HOW TO BOSS AT NETWORKING

GDC is just around the corner, and I know that for some it can be a daunting prospect – particularly the networking aspect of events like this. But networking is a crucial part of running and managing a business, allowing you to create important new connections and potentially forge new partnerships. So, to help you get the most out of GDC – or any event – I’ve rounded up some expert advice from leading sources on how to do it successfully…

How To Network: Success.com emphasises that networking isn’t just about showing up – it’s about being intentional in how you connect with others. Preparation is key, and the article highlights the following points to help you make a lasting impression:

·?????? Clear Communication

·?????? Active Listening

·?????? Timely Follow-up

And there’s a selection of ‘Don’ts’ to note, too, including: ‘Don’t talk too much or too little’… in other words, ‘let the conversation flow naturally’.

To sum up, the article offers: ‘Networking isn’t just a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing process that evolves with your career. By learning how to network and sharpening your skills, you can build relationships that yield unexpected opportunities, mentorship and long-term professional growth.’ Read on for more here - https://www.success.com/how-to-network-101/

Top Tips for Networking: The?Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)?offers practical advice aimed at making networking more effective, especially for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Their tips focus on building authentic connections rather than just exchanging contact details, and include:

• Prepare Conversation Starters
• Ask People About Themselves
• Practice Active Listening
• Focus on Networking, Not Selling
• Use Waiting Time Wisely

And maybe one of the most important tips? Make The Effort: ‘This might sound like an obvious one but if you don’t make the effort to approach anyone at a networking event, you are going to miss out on opportunities. Be friendly and approachable when you speak to people and remember, if you see someone sitting alone, go and say hello, some people are better at starting conversations than others but who knows where that conversation may go?’ There’s more here - https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/top-tips-for-networking.html

Networking Like a Pro: Entrepreneur.com takes a strategic approach to networking, encouraging professionals to plan ahead and be intentional about their efforts. These include setting specific goals about what you want to achieve, and maximising your time at the event. ‘Do you know why most people hate?networking at events?’, the article questions, before answering: ‘Because they rarely meet relevant people for them, and it often feels like a waste of time. Do you know why it feels like a waste of time? Because they never took the time to set their goals for the conference or meetup and define who they came to meet, and instead leave it up to luck or chance.’ More food for thought here - https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/how-to-network-like-a-pro-and-watch-your-startup-soar/466539

Networking To Boost Your Career: Forbes shares expert insights on networking strategies that go beyond just showing up at events. Their tips focus on making meaningful connections that can positively impact your career and include:

·?????? Be mindful of body language

·?????? Ask thought leadership questions

·?????? Spruce up your LinkedIn profile

·?????? Ditch the sales pitch and craft your elevator pitch

·?????? Don’t focus on quantity over quality

·?????? Don’t put people on pedestals

·?????? Don’t only speak to people you know

The article suggests that ‘despite the fact that people who actively network are 72% more likely?to be promoted,?one in four don’t take the time to network’. So if you’re looking for a new opportunity, the article is well worth a read - https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2024/07/06/8-networking-tips-to-help-boost-your-career-according-to-experts/

And The Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid: Over to Forbes again, which ascertains that while knowing what to do is important, it’s equally valuable to understand what?not?to do. To that end, the Forbes Business Council has outlined some of the most common networking mistakes people make. There are a whopping 20 of them in total, ranging from ‘Being Self-Involved’ to ‘Neglecting Follow-Up’; from ‘Selling Right Away’ to ‘Aiming To Collect The Most Business Cards’ (which we’ve probably all been guilty of in the past…).

But my personal favourite is ‘Being the Networking All-Star’: ‘Everyone has run into the “networking all-star” at big events. This person is working the room, slinging business cards and barely retaining anyone’s name. I recommend focusing your energy on making fewer but higher-quality connections.’ Hear, hear to that! And there’s more here - https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/04/04/20-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-networking-at-a-business-event/

Whether you’re new to networking or a seasoned pro (or, dare is say it, ‘all-star’), building real, valuable business connections is hugely important. I hope these top tips are useful if you’re heading to GDC or elsewhere soon, and I’d love to hear from you if you have any other advice!

Pic credit: Photo by?HIVAN ARVIZU @soyhivan?on?Unsplash

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