5 Tips to Networking and Building Relationships
Networking is a buzzword everyone uses today, and a part of our everyday lives. Every event highlights their “Networking Opportunities.” Even schools today teach us that networking skills are essential to success.
Today networking is easier and more important than ever before because of our ability to not only network offline, but online too. Both are important, but let’s not forget… some of the same rules apply in either situation.
I’m here to teach you what I know, but I’m always learning and would love to hear about your best and worst networking experiences.
Here are a few of my top tips for networking:
- Assume the BEST!Way too often, we choose the negative side too easily. I can’t tell you how often I hear people say that the event they are going to is going to be a waste of time and they didn’t even get there yet. People assume they are going to have a boring time, no one there is important, or it will be all of the same people as usual. You aren’t even trying to have fun. Trust me this is not a good start to an evening.If you want your time to turn into money, then you have to change your attitude. How you approach any business relationship, friendship or any sort of event is the most often how it will end. I go two feet in with abundance and positive Mojo. I know I am going to have a great time… matter of fact I can have a great time by myself in a paper bag. ☺ I know I am going to find amazing people who will help me move closer to my goals for life and in business. I know that every interaction whether it’s positive or challenging is all providing me information that I will someday use. So much of what you get is what you put into it from start to finish.
- Make it easy for people to get to know you. Social media networking has made our world smaller and in so many ways easier to reach out to connect. After you meet someone, send them a LinkedIn invite. This allows them to see your areas of expertise, who you are, and who you are connected to. This may spark an interest they might not have had previously or could be a great way to remind them about when you met. Use Twitter or Facebook for more social casual meetings.
- Do not use the word “I” in an email or in a networking conversation until the third sentence. This is really important and I see it all the time. People come right out of the gate and use the word “I” way too soon in both emails and speaking. There is a VERY fine line between networking and self-promoting, make sure you know which one you’re doing.
- Most of the time you are only one relationship away from meeting the person who you need to know. Always keep in mind that the degree of separation between the person you need or want to meet, and the people that you already know is probably already established. You just need to find out where that degree of separation is. Make sure you’re spending time on the relationships you’ve already established.
- Start with a compliment and then seek common ground. Everyone likes to hear a compliment so don’t forget to start with one. It sets the tone for people to be open and receptive. Then, look for common ground. No matter whom you’re communicating with, you can find common ground even if it’s only that you both breathe air. Common ground is the easiest place to begin when building relationships and building trust.
