In May, I told you about my Networking Challenge. Anna’s 4×4 Networking Challenge on her Classy Career Girl blog motivated me to start my own networking plan to build a stronger network of like minded people and a growing contact list of individuals in industries that interested me.
Since starting this challenge, I have been more purposeful in building my network.
Here are 3 things I’ve learned since starting my networking challenge:
1. Be Consistent
Networking in 2014 should be an essential part of any business owner or careerists advancement strategy. Therefore you shouldn’t simple do it once a year, at holiday events and forget about it.
Be consistent.
I’ve realized that I have to be prepared and present at networking events on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. A great deal of career and business opportunities are flourishing as a result of those individuals choosing to show up and engage contacts.
2. You Have To Give To Get
Some of us go to networking events looking to get something specific: a business card, a client or potential investor. Some search the room, speaking to everyone and anyone ready to listen to their “sales pitch”. However this technique is one of the things wrong with many networkers today: they are only looking to help themselves. It’s important to understand that you have to give something of yourself (for example your time, contacts or support) in order for what you need to be reciprocated.
Avoid having a networking agenda all together. People sense when someone is only out to get something for himself or herself. Truly get to know the other person and develop an authentic relationship built on helping others rather than fishing for something in return.
3. Leverage Your New Contact By Following Up With An Email
I myself have been guilty of this on several occasions.
You meet someone with whom you had a great conversation and really connected at a networking event. You exchange business cards but never follow up because you’ve gotten busy in your everyday routine.
But the relationship never grows beyond that first conversation and thus the potential to be a powerful contact is never developed.
One great way to develop that new contact and avoid this networking blunder is to send a follow up email within 24 hours of the event and add the contact on LinkedIn. That way you create an immediate opportunity to connect further and truly expand your network while the conversation and event are still fresh.
What things have your learned from networking? What are you having trouble with when it comes to networking? Comment Below