.
Unfortunately, not everyone you meet is in a position to help grow your business, but everything you do should be?influenced by your intent to grow your business. The best way to network for business growth?is?to be proactive. You have to plan?activities that are specifically?geared toward networking. You can attend tradeshows or?community lunches, visit business networking websites and forums, or attend after-hours events set up by local business groups and Chambers of Commerce.
Here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of your effort while attending business networking activities:
1)?Ask questions.
When you meet someone, ask open-ended questions about his or her business. The more you can find out the easier it will be to determine if they are in a position to help you. Don?t do all the talking!
2)?Circulate around the room.
Put a smile on your face, walk around, and start conversations. Don?t stand in the corner with your arms folded across your chest!
3)?Work smarter, not harder.
Use your time efficiently by discovering what networking formula works for you. Seek out groups, events,?and professional people that are relevant to your goals. Don?t limit your targeting to the obvious business people or events!
4)?Use your personality to your advantage.
If humour comes naturally to you, then use it. Making people laugh is not a bad thing. Just don?t make jokes at the expense of others!
5)?Know what you are going to say.
Whether you are talking to someone in person, online, or on the phone, have a short ?elevator speech? prepared. Don?t take longer than 20-30 seconds to explain who you are and?what you do!
6)?Differentiate yourself.
Make sure you include what is different or special about your business, or you, compared to other businesses. Don?t miss an opportunity by letting people think there is no difference between you and other businesses!
7)?Give before you receive.
Introduce new connections to people with which you have already established a relationship. Good deeds and helpfulness tend to produce positive effects. Don?t always put your needs before the needs of others!
8)?Always keep your integrity.
Building trust and having a good reputation is essential for growing a strong business network. One way to develop trust and a good reputation is by being able to admit when you have made a mistake. Don?t forget to acknowledge and apologize when you make a mistake!
9)?Be a positive influence.
Positive language and a smile can go a long way. People are usually more attracted to?people with positive attitudes?rather than negative ones.?Strive to be known as a positive person that everyone wants to be around.?Don?t become known as the ?Negative Nancy? in your business network!
10) Follow-up on referrals.
When people give you referrals, your actions become a reflection on them. Making sure that you respect and honour that will build trust in the relationship and result in more referrals in the future. Don?t take referrals for granted!
Some people tend to get frustrated with networking because they feel that for every one step of progress they make, they take ten steps backwards. Remember, networking is about building relationships, and relationships are built over time. You have the power to control who you meet, where you meet them, and how the relationship will be developed and leveraged for mutual benefit. When done correctly, business networking can provide avenues of opportunity that you may have otherwise never discovered.
?The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work.? Robert Kiyosaki
What are your thoughts and opinions on business networking? Do you have any additional tips to help maximize networking efforts? Let us know on Twitter, or in the comment box below.
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