Business networking is a scary world! Are you sick of feeling like an outcast at networking events? Do you dislike making small talk with complete strangers? Worry no more! We’re here to make networking enjoyable and simple.
Consider us your business networking coaches, here to educate you how to make connections like a pro. We’ve got you covered on everything from networking events to internet networking methods. Our blog is jam packed with strategies to help you stand out and leave a lasting impression.
But we’re not just here to teach you the fundamentals; we’re also here to help you take your networking skills to the next level. We’ll teach you all you need to know about networking, from perfecting the elevator pitch to following up like a boss.
What is Networking?
Business networking is when you meet and connect with other people or organizations in your field. This can mean getting in touch with possible customers, partners, suppliers, or other leaders in your field. The goal of business networking is to make helpful connections that can lead to new business opportunities, more visibility, and professional growth.
There are a few reasons why business networking is a good idea. It can help you find new customers, for starters. By getting to know other businesses and professionals and making connections with them, you can improve your chances of getting new customers. Second, it can help you connect with other professionals and learn new skills and keep up with trends in your field. Third, it can help you find new partners or suppliers who can help your business grow. Lastly, it can help you become more known in your industry, which can lead to new business opportunities. Let’s look at the tips we’ve curated to have a solid business networking experience.
1. Be prepared with a clear elevator pitch about yourself and your business
An “elevator pitch” is a short, convincing speech you can give to get people interested in you or your business. It should be short, easy to understand, and easy to remember, and it should be able to be said in the time it takes to ride an elevator (typically around 30 seconds to 2 minutes).
When making an elevator pitch, you should focus on what makes your business or personal brand special. This could be your products or services, the problem you solve for customers, or your unique approach or philosophy. For example, if you are a personal trainer, you could talk about how good you are at a certain type of training, like improving athletic performance or helping people get better after an injury. Or, if you own a small bakery, you could highlight the fact that you use ingredients from your area or that your baked goods have unique tastes.
It’s also important for your elevator pitch to have a “call to action.” This could be a request to find out more, set up a meeting, or try out a product or service. Short words may not seem like much, yet they can make a big difference in the first discussions you have with someone. If you know how to make your pitch, you may turn a one-on-one meeting with a potential client into a lifelong client or even a joint venture partner.
Basically, anyone who wants to promote themselves or their business needs to have a well-thought-out “elevator pitch.” Focusing on what makes your business unique and including a call to action will help you make a pitch that is convincing and memorable. This will get people interested and start a conversation.
2. Build relationships by offering help and value before asking for something in return
Getting to know people through networking is an important part of both professional and personal growth. One of the best ways to build strong relationships is to help and give value before you ask for something in return. This method is based on the idea that people are more likely to help others who have helped them first.
Sharing your knowledge and skills with other people is one way to help them and add value. This could be done by offering to be a mentor to someone in your field or by sharing news or resources about your field. You can also help someone by putting them in touch with people in your network who could be useful contacts for them. By helping other people build their networks, you are also building your own and becoming a valuable resource.
Helping people solve problems or get past problems is another way to add value. This could mean offering to help with a certain project or giving feedback on a business plan. By showing that you can help other people, you set yourself up as a valuable contact who can help them reach their goals.
When you offer help and value, you should be sincere and make sure you are not looking for something in return. Helping other people shouldn’t be done to get something for yourself. Instead, it should be done because you want to help and support them. The relationship should be based on trust and not on transactions.
3. Network both online and offline to reach a wider audience
Whether you’re trying to build your brand as a company or as an individual, networking is crucial. By establishing and maintaining contacts with other individuals and groups, you can increase your visibility and impact. Both online and offline networking opportunities are valuable in their own ways.
Traditional networking has always taken place in person, or “offline.” It entails going to in-person gatherings like conferences, trade exhibitions, and networking events to make new connections with people in your field. When compared to online connections, the personal ones you can cultivate through offline networking will likely prove more important and enduring.
In contrast, social media, online forums, and other digital platforms are used for online networking. With online networking, you can save time and money by not having to leave your house. It opens doors to folks you wouldn’t otherwise meet, whether they’re in a different country or a different field. In addition to expanding your audience, this can boost your credibility as a subject matter expert.
