If you took a poll of people and asked them what their biggest struggle was in achieving success, it's likely that many would point to the challenge of building the right connections. Networking is the key to securing resources, opportunities and advice, but for many, it’s a daunting prospect.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! Networking can be an enjoyable experience if you know how to approach it. In this article, I'm going to give you some tips on how to build successful connections and make networking work for you. We'll explore why networking is important, how to plan your approach, and what strategies you can use when interacting with contacts.
Are you ready? Let's get started!
Identifying Your Network Goals
You've likely heard the phrase “it’s not what you know; it's who you know” and while it may be a bit of an oversimplification, there is some truth to it. A successful network can be key to your success as a professional. But where do you start?
The first step is to identify your goals for building a network. What do you hope to achieve through this process? Are you looking for referrals, job leads, industry insights, new mentors or simply more friends with shared interests? It's important to identify why you want to build your network in the first place in order to focus your efforts in the right direction. Knowing what you want helps make sure your networking goals are clear and achievable.
Once you have identified the why behind your networking goals, it's time to figure out the how—and then start making those connections!
Types of Networking Events to Consider
The key to successful networking is to make meaningful connections with other people. And to do that, you need to know where to go and which types of networking events are best for you.
Of course there are the generic events, such as conferences and seminars. These can be great opportunities to get your message out and meet people in the same field. But if you really want to take your networking to the next level, consider these more targeted events:
Trade shows: These are typically industry-specific events, often sponsored by organizations or even governments. At these shows, you’ll have the chance to interact with suppliers and potential customers who may be interested in what you offer.
Meetups: These are held in a variety of settings such as pubs or cafes, making them a relaxed environment for connecting with like-minded professionals.
Social media: Platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter provide great opportunities for making connections with people all over the world from your computer or smartphone. You just need to take a bit of time each day reaching out and engaging in conversations with people in your field.
The take-away here is that regardless of which type of event you choose, investing time and effort into building relationships will help you create valuable connections that can lead to success down the road.
Leveraging Social Media Platforms
For modern network building, there's no better resource than social media. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram are all great options for connecting with potential contacts and growing your network. By leveraging these channels, you can surface relevant conversations, build relationships and increase your visibility in the industry.
And the best part? You don’t need massive resources to do it! You just need some creative thinking and energy — here are a few tips:
Get active on relevant hashtags — participating in conversations is key to engagement
Leverage groups — create or join a group related to your industry so that you can connect with potential contacts
Follow thought leaders — follow experts in your field to stay informed and up to date on the latest trends
Reach out and comment – reach out to people who post interesting content and comment on their posts
Post regularly — post helpful content that shows off your professional knowledge
Connect with influencers — get involved in conversations and offer to collaborate with influencers
Following these tips will help position you as an expert in a particular area of interest, making it easier for you to find new connections and build relationships with other professionals.
Tips for Making a Good Impression
Making a good first impression is critical when networking. After all, people don't want to be associated with someone who seems unreliable or unreliable. Here are some tips for making a good first impression:
Do your research. Make sure you know about the person or company you are connecting with before you approach them. This will help you make the most of your conversation and demonstrate that you are reliable and well-informed.
Show sincere interest in what others have to say. Ask thoughtful questions and be genuinely interested in their answers—you don't just want to hear yourself talk!
Be positive and confident. Don’t come across as sounding desperate, aggressive or impatient—keep it light and positive, but with confidence in what you have to offer without coming off as too pushy.
Dress appropriately for the occasion so that you look professional, prepared and respectful of those around you.
Keep it brief and follow through on any promises or commitments that are made during your conversations—this shows that you are trustworthy and reliable, which will go a long way toward impressing potential contacts.
Developing Professional Relationships
Building strong professional relationships takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. The connections you build can provide you with valuable feedback and advice, help you to develop new skills, and open doors to new opportunities.
Here are some tips to get your network rolling:
Build relationships with people who have a shared interest in the area of work you'd like to explore or focus on. You can find these types of people in professional associations, co-working spaces, or even at local business events.
Identify influencers and thought leaders in your field who can help elevate your visibility. By engaging with them on social media platforms or at conferences, you can increase your chances of making valuable connections.
Join online communities related to your industry as well as relevant brick-and-mortar businesses where people go to brainstorm ideas, learn more about their field, and talk about topics relevant to their work.
Ask questions and be sure to listen more than you talk! Listening is key when it comes to making meaningful conversations and lasting connections with influential people in your industry.
Finally, send personal emails or handwritten letters—the extra effort shows that you care and could lead to an invitation for coffee or lunch!
Staying Connected and Maintaining Relationships
The last step in building a successful network is to stay connected and maintain relationships. This may sound simple but it’s an important piece of the puzzle! Once you have connected with someone, it’s essential to stay in touch.
This can be achieved through regular communications and reminders of your presence that don’t feel like blatant self-promotion. Make sure your messages are focused on understanding the other person's needs and interests, as well as finding opportunities to help them out if possible, rather than a constant stream of sales pitches.
It is also important to develop relationships beyond networking events. For example, you can arrange coffee catch-ups or lunch break conversations with people in your network. Demonstrating that you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them better will help you build strong bonds with professionals in your field.
You can also use digital channels such as email, social media and video calls to keep relationships alive over time and stay up-to-date on their professional activities. Such actions prove that you are reliable and committed to building a strong business relationship with this person over time—which is exactly what successful networks are made of!
Bottom line
Building a strong network can take some time and effort, but the rewards are definitely worth it. Successful networking entails keeping in touch with the right people and fostering relationships. This can be done through social media interactions, attending conferences, and joining professional associations. You can also introduce yourself to other professionals in the industry and find mutual connections.
Remember, networking should work both ways: it's not just about what you can get from others, but also what you can offer. Developing strong relationships and actively helping others in their career will help you to build a successful network that will open doors for you in the future.
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