1. NETWORKING
The first step in successful networking is knowing where you should go to make connections. Additionally, it’s worth hitting up meetings for professional associations and societies related to your field. Establish a mutually beneficial relationship with other business people and potential customers. Networking should involve exchanging of information and ideas.
2.SET A POWERFUL GOAL
It’s hard to get what you want out of your networking endeavors if you don’t start with a clear agenda. Before attending meetings or events, take the time to determine what your goals are for the experience. For example, you might want to make new connections, donate your time to the community, and or simply learn about the latest developments in your business or industry.
3. COLLABORATE
Sometimes starting conversations with strangers is easier if you have a familiar face by your side. If you have a friend or coworker who’s also looking to expand their network, consider attending professional events as a twosome. Just be sure you make an effort to connect with other attendees rather than sitting in the corner chatting the whole time.
4. BE POSITIVE
When searching for conversation starters, avoid speaking negatively about former companies or coworkers. After all, you don’t want potential contacts thinking you’d say bad things about them given the opportunity.
5. BE DARING
We all need help now and again. If you want your networking efforts to be a success, you have to be bold enough to ask for assistance. Before attending that next meetup or seminar, make sure you can articulate what it is that you’re seeking. Then, when someone asks how they can help you, tell them the truth. Being daring seems at first to be a tough road, but its actually safer than taking the so called safe road. You get noticed and attract more customers.
