How to talk to ANYONE

Okay maybe not everyone, it's a little exaggeration but the fundamentals are the same should you want to your networking journey.

If you have read my previous newsletter and you already have a plan to go out and network. Networking is not something that is easy by any means, regardless if you are an introvert or extrovert. Most of the time, expanding your network means meeting new people, we have from a young age been taught to not trust strangers but now you are telling us otherwise???

Ironically yes, this requires you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new relationships. However, like everything in life there are some things that you can do to make things easier. Here are 3 things you can do to make networking less stressful and once you get the hang of it expanding your network will be as easy as ABC.?

I’m sharing the ideas below from personal experience and I feel it is the easiest way one can start to grow their network from scratch. If I had to do it again, these are what I would do again.?

Playing Sports or Joining Activities

One effective way to make networking easier is by engaging in sports or joining activities that align with your interests. Participating in sports such as basketball, futsal or badminton which are popular among the locals; hobby clubs, or group activities such as jogging and hiking not only allows you to pursue your passions but also creates opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. The shared activity serves as a natural icebreaker, making it easier to initiate conversations and build rapport. By engaging in activities you enjoy, you increase the likelihood of meeting individuals who share similar interests and professional goals, fostering a supportive network that can provide valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration. If you play certain sports competitively, the bonds formed as teammates can actually go a long way in the future?

Get an introduction for events / meetups

Personally, this is the way that I used to build my network over the years. It’s one of the easiest and comfortable ways to build up your network without wasting your time and effort. Attending events and meetups related to your industry or areas of interest is an excellent way to expand your professional network. To make networking easier in these settings, consider seeking introductions from individuals you already know. Leverage your existing connections, such as colleagues, mentors, or friends, to introduce you to relevant professionals. This introduction not only breaks the ice but also establishes a level of credibility and trust. It enables you to approach conversations with more confidence, knowing that you have a common connection as well as knowing beforehand what the expectations are during the meeting.? By leveraging introductions, you can navigate networking events more effectively and create meaningful connections that can contribute to your professional growth.?

Build your online presence, speak your opinions then let others speak

This is also the reason why I write newletters and also make YouTube videos. In today's digital age, building an online presence is essential for networking success. Establish a professional presence on platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or industry-specific forums. Share your opinions, insights, and industry-related content to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. Engage in conversations by commenting on posts, participating in industry-related discussions, and providing value to others. By actively showcasing your abilities, people who are looking for solutions or experts looking for talent in that space will naturally reach out to you to exchange ideas or look for collaboration or offer you a job. This is a great way to meet up with people regardless if you want to accept whatever they are offering.?

Once you find the networking method that best suits you, your network should expand naturally and maybe you might find some ways that I haven’t and all I ask is that you share with others to help whoever is in need. Always remember we all started somewhere and that someone helped us get started in our career, let’s just pay it forward and help the next person :)?