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Since buying and selling originated as a concept, networking has been a core ingredient for growth. Unfortunately, though, networking doesn’t come naturally to everyone.
It is a harsh reality but part of what makes everyone different. What’s even harsher is that networking has become increasingly necessary since it was first realized. It has now become a core piece of the success puzzle. This isn’t exactly great news if you are an introvert.
But introverts, extroverts, shy people, loud people —and people —or however else you describe your —personality—ever improve their networking skills and how they build professional relationships. That is part of business; there is always room for growth and betterment.
That is why we have taken the time to talk to some industry leaders and top-tier networking consultants and come up with a list of top tips and advice to help even the most introverted individuals improve their elbow-rubbing game.
We aren’t going to teach you about the different relaxation methods because everyone has a different approach, something unique that helps them find their zen. It could be meditation, a walk, a specific song, a few deep breaths, a bit of liquid courage, having a business partner with you, or any infinite options.
Whatever your tactics, make sure you use them. Relaxation is one of the most effective networking tools because it is far easier to be yourself and have fun when cool, calm, and collected. So find what helps you relax and milk it for all it is worth.
Opportunities to network constantly arise, so there is constant opportunity to practice your networking skills. It is just a matter of overcoming any fear or awkwardness by striking up a conversation, which is about knowing how to start a conversation.
You could strike up a conversation with someone in your office that you’ve never spoken to before. Perhaps you could try talking to the person beside you on your commute home.
Maybe even chat with the store assistant at your next shop. In its basic form, networking is conversing with someone you don’t know well, so the chance to practice is always there.
Most networking events are scheduled, so you have a solid idea of who will be in attendance. More often than not, you may have connected with certain attendees ahead of time and made a plan to chat more at the event.
As such, always do your Due Diligence. This is simple; the more you know about them, the easier it will be to find common ground to build.
You will also be able to prepare for the questions that come your way. Of course, in many of these networking events, you will be going in blind, in which case, note what you want to get out of your time there and use that as grounds for your preparation.
Your business card will be your best friend here, that little bit of you that sits in their wallet and jumps out at all those you spoke with when they think about who they met at the event. You don’t have to go utterly wild.
You just need to ensure you put a little time, care, and detail into your professional business card.
Think of your business card as an ambassador for you and your company. That means thinking about the color scheme, logo, font, bold lettering, front and back. What design you go with is up to you. Make sure you realize how much power and sway a business card holds.
Social media has somewhat taken over the world, and LinkedIn is the undisputed king of social media for business. Ensure your profile is current, looks professional, and sells who you are.
The great thing about LinkedIn is that you can connect with people after meeting at an event because it isn’t a ‘friend’ you are making here. It is a connection; once connected, you can keep your conversation going.
It is one of the most effective ways to build a strong relationship with other professionals, and it involves staying in contact with one another easily.
There are two simple ways to gain a reputation as a good conversationalist. The first is your ability to ask good questions, so prepare a bunch. This will make you feel more relaxed and more prepared. It will also help you break any awkward silences and help you continue conversations naturally.
The second rule to being a good conversationalist is being able to listen. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, so if you encourage the other person to keep talking, you will be remembered as a good conversationalist. The secret to this is being interested, and we mean genuinely interested.
People can tell when someone is switching off or just being polite for being polite. Engage with what is being said, and you will be fine.