How to Improve Your Networking Skills
Networking is a crucial skill for business professionals, entrepreneurs and executives. While online interactions have become more commonplace, the importance of old-fashioned, in-person networking has not diminished. Face-to-face conversations allow for deeper connections and help build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. The tips outlined below will help refine your approach, so you can become a networking pro.
[Image source: Deposit photos]
The Benefits of In-Person Networking
While online interactions have their place, there remains no substitute for in-person networking when it comes to making meaningful connections and advancing your career. Firstly, face-to-face networking allows for more meaningful conversations. During an in-person conversation, you have the full attention of others.
You can have an interactive, back-and-forth dialogue and allow conversations to develop organically. This often leads to more meaningful interactions compared to short, distracted chats online. It also provides opportunities to showcase soft skills like empathy, patience and personality which tend to shine through better during live interactions.
You can get a sense of someone's mannerisms, passion and communication abilities more easily in person. When networking in person, you can gauge nonverbal cues which help establish deeper connections.
It’s also easier to build trust and rapport in person. Developing a sense of trust is important for impactful networking. People often find it easier to establish trust and rapport through in-person interactions, compared to impersonal online networking.
Subtle Ways to Network and Make Connections
Networking doesn't have to feel forced or sales-focused. There are many organic ways to expand your professional network subtly:
Sporting events and meetups
Join a local sports team to meet new people in a relaxed setting, or arrange sporting activities with those you want to connect with such as a round of golf. It enables you to talk business on the greens, in a casual setting, rather than in stuffy boardrooms.
“While many may assume golf is more of a man’s sport, statistics actually show that women who choose to use the sport for business are more likely to close deals with potential clients”, according to Golf Swing Systems, “This is said to be because of the increased level of rapport and trust that enjoying a round or two of golf can build”.
[Image source: Deposit photos]
Volunteering
Find volunteer opportunities through professional associations or non-profits in your community. You can contribute your skills and meet other passionate people when volunteering for a cause. This can lead to meaningful relationships and also builds your personal reputation at the same time.
Professional Associations
Conferences are a common choice for networking, but industry associations or professional groups in your industry are another brilliant way to meet like-minded people. As one executive coach explains, professional bodies allow you to “stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments, gain insights into customer preferences and needs, and establish partnerships that can lead to new sales channels or distribution networks”.
Be sure to attend association networking events, conferences and seminars to stay educated and build your network.
Approach networking as a lifelong endeavour to continually develop. Refine your abilities to create meaningful connections, establish trust and uncover shared goals. With regular practice and a genuine interest in people, your networking skills are sure to grow.