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How to network with intention: The key to success

Imagine this: you’ve just met someone whom you think could be a valuable connection in your career. The next thing you do is reach out to them and start bombarding them with requests for help.

Sounds familiar?

If this is your networking strategy, then you’re doing it wrong. The key to success when networking is to do it with intention. That means approaching each connection with a clear goal in mind and taking the time to get to know them on a personal level.

In this article, we will give you some tips on networking with intention so that you can make the most of every connection.

What intentionality looks like when networking

Intentionality is key when networking. It’s not enough to just go to a networking event and start handing out your business card like nobody’s business. You need to have a plan.

Here are some things you can do:

Do your homework. Find out who’s going to be at the event, and do some research on them ahead of time. This way, you will know who you want to target and what you want to say to them.
Be prepared to give elevator pitches. You only have a few seconds to make an impression, so make sure you practice your elevator pitches ahead of time.
Have a goal in mind. What exactly do you want to get out of the event? More leads? A job? A new contact?
Be friendly and outgoing. The best way to network is by being genuine with everyone you meet.

How to make the most of networking events

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Chat with everyone you can, not just the people you know. It also means being prepared with a few questions for your conversation partners. Most importantly, remember that networking is a two-way street. You should be prepared to offer help and advice to others as well. Build those relationships, and you will be a step closer to networking success.

How to follow up with people you’ve met

Now that you’ve met a bunch of people at the event, it’s time to follow up with them. But don’t just send a standard email blast. Personalize each message and make sure it’s relevant to the person you’ve met.

Here are a few follow-up tips:

Connect with them on LinkedIn
Reference a conversation point
Keep it short and sweet
Include a call to action

When you network with intention, you’re more likely to attract people and opportunities that are a good fit for you. Take the time to figure out what you want, and be clear and concise about what you have to offer. Network with purpose, and be selective about the people you connect with. With deliberate steps, you can master the art of networking with intention in no time.

How to score big in networking

Building relationships from scratch is never an easy task. But folks who have to network with strangers for work frequently don’t really have a choice. If that is you, let us share some tips on how to score big in networking.

Be clear on your motives

Have you ever been on the receiving end of an approach and observed how “fake” a person can be? Don’t make the mistake of being labelled as “fake” by the person you intend to know.

Whether you’re keen on connecting with a potential employer, reach a target customer, or simply find out more about an existing project they’re working on, make it known clearly. The last thing you want to achieve is to appear dodgy to the other party.

Put in the effort before your requests

Dian Oved, CEO of a PR and digital marketing company, shares with us a common pitfall. “A new founder will ask me for a celebrity intro for a collaboration, but they haven’t yet built a website, prepared materials, or thought about what they’ll do if the intro is made.”

Before making requests, be sure that you’ve put in the necessary effort. Remember that your networking contact is trading on their reputation to arrange that introduction for you. Make it count.

Learn how to be likeable

While you can’t control someone’s first impression of you, you can learn how to be likeable through the words you say. Generally, people are looking to be inspired and intrigued by your latest venture or your point of view on a common topic.

However, be fully aware that braggers get nowhere. Though it’s applaudable that you take the initiative to speak up, humility is still essential when it comes to networking. There’s a time to share your achievements and a suitable time to listen.

Ask open-ended questions

Do you recall what we wrote at the start of this article? It’s great to start off being clear on your motives, but you want to ask open-ended questions to facilitate the conversation and direction. Just take a look at this example:

A: “Do you know anyone I can speak with as I’m learning more about job opportunities at Google?”

B: “Can you connect me to your ex-colleague, John, at Google? I want to ask him for a job.”

Do you think sentence A or B is a better approach? If you chose A, you’re on the right track. It’s an open-ended question that’s both direct and polite. It also allows your networking acquaintance to use their network to your advantage.

Final thoughts

Image Credits: randstadrisesmart.com

Some people may be born with the gift of the tongue, but the truth is that most of us have to go through trials to find the most appropriate way to network. Sometimes, all it takes is a little practice to get there. Don’t give up!

5 Benefits Of Professional Networking

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “Networking” as the exchange of services or information among individuals, groups, or institutions. The online dictionary adds that it is specifically the cultivation of productive relationships for business or employment.

For a thriving entrepreneur or a budding student of business, professional networking is not merely fun and games. Professional networking serves as a catalyst to business development and personal growth. Now its other benefits as you scroll down this article.

1. IMPROVING YOUR CREDENTIALS

Being visible to the potential clients and partners is an important benefit of networking. You will more likely get more referrals as your name will come up when they need the services that you offer.

There are two ways to effectively get noticed. Firstly, attend as many social events and business meetings as possible. This will help build your reputation. Secondly, you may join renowned groups. Nothing can boost your C.V. even more than being an affiliate member or an active officer at an esteemed support or social group!

2. WIDENING YOUR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

We had been looking for the final piece of the puzzle for months! You see, we need one more teacher to complete our team. A former teacher heard about our dilemma and referred her friend. Let us call the candidate Janice. I was surprised at how fast Janice adapted to our school environment. She demonstrated her remarkable skills in storytelling. In a span of a week, she was hired.

It comes as no surprise that employed or previously employed individuals would initially offer a job vacancy to someone they know personally. Networking opens your doors to this type of scenario. You may even come across certain positions that are not listed elsewhere. Whether it is a referral or an offer of partnership, you must be ready to seize the opportunities that come along.

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3. RELAYING YOUR KNOWLEDGE

One of the benefits of networking that I treasure the most is its ability to ignite continuous learning. With networking, you are able to share your ideas and absorb new ones. You may politely ask for feedback or discuss about a business issue. Doing so will help you see the views of other people.

Another product is mentorship. You can find a mentor who has already been where you are today. Allowing the mentor to impart his or her nuggets will allow you to avoid the common pitfalls of the field. Alternatively, you may be the more experienced person of the bunch. It will be rewarding to help a newbie out.

4. GETTING THE POSITIVE INFLUENCE

Use networking as a tool to gain positive social influence. This includes the aforementioned idea of mentorship. Go for people who will uplift you and your business.

The people whom you frequently interact with mold who are as an individual. Being surrounded with positive entrepreneurs allows you to thrive as a business owner. This is why you must choose your social groups wisely. You do not want your credibility to be tarnished just because you are an unknowing member of a “pyramid scam” group.

5. MAKING NEW FRIENDS

Last but not the least, networking is good for building friendships. You meet each other on a regular basis. Furthermore, like-minded individuals attract one another. It is natural to form a strong bond with the group members who share the same interests, values, and beliefs as you. Some of my lasting friendships have been started from networking.