Furthermore, social media is a fantastic business networking tool because it facilitates connections on both a personal and professional level. LinkedIn, for instance, is a site for professionals to meet one another and talk shop, so that everyone can learn from one another’s expertise and experiences. Twitter is an excellent medium for making connections with like-minded professionals and exchanging useful information and links.
As a whole, networking is a potent method for expanding one’s sphere of influence and generating new leads and customers. Making the most of every opportunity to engage with others, whether it be online or in person, is crucial to the networking process, which is a never-ending cycle of learning and development.
4. Follow up with new contacts within 24 hours while the conversation is still fresh
Communicating with those you’ve met at networking events thereafter is crucial to keeping those relationships flourishing. This might help you gain the other person’s trust and credibility because it reveals your sincerity and dedication to the connection. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going and make a connection. Here are some ideas on how to follow up well:
Send a personalized email or message: Send a personalized email or message to the people you met, mentioning something specific you talked about. This will prove that you were listening and that you want to get to know the person better.
Keep it short and sweet: Your follow-up message should be short and to the point. Don’t send long emails or messages because they can be too much for the person receiving them.
Offer something of value: In your follow-up message, include something of value, like an article or resource you think the person might find interesting or useful.
Plan your next step: In your follow-up message, suggest a next step, like setting up a call or meeting to talk about a certain topic in more depth.
Send a LinkedIn connection request: You could also send a LinkedIn connection request. This will let you connect with the person on a professional platform and make it easier to stay in touch in the future.
Be prompt: Make sure to follow up within 24 hours, while the conversation is still fresh in your and the other person’s minds.
Be persistent, but don’t be pushy: Don’t give up if the person doesn’t answer your follow-up message. Try to get in touch with them again in a few days, but don’t be too pushy.
5. Be genuinely interested in others and ask questions to learn more about them
Just like any relationship, it takes effort and genuine interest to make it work. Asking someone in-depth, open-ended inquiries about themselves demonstrates genuine interest in them.
Using inquiries as a means to learn more about the other person is a smart strategy. It demonstrates your interest and curiosity in the topic at hand. The more you know about the other person, the more you can adjust your approach to the conversation and, maybe, uncover some common ground or prospects for collaboration.
As an added bonus, people are more likely to be interested in you when you show them genuine curiosity about them. If you genuinely care about another person, you’ll have an easier time connecting with them. Trust and credibility are the cornerstones of any successful business relationship, and they are easier to earn when you demonstrate a genuine interest in the other party.
So the next time you’re out networking, make an effort to show real curiosity about the other people you meet and ask them questions. Not only will this help you form deeper bonds with others, but it will also make the encounter that much more pleasurable.
6. Attend business networking events that are relevant to your industry or target market
Going to networking events that are related to your industry or target market is like going on a treasure hunt. And the treasure you want to find is good connections and chances. Do research on upcoming events in your industry or target market by checking the websites of professional associations, industry publications, and event listing websites.
You should meticulously choose which business networking events to go to, just like a treasure hunter carefully chooses where to look. If you work in the tech industry, it wouldn’t be the best use of your time to go to a networking event for accountants. But if you go to an event for tech professionals, you’re more likely to meet useful people and find possible business opportunities.
If you plant a seed in a place where the soil isn’t right, it won’t grow well. In the same way, you should go to events that are related to your industry or target market so that you can meet the right people. If you can’t find relevant networking events, you might want to organize your own. This can be a great way to meet people in your industry or target market and show that you are an expert in your field.
By doing these things, you’ll be able to attend networking events that are relevant to your field or target market. This will help you make valuable connections and could help your business grow.
7. Use social media to connect with people you meet in person
When it comes to keeping in touch with the individuals you meet through business networking events, social media may be a very useful tool. It makes it possible for you to readily share information and maintain contact with people that you might not otherwise have the chance to communicate with very frequently. It offers opportunities for virtual networking events and online communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals.
If you want to connect virtually with people you meet through networking too(which is a great idea), here are some strategies:
- Find out which social media platforms the person you wish to connect with uses regularly and follow them there.
- Establish communication with them on the platform(s) they regularly use.
- Make use of the platform to provide information or content that is pertinent to your business or area of expertise.
- Send a direct message to the person you met in person or tag them in a post so that you may continue the conversation with them online.
