Don't Ignore These 7 Things When Networking

Networking can be a waste of time if you don’t do it correctly. It can also be pointless if you continuously go the wrong way when trying to create the right relationships.

Some people really fail at the networking game and just can’t figure out how to bring it up to a winning level. But have you considered this failure could be due to what you’re neglecting to do? There are certain factors many people overlook when establishing connections, but if you incorporate them as part of your networking plan and habits, you’ll be more successful at it and bring your relationship-building to the next level.

Here are seven things that should not be ignored when networking that will help you cultivate meaningful relationships that really matter.

1. Practice a Networking Mindset

You know when you just wake up in a bad mood, then everything that happens and all the people you interact with seem to feed off your negative energy? How you approach your day impacts the results you get. The same goes for networking. To gain the most benefits from it you have to go into it with the right mindset. When you do this over and over, it becomes a habit—and when you continuously have a positive outlook you repeatedly grow connections that are valuable. As F.M. Alexander so eloquently put it: “People don’t decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures.”

2. Communicate Like a Connector

The best networkers know how to effectively communicate. And they’re very good listeners, too. Asking “How can I help you?” and “Who can I introduce you to, so you can accomplish that?” are two excellent questions that if implemented into your repertoire can quickly put you on the fast track to being a super-connector. These elite networkers pay attention to the answers and then react quickly. Those who network well help connect themselves and others with job prospects and career opportunities and endless possibilities. They shine with confidence and people are drawn to them. We all know that one person you can call when a certain situation arises—strive to be “that person” within your own sphere of influence!

3. Have a Mentor

Asking someone you admire and respect to be your mentor does take courage. But doing so demonstrates your determination to become a better you. And it shows you understand how beneficial a mentorship can be, and that you know the importance of nurturing relationships through the experience. When you choose to have a mentor advise and motivate you in your efforts to reach your goals, you’ve made an important decision to progress as a networker. And you will gain first-hand knowledge from someone who actually wants to inspire your success.

4. Be a Mentor

Networking really is more about giving than receiving. It’s not just about you and what you will get out of it—it’s also about what you can offer and teach to others. And it’s personally more rewarding to give! Deciding to become a mentor to someone is a valuable experience that helps build invaluable relationships and puts you on the path to networking successfully. Whether you realize it or not, we are all in a position to mentor others. Consider what author Seth Godin said: “Networking that matters is helping people achieve their goals.” And understanding the importance of the connection between a mentor and mentee, and what will be gained from a mentorship experience, is priceless.

5. Audit Your Network

For you to grow as a person you need to surround yourself with the right people. Do you find that you just can’t wait to hang out with certain individuals, yet there are others you just dread the thought of spending time with? It’s important to associate with those who weigh in as positive influences in your life. Every so often it’s a good idea to do a sort of audit and give your network an assessment. It’s OK to say goodbye to those Debbie Downers and people who suck the energy out of every conversation you have with them; believe me, you will thank me for this advice.

6. Take Advantage of Networking Events

Of course, in-person events and gatherings are currently on hold, but lots are still happening online. Shying away from attending networking events doesn’t necessarily make you a bad networker, but it does make you miss out on opportunities. As Woody Allen famously stated: “80% of success is just showing up.” When you attend these gatherings or plan one of your own, you give yourself the chance to build connections and the occasion to bridge relationships between those who can benefit from each other. “The true value of networking doesn’t come from how many people we can meet but rather how many people we can introduce others to,” as said by Simon Sinek. And this is what networking is all about! A strong networker is not just in for themselves, they help advance the success of others.

7. Show Appreciation

We’ve all been told that it’s proper etiquette to say thank you after a job interview. But not everyone considers showing their gratitude when someone in their network connects them with an individual who they will greatly benefit from. Sometimes a simple note that says: “Thank you for taking the time to make the introduction,” really goes a long way. So does setting up that virtual coffee or lunch meeting you promised. And not everyone follows up, so when you actually do it, you elevate yourself as a better networker and stand out among your peers.

Many think networking is a waste of time, but these are the people who haven’t considered the benefits of fostering significant long-lasting relationships. You do need to put some work into it, after all, it is called netWORKing! But if you’re careful to not ignore these seven things you’ll become more successful at it and realize the impact creating the right relationships can have on your professional and personal goals.

Become an Expert Networker

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