Networking, everyone knows it, but how well you do it; is the point. Networking plays a special role when its job-hunting time. Bad networking is a situation when you associate networking with being all pushy and bearing. And, some people tend to hide away from networking because they don’t want to be labeled, as some sociopath. What we are going to learn is how to be good at networking, and connect to more and more good people.
You have to learn that networking is an ongoing process, which requires persistence, patience, attention, goodwill, and networking skills. Incorporating the skill of networking can get you great opportunities and build relationships that will last a lifetime.
Networking
The best way to explain networking is: Networking is a two-way street, where getting to connect to people by knowing them better, can be a great opportunity where they might be able to help you and how you can help them in return. A professional networking event is a great opportunity to present yourself, make new connections, and even find yourself a new job of your interest.
There are like, lakhs of organizations out there to give some rubbish advice; what it takes to be good at networking and blah blach... Since it lacks key information: what the average or an introvert person thinks it takes to be a better networker. Everyone knows networking in a way, but what it takes to successfully network.
Networking is all about connecting the dots, but to do that, you have to listen so you can help people make the connections they're looking for.
8 Tips To Be Good At Networking
1. Quantity is Such A Turnoff
Someone rephrased the people who think that connecting to more and more people will pave their way to success. But Quantity Networkers are forgettable individuals. Although, this piece of knowledge did hit me hard, so kindly take note of that. In fact, speed networking also does not yield the best return on your investment of time.
Some businessmen out there, still think that handing out business cards is some sort of networking. The answer will be a big “NO” because a good businessman will never want to do business with a card thruster.
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2. Good Listener
This point is the most favorite because being a good listener is such a turn on to every person saying his/her point. Good networking results when you know how well you can listen and learn, and faster you’ll establish a valuable relationship. A good networker has two ears and one mouth and should use them each proportionately. Listen to people's needs and concerns and find opportunities to help them.
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3. Follows Up Or Not
When you offer opportunities, whether it's a piece of information, a special contact, or a qualified business referral, to someone who consistently fails to follow up, then you have to realize that you have to stop wasting your time with the person. One respondent said that when it comes to networking, "The fortune lies in the follow-up" and that many people just "don't follow up anymore."
4. Be Yourself
Before diving into any tactical strategies, you have to learn that there is a pandemic hustling around the globe, and which is clearly seen in behaviors. When everyone is trying to become someone who they think that everyone will like, be yourself. Because, people enjoy talking to others, not spammy advertisements or built-up personas. Everyone wants real, living people.
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5. Set Realistic Expectations
If you really want to shine, prepare to fail a lot and then rebound with double energy. Before talking to someone, realize that the person you are trying to connect with has some purpose. People cannot help you if you don’t really know what you want. These are the worst type of networkers -- the people who only ask general questions without much substance. Come with a specific, concise question and you’ll find people are 10 times more likely to help you out.
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6. Leverage Social Media
Whether its marketing or networking, avoiding social media is such a backlash. Ensure that your online profile is always up-to-date. Recruiters often use social media platforms to probe potential candidates, and even to check out your skills and experience.
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It’s an effective way to get to know important and reasonable contacts. Seek out like-minded or key contacts you would like to know better within your LinkedIn profile. Hit a conversation with them, and try setting up a meaningful meeting. When you have the opportunity to meet them in person it will be easier to reference previous communications with them. Ensure that your online profile is always up-to-date. Recruiters often use social media platforms to probe potential candidates, and even to check out your skills and experience.
7. Respond To Others’ Challenges
There’s no better way to establish a business relationship than to contribute to the solution of your new contact’s pressing problem. When someone is facing a challenge, then just help them with something of value that addresses their issue.
8. Be Approachable
It’s a fact that people easily forget what you said and what you did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. So, the point is, when you’re approachable, people feel comfortable; and when they feel comfortable, new and effective bonds are born. That's why effective networking always starts with approachability.
Looking for a slogan to sum up quality networking? Try Haver’s: selectivity, discretion, mindfulness.
These few basic tips not only help you network with people but make an unbreakable bond with new opportunities. So, in the end, the quality-oriented networker, the thoughtful individual who always tries to give better than he gets, should have the advantage. Get out on your wagon of networking with the jingle bells, but ensure you are following these networking tips to make sure you are meeting people in the right way.
Author: Avantika Bhardwaj
Source : https://startuptalky.com/how-to-be-good-at-networking/
Date : 2020-09-01T14:42:00.000Z