5 easy tips to grow your business network

I came across an article discussing 5 easy tips to grow your business network. Here are a few snippets that you might find interesting.

Whether you're just starting in your career or are well-established, networking can be a challenge. See our tips to grow your network naturally and with ease.

Networking can be daunting and sometimes might feel a little bit forced. However, connecting with people is a great way to?build your business network?and it can be invaluable for your career.

5 effective networking tips that will work for everyone

Business networking?is all about sharing information and knowledge with like-minded professionals. It’s an ongoing process, which requires patience, persistence, organisation, and?good etiquette.?

If you can demonstrate your business’s value, and your own, to potential clients and employers, then you’ll likely be delighted by the positive results. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our five top tips for how to network effectively.

1. Be prepared

If you have a clear idea of who you want to speak to and the benefits that interaction may have for your business, then you’re able to plan your business networking time effectively and prepare for those discussions.?

Networking is all about how you present yourself, first impressions, and good delivery. If you know exactly who is attending and some background information about the company they represent, then you’ll be able to tailor your approach and stand out from the crowd.?

2. Use social media

Social media has fast become an essential component of effective networking. Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are great for people that either don’t like the pressure of in-person networking, or who want to reach out to someone first before they get to know them face-to-face.?

There is a good chance your new connection may just stay as an online interaction, but if you do meet in person at some point in the future, then this initial conversation is a good way of breaking the ice and ensuring the initial?awkward networking?pleasantries are already taken care of.

3. Be a good listener and let people speak

When learning how to network, professional networking tips don’t come any more important than this.?

It may seem obvious, but it’s amasing how many people don’t listen and are only concerned with talking about themselves. No matter your job position, background, or experience, this tip applies to everyone.

Being a good conversationalist means?being a great listener, so make sure you listen to what someone has to say and stay engaged and interested.?

4. Offer to help and share advice

Effective networking isn’t just about what you can get from others, it’s also about what you can offer them. In turn, by being helpful and sharing advice, you’re likely to receive something worthwhile from your new connection in the future and they’ll hold you in high regard.

You also shouldn’t be afraid to ask for advice yourself. Networking is all about give and take, so if you believe that someone is in a position to offer you invaluable advice, or even?improve your career?or business in a certain way, then make sure you reach out and seise the opportunity.?

5. Say thank you and follow up

The final suggestion in our list of networking tips is arguably the most important – be polite and follow up! Business networking is all about creating a?genuine working relationship?that can benefit both parties in the long run.?

Finishing on a positive note and making a good final impression means they’re more likely to respond should you reach out to them in the future. They may even recommend you to one of their other contacts.

Professional networking tips don’t get much bigger than the follow-up. We recommend speaking to them again within 48 hours to ensure you stay fresh in their mind, even if that’s just with a polite email to say thank you or a request to connect with them on LinkedIn.?

You don’t need to ask for any favours immediately, it’s more a case of keeping the conversation going and showing that you want to stay in touch. Moving forward, it’s always worthwhile reconnecting with someone at least two or three times a year.

Want to know more? Head on over to the full article here for more ideas and perspective. Afterwards, why not drop me an email to share your thoughts at [email protected]; or call me on 0467 749 378.

Thanks,

Robert