A recent article, 5 Common Mistakes When Networking by Royston Guest says networking events help you build relationships with like-minded individuals who can help you grow personally and professionally. Nevertheless, the art of networking is a skill that requires honing and polishing in order to get the desired results.
Here are five tips to benefit from networking.
# 1. Be clear about what you are trying to achieve.
You need to have a concrete plan about your goal. What is your ultimate motive/purpose? How much time are you going to invest? What can you offer to the relationship? What result would you like to see? These are some factors you need to consider. Remember, time is gold so ensure you network with meaning.
# 2. Focus on quality not on quantity.
Reaching out to as many people as possible is not the way to network, but networking is basically about building relationships. For instance, if you are attending a networking event in meeting space Orlando, find out who will be there. Identify who you want to connect with and why you want to connect with them. These questions link to # 1.
# 3. Be interested, not just interesting.
Networking is building a mutual relationship, so you need to be interested not just interesting. Indeed, be clear about who you are and what relevant knowledge and information you can share, but be sincerely interested in the other party as well. Being interested and interesting at the same time creates a fruitful conversation which is the beginning of a long term valuable relationship.
# 4. Show up with your business card.
You should bring business cards at all times! Your business card is one of the remaining physical connections you have in this digital age, reminding people of you after the conversation. Exchanging contact information digitally is quite impersonal, so don’t ever lose it.
# 5. Follow up with your contacts – reactively and proactively.
Keep in touch, share information, if you’ve promised to do something, do it and confirm when you’ve done it. Be kind and thoughtful, the payback may be ten times.
Conclusion
Follow these simple tips to help networking events work for your best. YourOffice Orlando is willing to help you with your networking events and other office space needs. YourOffice Orlando features a network of world-class business addresses. Each location offers beautifully appointed day offices Orlando and short term offices Orlando that are fully wired and ready for you to move in and start working.
Any other tips to make networking events beneficial? Feel free to share your thoughts. You can also visit us on Twitter and Facebook.
