Is there anything more essential to business than networking? I personally think not. Unfortunately, ‘networking’ has become kind of a dirty word in recent years, quite often seen as a synonym for freeloading and using others when at its core, that simply isn’t true.
Essentially, networking is about learning things from others that you wouldn’t be able to learn from simple research or online canvassing. Let’s face it – people need people. This is true in any situation, but it’s especially cutting advice when it comes to business, where shared wisdom, experience and practical insights help you make more informed decisions, shorten the routes you need to take to realise your goals and give you access to the right resources. Building strong bonds with others is key to developing a sustainable business and corporate life.
Networking is important whether we like it or not. One way or another we will deal with others, and that’s why we need to make sure those interactions matter. At the same time, it’s important that those interactions matter to the people we meet as well. So, here are a few ways to supercharge your networking skills:
1. Be Specific About Your Connections
So you want to break into a certain industry, or perhaps you’re already in that industry. The best way to get to the top is by making sure that you network through your industry. In networking, you need to know who’s involved with your goals. You need to find people whose expertise or services are beneficial to what you want to achieve. Otherwise, you’re just wasting everyone’s time.
This isn’t to say that businesses can’t intersect or that you need to network solely within your industry. What it is saying, however, is that it’s important for you to recognise your goals and reach out to the specific people or communities who can help you see them through.
2. Understand That Intimacy Goes Beyond Social Media
As I’ve said earlier, networking has kind of become a repulsive term for some people. This is mostly due to the false notion of networking being about using others for your own gain. We also cannot disregard the caution that networking might conjure, where it gets many important people on edge about having to encounter possible leeches or freeloaders.
This is what makes intimacy such a big deal. If you know the person you’re networking with and make efforts to sustain positive interactions with them, that makes it a lot likelier to have deals with them in the future, and stronger deals at that.
But how do you get intimate with someone? For starters, you can’t just have their number or be Twitter mutual followers and call that intimacy. Numbers can be changed, and accounts can be followed without ever leading to anything more than that. What’s important is that you develop a strong relationship, where you make them feel valued. That means letting them know that they’re more than just a contact in your list, but someone with whom you wish to continue communicating with and learning from.
Spare some time to touch base once in a while. Leave an encouraging comment or useful feedback on an article they’ve just posted on LinkedIn or invite them to a discussion group that you’re heading on Facebook. Simple greetings on holidays or special occasions can also go a long way in making sure that people remember you and find you trustworthy. The best way to seem genuine is by being present and authentic in your interactions – show others that their work, insights and growth (personal or professional) matter to you, and when you take the time to give love and attention, you’re likely to get the same in return.
3. Give as Much as (Or More Than) You Receive
When you network with someone, it isn’t just about extending a bridge from you to them. It has to go both ways. When you network, you need to show people that you’re capable of bringing value to the table. You need to make sure you have something to offer every single person you network with. If you feel like there isn’t, then be the person who’s always willing to ask, “What can I do for you?”
We appreciate interacting with others with long-term and wider perspectives of the world, those who offer value and knowledge that are not necessarily available from our own experiences. So as much as you look to gain from your various exchanges with others, also seek to give as much as you can. The more you give, the more people will see that you don’t just take. And through this, the more people will be willing to see that you are also a valuable network for years to come.
To your success,
Mario
[Visit www.mariosingh.com now to enjoy a FREE e-book of my latest “37 Essential Principles for Massive Success” when you subscribe!]