- Maintain a steady presence in the conversation; don’t merely connect with someone and then ignore them.
You can improve the quality of the relationships you have with the individuals you meet at networking events by using social media to stay in touch with them. This will ultimately help you increase your professional network.
8. Be authentic and transparent in your interactions with others
Are you more interested in what you can get out of a networking event or online meeting, or in finding out what you have in common with the other individuals there?
Yes, it’s important to approach networking with purpose. However, this isn’t an excuse to network just for your own benefit.
Building trust with another individual requires both parties to be genuine and open with one another. To gain others’ trust, you must come across as real and trustworthy. Being consistent in your words and deeds is a crucial quality for establishing credibility and fostering long-lasting friendships and partnerships. As a bonus, it demonstrates your honesty and the importance you place on your connections with others.
9. Keep your business cards handy and make sure they are updated
Having a business card on hand makes it easier to interact with new people and keep in touch with them later. Having a strong brand can help people remember who you are and what you do, as well as boost your professional reputation.
A professional-looking card can help you make a good first impression and establish your reputation. You need to give your full name, job title, company name, phone number, and email address. It’s also appropriate to include links to your company’s website and social media profiles.
Always be prepared to exchange contact information with anyone you encounter by carrying a stack of business cards when networking. If you want people to be able to get in touch with you later, it’s also crucial that the details on your card are correct and up-to-date.
Business cards also need to be printed on thick paper (at least 350 gsm) with a glossy appearance. This will increase its apparent worth and leave a memorable impression (which is the end goal!).
A simple yet effective tool that can facilitate networking, boost your professional standing, and facilitate follow-up conversations!
10. Have a clear understanding of your goals for business networking and what you hope to achieve
Feeling lost as to why you should network and what you want to accomplish by doing so? If you take the time to thoughtfully consider the answers to these questions, you’ll be more equipped to focus your efforts and make the most of your networking chances.
- How do you feel business networking is useful for you? Is it to meet more people in your field who can help you get hired or advance in your current position, or to gain insight into a new field altogether?
- Which communities do you hope to join forces with? Do they have influence in the field, interest in hiring you, or share your passions?
- Do you want to get a career, learn more about a specific business, or just keep up with the latest advances in your field?
- In what ways will you know if your networking efforts have been fruitful? If you achieve your goals, such as getting a new job, meeting new people, or expanding your knowledge, you can consider that a success.
When networking, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of people you want to meet. Find the people or communities you wish to influence. Make your networking goals concrete and measurable, rather than vague and unachievable statements like “I want to network more.” You can then direct your efforts more precisely and monitor your development.
11. Dress professionally and make a good first impression
In order to make a good impression and get the respect of those you meet, it is important to dress properly and present yourself in a trustworthy manner. Here are some suggestions for how to dress for success:
Dress for the occasion: It’s crucial to dress appropriately for the event or venue when networking. Business attire, such as a suit or dress, is appropriate for a formal networking event like a conference or gala. The dress code for a networking happy hour, for example, is more relaxed than that of a formal business meeting, but you should still make an effort to seem professional.
Make sure you look neat and presentable: This includes making an effort with one’s appearance generally, not just in terms of hair and nails. Maintain a neat appearance by shaving or grooming as necessary and by washing and styling your hair.
Attention to detail: A positive first impression is mostly the result of your careful attention to detail. Guarantee that your garments are neat, pressed, and in good shape. Your footwear needs to be well-maintained and shiny. Your watch, belt, and jewellery should complement your outfit without drawing too much attention to themselves.
Confidence: Networking successfully requires a high degree of self-assurance. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and flash a friendly grin. Be audible in a busy room by speaking clearly and loudly. As a result, people will perceive you as competent and assured.
Follow-up: Keep in touch with the folks you met at the event after it’s over. Thank them for their time and keep the conversation continuing by sending them an email or a message through LinkedIn.
12. Look for opportunities to give back to your community and become involved in local organizations
By seeking out volunteer opportunities and joining local groups, you may make a difference in your community while also growing your professional network and gaining experience in your field. As an added bonus, you can find others who share your interests and ideals, expanding your network of contacts for both personal and professional purposes.
Find local charities and NGOs: Prioritize NGOs and charities that share your values and interests. Investigate what they’re trying to accomplish and think about ways you might help them out by donating your time, expertise, or money.
