You’ve finally launched your dream business, and you’re looking to get the word out about it. Or perhaps you want to expand your scope and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Whatever your goal is, networking is one of the most effective ways to achieve it. But if you don’t do it right, all that hard work could go down the drain.
So what does it take to develop strategic professional and social contacts that are beneficial to your business? This short yet comprehensive blog digs deeper into the top 10 tips to network better. But first, what is networking, and why should I care?
What is Networking?
Networking is “the act of establishing relationships with people who share common goals and interests.” It’s not just about making friends; it’s about building mutually beneficial relationships that benefit both parties.
Why Should I Care About Networking?
Networking is an essential part of any successful business. The more connections you make, the greater your chances of success. With up to 85% of positions filled through networking, there’s no doubt that this strategy works!
The benefits of networking include:
- Building Relationships – When you meet new people, they may become customers, clients, colleagues, or mentors. And when you build relationships, you’ll have access to their knowledge, experience, and expertise.
- Getting Referrals – If someone recommends you to others, you’ll likely receive referrals. These referrals can lead to new opportunities and revenue streams.
- Being Seen as an Expert – Networking allows you to showcase your skills and gain recognition as an expert in your field.
- Making Friends – Whether you like it or not, we all need human contact in our lives. So by meeting new people and having meaningful conversations, you’ll find that you enjoy being around other people.
- Finding New Clients – You’ll increase your client base by getting referrals from people you know.
- Increasing Your Brand Awareness – People often choose businesses based on recommendations from friends and family. Therefore, networking helps you connect with potential buyers before they hear about you.
10 Quick Strategies to Network Better
Here’s a list of our top 10 networking tips for success:
-
Be Prepared
Be prepared for every conversation. Have some questions ready to ask, a few topics to discuss, and a plan of action to follow up after each interaction.
-
Set Goals
Set clear goals for yourself when you go out networking. Determine how many contacts you hope to make, how long you expect each call to last, and how many times you’ll call back.
-
Know Who You Want To Meet
Before going out, determine whom you’d like to meet. Do you want to talk to a specific person at your company? A particular colleague? An industry influencer? Or someone else entirely? Make sure you know who you want to meet so you can prepare accordingly.
-
Dress For Success
Dressing well makes a big difference. Wear something that fits properly and flatters your figure. Avoid over-accessorising because these items distract from your message.
-
Keep Track Of What Happens
Take notes during meetings and follow-up calls. Write down names, numbers, email addresses, websites, and anything else you think might help you later.
-
Follow Up
After each meeting, send a thank-you note. Say “I enjoyed meeting you” or “It was great talking with you.” This simple gesture shows that you’re interested in what they had to say and that you value their time.
-
Find Common Ground
Look for ways to connect with others outside of work. Join groups related to hobbies, sports, or community service. It will give you a common ground to start a conversation.
-
Don’t Oversell Yourself
Don’t lie about your accomplishments or exaggerate your qualifications. Instead, be honest and share only those things that are relevant to the conversation.
-
Get Feedback
Ask for feedback after every meeting. Ask if the person thought you were successful. Did they understand your point of view? Was there anything you could do differently next time?
-
Stay In Touch
Keep in touch with everyone you met through email, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let them know what you’ve been doing since the last time you spoke.
Oracle Tree is Your Business Growth Partner in Australia!
So there you have it! Oracle Tree is a leading digital marketing agency in Australia, we believe that networking is the fuel that you need to propel your business to the next level. That’s why we focus on building meaningful connections with and for our clients through strategic marketing, branding, business growth consulting, and more.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you grow your business, please contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Want More Like This?
Find the Ideal Niche Market for Your Business
10 Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
How to Develop a Strong Brand Personality
Making Hard Business Decisions as a Small Business Owner
