Business Networking

Business Networking is one of those ‘necessary evils’ if you are a business owner. I’m not a lover of networking in business; I get anxious, I don’t like the small talk. But networking is a powerful tool for business (and career) development. Apparently online and in-person networking account for 16-40% of all new customer leads, whilst 70% of professionals globally got their current jobs through networking. How accurate those figures are I don’t know but the list below came from an article in Real Business and I thought it would be of use to share it with you.

5 Do’s of Business Networking

Whether you are interacting with a potential client or associate online or in-person, it’s important that you observe the following tips to establish meaningful connections.

1 – Be genuinely interested in others
Don’t be the person who dominates the entire conversation by talking about your career or your business. Instead, give the other person a chance to talk by asking insightful questions. Actively listen to their responses and show genuine interest in their work and personal life.

People, especially new connections, are likely to communicate freely and open up to people who show genuine curiosity and care. Remember, the goal of networking is to build solid relations, not collect business cards.

2 – Be a good listener
To master professional networking, you must work on your communication and listening skills. Being a good listener will build trust and demonstrate that you value what others say.

One sure way of doing this is by paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues and asking insightful questions to clarify anything you don’t understand.

3 – Be authentic
Don’t try to be someone you’re not. New clients and business associates can spot a fake from a mile away. Relax and let your personality shine throughout the conversation. Be confident and straightforward about what you do and can offer. Authenticity is the key to building relationships that will last.

4 – Be proactive
The secret to getting ahead of the curve and connecting with more professionals is being proactive in your networking efforts. Opportunities won’t come your way automatically.

Adjust your schedule to attend networking events, join professional organizations in your industry, and connect with experts and customers online. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you’ll have to build valuable connections.

Start being proactive by creating a digital business card. It will help you share your contact details and business information seamlessly online and offline. You can share your details in seconds with just one tap or scan of your card QR code.

5 – Be patient
Building strong relationships that translate sales or deals takes time and effort. Rarely will you land a new client or job overnight. Be patient, nurture relationships, and be consistent in your networking efforts. The rewards will make all the effort worthwhile in the end.

An abridged version of this article also appeared in the Yorkshire Post.

5 Don’ts of Business Networking

While knowing the do’s of business networking is crucial, avoiding the don’ts is just as important. Here are five common pitfalls you should avoid when networking to get value from the connections.

1 – Don’t be a sales pitch
Networking is not about selling yourself and the company. It’s about building relationships with other people and learning about what they do. Avoid bombarding people with your elevator pitch.

Talking solely about your career achievements and education accolades is bad for networking. Focus on having genuine conversations and mutual understanding.

2 – Don’t gossip or complain
Nobody wants to be around someone negative. Negative conversations and thoughts will give the other person a negative perspective on your professionalism and personality.

Keep your interactions positive and uplifting. Your main focus should be building a good rapport and fostering positive connections.

3 – Don’t Be pushy or entitled
Networking is about give and take. It’s not one-sided; it’s a mutual relationship where both parties benefit. Respect other people’s time and opinions about the subject matter. Don’t expect immediate results or favours. Instead, build trust and prove your credibility by offering help and support first.

4 – Don’t overindulge in food and drink
This may sound obvious, but surprisingly, most people fail at networking because they overindulge in food and drink. The attendees are observant and want to know the personality and mannerisms of the people they interact with.

While the food and drinks at the event may be free, it’s super important to maintain control and professionalism. Overindulging will create a negative impression and hinder your ability to make meaningful connections.

5 – Don’t forget to follow-up
Connecting with someone once is not enough. Don’t assume they will remember and contact you after the initial engagement. Following up by sending them messages, emails, or calls is crucial for building lasting relationships.

Send them a thank-you note, connect on social media, or schedule a follow-up meeting to stay in touch and nurture the relationship.

More business networking tips

In addition to the above I’d also add the following points;

1 – Don’t dismiss anyone. You don’t know what they know, who they know, or what they will do in the future. There is a lot of arrogance around. If people don’t want a 1-2-1 then it’s difficult to get to know them, therefore how can you refer them?

2 – DO make introductions for people where appropriate, whether you can do business with them or not. It’s not a shuttle run, it’s a network and it is important to see connections for others.

3 – Bear in mind it is all about the quality of attendee not the volume of people for relevant conversation to take place. Be selective as to which events you attend, and try to attend only those events that deliver good quality attendees and potential clients (or at least connections of potential clients).

4 – See the ‘whole person’ not just the business persona. Do this by seeking out a mutual passion and showing a genuine interest in the comments and questions you have. You are not just a business owner; you may be a parent, you have hobbies and interests to share, so does the person in front of you.

5 – For people new to business networking who are a bit apprehensive it’s a great tip to go along with a friend or colleague, or arrange to meet beforehand so that you go in together. But still make sure you speak to new people, not just those that you already now.

So, are you going to get yourself a personal development budget?

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