Community service focus: There are many opportunities to learn about local groups and volunteer opportunities at conferences and networking events with a focus on community service. You can find out more about the groups and how you can help by attending one of these events.
Join a professional association or industry group: Consider becoming a member of a trade or professional organization, as many of these groups facilitate volunteer work in the local area or have a charitable arm. In addition to expanding your professional network, joining one of these groups can help you make a positive impact in your neighbourhood.
Connect with other professionals in your community: Make connections with other professionals in your area by reaching out to them and inquiring about the organizations and causes they support. Insightful and well-connected individuals, they could prove invaluable to your cause.
Volunteer: You may help out your community by looking for volunteer opportunities at places like schools, community centers, and homeless shelters. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; if you can’t discover any that suit your interests, make your own. You can create a project or a program to help people in your area by hosting a charity event, a charity run, or a volunteer day.
13. Take advantage of LinkedIn and other business networking sites
You may use these strategies to make the most of LinkedIn and other business networking sites to broaden your professional connections, gain credibility as an industry expert, and propel your career forward.
Create a complete and professional profile: Make sure your profile is thorough and polished, as it will serve as a representation of your professional identity online. Describe your current and prior employment experience, education, and skills. Include a brand-appropriate cover photo and professional headshot and maintain an accurate and comprehensive profile.
Construct a support system: Join forces with your peers and the experts in your field. On LinkedIn, you can find and connect with people you already know, people you’ve worked with, and people you’d like to do business with in the future. Participate in groups and forums dealing with topics of interest to you. You can use this to meet more influential people in your field and learn about emerging trends.
Pass along some helpful information: Post informative articles, charts, and infographics related to your field. This will boost your credibility and make you more appealing to prospective clients and employers. Expertise is demonstrated, and confidence is earned, when you share content that is both educational and useful with your network.
Leverage LinkedIn’s advanced search features: Use LinkedIn’s in-depth search options to your advantage and locate prospective customers or employment openings. Users can look for others in a specific field, in a specific region, or with a specific job title. Once you’ve located the appropriate individuals, it’s time to make contact and craft a thoughtful message.
Participate actively in the site: Always keep in touch, share new information, and interact with your network. This will raise your profile’s prominence and ensure that you remain in the minds of your connections.
14. Host or attend business networking events or gatherings to increase visibility
These days, events are more than just a place to sit and listen to speakers or go to sessions. For this, it’s beneficial for an event to facilitate as many networking opportunities as possible for its guests. Here are some things to consider as an event guest or host.
Those in charge of hosting an event:
- Pick the right location: Consider the location’s accessibility and capacity to hold the anticipated crowd size.
- Including the proper guests: Invite only the people you expect to be interested in your event by doing some research. Always remember to include a wide range of ages, genders, and professional backgrounds.
- Make up a special premise: Create a one-of-a-kind vibe that will make your event stand out and be talked about for years to come by deciding on a theme.
- Incorporate fun and interesting events: Create opportunities for people to meet and mingle with one another.
- Follow up: After the event, contact those who attended to express gratitude for their presence and to carry on the dialogue.
If you’re the one going to the event:
- Research well: Do your homework before showing up to an event so you know who else will be there, what the subject is, and why you’re there. You’ll be better prepared and enjoy yourself more at the event as a result.
- Wear business attire: Put your best foot forward by dressing for success.
- Bring business cards: Feel free to hand out your business cards to anyone who shows interest in doing so if you bring some along.
- Pro-activeness: Use initiative and approach people on your own own.
- Follow- up: Afterward, keep in touch with the folks you met and continue the conversation by asking how they enjoyed the event.
15. Join professional organizations or clubs to expand your network
The professional connections you make and the knowledge you gain from joining an organisation, whether it be any kind, can be invaluable. Career organizations are not only a great resource for learning about the latest developments in your chosen industry, but also offer countless chances for professional and personal growth through networking.
Organization membership has specific advantages, but the profession as a whole benefits from the standards that these groups develop and promote. As an added bonus, professional groups help publicize the field and provide a framework for encouraging creativity.
By joining one, you can have a voice in shaping the future of your field and contribute to its progress. Building relationships with people who could become clients, collaborators, or mentors is now easy with so many such brilliant platforms and organizations.
