Tips for Networking Success

Networking is essential for the success of almost any business or job search. Developing professional and personal relationships can help you find better deals, jobs, and new customers. Successful networking demands time, energy and sincerity. Many attempts at networking fail because people are more focused on making contacts than relationships. Too often people approach opportunities to network like they are trying to land a sale. Networking is about building relationships, and while these relationships should be mutually beneficial, they are still relationships. Examine your strengths and weaknesses, and follow a few tips for networking success.

Common Problems

Some people are naturally better at social networking than others. Not everyone is comfortable meeting strangers and starting conversations. Discomfort in social situations is obvious. For example, some people hesitate to connect out of fear. They fear being misunderstood or disliked. This panic creates awkward moments and tension that seems to confirm the fear. Remove some pressure and remember that some people will misunderstand you and others will dislike you. However, if you relax and be yourself, you will probably connect with some likeminded individuals.

Certain people overcompensate if they are uncomfortable in social settings. They come on too strong and scare people away. These people are like meeting stereotypical salespeople. You might make a lot of contacts if you introduce yourself to everyone, but you will probably not develop many real connections. Remember that it is the quality of your relationships that matter, not necessarily the quantity. Again, find the balance between being overbearing and antisocial.

Networking Tips

Networking is a two-way street. Hopefully, you can get some help from your connections, but you must not be too needy. You can build trust in the relationship by offering to help the people that you meet. This illustrates your sincerity, and if you do help new contacts they are likely to return the favor. Offers of help should extend beyond your target market; you never know when you need advice from someone in another field. On a similar note, be prepared to explain how a new contact could help you, if he or she offers. Blank stares do nothing to impress people. A successful networking relationship will help you by sharing valuable insight and information. A contact may share the name of a vendor with you who provides a greater selection with less expensive prices, or of a company that has the perfect position available. Learning valuable information through your associates is an age-old business practice.

You network everyday. Everyone that you meet is a potential connection. Do not waste an opportunity to make a good impression on people. You might not get a chance to redeem yourself. A stranger you meet today could be your boss in the future.

You can increase your network by joining different professional organizations or volunteering for charities. These are excellent places to meet new people and develop relationships. Be able to describe your position, your ambitions, your interests and your plans clearly, if you are asked about them. To discover more about those around you, ask open-ended questions and listen carefully.

When you do make a contact, follow-up with him or her quickly. Ignoring people will not convince them of your sincerity. Contact people in your network quickly, and stay in contact. Invite a person out for coffee. Call or send an email if you are busy. Just let people know that they are not forgotten.

Once relationships are established, offer to be a referral to people in your network, and ask them to do the same for you. Part of successful networking is how well it can increase your reputation outside of the network. People with whom you have a positive relationship will recommend you to people they know. When you are a referral for someone act quickly. Taking too much time can damage his or her chances and your networking connection.

Sincerity and responsibility are the keys to creating beneficial networking relationships. Regardless of which venue you use, people respond better when they sense that you are genuine. Connect with people who share your passions and your interests, not just people you believe can help you at the moment. Show interest in the lives of those around you, and be helpful. People will be drawn to you if you make yourself a resource for you network. Most will remember the favors you have done for them in the past and become resources for you in the future. Genuinely care about people and your networking will be successful.

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