Whether you are searching for a job, trying to get a better job or working to expand your business, what will facilitate the process and provide a higher degree of success all comes down to one important factor - who you know! Yes, networking is a powerful method of making connections and getting the word out there. In the age of digital marketing and posting on social media, your first degree connections and your ability to communicate well with them is very important to get the ball rolling. Lets’ have a brief look at what is needed to improve these networking skills and pave your path to greater success.
First, have the proper viewpoint. Networking is not about making a quick sale. People are not mere connections, but real people deserving respect and dignity. Networking is about building relationships and seeing others and valued partners. This mindset will help bring authenticity to your conversations and how you approach others. You can ask yourself what you can bring to the table and how you can help them. That will set the tone for a longer, more productive business relationship.
Second, develop the art of active listening. This is the ability to focus on a speaker and their message to respond thoughtfully. It is an important networking skill because it validates the core values of others and shows respect. Active listening involves maintaining eye contact, smiling and nodding your head, and using other nonverbal cues to show the speaker has your attention. You can use techniques such as repeating or rephrasing what the speaker has just said to show you've understood their message. Focusing completely on the speaker also helps you ask follow-up questions and move conversations forward.
The next one is more of an attribute, rather than a skill. It’s empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand another person's emotions and state of mind. It is important for networking because it makes others want to share their experiences and emotions with you. Be more empathetic by validating the contact's perspectives, asking questions relating to the situation, and approaching situations from the person's viewpoint.
Then we have to have a suitable mindset which includes a positive attitude. This is extremely critical when networking. Positive people draw everyone else to them, and no one likes a negative individual. Furthermore, being positive and being confident go hand in hand. People are more likely to have confidence in your business endeavors if you appear happy and upbeat and optimistic about your market potential.
Become a master of the spin, turning bad situations to your favor or finding a positive light in which to evaluate a situation. If people see that you make an effort to respond to a negative situation with a more upbeat outlook, they’ll have confidence in your skills and will also be more likely to want to work with you. The other effect is being positive will not only make you more likable but will also make you more memorable.
Now that you have prepared yourself for networking, you next need to plan your process. Here are a few suggestions.
1.Set networking objectives
Create objectives to assist you navigate and ensure you're using your time effectively. Start by finding out what skill you want to develop and what you hope to accomplish by networking with others. For example, you might be interested in enhancing your industry knowledge through networking events.
2.Prepare a compelling elevator pitch
Look for people who can support you in reaching your networking goals and developing your skills. Have a 30- to 60-second elevator pitch ready to improve your ability to convey ideas and concepts. An elevator pitch is a quick summary of yourself or your business. When delivering one, ensure you highlight your values and how connecting with you would benefit the other person.
3.Ask for constructive feedback
A friend, family member, mentor, or career coach can help evaluate your networking skills. Have them review your words and actions, and note the feedback they provide. Asking someone to provide constructive criticism can help you identify aspects you missed when performing self-assessments. For example, a friend might reveal a better approach to showing empathy or starting conversations with an industry professional.
4.Ask insightful questions
Get the other person thinking. You can know a lot about a person by the quality of the questions he or she asks. When you ask quality questions, you will receive better answers. By asking such questions when you're speaking with someone, you not only put yourself in a category of someone that thinks differently, but you force the other person to think in a new way that helps him or her grow.
Do you need to network in English when it’s your second language? Then brush up on some effective wording that will get you point across and be persuasive. What can you say that will be memorable, but at the same time be tactful and polite? What phrases should you avoid? Are there any cultural insights that you need to consider? To assist with this kind of preparation, you can do some research or sign up for business English classes to refine these skills. As you work to improve your networking prowess, take a moment and reflect on how you can prepare yourself, take the needed steps and you will surely increase your professional opportunities!
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