16. Use business networking apps like Meetup to find local events and groups
Meetup is a mobile app and website where people can look for and join organizations in their area that share their interests. Involvement in such groups might lead to invitations to events where you can make connections with like-minded individuals.
You can find other people who share your interests and have similar goals by using Meetup. Using the app’s filterable group search, you can quickly locate others who have similar interests. An opportunity to meet others with similar interests and aspirations might pave the way to fruitful partnerships and friendships.
Meetup also allows users to network with others in their field, which can be useful for picking up new techniques and keeping up with developments in their field. Members of many organizations get access to workshops, seminars, and other educational opportunities led by professionals in the industry.
This app’s key appeal is that it allows you to meet new people and broaden your professional circle. Networking events and mixers are frequently organized by various groups, and they are great places to meet new people and expand your professional network. Because many clubs are free to join and many events are free to attend, this app can be an inexpensive method to expand professional and personal networks.
17. Be persistent in your networking efforts
Perseverance is the single most important factor that contributes to an entrepreneur’s success. Without that, there would be no progress because everybody would just give up and try something else. Even if you are not someone who is known for being persistent, you should improve your level of persistence with the correct amount of effort, labor, determination, and analysis.
It won’t happen overnight, and you don’t need to meet everyone in your area in a week if you want to build a network. If you take a long-term strategy to developing your business and profile, you should consider building a network. The most productive strategy is one that involves consistent and persistent effort.
You don’t want people to think of you as being obnoxious. In the event that everything does not go as planned, you will have a strong idea of when it is time to move on… or at the very least, move on for the time being.
18. Be prepared to talk about current events and be familiar with industry news to spark interesting conversations.
If you can demonstrate that you are up to date on current events and the latest developments in your field, you can position yourself as an authority on a specific subject. The ability to speak intelligently about current trends and developments can help you gain trust and credibility with both your coworkers and your customers.
Reading a variety of news articles and magazines geared toward the industry is one of the most effective ways to keep up with the latest happenings in the world and in the business world. This can not only help you remain current on the most recent developments and trends, but it can also give you a deeper grasp of the concerns and challenges that lie beneath the surface.
A wonderful approach to keep up with recent events and developments in one’s field is to subscribe to relevant podcasts and watch news programs. They have the ability to not only keep you up to date on the most recent happenings but also provide you with in-depth analysis and opinion on those happenings.
19. Be open to connecting with people who may not be in your immediate industry or field
Getting to know people outside of your industry can help you see your business and industry in a new way. These people can give you new ways of thinking, fresh ideas, and creative solutions that can help you solve problems and find new opportunities. Getting to know people from different fields can inspire creativity and new ideas.
Being exposed to new ideas, points of view, and ways of thinking can help you come up with new ways to solve problems and ideas for new products or services. A diverse network can also help you build a stronger, more stable business because it gives you access to different ideas and resources.
20. Be open to new opportunities, even if they are not what you expect
When you go to networking events or talk to other professionals in your field, you may be looking for specific opportunities that fit with your business goals. But it’s important to remember that chances can come in ways you don’t expect. If you are willing to try new things, you might find options you hadn’t thought of before.
Getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things can help you grow as a person and as a worker. By taking on new challenges, you can learn new skills, gain experience in different areas, and increase your knowledge and expertise.
When you say yes to new opportunities, you give yourself the chance to meet new people, work with different professionals, and make new connections that could lead to more opportunities in the future. Saying yes to new opportunities can also lead to new connections, partnerships, and collaborations that can help you reach your long-term goals.
Conclusion
To summarize, cultivating strong professional relationships is an essential component in the process of developing a prosperous career. It’s not enough to simply introduce yourself to new individuals and exchange business cards; you also need to follow up with those new contacts and create professional ties. You may increase the size of your network of connections and open up new doors for your professional life if you devote some of your time to following up with people, forming new relationships, and acquiring new knowledge.
If you wish to ace your networking plans, you need to get a grip on your follow-ups and for that you need a solid follow-up strategy. The Smart Sales Kit provides you with all types of follow-up emails. Right from getting back to a person you met via networking or a non-responsive lead, we’ve got it all! Click on our official website to know more.
