The term “networking” can be daunting. It often conjures up images of pushy businessmen in suits, shaking hands and exchanging business cards. What if you’re not like that? What if you don’t want to wear a suit and tie at all times? That’s okay! You can still build relationships with other people in your industry by following these tips given by Free Opinion IST.
Improve your listening skills
Listening is very important when developing relationships with other people. People will be more likely to help you if they feel like you are actually interested in what they have to say and not just waiting for your turn to talk about yourself. Improve your ability to listen by:
- Paying attention to the speaker’s words and body language. Instead of thinking about how much time has passed or what you’re going through at home.
- Asking questions that show interest such as “Oh really? Why did it work out like that?” rather than asking a simple follow up question such as “Right.” Avoid saying things like “yeah” because this could signal that you aren’t actively in the conversation or that you’re not really interested.
- Avoid thinking about your response while they are still talking. Because it can be disheartening to the speaker if you think of a good point after they have finished speaking and haven’t had a chance to address it. If something important comes up, make a note of it so that when the person is done speaking, you don’t forget all those great points!
Improve your small talk skills
Small talk is a great way to get things going in networking situations. It can be hard because you’re not sure if saying something will make the person uncomfortable or lead to more conversation. But it’s always better to say too much than too little! Improve your ability by thinking of easy questions that don’t require an essay answer such as “What do you think about this weather?” rather than asking them what they did over their summer break. If you know someone well enough, feel free to ask follow up questions and find out more about how they really feel.
Don’t just focus on getting business from people
Although having good relationships with other professionals means being able to work with them and get business from people. It’s important to also form relationships with people for the sake of being friends. You don’t want networking to be a chore or something you dread. So focus on getting friendly with other professionals rather than focusing solely on getting more clients!
Attend networking events
Improve your business relationships by attending networking events. Develop rapport with the other attendees. So they’ll remember you when someone needs a service that you offer or is looking to hire someone in your field. When meeting people at these types of events, follow up within 24-48 hours. After concluding your conversation to let them know what type of assistance you can provide if they need it down the road. Offer additional insight into how their company could improve if you noticed that the person was unhappy with their current situation.
Build trust
When attending networking events, it’s important to have a firm handshake because this will help build trust between yourself and the other attendees. Always dress appropriately for these types of events as well. Never show up in business casual or informal attire when everyone else is wearing more formal clothing such as suits and dresses. Improve your etiquette skills by using proper titles like “Mr.” and “Ms.” along with people’s names instead of just calling them by first name only. Also remember to keep an open line of communication throughout your conversation. So they feel comfortable discussing what type of assistance they need from someone outside their company. Improve your professional relationships by writing thank-you notes after each meeting which can be emailed or snail-mailed.
Eye contact with everyone
Make eye contact with everyone so they know that you’re engaged in their conversation, not just there listening out of politeness. Improve your public speaking skills when talking about what type of assistance or insight into a company’s problems that you can provide if needed down the road. Also leave enough room between yourself and other attendees at networking events. Because it looks unprofessional if two people are on top of each other. While having a conversation either physically or metaphorically through emailing back-and-forth frequently without any real action taking place after initial introductions were made. Improve your professional relationships by sending a follow-up email after each event to let them know how their company could improve in the future if they’re unhappy with current circumstances.
Add value to people’s lives
When networking, try to add value into other people’s lives by giving them advice that’ll help improve their business. Improve your relationship-building skills when you offer insight into how they can attain more clients or solve issues with existing ones in an approachable manner without being too pushy about it.
Improve your professional relationships through emailing follow-up notes after each meeting which provide additional detail and information for the person such as a link to relevant articles or industry news within 24 hours of concluding conversation. So they know what type of assistance you can provide whenever needed down the road. Improve your public speaking abilities when talking with multiple attendees at events. Because you want everyone in attendance to feel like they’re part of the group rather than feeling like they’re not part of the conversation.
