Networking is one of the most essential requirements for career growth but surprisingly, it is one thing most entrepreneurs either misuse or avoid
Some people shy away from the idea because they don’t know how to engage in conversations with strangers or they feel they don’t have anything valuable to offer to others.
Contrarily, some others network with others at the slightest opportunity they get but it seems to be of no use after that moment so they also conclude that networking isn’t worth it.
But, What Really Is Networking?
Networking is not about money, it is not about finding a job/client, it is not about making a sale and it is not about having a collection of business cards.
It is about genuinely connecting and engaging with others, and building valuable and long-lasting relationships with other people.
This is one of the best things you can ever do as a business person because:
- It is a source of fresh ideas
- Networking builds your confidence
- It strengthens business connections, automatically bringing business opportunities to you
- It improves your knowledge, and
- You develop long-lasting personal relationships
Networking is also referred to as social capital – a positive product of human interaction.
The positive outcome may be tangible or intangible and may include useful information, innovative ideas, and future opportunities.
A lot of people have discarded the idea of networking because of a lack of confidence,
shyness, impatience, extra busy, fear of rejection, and surprisingly, even pride!
If you fall into any of these categories, or you simply haven’t tried networking before, here are a few tips that can make networking less difficult and more interesting for you when next you get the chance to.
7 SIMPLE THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU TRY NETWORKING
1. Be/look Approachable.
Whenever you find yourself surrounded by people you would like to connect with, keep a bright face that would make people feel welcome to walk up to you and start up a conversation.
Don’t be the gloomy guy who never smiles and hides away when people try to connect with you.
Also, don’t always wait for others to make the first move to get to know you. Reach out to others when you get the chance.
2. Be Genuinely Interested In The People You’re Trying to Network With.
Don’t connect with people for selfish reasons (for your benefits only)
If you do this, the people you’re trying to connect with will avoid you because they would see you as a selfish or a desperate person.
Whenever you meet new people, be genuinely interested in them and what they do. Give them a listening ear when they speak.
When they sense your interest or see that you care, they’ll automatically care about whatever you have to say too.
3. About The Conversation: Balance it & Keep it Short.
You shouldn’t let your conversations with the other party be one-sided. You both have to do the talking.
Balancing the conversation helps you both to connect with the other person more than superficially.
Meanwhile, even if you’re enjoying the conversation, don’t let it go on for too long.
Before it becomes awkward or uninteresting, curtly end the conversation and express your intentions of wanting to see/talk to them some other time and move on to do other stuff. Don’t waste people’s time.
4. Give First, Recieve Later.
Always be on the lookout for when you can give something of value to the other party without expecting anything in return.
Humans are naturally wired to always reciprocate kind gestures so when you are kind and helpful to people, they’ll automatically feel indebted to you and when you need anything from them, they’ll be glad to be of help to you.
5. Don’t Bond Over Negative Vibes.
Never put yourself in a position where your common ground with the other party is a negative one.
What I mean is, don’t bond with a person/a group of persons because you all think an event isn’t going well or a person isn’t doing a good job.
Relationships built on negative energy don’t last long, compared to relationships built on optimistic energy.
6. Strengthen Your Weak Ties and then, Leave your Comfort Zone.
If meeting new people (especially in the business world) feels awkward or difficult for you, then you can just start with reconnecting with old friends – people you lost contact with a while ago.
You can catch up on memories, mutual interests, and anything else.
Doing this wouldn’t be as difficult as meeting new people because there was once a bond with these people you’re reconnecting with.
It’s also easier to re-establish trust with these people because they already know you and they’d be willing to offer you business opportunities if they know any.
Bear in mind that this should only be the starting point. You should be willing to leave your comfort zone – these people you already know and reach out to new persons. You never know where the next big opportunity may come from.
7. Have a Goal for Reaching Out to People.
Always have a goal for networking at events or even across social media. Don’t disrupt the lives of strangers without having something meaningful to say to them.
You can also have a target for networking, like meeting one new person in your business field once a month or as often as you might want.
8. Connect People.
If you meet two different people and you feel connecting them would be of maximum value to them, then don’t hesitate to do so, it means you have their best interest at heart.
They’ll be very appreciative and would also want to do something good for you in return whenever they get the chance to.
Connecting with others doesn’t always have to be about you so whenever you get the opportunity to create amazing relationships for others, don’t hesitate to do so.
Lastly,
Just Enjoy The Process!!
Always remember that networking is not just about the monetary value attached, it is about establishing long-lasting relationships and this is a fun thing to do. Just enjoy it while you’re at it!
If you have any tips on networking that have always been working for you, then please share with this amazing community in the comment section- we would love to learn what has worked for you and also put it into practice!
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