Networking is the art of building and maintaining relationships with people who can help you achieve your personal or professional goals. Networking can help you find new opportunities, learn new skills, gain insights, and grow your reputation. Networking can also help you create value for others by sharing your knowledge, expertise, and resources.
Still, networking isn't something that happens just once or provides immediate solutions. It is a long-term process that requires planning, strategy, and etiquette. Networking is also not a one-size-fits-all activity. You have to tailor your approach to suit your personality, goals, and context.
In this blog post, we will share some of the best practices and tips on how to master the art of networking and building relationships in 2023. We will also highlight some of the common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid when networking.
The Dos of Networking
Here are some of the things you should do when networking:
Do set networking goals
Before you start networking, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and who you want to connect with. For example, do you want to find a mentor, a partner, a customer, or a referral? Do you want to learn about a specific topic, industry, or trend? Do you want to expand your network in a certain region, sector, or niche? Establishing concrete and attainable objectives will assist you in directing your endeavors and gauging your advancement.
Do search for connections online
The internet offers a plethora of platforms and tools to help you find and reach out to potential contacts. You can use social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Clubhouse to follow, comment, like, share, or message people who are relevant to your goals. You can also use online directories, databases, forums, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or webinars to identify and contact experts, influencers, thought leaders, or peers in your field of interest. You can also use online events, such as virtual conferences, workshops, seminars, or meetups to network with attendees and speakers.
Do ask your current network for contacts
One of the easiest ways to expand your network is to leverage your existing one. You can ask your friends, family, colleagues, classmates, alumni, mentors, or clients for introductions or referrals to people who can help you with your goals. You can also join or create groups or communities that are related to your interests or objectives. For example, you can join professional associations, industry organizations, alumni networks, or online groups on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Do consider your passions
Networking is not only about finding people who can benefit you professionally. It is also about finding people who share your passions and values. Networking with people who have similar interests or hobbies can help you build rapport and trust more easily. It can also make networking more fun and enjoyable. For example, if you love music, you can network with people who play instruments, sing songs
Do attend events and meet people in person
While online networking is convenient and effective, nothing can replace the value of face-to-face interactions. Meeting people in person can help you create a stronger impression, build deeper relationships, and convey your personality and emotions better. You can attend events such as conferences, workshops, seminars, trade shows, or networking sessions that are relevant to your goals or interests. You can also organize or participate in informal gatherings, such as coffee chats, lunches, dinners, or happy hours with your contacts or prospects.
Do prepare an elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a brief and compelling introduction of yourself, your goals, and your value proposition. It is a useful tool to capture the attention and interest of your contacts or prospects when you meet them for the first time. You can use your elevator pitch to start a conversation, explain what you do or offer, or express what you are looking for. Your elevator pitch should be concise, clear, and customized to your audience and context.
Do listen actively and ask open-ended questions
Networking is not only about talking, but also about listening. Listening actively and attentively to your contacts or prospects can help you understand their needs, challenges, goals, and interests better. It can also help you show your respect, empathy, and curiosity. Asking open-ended questions can help you elicit more information, insights, and opinions from your contacts or prospects. It can also help you keep the conversation flowing and engaging.
Do follow up and stay in touch
Networking does not end after the first meeting or interaction. You have to follow up and stay in touch with your contacts or prospects to maintain and strengthen the relationship. You can follow up by sending a thank-you note, expressing your appreciation, providing feedback, sharing relevant information or resources, or suggesting a next step. You can stay in touch by reaching out regularly, updating them on your progress, asking for their advice or input, inviting them to events or opportunities, or celebrating their achievements.
The Don’ts of Networking
Here are some of the things you should avoid when networking:
Don’t network only when you need something
Networking should not be a transactional or opportunistic activity. Networking should be a continuous and reciprocal process that creates value for both parties. Networking only when you need something can make you seem selfish, desperate, or insincere.
Additionally, it has the potential to harm your standing and trustworthiness. You should network proactively and consistently, even when you don’t have an immediate need or request.
Don’t spam or harass people
Networking should not be a numbers game or a mass marketing campaign. Networking should be a quality-oriented and personalized approach that respects the preferences and boundaries of your contacts or prospects. Spamming or harassing people with unsolicited messages, calls, emails, or invitations can annoy them and make them ignore you or block you. You should network strategically and respectfully, by targeting the right people.
Don’t network with everyone
Networking should not be a random or indiscriminate activity. Networking should be a selective and intentional activity that aligns with your goals and values. Networking with everyone can waste your time, energy, and resources. It can also dilute your focus and impact. You should network with people who are relevant, influential, or helpful to your objectives or interests.
Don’t be pushy or needy
Networking should not be a one-way or demanding activity. Networking should be a two-way or mutually beneficial activity that creates value for both parties. Being pushy or needy can make you seem aggressive, desperate, or unprofessional. It can also turn off your contacts or prospects and damage the relationship. You should network with tact and grace, by being polite, respectful, and courteous.
Don’t be fake or dishonest
Networking should not be a superficial or deceptive activity. Networking should be an authentic and sincere activity that builds trust and credibility. Being fake or dishonest can make you seem manipulative, untrustworthy, or unethical. It can also backfire on you and ruin your reputation and career. You should network with integrity and honesty, by being yourself, telling the truth, and keeping your promises.
Don’t forget to follow up and stay in touch
Networking should not be a short-term or one-off activity. Networking should be a long-term or ongoing activity that maintains and strengthens the relationship. Forgetting to follow up and stay in touch can make you seem uninterested, ungrateful, or unreliable. It can also weaken your connection and influence. You should network with consistency and commitment, by following up promptly, staying in touch regularly, and providing value continuously.
These are some of the dos and don’ts of networking and building relationships in 2023. By following these best practices and tips, you can master the art of networking and create a powerful network that can help you achieve your personal or professional goals.
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