It can be nerve-wracking to meet new people in business. You’re meeting new people, asking them questions, and hoping they like you as much as you like them. If you’re new to business networking, you don’t want to seem awkward or fake. That’s why it’s so important to know how to do it right. Business networking isn’t something everyone is naturally good at, but it doesn’t have to be hard either. If you want your business to grow, you will have to network. The sooner you realize this, the easier it will be for you in the long run. Here are some tips on how to network well and make money from it:
Be a link, not a question-asker, first.
You want to find a way to get someone to talk about themselves when you meet them for the first time. This is done by asking the other person questions and getting them to talk. But you should do this in a way that isn’t all about you. When you’re just starting out, you might want to practice using “connectors” like “What do you do?” “Where are you from?” is a better question than “What do you think of X?” or “Why do you do what you do?” This can be helpful because you don’t have to worry about being too direct at first. You don’t have to force people to tell you things because that’s usually the first thing they try to do.
Building relationships is what networking is all about.
Networking is mostly about getting to know people. It’s not about getting specific answers from people or asking for jobs. When you network, you should highlight how you help other people. You can do this by asking, “How’s that project coming along?” or “How’s your business?” Both of these questions are open-ended, so you can learn about people’s projects and businesses and also show how helpful you are. You can also use the people you know to find ways to help. Let’s say you’re meeting someone you know well from a business. You can offer to find out how to get in touch with them or find them a referral. By doing this, you are building a relationship that could pay off even more in the future.
Don’t network just for the sake of networking; find people who can help you.
Most people think that every event or gathering they go to is an opportunity to network and meet new people. Almost never is this true. When you network, you look for the right people for your situation and field. If you work in a small market or business, some of the people you meet may not be important to you at all. You should start by writing down who you know in your network, who you haven’t met yet, and who you know who has been successful. Use this list to start reaching out to people in your network and asking them to connect with others. You can also search for people in your network by name on LinkedIn.
Show your worth before you ask for something.
Before you ask someone for a connection, you should always try to show that you are a valuable person. Finding ways to help people in your network is the easiest way to do this. As you do this, people in your network will start to think of you as someone who is willing and able to help others. This builds your reputation before you even ask, which makes it easier for the person you’re asking to give you an introduction.
Business networking is about helping people in your industry and making connections with people outside of your industry. You can do this by finding ways to help, showing how knowledgeable you are, and getting to know people you haven’t met yet. Networking isn’t something that everyone is naturally good at, but it doesn’t have to be hard either. With some practice and patience, you can make connections that can help your business grow.
by @MarkPavelich CEO The Mark Consulting & Marketing