The proper way to network

What do you think of the term networking? Unfortunately, the word, networking, is a dreaded word for several people. There are many people that feel networking is limited to a business card exchange. With their business cards in hand, these people attend any networking event. Their primary goal is to increase their business. Still, this isn’t a smart way to network. You’re not building any relationship with the people at the event. Networking doesn’t need to be this way for you. Networking can be an enjoyable experience for you. You can learn the proper way to network.

You need to actively listen to the other person.?This sounds like common sense. You hear someone’s polished sales pitch instead. Networking isn’t a speed dating event. It’s difficult for people to understand this simple fact. We need to place our needs on hold and actively listen to the other person. What does it mean to actively listen? Actively listening isn’t just hearing the other person. You’re listening to the other person with your mind and heart. As you’re listening, you’re placing yourself in the other person’s situation. Everyone likes a person that actively listens to their situation. It shows you care.

Networking is about always giving more.?It’s not enough to actively listen to the other person. We need to have a giving mindset. Rather than delivering your sales pitch and dispensing your business cards as though they were candy, you can ask a simple question. How can I help you? This will ease your nerves during the event. The idea is to create long-term relationships and?build your dream network. You want to be known as helpful to your networking group. People will consider you a caring person. They’ll begin trusting you. Remember, this simple fact. Networking is always about giving more.

Follow-up with people after the event.?You listened to people and asked how you can help during the networking event. Congratulations, you did a great job! Still don’t celebrate too long. A good networker knows there’s one more thing to do. If you feel you made a connection with the person at the event, you need to follow up with that person either through a phone call or a brief email. When should I follow up? It’s not an exact science. Still, it’s recommended to reach out within 3 days after the event. If you don’t, you may lose that connection. Following up with your connections is an important part of networking.

Networking shouldn’t be considered a dreaded activity. It can be self-fulfilling and enjoyable when done the right way. Good networkers will place their immediate needs aside and listen to others at the event. They’ll be the first to ask if you need help or how they can help. Intentional networkers, or people that continue giving, will follow up with you after a networking event. These good people understand the importance of creating long-term relationships and networking for that matter. Your personal, as well as your professional development, will improve when you learn the proper way to network.