The rise of the Internet and online forums has added another dimension to business networking but it would be a mistake to rely on it completely. The online world can be impersonal which is why face-to-face networking is still so important for building and sustaining relationships in all spheres of life ranging from the personal to business.
There are many opportunities for business networking ranging from conferences, meetings, industry celebrations and even organised networking events. There is a lot to business networking but there are a couple of things that the smart networker can do to maximise the benefit they gain from the time and effort they put in:
- They will take advantage of any new opportunities to network but will be selective when picking which ones to focus on long-term. The trick is to identify gatherings where potential clients and/or allies may be found and not waste time on other events.
- They will realise that networking is about building supportive relationships over time and not just about getting lots of business quickly. They will realise that beneficial relationships take time to build and that the time is well spent.
- They will prepare properly before attending networking events which will generally include:
- Dressing neatly and wearing a name badge
- Having an adequate stock of business cards available for anyone who asks
- Preparing and rehearsing a 20-30 second elevator speech that can be used whenever somebody asks: “So what do you do?”
- They will not monopolise the conversation or attempt a hard-sell. They will ask questions and listen closely to the answers to find out about the other person and their problems. The smart networker will try and help solve those problems even if there is no immediate benefit to them in doing so. They never forget that the surest way to receive is to give first.
I believe strongly in forging mutual relationships that lead to building effective businesses together.
