Apparently, everyone’s talking about networking these days. Connections, contacts, links – you know all that…

 

Well, no doubt, networking is one of the BEST ways to promote your business.

 

Just a recent survey showed that 78% of startups believe that networking is vital to their entrepreneurial success.

 

And, who can question that?

 

Networking is spreading the word about your product or company with others to exchange information, which ultimately leads to more clients, more business, and more sales for you.

 

But, the problem is: Not everyone is good at networking.

 

And, if that includes you then this article is a must-read for you.

 

Read the SIX golden tips on networking below and learn how to network like a pro…

 

 

1) Have A Definite Goal

 

First, make up your plan!

 

You know, most entrepreneurs who fail at networking do so because of a lack of a definite goal. They don’t know who to talk to and what to look for when networking.

 

And, possible clients sense this lack of purpose within seconds. They know whether a person is talking real business or just hot air…

 

So, frame a DEFINITE plan and be focused on that when you go for networking.

 

Have goals that:

 

• Are trackable

 

• Are specific/precise

 

• Challenge you

 

• Are important to you

 

Having goals lets you see where you want to go and gives you something to strive for.

 

 

2) Attend Business Seminars

 

Business meetings and seminars are the best platforms to strike up essential connections with big parties. For example, your city’s chamber of commerce might hold annual business meet-ups for entrepreneurs, and it’s worth turning up at such events.

 

You never know who you might bump into…

 

And now webinars, which are online seminars and meetings, are becoming more and more popular, so you’re able to participate wherever you are.

 

You want to make sure that you have goals and objectives for these seminars. Ask yourself:

 

• What are you looking to learn?

 

• Who most do you want to meet?

 

• What do you hope to get out of this experience?

 

Now that you have some goals in mind, make sure you’re prepared for them. If there are specific people you’d like to connect with, research about them and their company before you meet them. Come up with a list of questions beforehand so you’re not left behind.

 

Attending meetings and seminars can be a great place to meet those people who can help you take your business to the next step.

 

 

3) Focus on Giving Rather than Taking

 

Don’t be selfish while networking…

 

Put your own agenda on the back burner and look for ways to be of help to OTHERS. Because if there’s one thing that gives a blow to your networking efforts, it’s your being selfish and thinking ‘what’s in it for me?’

 

Real networking is based on trust and value-offering. Forget about yourself and focus on giving others some value. What can you learn from them? Take a second to listen instead of talking and see what your potential clients say they need help with.

 

Listening and paying attention to the things that your potential clients feel are important is key to networking and building lasting relationships.

 

 

4) Work on Your Communication Skills

 

Your success in networking depends a lot on how well you communicate. But, don’t worry. Communication is not some genie that you’ve got to trap in a bottle… It’s actually easier than you think.

 

The key to mastering communication is being open, natural, and warm right from the start of your conversations. Don’t be fake, just be yourself.

 

Keep in mind your nonverbal communication skills as well. Be aware of your body language and how the other person could be taking what you are saying or doing.

 

Pay attention to the body language and words of whoever you’re speaking to, as that can give you insights into what they are thinking and help you communicate better.

 

Having a real, genuine conversation can do wonders for you and your business, and create long-lasting relationships.

 

 

5) Be Active on Social Media

 

Social media is now a crucial part of marketing and the sooner you accept it the better…

 

Possibly no entrepreneur can today survive (or thrive at least) without having any social media presence. So, make up some attractive social media pages for your business and be interactive with your viewers and clients. Or even better, get a social media expert to act as your virtual assistant and do the internet marketing for you.

 

Not everyone on social media is going to be helpful to you though. Look for like-minded or industry-specific people to connect with. These types of people are going to be the best group to market to.

 

You also want to make sure to focus on quality over quantity. Having a ton of social interactions is great unless they don’t have a meaningful conversation. Keeping your conversations real and meaningful will keep people coming back.

 

 

6) Always Follow Up!

 

Last but not the least, always follow up on your networking connections.

 

Everyone gets annoyed with people who never follow up on their agreements and disappear without a trace as if nothing ever happened.

 

Keep in touch, because useless contacts today might turn out to be most useful tomorrow!

 

Networking in business is crucial to getting your business in front of the right people. Having conversations can help build trust and relationships with other people and businesses and help you grow more and more.