Networking is fundamental to how many successful people run their businesses and create relationships. Networking can give you so many amazing opportunities and experiences, and you’ll met some incredibly inspiring and nurturing individuals with the advent of social media. Networking is something we all can use. Networking is something we all need. Networking is something we can all improve upon.
So here are our top ten networking tips to improve your Networking for 2015.
1) Networking is the new certainty in life, so start learning now.
Benjamin Franklin once said the only two certainties in life are “Death and Taxes”. We propose that there are two more — delivering Presentations and dealing with People. No matter where you go, you are giving presentations at school, at work and at home. Throughout your life you will always need to deal with people whether at home, work or in public. Networking is both presenting and dealing with people. Once you acknowledge and accept this, why not start investing now to become better at it?
2) The 80-20 rule of networking helps you find jobs and opportunities.
They say 80 per cent of jobs and opportunities are found through networking and 20 per cent are not. 20 per cent of people use networking effectively and 80 per cent do not. So if 20 per cent of all people are using networking to get at 80 per cent of all the opportunities, what should you be doing? Networking!
3) Give without expectation.
Networking is not asking for a job and it is not just taking what you can from a connection. A healthy philosophy is to give without expectation. Ask every contact “What can I do to help you?” Give them your ear and spend a good amount of time just listening because every person has his/her story. This philosophy will help build up your reputation, integrity and personal brand. That good karma will come back to you.
4) Know your value.
With any networking scenario, there will be give and take. Many people, especially youth, don’t realise what value they can provide. Every person has value and it comes from your experiences, your energy and enthusiasm, your personality and your contacts. Beyond that, you should get comfortable with knowing your personal brand and elevator pitch. Take to the time to understand what you bring to the table. Remember that networking is not just “I want to meet you” but also “I want you to meet me”.
5) Build the relationships.
Networking is just the start. Your ultimate goal is to build a relationship. That is where the true value of networking comes into play because you will get advice, support, mentorship, and a higher likelihood of opportunities coming your way.
