Developing Your Networking Skills

Developing Your Networking Skills

By Sig Nordal, Jr. 

It is very important in any business to get the right connections through networking with all manner of people. This should not be limited to just lunches and meetings but by actively 'getting out there' through volunteering, visits to offices, blogging and even Twitter. By meeting up with people either on-line or face to face you can glean a great deal of information and knowledge about such things as the latest technology or ways to solve a problem you are encountering. In expanding your networking you heighten the potential of your business and give it a greater chance of expansion.

Do not limit yourself to just those within your particular field. When you go to events or social gatherings ask people about their jobs as this can not only be instructive but also help you develop a more holistic thought process about a company. Bear in mind that each individual has something to offer be they an employee, a client or someone who is trying to sell something to you – you do not know who they know and also how the jobs those people currently have may alter in the future.

Remind yourself of those who have reached out to you who you have not or could not assist. Don't take it personally if you are treated this way by others from time to time as not everyone you set down on your possible contact list is going to respond positively or even at all! Having said that, do not give up after just one try but be persistent if you do not initially get a reply.

Do not assume you have to be a naturally outgoing and sociable person to be a good networker. In fact, if you are of a more shy disposition you are more than likely to be in contact with fewer individuals and yet hold a deeper foundation for that particular acquaintance. The more extrovert have contacts all over the place but, as a result, their exchanges are more limited.

Whether you are naturally outgoing or more introverted it is important to remember a few key strategies. Before zooming in on someone, make sure you 'people watch' and observe others for a while to gauge whether what they are saying has possible value to you. If possible, do some research on the people who will be attending a particular event so that you can be selective about whom you approach. When you do start talking to people take time to respond to them in a well-thought out way, an intelligent way and a way that shows you have considered what the other person had to say. Do not 'waffle' and go off on tangents hither and thither as you will not be making fruitful connections. Remember that listening is just as (if not more) important as speaking.

Also, avoid joining in too much with phatic conversation (or 'small talk' as it is more commonly known). Use that time to your advantage as it can give you the opportunity to continue to observe and then hone in on the connections that are relevant to you. Not everyone is adept at being clear about what it is they are tying to explain but if you are interested in the outline of what they are saying then ask probing questions. Have patience and listen to what they are trying to communicate as you may have already got 'spidey senses' that this person could ultimately be someone you would want to know!

Finally, when you have the business cards or email addresses of those people with whom you have connected make sure you contact them. Make sure you are specific within your email regarding the areas upon which you both spoke and how you would like to learn more about something that was relayed to you. If you take the time to really give your email or phone call the 'personal touch' it will automatically show that your original communication with them is definitely one worth developing further.