11 Tips To Get Started With Networking
Reading Time: 6 minutes Networking can be a very effective way to develop new business and social relationships if you do it right. Whether you are a startup, tech company, or SaaS business, follow these tips to help you get started with networking.
Top networkers do not just have impressive careers and businesses; they are always at the front of the line of new opportunities. As an ongoing process, networking requires goodwill, organization, attention, and persistence.
With business networking, you have to build connections with your customers or clients and other individuals who may mention your name positively to people they know or refer business to you. It is also an effective way to locate reputable vendors and involves making contacts with people who provide critical information or training.
Why does building a robust business network matter? If you do not take time to meet and interact with others related to your field, you will end up missing out on valuable opportunities to land clients and positions, generate referrals, and find new partnerships.
Networking is more than just building relationships; you can also continue your education every time you meet and interact with other professionals in your industry. The business connection will help you stay up-to-date with the latest practices and developments in your field. Then, you can bring those trends back to your business. You can also use what you have learned to improve your chances of creating new business opportunities.
Do not start networking when you see your marketing funnel become empty.
Go out and make connections as soon as possible if you want to build a strong business.
Here are the 11 networking tips that will help you create more business opportunities.
đź’ˇ Tip #1: Determine your goals
If you have no clear agenda, you will find it hard to know what you want from the networking efforts. No matter how many networking events or meetings you attend, you will only waste time and effort if you do not know what your goals are. So, take time determining and choosing a goal.
For instance, you want to make new connections to learn the latest developments in your industry. From there, you know where you are going.
đź’ˇ Tip #2: Attend networking events
Now that you know your goals, it’s time to go to where you can make connections. Almost every event or activity can be a networking opportunity; local businesses or startups should attend business events in the local scene.
For instance, you can attend the chamber of commerce in your city that hosts gatherings for businesses in the industry where you belong. You can also go to meetings dedicated to societies and associations related to your field.
đź’ˇ Tip #3: Volunteer
Most organizations have charity events, fundraisers, etc. While it is a nice feeling to help others in need, being a volunteer at these events comes with the added benefit of donating your resources or time.
Additionally, your volunteer initiatives may serve as a team-building endeavor with others who do the same thing. Remember that activities outside the business environment nurture the strongest business relationships.
đź’ˇ Tip #4: Overcome introversion
Are you a shy type of person? If so, you may find it challenging to succeed in networking. Fortunately, you can try several strategies to overcome your introversion and get started in making solid connections.
For instance, before the networking event, brainstorm some icebreakers. That way, you do not need to think of ideas on the spot. If you get overwhelmed, try to take a breather by going to the restroom, grabbing a coffee, or taking a walk. Then, return to the venue refreshed and ready to meet and talk to people.
đź’ˇ Tip #5: Ask for introductions
There is no wrong with being a newbie. Go to the event planner, communications director, the person who invited you, or the chapter admin and ask them for introductions to those they think are a good business fit. After all, their goal for hosting these events is to connect different people and keep them coming back. So, they can serve as a networking resource.
đź’ˇ Tip #6: Know your worth
In the business world, it is never enough to provide your customers or clients with great products and services. If you fail to articulate what you do, it is a big challenge to convey information at networking events.
Take time generating your elevator pitch that effectively conveys what you do, why your customers or clients should choose you, and for whom you do it, whether you want to build a virtual Rolodex later on or generate referrals.
đź’ˇ Tip #7: Bring a buddy
Going alone in a networking event can be challenging, particularly if most people there already have long-standing relationships. So, taking a colleague or friend helps break the ice while making the networking process a lot easier. That is especially true if you and your buddy can feed off conversations in a group of new people.
You can bring up stories, business insights, or topics associated with your buddy and vice versa. In return, each of you can highlight your strengths without the need to talk about yourself. It is understandable that start conversations with people you meet for the first time if you have a familiar face beside you. Be sure to connect with other attendees instead of sitting and chatting the whole time.
đź’ˇ Tip #8: Try the Ed principle
It is okay to be interestING by coming up with anecdotes or quips but becoming interestED in what other people say is much better. Once you show that you are open to listening to other people and ask some follow-up questions, “could you please tell me more about…” they can remember you as an excellent conversationalist without exerting too much effort.
Using the Ed Principle will take you to get rid of pressure off you while learning more about your contact. It also makes them remember you as a great listener.
đź’ˇ Tip #9: Find reasons to follow-up
If you do not keep in touch, what’s the purpose of gaining contact? After the event, ensure to connect them by sending a short email, like “nice to meet you.” You can also follow up on the resource you promised them or the conversation you had. If you do these things within 24 hours after the event will help keep you on top of their minds. Plus, it builds a solid base for relationship development and future conversations.
Remember that making connections is only half of the whole networking process. In short, you also need to consider steps to keep the relationship going effectively. It is advisable to reach out to your contacts several times in a year to follow up. You can try a few methods, such as sending thoughtful notes during the holidays, inviting them to a conference or seminar, or forwarding relevant content.
đź’ˇ Tip #10: Ask for what you want
Everyone needs help now and again; being afraid to ask for what you want should not be part of your options. You need to have the courage to ask for assistance to succeed with all your networking efforts.
Before attending a seminar or meetup, ensure to articulate what you seek effectively. When people ask how they can help you, take it as an opportunity to tell them the truth.
đź’ˇ Tip #11: Do not be negative
As you search for conversation starters, never speak negative things about former coworkers or companies. That way, potential contacts will not think you will say bad things behind them when given the opportunity.
Conclusion
Networking events can be full of strangers, making you feel intimidated, awkward, and uncomfortable. In order to build a solid relationship with other professionals in your field, you also need to build trust. You have to show sincerity and be genuine in your conversations. Ensure to know your goal as it will serve as the framework of all your networking effort. So, regardless of how many networking events you will attend, you know where your feet will bring you.
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