Business networking is one of the practical tools to make your company grow. It also provides a platform to build connections and meet like-minded people for development and success, both individually and professionally.
Even if most people think that networking is all about asking for favors, every successful networker knows that networking doesn’t revolve around them. Generally, business networking is about building trust and relationships with other business owners.
A key aspect of successful business networking is helping others with their needs. This is why you’ll find that some effective networkers are frequently connectors who strive to help others by promoting other business and events, providing testimonials, or referring clients.
If you have your digital business cards ready and want to grow your network effectively, here are some of the tips for successful business networking:
1. Perfect Your Introduction
One of the ways to ensure you feel confident about speaking to others at any networking event is to prepare an engaging and brief introduction. It doesn’t mean writing a long script but having a grasp of what you wish to say when introducing yourself.
Your introduction must be brief and convey important pieces of information about you in an interesting and positive way. In your introduction, you might want to include the following:
- Name;
- Occupation;
- Current or past organizations and what they do;
- Your purpose for attending the event; and so on.
These are some of the many things you can include in your introduction. But regardless of the information, you want to share while introducing yourself, make it brief and concise.
2. Attend Every Business Networking Event
Another networking must-do is to know where to go when making some connections. While almost all events or activities can serve as networking opportunities, professionals and business owners can benefit from attending every networking event.
For instance, your region’s chamber of commerce could host events or gatherings for those who are in the business industry. While some may think that attending such events can be a waste of time, it can benefit your business over time, especially if you have excellent networking skills.
3. Dress To Impress
Feeling and looking good is crucial to networking with confidence. It doesn’t mean you need to wear a luxurious suit. Appropriate and clean attire is always the ideal way to present yourself to others. Having a professionally produced name badge on your outfit can make others approach you quickly too and avoid awkwardness while recalling your name – this may help with your introduction.
4. Avoid Focusing On What You Want
Smart networking is based on mutual benefits. You help, and others will help you back. Since you want to connect, you should be the one to start a win-win relationship by adding value to the other individual’s life.
Focusing on others’ needs can be beneficial. Business networking shouldn’t be above what’s in it for you. The best approach is to network for value and adopt a mentality that focuses on what’s in it for them. Once you do this effectively, you’ll stand out in the crowd.
5. Use Conversational Icebreakers
Use icebreakers to make a lasting first impression, and consider opening conversations with a compliment. For instance, you can compliment the person next to you that you like their fashion sense or accessories. You can also ask questions that allow them to open up about themselves. Its purpose isn’t to interrogate them but to know more about them, sparking a more in-depth conversation.
6. Develop Relationships
Business networking isn’t about selling. It’s best for developing relationships that may result in referrals or sales. The idea is to let others know about you and your business and get to know more about them.
People often approach networking to get clients or make sales after a visit to appropriate groups. But it’s never how it works. Some people do business with individuals they trust and know, and it may take time to build up that trust and knowledge. Therefore, approach networking events without expecting a new connection or business. Instead, use networking to develop relationships and get to know others more.
7. Establish Your Reputation
In professional business networking, most people prefer building relationships with those they consider valuable. By establishing a reputation as valuable, talented, and helpful, people are more motivated to stay in touch and meet you. As a result, you’ll create a master network.
8. Take A Varied Approach
One of the effective ways to ensure successful business networking is taking a varied approach. For example, engage in both face-to-face and online networking.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial that your networking method is appropriate to the circumstances. For instance, when you’re re-establishing connections with former clients, arranging face-to-face meetings is more effective than sending them brief emails.
Plus, it’s an excellent practice to create a varied network. It doesn’t mean connecting with as many individuals as possible but creating relationships with people in other relevant industries and professionals. A broad network will give you access to various points of view and different expertise. Lastly, it’ll help you establish commercial awareness, which is a plus for your business’s growth.
9. Find A Reason To Follow Up
Creating connections isn’t easy. You should take more steps to keep the relationships going. Even though you’re not looking for a job or an investor, do your best to reach out to your potential contacts several times to follow up. You can forward relevant articles, send a friendly note, or invite them to a conference or seminar.
10. Stay In Touch
Maintaining your current network is as essential as growing it. If you haven’t been in touch with your network recently, consider sending them an email or having a meeting with them to catch up. Nurturing relationships can help ensure they remain beneficial and effective over time.
When staying in touch with your network, it’s crucial to strike the perfect balance and leave enough time between interactions with them. Remember that almost everyone is busy and might not have the opportunity to respond immediately. If you leave a message or send an email to someone and it’s not urgent, give them several days to respond before you try again.
Conclusion
Business networking is an art that takes time and effort. Don’t be shy, and be bold enough to step forward into other people’s world. Remember that other business owners also look for connections. If you want to be one of their connections and grow your network, follow the above mentioned tips properly and get the desired results.
