5 Effective and Do-Able Strategies for Business Networking

1. The Like-ability Factor

For networking success, it helps to be likable.  Let that warmer side of your personality out and smile. Networking is not a direct form of persuasion like selling.  Instead, networking is indirect and depends on building rapport and getting to know someone person-to-person.  Develop your charm quotient and be like-able to attract and engage others.

2. Focus Your Efforts

Focus comes from developing a sense of purpose and an overall plan for networking.  Planning lets you be crystal clear about whom, when and where you will network in order to achieve your goals.  Often we network in a rather haphazard fashion without a clear purpose and direction.  Little wonder if our networking time and efforts feel like we are spinning our wheels and getting nowhere.




Who do you need to know?  Have you got a Networking Plan for 2013?

3.     Diversity

Of course there are many different possibilities for networking.  Before the start of each month, decide and book your chosen networking activities into your calendar.  Naturally you will choose the place and time that is most appropriate to the person or group you are meeting.  Sometimes it will be a formal gathering such as a business luncheon, conference or industry event.  At other times, you will choose an informal setting such as meeting over a coffee or drinks. 

4.     Consistency

Make business networking a regular part of your weekly and monthly schedule.  Being a consistent networker means that you are planning and attending a set number of personal meetings and functions per month.  Consistent networking is far more effective than a pattern of intensively networking for a few months stopping for a few months, and then starting up again.

5.  Give Before You Get

Business networking is all about building and managing relationships.  If we approach it purely on the basis of what we can get out of it, our self-interest will inevitably show up in our verbal and non-verbal behaviours. 

Instead of self-absorption, look for ways to help the people you want to get to know before you ask them for something for you or your organisation.  What should you give away?  Give items that are important and will add value for the other person or group such as information, resources and qualified referrals.  These are items that don’t cost or disadvantage you, apart from your time.  When you give, you will be remembered and appreciated for your thoughtfulness.

To your Networking Success,

Lynne

Lynne Lloyd

Managing Director 
People Results 
1300 167 981 
enquiries@peopleresults.com.au 
www.peopleresults.com.au 

p.s. Would you like to develop or refresh your networking strategies and skills? Join us for the People Results’ Networking Plus Half-Day workshop in Brisbane on Tuesday, 12th March 2013; click here for details and how to register.