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5 Networking Tips To Master

 

Whether you’re running a business, an aspiring an entrepreneur, or someone looking for opportunities, networking is essential to your success. It can be tiring and tedious, but the results from networking are often rewarding.

 

 

In order to get the most out of your networking sessions, here are 5 networking tips to master:

 

 

1. Come On Time

 

As someone who goes networking very often, I’ve realized that being late can quickly ruin a networking session. When you arrive late, everyone has already assembled into their groups and began networking.

 

 

When you come early, it’s easy to find conversation partners and you’re able to network in a far more relaxed manner. Coming late makes it difficult to fit in causing you to miss out on many networking opportunities.

 

 

2. Stop Pushing People Away

 

The biggest way to lose a connection is by selling, selling, and selling! You talk to someone and suddenly they begin talking about how great their business is and how you can definitely utilize their services.

 

 

I immediately begin looking for my next conversational partner when this happens. Stop selling your services and just have a nice conversation. Share your passion, what you do, and why you do it. Ask the other person to share exactly the same.

 

 

If they can help you with anything you’re doing or vice versa, share how so. Otherwise, exchange business cards and thank them for the great introduction. They will remember what you do and if they ever need your services, they will get in touch with YOU.

 

 

3. Be Friendly

 

If you want to be approached by more people, look as friendly as you possibly can. Be sure to smile, talk nicely, and always be polite. Being friendly is extremely important if you wish to have a positive networking session.

 

 

4. Avoid Awkwardness

 

Anytime you’re meeting new people, things can get a little awkward. It’s all about being smooth and avoiding awkwardness to ensure that both conversational partners have a good time.

 

 

You always want to ask easy questions when things seem to be getting awkward. Common easy questions include, “What brings you to this event?” or “How’s your day going?”

 

 

In times where you can’t find a conversational partner, join a group. The easiest way to do this is by joining in and saying “May I join you guys?” For those of you who aren’t extroverts, you can also learn a lot about people by simply listening to their story.

 

 

5. Do It Because You Want To, Not Because You Have To

 

The last networking event I went to, I met a guy who hung out by the chips and dip. While there’s nothing wrong with that, he was at a networking event but not chatting with anyone.

 

 

I thought he might be extremely shy, so I decided to make the extra effort and talk to him. After talking to him, I realized he really didn’t want to be here. He was sent by his boss to this networking event even though he absolutely hated these types of things.

 

 

This guy surely didn’t make any valuable connections during this session and probably didn’t talk to anymore than 5 people throughout the night. If you don’t want to network, don’t do it. Forcing yourself to network is extremely tough and people will catch the bad vibe.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Regardless of what you do, networking is a valuable experience. You meet new people, open new doors, and possibly make lasting connections with people. These are 5 networking tips that can help you greatly when mastered.

 

 

photo credit: ashraful kadir via photopin cc

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