Even if you’re a friendly individual who has good relationships with people, you might still be an introvert who has trouble networking. In today’s business world, communicating and making contacts is everything, and just about everybody has to do it. Below are five tips on how to get connected to the right people:
Networking Tip #1: Make a List of Everybody You Know
Everyone you know who is relevant to your professional life, that is. Keep an alphabetical record of their names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails. Every few weeks, randomly select one of these names and make contact with that individual over the phone or over lunch. YouÕll be surprised at how these informal meetings will open the door to new possibilities.
Networking Tip #2: Don’t wait
Too often, people wait until they are looking for a new job to start networking. DonÕt fall into this trap à you should be networking on a daily basis, creating contacts and opportunities for yourself while youÕre still employed.
Networking Tip #3: Have Long-Term Relationships with your Contacts
Don’t use your contacts and then leave them when you’ve got everything you need. Send thank-you notes and follow up with your contacts if they’ve recommended your name to someone or given you advice. Keep your contacts in the loop if they’ve helped you out, because they’ll be more likely to provide assistance in the future.
Networking Tip #4: Be a Resource for Others
Increase your visibility by becoming known as someone who is a powerful resource. This way, people will come to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. In turn, they will remember your name and mention it to others.
Networking Tip #5: Set Goals
Many people fear networking because it often involves approaching a stranger and forming a face-to-face professional relationship. For a lucky few, this is a natural talent. For most, however, creating these new relationships is a skill that takes a lot of practice. Set networking goals for yourself: You might try committing yourself to meeting 3 new people and reconnecting with 3 people at the next function you attend. Instead of being a wallflower, take a risk and spend some energy getting to know someone new.
You have to give before you get. Many people think networking consists of collecting contacts and then only calling them when you need a favor. No, it doesn’t work that way. For networking to work and be fair, you must develop you contacts over time and find ways to help these contacts well before you need their help.
I used these tips when I need a job when I was made redundant many years ago. Your tip #1 in tougher times is a must. You must list *everyone* you know – business or otherwise – as you say, you never know what may come from it, and I actually received a long term contract from someone I just contacted on the “off chance” and to catch up with things…..
Michael,
To me, the most difficult networking tip to do is #3 – long term relationship building is an art 🙂
Thanks for the tips!
#3 has always been the most effective for me. I make it a point to stay in touch. I enjoy being pro-active. People enjoy the fact that you respect them enough to stay in touch and offer your assistance.
Networking is all about them.
I always used to hate the idea of networking probably as so many people try to ‘sell’ you something on meeting you and I for one certainly do not like to be sold to.
I always got pitched to as people found out I was on the board of a division of a FTSE 20 company.
It wasn’t until I set up my own business that I realised that the secret to successful networking was building relationships. Now I love networking and even teach people how to use networking as part of their brand engagement strategy.
But what I needed to do in the first instance was change my own mindset about networking and it’s value.
Certainly in Europe business networking is not something that many businesses invest in developing as a skill for their leaders.
Done right it’s certainly a strategy that will help us ride the recesssion.
Thanks some good points. I think people don’t like networking and sales in general as they fear rejection.
Once you get past that and the fact not everyone will like you all is good
Michael,
Great post. #4 is often overlooked but arguably one of the most important. I always make it a point to help as often/much as I can, and it always pays off – even if it’s years later.
Number 1 takes commitment. I find it really hard to meet up with many people who I’ve met over the years. To help this one though, I find creating groups of people in Facebook and adding people to Linked In can really help you manage contact details and build relationships.