Networking is critical to business success
Are you an effective networker? Networking is the process of connecting with people who share something similar such as living in the same city, being in the same profession or graduating from the same Alma Mater. Having a strong network is vital to early-career professionals who aspire to climb the corporate ladder. According to Be a Better Networker by Senior Writer Anne Fisher at Fortune Magazine, “When times get tough, you need a big, strong network of professional contacts– people you can call on, and who know they can call on you, for advice, information, referrals, and introductions.”
Networking isn’t easy for everyone. Some people are energized by networking, while others prefer to keep to themselves. If you are not sure where you may fall, think about your preference when traveling. Do you like to talk to people in airports and on the airplane? Do you prefer to keep to yourself? I love to network but on an airplane, I like to keep to myself. Here’s another example: At conferences, do you stay in your own circle with colleagues? Or do you like to mingle and work a room?
Be a Better Networker sites Ivan R. Misner’s new book, The 29% Solution: 52 Weekly Networking Strategies as a great resource for weekly professional development tips for more effective networking. Misner recommends finding a buddy to shadow you during a networking opportunity and have them report back on how you scored. These five focus areas should be evaluated:
- Eye Contact should be steady during the conversation. If you look around too much, it can seem like you are not interested in the discussion you are having.
- Body language is very important because 55% of communication is based on non-verbal behaivor. Crossed arms portrays boredom or standoffishness. Hands behind the back portrays a feeling of interest. If you gesture when you talk, it adds passion to your words which can increase credibility and demands attention of others.
- Positioning is how you stand. If you are standing open, people will feel more welcomed to talk to you. Don’t block people out of a conversation. If you want to make a poor impression quickly, stand right in front of a person or don’t look at them when you are talking.
- Facial expressions can reveal what a person really thinks. Be very careful about your expressions. Avoid eye rolling. Try to look friendly and approachable.
- What you say is everything. Talking about other people makes a positive impression. “What can I do to help you?” or “What do you do?” makes people think you are interested in them. Constantly talking about yourself makes people think you are interested more in yourself than them. Networking is all about connecting with other people. Show an interest in them and they will show an interest in you.
One important thing to remember, whether you are networking with management at your company or talking to someone at the airport, how you act and how you perceived are two different things. Perception is so important in business and in the corporate world. To be perceived by others how you perceive yourself, develop a personal branding statement and live by it.
I’m an advocate for digital networking, in addition to in-person networking. LinkedIn has emerged a very powerful tool to stay in touch with contacts. If you’re not Linked In, you should be!
One final note, if you believe in the power of first impressions, read How to Make People Like you in 90 Seconds or Less. It’s a great book that I’ve used to be more effective during sales and negotiations.
Have networking tips to share? Collaborate with other professionals by leaving a comment.
Welcome! If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed or subscribe via email. Thanks for visiting!
Subscriber in a reader
November 7th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I like the way you worded this, especially the talking about other people part! It’s so huge. I’ve had conversations where I have talked about the other person the entire time and left with an offer for them to help me find a job. It’s funny — but great networking!
November 8th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
What has helped me network is to sign up for positions that require networking, such as leading student conferences. It’s much easier for me to say, “Hey, I’m putting on a conference and I’d like to know more about you so you can possibly participate,” than to network on behalf of your own career development.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:09 am
[...] Last week, I blogged this at NewlyCorporate: [...]
November 12th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I think body langauge is huge in networking. I find that many people who are more “experienced” in their career get used to the old routine….When I engeage someone, being happy, enthusiastic, and even smiling, can go along way as long as it is authentic. I also beleive that people love talking about what they are passionate about, so in a situation where you are talking to a doctor, and you didn’t do too hott in biology, find another one of there interestes, football team, sports cars….chances are they will love that you have just asked them to fill you in on what they know! Towards the end don’t forget to make that connection like, you know my brother is really interested in going to medical school, do you have a card that i could pass along to him?
November 14th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
[...] The idiot’s guide to networking. [...]
November 16th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
[...] personal and professional portfolio. While person to person networking is essential (See Networking is Critical to Business Success - Newly Corporate), here are five reasons for using social networking sites to connect to [...]