Building a network has never been more important than in today's competitive business environment. Networking doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but in today’s world of social media there are a lot more options than there used to be.
What exactly does it mean to “network?” Your network is your list of contacts and should consist of people who know about you, your company, your talents and your abilities. The more people in your network that fit this description, the more opportunities you will have.
Today’s post is dedicated to those individuals that dread networking and just wish it was EASIER.
10 Helpful Networking Tips:
1. Keep a positive attitude
We are all attracted to people who are approachable and friendly. Smile and enjoy the opportunity to make new contacts. Even on sites like Twitter and LinkedIn, people can spot someone who’s faking it quite easily. Smiling will make you FEEL more positive and it will show.
2. Networking isn’t a 9 to 5 job
The opportunities to make new contacts are endless. People frequently think of networking only at events such as Chamber of Commerce meeting. Some of the most productive contacts come from chance encounters...in the grocery store, at the ball park, in the doctor's waiting room or at a party. Think of it this way: whenever and wherever there is another human being, there is an opportunity to network.
3. Set a Networking Goal Each Week.
The goal might be for the number of new contacts you want to make or for the networking tool you’d like to try, such as LinkedIn. Even if you begin with one or two contacts a week, keep at it until your confidence grows. Then, increase the goal.
4. Make the First Move
The most common phobia is speaking in front of strangers. It is little wonder that networking events are stressful for many people. Approaching a group of people is almost always difficult, so perhaps you want to focus on the people standing alone and draw them into conversation. The individual standing alone will welcome your approach which makes it easier to initiate an interchange. A smile and a friendly hello, followed by a positive comment or open-ended question, is a guaranteed conversation-starter.
5. Know Your “Elevator Speech”
An elevator speech is a quick summary of who you are and what you do, usually in twenty-five words or less. If you’ve had Dale Carnegie training, this elevator pitch is a familiar concept. After introducing yourself, immediately ask questions to learn more about your new contact. Use their name several times during the first five minutes of conversation (if you can do so naturally).
6. Intriguing Name Tags and Business Cards
Both business cards and a name tag, especially a name tag that lists your profession or business name in an intriguing way, helps attract interest and reinforces name recognition. John Doe, Business Coach, is almost guaranteed to prompt questions about what coaching is...a great opening to share your expertise and gain new clients or referrals.
When you do swap cards with someone, jot down a reminder on the back such as where you met, what you discussed, sales opportunities, etc. Printing a quote, helpful hint, or other original and interesting information on your own card will encourage others to keep the card and remember you. Finally, always carry your cards in an attractive case. Ratty-looking cards dug from the depths of a handbag or pocket detract from your professional image.
7. Be Prepared To Reciprocate
Networking is a reciprocal process. It is about getting and giving information, resources, advice and referrals. Maintain a mental "Give List"...a tip, idea, resource, or recent discovery you can share. Your "Get List" might consist of information you are seeking, people you want to meet, or referrals you would like to have.
8. Organize Your Network
Be sure to keep information on your contacts where they can be used. Contact management or communication software like ACT! or Outlook usually work best. Not only can scraps of paper get lost, a contact management software lets you set reminders, schedule appointments and sent letters and email. The goal is to keep in touch with and nurture your new contacts. Set up whatever system works best for you to do this.
9. FOLLOW-UP!!!
Research shows that only 20% of sales leads are ever followed up....that’s an amazing 80% of potential opportunities that are lost. Use every opportunity to send a follow-up personal note, a thank you, a congratulations, or a relevant article of information. With these kinds of statistics, you see why it’s a bad idea to give out your card and say, "give me a call." Make follow-up your responsibility.
10. Networking is an ongoing project
Saying you’ve finished networking is like saying you’re going to eat once and for all. Contacts move, change companies and pass away. Nurturing the contacts you have and working to make new ones is key to the health of your business. Remember, the only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.
The best networking advice is the old (but true) cliché:
You don't have to be interesting. You just have to be interested. It is the great listeners that make the deepest impression.
What networking tips have you found most useful? Do you prefer actively networking (i.e. going to events) or passively networking through social media programs like LinkedIn?
