Want to be successful at networking? Here are some tips to make you an effective marketer:
Be Genuine
People can tell when you’re being insincere or fake. If you want people to respond positively, be genuine and authentic so that you can build trust and confidence.
Clean Your Online Image
You might have less than respectful images on social media. As we all know, sites like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn are just some of the first places people check when they meet somebody new. Conduct a simple search so that you will know what’s out there. If people see it, they might think it’s part of your brand.
Build Offline Relationships
Your offline life is just as important as the online one. Seek accreditation with professional organizations. You can also volunteer in your community to expand your network.
Make A Killer LinkedIn Profile
If you want professional relationships and network, LinkedIn is the website to do it. Complete your profile and connect with experts and leaders in your industry. Because it is a social network, it is a good way to meet people and connect with them in a “short cut” kind of way. Find a community that is relevant to your brand and network extensively to get noticed.
Set Networking Goals
In order to know if you’re succeeding at something, it has to be measured. To find out whether you are making progress networking, set realistic goals and conquer them. This is the only way to know if you’re succeeding in your goal. If your goal is to reach 5 experts in your field within 1 year, then you should set a plan on how to do it. Targeting your goals will give you motivation to go on and give you perspective and reflection on how to reach it.
Share Your Passion
When you meet somebody new, sharing your passion is a good way to break the ice especially if you work within the same field. This is a good way not only to get your message across, but also to gain their insights.
Gratitude
In the course of networking, there will be people who will reach out to you in an effort to share or get to know you better. When this happens, do not forget to show your gratitude. You can say thank you verbally, by email, or by offering to pay for coffee. This way they will remember you in the future.
Follow Up
Maintain your relationships by saying hi or getting together every once in awhile. You can share new innovations, catch up, or just share experiences.
Give Back
Don’t forget to give back to your network. They might need you to mentor somebody or to speak about a certain topic. Always remember to pay it forward.
Become A Resource for Others
If you are known to be an expert in the field or when people turn to you for ideas or suggestions, you become a strong resource. This will keep you visible in your network.
