A lot of businesses are increasingly relying on collaboration and partnerships through a guided networking approach to drive growth. Knowing how to be successful at professional networking is no longer just a useful skill, as it is absolutely essential for sales advancement. If you are seeking employment, then the way you conduct yourself, will affect how your career develops also.
The internet has changed how we connect and interact, over the last two decades, but the fundamentals haven’t changed. Yes, social media networks have become the pivotal hubs for professional relationship-building, but at what cost? However, the principles remain rooted in authentic human connection/interaction and strategic relationship building, through mutual value creation. This can only be done with face to face intelligent conduct.
So, whether you’re a seasoned executive or have just graduated from college, being able to understanding the authentic behavioural conduct of professional networking can significantly impact your career trajectory and open doors to new career opportunities, plus advance your chances significantly in making a sale. Simply chasing ahead, without the focus of your prospect’s goal in your mindset, and how important their business is, will add fuel to the fire of rejection, if you don’t deal with this properly.
Professional networking refers to building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships within your industry or field of expertise, that reciprocates a gain on behalf of the person or organisation you are discussing potential with.
Unlike casual networking, which often occurs naturally in social settings or a particularly abject approach towards chasing down business, professional networking is a more powerful, purposeful and strategic entity, aimed at creating connections that can foster growth, knowledge sharing, and better business opportunities.
While casual networking may very well happen spontaneously during your personal life at social gatherings and through family members, it should be measured against that through organised professional networking, that outcome value is done through deliberate effort and planning, as such the result is measured.
This involves building relationships with professional contacts who share not only share similar goals, but offer an approach that details enhancement in complementary fields, with the understanding that these connections can provide value to both parties over time.
Professional networking occurs across various channels and venues. Traditional networking environments include industry conferences, trade shows, business seminars and trusted networking groups. However, these opportunities have expanded to include online professional networking (though are proving to be not as effective) via digital platforms and virtual events. These on-line events still need to be held accountable as to whether or not the members within a group are offering referrals or new defined business that can be measured.
People mainly network with other professionals to try and enhance or reduce the time and effort associated with prospecting. Most sale openings don’t even make it to websites and apps dotted throughout the internet because of this type of approach, usually fails quickly, especially when looking for employment. Face to face networking when done properly, is always going to beat hands down on-line networking.
Let’s take the job market then. Research shows that up to 85% of all positions are filled through networking, highlighting the critical role that professional connections play in helping people find job/sales opportunities. Industry professionals with strong networks are more likely to receive positive performance reviews and secure promotions as a result.
It cannot be understated the lack of professionalism in displaying your criteria online, as to that by employing somebody to do it professionally for you. Your identity is at stake, just as your business is, and so don’t cut corners.
When looking beyond career advancement or the potential to present your business, professional networking offers numerous benefits. It can provide access to mentorship opportunities, allowing professionals to learn from experienced individuals in their field or to learn in a group environment new and exciting ways. Through these newly acquired professional relationships, you can access career/sales advice along with opportunities that may not be available otherwise.
Building a strong professional network doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are the key things you should do to make meaningful connections and grow your network accordingly.
These practices can help you build better relationships in your professional life, whether you’re attending in-person or virtual networking events.
Be Authentic & Genuine
Being real with people is the best way to network. Don’t try to act like someone you’re not or put on a fake personality to impress others. Instead, be honest about who you are, what you do, and what interests you, and especially ask what they like and find great/meaningful about their business. People are more likely to trust you and want to work with you when you’re genuine. This makes it much easier to build relationships that last.
Focus on Adding Value
Think about what you can give rather than what you can get, it’s called a giver’s gain. Help others by sharing useful information, introducing them to people they ought to know, or by offering your skills when needed. When you focus on helping others, they’ll naturally want to help you, too. This give-and-take approach makes networking feel less forced and far more natural.
Prepare a Pitch that Elevates you
Have a short, straightforward way to explain who you are and what you do. Your introduction should be easy to understand and remember but not sound rehearsed. Tell people about your work/business, main skills, and what makes you different from others in your field with one key element. Keep it short; about 45 seconds is ideal. This makes it easier to introduce yourself confidently and come across as knowledgeable, whether at a big networking event or just meeting someone for coffee. Always end with, how may I help you.
Follow up
Maintaining professional relationships takes work. Don’t let new connections fade away, but don’t pester. After meeting someone, send them a quick message within a day or two, mentioning something you talked about and suggest a way to keep in touch i.e. you can offer a referral, or you have new business for them. This simple step shows you value the connection and want to build a real relationship.