10 Tips to Improve Your Business Networking

Networking can be an indispensible part of any business for promotion and to hopefully win clients. It surprises me, though, how little some businesses (namely independent business professionals like consultants) do it. Everyone has their reasons for not networking. Some don’t find it useful. Some are apprehensive to place themselves in what may feel like an uncomfortable situation.

Regardless of your excuse, it’s time to look at networking from a different perspective. Networking is nothing more than having a conversation with other people. Conversations are bi-directional where you learn about the other person and likewise, they learn about you. It’s as simple as that. When people get to know you, like you and trust you it’s easier to build relationships that could lead to business for you.

If you find it difficult to network or need some pointers to improve your networking skills, here are 10 tips to consider:

1. Networking can happen anytime, anyplace. Be open to starting conversations with people, learning about them and giving them an opportunity to learn about you.
2. When attending a networking event, set a goal to meet a certain number of new people. If you have a reasonable number to work toward you won’t feel the pressure to try to meet as many people as you can during an event. Remember, it’s quality over quantity when it comes to networking.
3. Don’t forget your current friends and colleagues – the people you know best. They are valuable networking resources so you should share information and ask them questions.
4. When having a conversation with someone that moves into a lull during a networking event, politely excuse yourself and move on to meeting other people.
5. Don’t forget to ask for a business card from the person you met and follow-up with them later, even if it’s just to say thank you for the conversation.
6. After spending some time and learning about the other person you just met, ask them if there are other people at the event that they think you should meet. See if you can get an introduction.
7. Make sure the event you are attending is a good match. You want to make sure that the people attending the event match the audience you are trying to reach with your business or are people in a similar or complimentary field to you.
8. Know your personality and your strengths. If you can play up to those you have a better chance of making quality connections with those you meet.
9. Bring a friend along to the networking event.  You’ll at least have someone to talk to and compare notes with.  Trying splitting up at the event and introduce the new people you each meet to one another.
10. Keep networking. Expand your circle to increase your chances of success.

There are many more networking tips to share and I’m sure you have your own. Of course, what works for some may not work for everyone.  Nevertheless, please feel free to leave your favorite networking tips in the comments of this post. You never know what will work unless you try it.