Networking is an essential part of your business. It expands your circle of influence and allows you to connect with other professionals that have the same challenges and goals as your business. For some, networking can be a difficult process. It places you outside your typical work environment and requires some effort on your part to initiate. These tips can help you becomes a successful networker and make your next networking opportunity an event you look forward to.
Start By Showing Up
Part of being an effective networker is just the act of showing up at networking events. Get yourself out there and open up to the potential of meeting new people. Put yourself in situations where you will be surrounded by professionals that you don’t know, so you can take advantage of the knowledge that they offer.
Be Your True Authentic Self
One of the easiest ways to achieve that connection with another professional in your business space is to be the real you. There is no need to put on a façade as your peers will see right through it and not be interested in keeping the relationship going. Be open about the problems that your business faces and open up about your personal goals.
Create Goals, And Work To Achieve Them
Having a plan of attack when you attend a networking opportunity can help to motivate you through the event. Set a goal to meet five new people at each networking event you attend or make a plan to get an answer to a burning question that you have. Don’t leave until you achieve your goal and find the right professionals to talk to.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
You will need to work to initiate a conversation with people that you haven’t met before. Like you, these professionals may be just as timid about speaking to someone that they don’t know. Extend the olive branch and be the one to say hello. It can do wonders for your confidence when you are able to break the ice and get the conversation rolling.
Get Involved In A Committee Or Event
Take your involvement with a networking association one step further and volunteer to help out. This will put you in touch with professionals that are actively engaged in the organization that holds the event as well as their industry. Create as many chances as possible to meet new people and further your networking success.
Follow Up After A Networking Opportunity
The work isn’t done once a networking event is over. Follow up on the contacts that you have met. Take them up on the advice they offered. This is the perfect time to pick their brain and get that the information you need to make those tough decisions for your business.
Continue The Relationship
Be sure to stay in contact with the people that you meet and connect with after a networking event. You never know when you will need their services again and you don’t want to be a stranger calling out of the blue a year later that says, “remember me” – chances are they won’t. Do your due diligence and make periodic follow-ups to see what is new in their world.
Keep Networking
Above all, you want to continue your networking efforts. The more events you attend, the more people you will know and the more fun these events will be for you. These networking opportunities will get easier with each one you attend, and you will find that you are gaining significantly from the people that you meet.
Being a successful networker takes time and a concerted effort on your part. Once you learn the ropes, you’ll look forward to these events and the benefits they provide for you and your business. Start your networking with Resolute Technologies. It has professional consultants on hand that can help your business with its IT needs. We are waiting to hear from you. Contact us today!