Effective Networking: What's your story?

INFOCUS: Business Networking Fundamentals

Business networking is a great skill to possess. It helps revitalize business contacts and explore new ones. If you are new to business networking, here are some strategies that may further enhance your networking results. Let’s get started.

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1) Volunteer for a 30–45-minute slot – Most experienced networkers enjoy opportunities to engage and give meaningful presentations that add value to others. Some formal platforms could be a tradeshow, corporate lunchtime talks and brief workshops at local learning institutions. Be an expert in your field and establish further exposure of yourself and your brand. You may want to invite participants to connect with you via LinkedIn. A word of advice, please make sure your LinkedIn account is updated.

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2) Utilize social media –?In this interconnected world, IT-savvy networker will maximize his / her online presence. One of the professional platforms that I like is LinkedIn where like-minded people meet. Exchanging notes and sharing wealth of experiences could be leveraged. Be proactive to give rather than always seeking.

Networkers may post photos of interests, write articles of specialized areas, and connect with people to explore business collaborations. Potential business opportunities or employers may be just around the corner.

3) Personal Branding – Whether you are a professional HR practitioner, independent business owner or freelancers, there is always something you could offer. Create excitement and think creatively to showcase what has happened recently at your work. Using editing video apps will entice the video effects to make videos more attractive and meaningful.

It may be a company CSR initiative, newly launched of products / services, new training courses that you have conducted or even an interesting book you have read.?Share and inspire your followers, incrementally. Tell the world who you are and what you could contribute.

4) Be well-versed with current trends – Besides displaying all the positive body language, cultural etiquette and elevator pitch, your ability to hold small talks is paramount at networking sessions. Invest time reading diverse articles; AI (ChatGPT), environment (Climate change) or any local news (Budget 2023). Share your opinion when asked and express your thought confidently. Agree to disagree.

After reading the above and still have wavering networking self-depreciating thoughts. I know of people who feel they are not smart enough, lack self-confidence and the fear of rejections at networking sessions.

You are not alone; some people are simply better in hiding their fears. You need to have stronger self-awareness, know what draws you back and remain resilient to front your negative thoughts.

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Here are some tips to overcome any negative thoughts.

a)???Plan to win. Meeting at least 3 to 5 people at the conference.

b)???Prepare well. (Grooming, business cards or some ‘canned’ questions)

c)???Revise your Elevator Pitch from time to time.

d)???Recall your confident moments previously. You can do it!

e)???Self-reflection on how you could better respond during future networking sessions.

f)?????Surround with positive people and rub off some positive vibes from them.

The list is not exhaustive, send me a note if you wish to add on more valid points.

In addition, I have attached a brief questionnaire (google form) for your self-reflection and hopefully triggers you to overcome any shortcomings.

Check on the link:?https://forms.gle/JLRepyXs7c7WHrdd6 (This Google Form will remain active until end February, 2023)

Quote of the day:

“Networking is more about farming than it is about hunting.”—Ivan Misner

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Wishing you all the best for your next networking experience!

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Terence Chow is a freelance Soft Skills Trainer & Curriculum Developer.?