Networking. While some people love it, the mere word strikes a feeling of doom in others. At the same time, there’s no denying its importance. If you want to get ahead in the world of business, networking is a must. It serves as a gateway to a myriad of opportunities, opening doors to knowledge, projects, and connections that would have otherwise been inaccessible.
If you’ve been falling short on your networking efforts, it’s time to change this. Join Circle Hub as we share some top networking tips that can play a pivotal role in helping your business grow and succeed.
Create an Elevator Pitch
First and foremost, if you want to network effectively, you’ll need an elevator pitch. This is basically a 30-second spoken summary that you can use to introduce yourself and your business to someone new. It should be composed in a way that sparks interest and encourages further discussion about your concept/ideas. Keep it succinct but make it impactful – your elevator pitch will help you make a lasting first impression on whoever you’re speaking to.
Attend Networking Events
Networking events can seem quite intimidating at first, especially if you plan on attending them alone. However, they play a crucial role in networking. You’ll have access to an industry-specific group of people, all of whom are also looking to make new connections.
Make an effort to attend networking events regularly. Check local resources and online groups for upcoming events, and then spend some time researching the various attendees so that you know who to make a beeline for once you’re there. If formal networking events feel off-putting to you, look into some of the more casual alternatives out there. At Circle Hub, for example, we host a variety of informal events, such as yoga sessions and breakfast bars, that our members can attend free of charge.
Surround Yourself With Like-Minded Professionals
If you can’t bring yourself to attend networking events but would still like to grow your network, surrounding yourself with like-minded professionals would be a good way to go about things. This way, even a brief chat with the people around you could lead to new connections and opportunities.
Where do you find all of these like-minded professionals? Coworking spaces, like Circle Hub, are usually full of them. While some coworking spaces have a very niche clientele, ours is relatively diverse. You’ll be able to meet people from a variety of backgrounds, industries, and specialties. With several common areas to hang out in, you’ll find it easier than ever to make new contacts.
Know How to Present Yourself
It goes without saying that first impressions count. How you present yourself to others will significantly influence how you’re perceived. Since you want people to see you as a credible professional, make sure that this is the image you’re portraying.
How? Start by dressing the part and always ensure that you’re standing up when you first meet someone. A firm handshake is a must too. Ideally, you should make plenty of eye contact as well, not just during the initial greeting but also for the entire time in which you’re conversing with someone.
Try Ditching the Small Talk
Hate small talk? You’re not alone. Many people find it to be unnecessary and pointless. After all, it’s not emotionally or mentally stimulating in any way. However, try some in-person networking and you’ll likely be surrounded by it. If you really want to stand out, try ditching the small talk in favor of a more meaningful encounter. Studies show that the majority of people prefer deeper and more intimate conversations, even if they’re only meeting you for the first time.
How do you go about doing this? It all comes down to the questions that you ask the other person. For example, rather than simply asking someone what they do for a living, extend the question to also find out what they enjoy the most or the least about their job. Another question that’s commonly dished out is “where are you from?”. Again, expand on this. Ask about the various places that the person has traveled to and discuss the impact that those locations have had on them. While this will take some practice, it will make an incredible first impression!
Be a Good Listener
Of course, asking questions is only one aspect of holding a conversation. You also need to listen to the answers that you’re given. And when we say listen, we mean really listen! This may seem obvious but you’d be surprised by how many people seem to focus on sharing their own story when networking rather than properly concentrating on what the other person is saying.
Work on your listening skills and not only will you have a much more interesting conversation, but you’ll also be able to keep the person that you’re speaking to better engaged. This will enable you to form the foundations of a strong relationship.
Know When to End a Conversation
While having a few icebreakers up your sleeve that make it easy to start a conversation can be helpful, it’s also important to know when to end a conversation. Awkward silences are the worst – you don’t want to leave things on this note, especially if you’re hoping to hear from that person again in the future.
Ideally, once you feel that the conversation is coming to a natural close, start winding things up. Thank the other person for their time and show your appreciation for the conversation that you’ve just had. Don’t forget to exchange contact information too, so that, in the near future, you can pick up where you left off.
Always Have Business Cards on Hand
Business cards are a great way to quickly share contact information, making them something that you should have, especially if you’re trying to do more networking. The right business card will also make you seem more professional and credible while giving you an opportunity to show off your brand identity.
Physical business cards are still currently the way to go, although you may also want to have a digital version available. Many find these to be even more convenient, and the fact that you can add call-to-action buttons can really give you an edge when it comes to building new connections.
Be a Trusted Resource
Networking isn’t only about showcasing yourself – it can also be about helping others, and this is where your networking efforts will really stand out. If you can add value in some way to the life of the person that you’re speaking to, you’ll end up with a solid contact that sees you as a trusted and credible resource.
How can you do this? Sharing information is always a good way to get noticed. Maybe you have unique industry insights or experience that others can learn from. Either way, share your knowledge with others and they’ll be more likely to come back to you in the future.
Make the Most of Social Media
While face-to-face networking is important, digital networking is influential too. If you’re an introvert who can’t face the thought of real-life networking events, digital networking can be a great alternative.
Online connections can be very useful, so make sure that your social profiles are active and up-to-date. Seek out like-minded professionals and start a conversation with them, either with a direct message or by commenting on one of their posts. While you may never end up meeting some of your digital contacts, some of your connections could lead to in-person meetups and a plethora of future opportunities for your business.
Explore Niche Networks
When it comes to digital networking, some social platforms, such as LinkedIn, are known for being primarily populated with professionals. However, there are other, more niche, networks out there too, many of which are worth exploring. Whether you’re involved in IT, finance, marketing, or anything else, look for relevant networks that target your niche and make a name for yourself on them.
Take Notes
Once you get into the swing of things, you may find yourself slightly overwhelmed by all of the new contacts that you make! The last thing that you want to do is accidentally mix two people up or miss out on a useful connection because you forget about them.
This is where it can be useful to make some networking notes. Each time you establish a new connection, whether it be online or in real life, jot down a few key points about that person. Put together a file that you can turn to whenever you need to reach out to your network for something. Staying organized in this way will help make your networking efforts more efficient.
Keep in Touch With Your Network
Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about following up with your network. People often make some great contacts but then, over time, let these slide because they don’t put enough effort into maintaining those new relationships.
Ideally, you should reach out to a new contact within 48 hours of initially meeting them. Even if this is just a connection request on social media or a quick email thanking them for their time, putting the effort into keeping that relationship going will keep you fresh in your new contact’s mind. After this, aim to keep in touch with that person two or three times a year. Consistently interact with them and nurture your relationship. After all, you never know when it might become useful for your business!
Summary
While there are plenty of ways in which you can grow your business, networking tends to be one of the most successful. Sure, the thought of putting yourself out there can seem intimidating at first, but once you become accustomed to all that networking involves, it will quickly become second nature, enabling you to build new contacts and expand your professional network with ease.