Have you ever thought about why networking is so important to
grow in your profession? How does it boost your business's growth? What can it
contribute to your journey of wealth creation?
It's a no-brainer, networking. It is not a surprise that tons of
people around us grew more due to their better professional connections.
Hundreds of candidates have been hired for really good roles in well-reputed
companies who possess less experience and expertise in comparison with those
who have more due to their excellent networking and interpersonal skills. We
have seen that the more influential candidate gets more votes in the election
than the others.
By networking, you not only get the golden opportunity to expand your knowledge base but also grow professionally, enjoy career advancements, and create wealth. Networking is the key to mutual benefits for both parties. People use the terms networking and number of connections interchangeably; however, these are not the same. Because good and healthy networking is like a door of opportunity for you. Now, it can be misunderstood here that the more doors you have, the more chances there are of someone knocking on your door, but the people who genuinely must be considered in your network are those with whom you share almost similar interests, who can help you gain knowledge, and who can help you grow professionally.
Also read : Things You Need to Consider as You Scale Your Business
Planning :
It is the first and most crucial part of networking, because it
needs to be clear in your mind whom you should approach, why you are connecting
with them, and what benefits you are expecting from this connection. So, it's
better to do your homework and make a list of people you want to network with.
For example, rather than sending the connection request to
anyone and everyone you see on LinkedIn, try to define your goal first and what
type of people can help you achieve that goal. If you are a software engineer,
it is better to optimize your LinkedIn and make connections with people who are
actually related to your field and can help you grow in your career.
The Better You Treat, The More They Speak :
It is always better to treat them well when it comes to actively
listening to them. Undoubtedly, it would not sound great if you made them feel
like you are more superior, knowledgeable, and professional as they are. So if
the person is talking to you, take advantage of it by asking more questions and
letting them speak more. Try to ask more about their journey, success story, and
opinions. One of the ways to keep your conversation alive is to talk about your
business.
Be Bold and Introduce Yourself :
It is quite normal to feel nervous when you are meeting someone
new to you. However, the most important thing is to break the ice. There are
several great people around us who have taught us how to present ourselves, how
to approach someone, how to break the ice, etc. The catch over here is to be
bold enough to take the initiative. Understand the environment, introduce
yourself, and ask the person you are with that
“ How do you want to be addressed ? “ because it may not sound
good if you start calling the person by their first name. Hence, taking
initiative and engaging the person is important.
Communicate Periodically :
Taking initiative and introducing yourself is indeed necessary,
but staying in contact and establishing frequent communication is also crucial
if you really want to be a good networker. Reaching out to someone, exchanging
names, and giving a brief introduction are not sufficient, but you regularly
need to communicate with them regarding anything you find relevant. For
example, connecting with someone on any social media platform is not the last
step; rather, it is better to stay active on their posts by making comments,
exchanging thoughts and opinions with them, writing them relevant emails, and
congratulating them on their work anniversary. These are some of the ways that
you can opt for better communication.
Admire Them :
Making people feel good is vital for stepping through doors that
have already been opened. Ways to praise someone include congratulating them on
their successes and thanking them for taking the time to chat with you. This
does not imply you should behave like a mad fan; instead, consider what you may
say to help the other person feel good about themselves.
Praise for your personal successes might set a competitive tone
in your talks. Maintaining a cool demeanor while praising others helps you look
self-assured and more deserving of future connections.
Remember, effective networking is about building meaningful
connections, fostering relationships, and providing mutual value. By
consistently investing time and effort into your network, you can unlock
numerous opportunities for business growth and wealth creation.