Networking Tips To Build More Strategic Connections

I’m always on the lookout for articles about networking. Here are a few snippets:

Networking and building connections is an integral part of gaining and maintaining success. But it goes beyond the exchange of business cards; it’s an art that should be perfected by anyone seeking to take their personal journey to the next level and endure long-term success.

In this article, I’ll delve into the nuances of strategic connections with four tips I've learned over the years based on my experience of running and investing in businesses.

Authenticity is bred by building a conscious connection with people, and therein lies the power. Before reaching out to someone who may benefit you, do your research and think about how you can genuinely offer value to them. From there, you can establish a connection motivated by an authentic desire to network.

Allow others to build trust in you. In my experience, people who see you as authentically interested in helping them will pay closer attention to what you post online. They are more likely to support you and offer assistance—even without being prompted.

Invest in quality connections.

To create a powerful network, you don’t need hundreds of contacts. Instead, focus on building a small circle of golden connections across multiple industries, age groups and levels of success. Find people whose values align with yours and whose support is genuine. Take time and care with these connections, and put a reminder in your calendar to touch base and ask if there’s a project you can add value to or just be a sounding board for.

These people will be your golden ticket to meeting other connections, and there’s no more powerful tool in building a powerful network than word of mouth. If the connection is less successful than you but is clearly motivated and on its way to achieving great things, offer your time and expertise to help. A connection like this can grow into a beautiful relationship where the person you assisted would gladly advocate for you and offer help when you need it. If the connection is more successful than you, spend time learning from them and give gratitude. People love to give back and act as mentors; it’s a big part of feeling fulfilled. Make this a pleasurable experience for them, and they will gladly reciprocate by connecting you with people who will help you along your journey.

Gain rich understanding through listening.

Active listening is one of the most important tools in networking. People love to talk about themselves, and they will leave clues in their monologues, which can help you understand their challenges so you can be of benefit to them as well as their achievements so you can benefit from them.

How can you practice active listening? When you engage in a conversation, don’t just think about what your response will be. Listen intently to understand and remember the content and context of what they say. A great way to get more information from your potential connection is to say: “Tell me more about that."

The more you practice active listening, the richer your understanding will be, and the more meaningful your connections will become. Use the information you learn in follow-up conversations to show your genuine interest in them, once again fortifying your bond.

Want to know more? Head on over to the full article here for more ideas and perspectives. Afterwards, why not drop me an email to share your thoughts at [email protected] ; or call me on 0467 749 378.

Thanks,

Robert