How to Become a Better Networker

Networking is an essential activity for any business owner. It is a great way to learn about what’s going on in your community and industry and it is an opportunity to put your business in front of people who can help expand your professional network. In order to help you develop authentic relationships, we have put together this guide on how to become a better networker.

So, let’s get this journey started: here are some tips to help you make some meaningful connections:

1.Be authentic

Many people see networking as a schmooze-fest – which diminishes its value. However, many of the people you meet might have that mindset and sometimes it’s difficult to separate the schmoozers from the ones that are truly genuine.

The best business relationships are rooted in authenticity. Friendship, camaraderie, a shared goal or focus. Treating your connections as if they are more than just a business contact will always have better results in the long run. Engage in conversation, find common ground, and don’t make it about selling yourself.

2.Have clear goals in mind

It’s important to begin with the end in mind. Building your business is a journey that has many stages and you need to understand all the steps that must happen between point A and the finish line.

For instance, if your goal is to reach a certain level of income by a certain date, map out all the things that need to happen to get you to that point. Assign time limits to reaching these points and focus on putting one foot in front of the other until you reach each milestone. Don’t get ahead of yourself – this is a common pitfall and one that will cause a great deal of undue stress.

3.Put your plan into action

Once you have mapped out your journey—including your immediate and short-term goals—it’s time to connect your networking strategy to those goals. Have a look at the goals you have identified and think about people in your network who might be able to help you achieve them. These could be mentors, clients, investors, colleagues, or anybody with connections to networks you don’t currently have access to.

Be sure to do your research before you begin. This will help ensure you are connecting with the right people and optimizing your time.

4.Make meaningful connections

Making meaningful connections with anybody, whether business or personal, requires some strategy in order to make the most of your efforts and your time. One of the most valuable bits of advice is to ask insightful, quality questions – questions that are thought-provoking and show that you are someone who thinks “outside the box”. This forces others to think differently too.

The next piece of advice is just as important – once you have asked your question, listen, and listen well. Remember, you won’t learn anything if you are the one doing the talking.

Fusion Workplaces in Palm Desert provides small businesses and startups with flexible office solutions that are designed to help them grow their business. Our members enjoy monthly networking events that help them develop strong connections in business and in life. Schedule a tour today.