The Art of Networking: 5 Tips to Effective Networking

/

I would consider myself an extrovert but even I get uncomfortable at marketing and networking events. I guess it’s the awkward small talk and the uneasy silence that makes me cringe. Networking is so much more than just company happy hours or a community service event. Networking can be done almost anywhere and at anytime. 

5tipstoeffectivenetworking

What is networking exactly?

According to Webster’s Dictionary. . . . 

net·work   netˌwərk/(verb)

gerund or present participle: networking

  1. connect as or operate with a network.
    • "the stock exchanges have proven to be resourceful in networking these deals"
  2. link (machines, especially computers) to operate interactively.
    • "networked workstations"
  3. interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one's career.
    • "the skills of networking, bargaining, and negotiation"

My definition:

Networking = The Art of Relationship Building

People buy from whom they trust. People only do business with people they think possess integrity! How do you build trust? You build trust by establishing and nurturing a relationship, a friendship. My first client in real estate was a referral from my financial planner. God is Good! I trusted my financial planner to invest my money successfully (very, very hard to do by the way) and he trusted me with one of his clients. I have truly experienced the positives of networking and being a friend first.

Let's look at some stats about how effective networking can be and the benefits of doing it THE RIGHT WAY! Right Management, an arm of the Milwaukee-based staffing giant Manpower Group, provides job placement and career coaching. 59,133 of their clients were surveyed and the data showed: 41% of Clients Landed a Job through Networking.

Concluding that making a human connection is the most effective way to land a job.

                                      2010                       2009                    2008

Networking                                                   41%                          45%                        41%

Internet Job Board                                       25%                          19%                        19%

Agency/Search firm                                      11%                           9%                          11%

Direct Approach                                            8%                           8%                          8%

Online Network (2010)                                  4%                           0                            0

Advertisement                                               2%                           7%                          7%

Other                                                              10%                        12%                          14%

Networking is really just starting a conversation! <a href='http://www.freepik.com/free-vector/people-social-media-interaction_715145.htm'>Designed by Freepik</a>

Networking is really just starting a conversation!

<a href='http://www.freepik.com/free-vector/people-social-media-interaction_715145.htm'>Designed by Freepik</a>

Here are 5 Tips to Effective Networking:

1. BE Yourself! You are awesome and have a lot to offer. People want authenticity! Networking is about building relationships and seeing if the two parties can mutually benefit from the relationship. 

2. Know the Goal! Is it Learning? Volunteering? Just a Social Event? Making contacts? I have noticed that knowing the objective makes it easier to navigate the event. How do you ask questions when your objective isn't clear?  Know before entering the event why you are in attendance. Goal example: I want to connect (name and email) with 5 people. If this is your goal, create a follow-up process as well. A follow up email and scheduling lunch with every contact made is "MY" goal. You need a clear and attainable GOAL!

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions. Don’t ask questions that can be answered with a simple YES or NO. Questions should ask the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW.

  • How long have you worked at State Farm? (Not So Good Question)
  • What role do you play in the A/R management division at Sony? (Great Question) It gives the person the opportunity to speak about themselves (every loves to talk about themselves) and gives you information to build a connection.

4. Know your Role! Have a clear understanding of your duties, responsibilities and your business/company. When you are absolutely sure of information, your confidence level increases and the information is easier to articulate to others.

5. Join a Group (Your city Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, church outreach ministry, etc) is a great way to network with like-minded people.

  • Visit a couple organizations to experience the tone and functionality of the group
  • Get Involved! Don’t just be a spectator but get in the race! This is an awesome way to stay visible and give back.

Quotes of the Day:

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” –Albert Einstein

“Love cannot remain by itself- it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.” –Mother Theresa

Things to Remember Before Attending Your Next Networking Event:

  1. Dress for Success
  2. Follow-Up.
  3. Be Prepared.
  4. Be On Time.
  5. Be Yourself.

Do you have more tips on networking to add?

Comment and Share below!

Thanks For Reading!