Best Networking Tips: Build Professional Connections Like No One Else

Equip yourself with meaningful questions.

Stop wasting time talking to the wrong people.

Build value-driven, authentic relationships.

Focus on the vital few.

There I am. Giving someone an applause. In networking mode.

For me, it's different than the mode you find most professionals in when they are networking. My mode is characterized by lightheartedness, curiosity, and intentionality.

Over my years of attending hundreds of conferences and entrepreneurship events, I've come to some confident realizations: Good networking is not about impressing the other person. It's not about being pretentious. It's about making the other person look impressive, wise, and altruistic. It's about adding value to the people whose values align with yours.

With the advent of Lunchclub.com and 24/7 virtual networking opportunities, there's never been a more important time to become a good networker. With new virtual platforms designed specifically for networking, it is also important to become a good online networker.

Good networkers rare breeds. They plug the leaky bucket. They conserve their energy. And they focus on the vital few.

The vital few is a concept introduced in the book, Essentialism. The term is related to the pareto principle. In the context of networking: very few of your new connections make up a very large proportion of your results. The trivial many comprise all the connections that do not contribute much to your desired results.

The following networking hacks are going to help you distinguish the vital few from the trivial many. Saving you time and energy. You'll build relationships that have the potential for being long-term because of their mutual value exchange potential.

I invented this term to describe relationships in which there is a back and forth of tangible value. Both parties actually benefit from the relationship.

In reading this, if you have any additions, please share them with the rest of my readers. Comment them on this article.

Withdraw from conversations with intention.

If a conversation with someone is hopeless, their values are not aligned with yours, or you don't see any potential for mutual value exchange, get out as soon as possible.

Conventional networkers stay in these connections and waste their time.

Good networkers get out by using strategic, honest phrases. Such as "Pardon me. I really enjoyed connecting with you. I want to connect with a few others in the room before this event ends. I appreciate your time!"

Be explicit about how you add value and to whom.

In every interaction, make it known who and how you can help. This can be incorporated into how you introduce yourself. Or when someone asks you what you do/love/enjoy, you can reply with how you add value.

Conventional networkers have random conversations.

Good networkers discuss topics related to how they can help others.

Figure out potential synergies with good questions.

To find out how you can help someone, ask them good questions. This is not about being mechanical or robotic. This is about learning about their dreams, hopes, and priorities.

• What is your vision for your career?
• What skills do you want to master?
• What is your biggest priority in life right now?
• What are you trying to figure out in life right now?
• If you had a TED talk, what would its title be?
• What do you offer that you're most excited about?
• [Can you benefit from my services?] My version: Do you or your organization have any upcoming events during which you want to experiment with cool wellness experiences?

Conventional networkers ask boring, irrelevant questions.

Good networkers figure out people's priorities.

Make people feel like they are smart.

This is the art of pausing, then appreciating. Often, people don't stop talking after they share something insightful or significant. Your job is to pause them and emphasize what they had shared. Put up your hand, say something, and then express appreciation, excitedly. Remember, your nonverbals matter more than what you say.

"I think you're right on the dot when it comes to marketing. Very insightful. Where did you learn your wisdom here?!"

Conventional networkers are emotionally neutral and do not express appreciation.

Good networkers point out the wisdom in others.

Follow up with something that will help them.

Having a database of readings and tools enables you to send something helpful to almost everyone you meet. When you are talking to someone about their goals and visions, think about what programs, articles or tools might be helpful for them.

In my quest to add value to others, I share the Waking Up Course, my articles I've published, or specific diagrams/videos in my google photos archive, below.

My favorite diagram to share with others is this one, relating to my mission directly: enabling humans to have healthier human connection.

The follow up is critical. Most people forget to do this and they lose the opportunity for a new client, partner, or friend. I am an advocate for rigorous follow-up. I usually send 5 follow up emails until I get a response.

Conventional networkers forget about their new connections or don't have any resources to share.

Good networkers follow up with useful, personalized resources.

Final Recommendation

To be a good networker, distinguish the vital few from the trivial many by asking good questions.

Could you do me a 10 second favor before you leave? If you're feeling thankful, could you like or comment this article? What wisdom do you have to share with other readers? We'd love to hear your additions.

If you liked this article, you'll like my blog about relational intelligence and health. Sign up to get?access to my best free resources on the science of human connection.

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ps—I help innovative conference, event, & party planners unite and exhilarate their audience by applying the science of human connection. Do you know any who'd want to consult the?professional party crasher?

Thanks for spreading healthier human connections ??

— Jacques The Party Scientist, BSc. Pharmacology

The Biosocial Hacking Movement is about helping humans facilitate healthier human connections in their lives, teams, and communities — so that we can together combat the rise of loneliness and depression in the age of technology.