There’s some truth to the adage that it’s not what you know, but rather who you know. Expanding your professional network promises a range of benefits whether you are looking for a new role, building your client base or just expanding your knowledge of your industry.
Networking doesn’t have to be “smarmy”, it is not about making a beeline for the most important person in the room and selling yourself. True networking is about developing mutually beneficial relationships.
These relationships could be directly beneficial. For example someone thinking of you when recruiting for a new job or being open to providing advice when you need it. The benefits can also be indirect. People tend to trust what other people say about you infinitely more than anything you say about yourself. They also tend to trust people that their connections trust. Consequently, referrals and recommendations are incredibly powerful, no matter what type of business you are in.
There is lots of advice out there for young women professionals on how to network. But what if you are a more established professional looking to build your career circle, grow your business, or even recruit to positions like your board of directors?
Read on for our top tips for networking as an established professional:
Perfect Your Elevator Pitch
The idea of an elevator pitch is now old hat, but it is still useful. Often when you meet someone new, you only have a few minutes of their time before their attention is caught by something else. So, if you are interested in telling them what you do, you need to be able to do it quickly, and in a way that will be impactful and memorable.
Take the time to think about how to explain your business to others in a sentence or two. And remember, don’t just tell them what you do, but why you do it. What difference does it make in the world, why are you passionate about it, and why should they care.
Know Your Business
If you do grab someone’s interest in your business, they are probably going to have questions. Similarly, if you can provide insightful and interesting answers, you will draw them in. If your responses sound like “I don’t know”, or “I’ll have to check”, you’ve probably lost them.
Make sure you are ready to speak at length about the most important aspects of your business. Let them know that you are well versed in your industry more generally. Often follow up questions will relate to how you do interact with elements of the industry that they are familiar with. Connecting with things that they know about will capture their attention.
SEE ALSO: How Collaboration Can Help Your Business or Career Success
Attend Events
While you might hate attending networking events, being present to meet people is essential. You do need to put yourself out there. For some business this will mean attending many trade shows and conferences. But, these are not the only places to network.
Whatever industry you are in, it is all about being in the right place to meet the right people. So, more important than a trade show might be participating in community events and serving your community in a way that puts you in touch with community leaders.
It is important to “think outside the box” when identifying the right networking opportunities for your needs.
Be Prepared to Give
We often focus on networking because we want something. However, one of the most effective forms of networking is to give. Whether you are sharing knowledge by writing for a publication or giving a talk to recent graduates, this brings you attention as someone who is knowledgeable, and willing to try new things.
If you are approaching someone to serve on your board, think not only about what they can do for your company, but what your company can do for them.
The best way to ensure that you are giving is to really listen to people and their concerns and respond to them (rather than just waiting for your opportunity to make your ask).
SEE ALSO: A Step-By-Step Guide to a Successful Career Transition
Don’t Disregard Social Media
It is easy to dismiss social media as a time drain, and it is true that it has become that for many people. But these are powerful tools to connect distant people with common interests.
These platforms allow you to build your reputation within groups that interest you and may also allow you to reach out to specific individuals who you would otherwise have no contact with. LinkedIn, for example, was created for business networking and is an excellent platform for connecting with like-minded professionals such as CEOs, Founders and decision makers who hang out there.
Therefore, rather of simply browsing your LinkedIn page, interact with the posts you come across. Share and comment on the content; by doing so, you are gradually establishing a connection with others.
The key to doing social media well is to manage the amount of time that you spend, and only to engage in behavior that creates value. This could mean publishing genuinely meaningful content or engaging in conversations that have the potential to build into something more.
You can connect with me and my network on LinkedIn and also learn more tips on how you can increase your chances of networking.
Make Networking a Daily Part of Your Life
You don't have to attend a large networking event every time you want to meet new people and strengthen your connections. Aside from networking events, there are other ways to network and make connections. Networking isn't always limited to a single meeting or event.
You can reconnect with old contacts you haven't spoken with in a long time. Talk to your neighbors, those you pass on your way out, or even your coworkers. Make new contacts if you do it on a consistent basis.
Adopting the concept of making everyday networking a part of your life will have you doing it in no time!
Networking can seem like just one more bureaucratic thing that you have to do to make a success of your business or as a professional. But as is true with many things, it is all about attitude.
If you approach networking as building genuine relationships with people that inspire you or with whom you share common interests, what you consider a chore can become one of the most pleasurable aspects of what you do.
SEE ALSO: 4 Mindset Shifts For Success in Life, Leadership, & Career
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