Whether you are a career person or an entrepreneur running your own business, you’d definitely need something from someone at some point in time. This can be made easier when you have a good network. Networking can easily be defined as any opportunity you have to meet people pursuing similar interests to your own. Networking is not just a good thing, it is essential to building a successful career.
Most professionals don’t do enough networking and their worst business networking mistake is that they don’t build a professional network until they really need one – and that’s a bit late.
Don’t wait till its too late. Build up your network today while keeping these in mind:
1. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for.
2. Start with people you know, then expand to their acquaintances and finally strangers after the process becomes second nature.
3. When approaching someone, be as open as you can with your body language. Make an effort to listen and ask questions without interrupting them. Focus fully on the speaker and make an effort to move the conversation along.
4. Aim for a diverse group of people from whom you can learn. Other business people and professionals have much to teach and share when an individual is open to learning and change ideas.
5. People won’t remember who you are or what you do if you don’t give them a way to do so. This is why business cards, postcards and even emails exist. Yes, emails. A quick, professional email stating how great it was to meet someone is more than enough to make a lasting impression.
6. Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.
The weekend is always a good time for meeting new people so when you step out for that social event soon, don’t just party for fun. Build up your professional network too!
Have a lovely Friday.
SL Fabz, share with me. How has good networking helped your career or business? Have you ever met someone outside your work place who you later did business with or who helped your career in any way?
4 Comments
RANDOLPH ROGERS
March 6, 2015 at 7:26 pmI admired the late president John F. Kennedy. He was a broad stryne expressionist. His experiences and personal knowledge with his engaging speaking dtyle, made him a treasure trove for any enthusiast who want to feel what he was really like out there with other heads of states. I was impressed and very grateful. In business there is no one size fits all. Every coporation has their own business ethics that they apply to suit themselves. One should create defensible Nich Markets on a glodal basis by providing unique and innovative products, support and services. Therefore, Your mission is to be the leading provider of all your products solutions for the product and life science Marketing Research. CORE BELIEFS AND VALUES. (1) SERVE THE CUSTOMER ABOVE ALL ELSE. (2) HARD WORK AND TEAM PRODUCTIVITY. (3) NEVER BEING SATISFIED. (4) EXCELLENCE IN REPUTATION BEING PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL. (5) WINNING-BEATING OTHER’S OR YOUR COMPETITORS IN A FIGHT FOR RECOGNITION. APPEARANCE CATCHES THE EYES BUT PERSONALITY CATCHES THE HEART.
Blended-iD
March 10, 2015 at 5:20 amThere is nothing like know how to be a good boss/entrepreneur after you’ve learned all you can about networking.
montero
March 10, 2015 at 9:50 amMucho gracias
RANDOLPH ROGERS
March 12, 2015 at 2:32 pmWe have discussed working relations before but we must continue with the subject. (Take charge of yourself at work). Taking responsibility for yourself means that you must pay attention to every aspect of your life. Many people have ecpressed concern about how they can be fully responsible for themselves at work, especially if they are not in a position of authority. They sometimes fall into the trap of believing that they have little or no control. On the surface, this appears true. We work in the context of organizational structures that have rules and regulations as well as people in positions with power whose function is it to interprete thoes rules. Depending on the temperament and conscience of those in power, it can be comfortable or uncomfortable for an employee to manage through the day. This is true in any situation. A fair judge in court can help to figure out an honorable solution to a grievance. Employers try and make employees feel that they belong in your employ.