Fostering authentic connections through business networking can open the door to collaboration and expansion, but doing so requires careful planning and effort over time to form lasting relationships.
Being genuine and authentic are key to building trust and credibility with your network, along with communicating regularly and adding value – whether that means sharing industry insights or offering assistance.
1. Be authentic
As with any project, business networking requires a plan. This can be as basic or detailed as necessary and should include specific objectives and tools necessary for effective networking activities.
Authenticity is at the core of all relationships, including professional ones. Networking goes beyond formal introductions; it involves building trust and creating genuine connections with those you meet.
Build more genuine relationships with contacts by listening closely to their needs and challenges, showing your genuine interest, and giving to them before expecting anything in return – this is how networking works best at opening doors!
Establish a business networking plan outlining which groups and events you will target with your networking efforts to help keep yourself on track with your networking strategy. Since it is impossible to be everything to everyone at once, start small before expanding as necessary.
2. Maintain regular communication
Business networking involves cultivating relationships that, over time, can bring significant advantages to your organization. Such relationships could bring in new clients or business opportunities as well as valuable advice, industry insight or recruitment leads.
Proactive networking efforts require regular communications with your network – be that through meetings, phone calls or emails. In order for these interactions to be most beneficial in each situation, they should address what is most pertinent for that scenario.
One effective strategy would be to utilize monitors throughout your organization to display information regarding upcoming events or employee of the month announcements, thus engaging employees by giving them valuable knowledge.
Staying top of mind with new contacts requires following up shortly after meeting them, showing that you care about maintaining relationships and adding value with intelligent comments on content that they may share with you. This is another simple way of staying at the top of their minds and strengthening relationships.
3. Offer value
Networking is an indispensable way for business professionals to connect with new people and potential clients; yet many small business owners feel overwhelmed and uncertain of how best to use this tactic.
Networking should not just be seen as an avenue for personal advancement; rather, it is about giving value back to your network in terms of knowledge, resources and connections. Being aware of what assistance may be necessary is crucial in providing lasting connections that help each of us work toward our own personal and professional goals.
One effective way of creating value is through making mutually beneficial introductions – either face-to-face or via email/LinkedIn messages. Furthermore, providing your network with useful tips and advice that help them meet their goals will also add significant benefit and create more sustainable working relationships overall.
4. Nurture relationships
Relationships are integral to business success. Networking can help you find customers, partners or talent quickly – but you must know how to maintain these connections so they remain productive and supportive of your goals.
Nurturing meaningful connections takes time and effort, but can also be rewarding. Be sure to listen actively during follow-up conversations and ask open-ended questions in order to better understand your contacts’ needs and interests. In return, introduce them to other contacts that might benefit as well as providing assistance where applicable.
Communication is key, but overdoing it and becoming annoying should be avoided. Consider creating opt-in networking groups on social media platforms like Facebook as another means of reaching out and connecting with potential clients and partners without becoming intrusive.
