Anyone who thinks that doing good networking is just exchanging business cardas at an event is very wrong.
Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to make real friends at events like these? It's because most people are only interested in talking about themselves. While few are those who are open to listening and making true connections. The great challenge of networking lies on how to create a real and durable connection. Here are some practices that can be useful.
Before starting, it is important to emphasize that the act of networking is a fundamental part of a successful life. Your connections say a lot about you and reflect what you spread out in the world. Plus, good networking allows you to always get closer to the best opportunities when they arise.
Your connections say a lot about you and reflect what you spread out in the world.
In the book "Never Lunch Alone", the authors describe in a very unique way, the “networking idiots”, who are those business card collectors who are always on the lookout for a victim to deliver cards and don't care about establishing relationships.
1. Ask, help, be interested
The key tip for good networking is: Ask. Ask about the person you're talking and grant him your sincere listening. Let the person feel free to talk about themselves and show them how interesting they are.
Another way to get someone's attention is to help. Make yourself available to help with a task or even a kindness. This attitude creates true connections.
2. Say yes. Be open to opportunities
Good networking always starts with a yes. Say yes when someone proposes a next meeting even if it is for presenting their product.
That doesn't mean, of course, that you have to go everywhere by accident. But, rather, to believe that every outing is an opportunity and that each conversation can change lives: both yours and those you are close to.
3. Show yourself to the world and make real connections
True connections are often the ones that will end up giving returns in the future. The more poeple know you and know what you do and how you behave the more oipportunities you will have in the future. People also tend to establish bridges between friends. One that awakens sincere interest in others will keep establishing communication with opportunities. As an example, the words of Roberto Shinyashiki: “You earn much more by being interested in someone than by being interesting to someone.”
4. Don't ignore online and social media tools
We have in our hands some powerful tools to keep in touch: our social networks. Don't give up using them intelligently with whoever you network with. However, be cordial and use the rules of etiquette for these platforms. Here are some useful tips: