6 networking tips to help you build better connections

Networking, in the main, should be a pleasant, supportive and enterprising experience. 

It is an opportunity to meet like-minded people who are happy to learn about one another and make informed decisions about whether they will:

• Buy from you in the future.
• Refer your products or services to their contacts.
• See someone they can collaborate with.

1. Take business cards

Go with business cards and be prepared to share them with the people you speak with. If you've had a good conversation, ask whether they would like to exchange cards and perhaps connect online too.

2. Follow up

Follow up with the people you spoke with. Thank them for their time. If there was anything particularly memorable about your conversation, mention it.

A follow-up email or personal message via LinkedIn is ideal.

3. Work the room

This sounds cliché, but get acquainted with people you've not met before.

Habitually spending your time with familiar faces isn't enough if your intention is to build visibility for yourself or your business.

4. Consider being a speaker

Networking groups are often made up of relatively small numbers.

Putting yourself forward as a guest speaker is a great way to build your confidence, while also allowing people to see you in a different light.

It gives people something else to remember you for.

5. Be interested in others

This is my top tip.

It shouldn't be about "me, me, me".

Ask open questions that encourage conversation. Be genuinely curious and take the opportunity to learn more about the other person.

6. Focus on 'know, like and trust'

Networking is not the time for a "buy my stuff" sales pitch.

Instead, work on the principle of know, like and trust.

As people get to know you through your conversations, they begin to like you, and both you and your business become memorable.

Over time, they develop trust in you as a person.

This is the sweet spot because people are far more likely to recommend you to their contacts and consider using your products or services when the time is right.

Networking isn't just for business owners

Finally, networking isn't only for business owners.

Take advantage of networking opportunities if you're looking for your next management position, considering a career change or simply wanting to expand your professional network as part of your current role.

The confidence and communication skills you develop through networking will also help you in meetings, presentations and conversations both inside and outside the workplace.

Who will you meet at your next networking event?

Who do you want to meet?

Could your next opportunity or biggest career break be waiting there?

No one knows.

And if you don't go, neither will you.