11 Ways To Network Better In 2016

After years of mixed results on my new year resolution to network more and better, this year I made a committed and consistent effort to actually achieve it. The results of my added effort far exceeded my expectations! I not only built great new business relationships, but also surprisingly loved  the activity itself.

You see, for entrepreneurs like me, networking is our lifeblood. But having done it as a part of my routine for years, it had become another task on my list. I have emerged from this year a rejuvenated networker, and I'd like to share how to not only network better, but also enjoy the opportunity of meeting new people. 

Here's 11 Ways To Network Better In 2016 - 

Make A Good First Impression

According to a recent study, it takes only 7 seconds for our brains to judge a person as a friend or a foe. Luckily, there are simple hacks to make a good first impression, and they are not too different from what your mother told you when you were growing up - look sharp, smile, and make good eye contact!

Find Something In Common Quickly

The quickest way to build a rapport with a person is to find something in common with them. Maybe you went to the same university, grew up in the same neighborhood, have the same favorite band, or follow the same sports team. If nothing works, a witty quip on the weather is always reliable. 

Ask Open-Ended Questions And Listen Actively

While networking, it's more important to be a good listener than a good talker.  The logic is simple - there are more talkers than listeners, so listeners are more in demand. The other person will perceive you as a fantastic conversationalist even if you do nothing but ask open-ended questions and listen actively.  

Go In Wanting To Give, Not Take

The biggest mistake I see many people make at networking events is that they treat them as marketplaces for transactions. "Hi, my name is Bob. Here's what I want from you." Instead of asking for something, go in with the mindset to give. Ask someone what they wish to achieve, and then think of ways you can help.

Show Genuine Interest

While networking, if you treat the other person as a stranger, then that is all he will remain - a stranger. Instead, re-frame networking as a way to find friends. Show genuine interest in the person you meet, as you would with someone you wish to have a relationship with. I guarantee you will have much better time.

Focus On Quality Not Quantity

Another common mistake I see people make at networking events is that they treat them as a speed dating meetups. They shake hands, do their elevator pitch, hand over a business card, ask for something they want, off to the next. Focus of quality of relationships you build while networking, not the quantity. 

Do Not Check Your Phone

I met this guy at my last networking event. He shook my hand, rambled on about himself, asked me a question, and just as I started my answer - took out his phone and checked his messages. Lest it remain unsaid, I didn't contact this person after the event. Show the other person respect, don't check your phone. 

Follow Up Promptly

Instead of sending a cursory one-line email thanking someone for meeting you and making a promise (that you are not sure you will be able to keep) to stay in touch , make your message more personal. Recount something interesting the person told you or add more details to something you two talked about. 

Connect On LinkedIn

LinkedIn is by far the best tool available to professionals today to network and build connections. It is now possible to not only build connections with professionals in your city, but with those in cities around the world. Write an article, join a group, comment on posts, and re-connect with old friends. 

Nurture Relationships

Networking is like planting a seed - it does not guarantee a fruit-bearing tree in the future. To reach that stage, a plant needs to be nurtured and paid attention to regularly. It is not possible to maintain all relationships, so shortlist the ones you want to strategically focus on and then give them the time they deserve. 

Don't Be Shy To Ask

Relationships don't need to be transactional, but they are a two-way street. Your focus should be on giving, but that doesn't imply that you should be shy to ask for help when you need it. Need an introduction from someone in your network? Just ask! And then make a mental note to seek opportunities to return the favor. 

A common refrain in business is - it is not what you know, it is who you know. Firstly, this is not entirely true. This is an excuse for not taking one's destiny in one's own hands. The level of success we achieve is a direct result of our hard work, the quality of our ideas, and the content of our character. 

Having said that, no one can make it in this world on their own. Neither they should. The whole is always more than the sum of its parts, and we can all achieve synergies if only we work together and help each other reach our goals. Networking is an incredibly powerful way for us to find partners in our success.

So in 2016, make it a resolution to get out of that comfort zone, and network on!

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