Many people only network when they’re looking for a job. However, finding a job is the result of good networking rather than the immediate outcome.
Instead, business professionals should concentrate more on building relationships with people no matter what their immediate needs may be. By taking this approach, you will then be able to contact people in your network for needs such as jobs, sales leads and partnership opportunities.
Without building trust and a relationship with people, you will have a much harder time with requests. In fact, you should try to help others before you ask for their help. By helping others first, you are showing the kind of person you are and good faith.
When you need help later, your requests should be received very favorably. Business professionals should therefore integrate networking into their routine and make it a continuous aspect of their business life.
Network Now, Not Later
Most people only network when they have a need and often get frustrated when that need can’t be immediately met. As a result, they have a bad experience with networking. People with this experience often have an unfavorable impression of networking and tend to stop attending networking events.
Rather than waiting until you need to network, start networking before a need arises. Concentrate on meeting people and building relationships for the long term. Find ways to help others and to keep in touch. Yes, it takes discipline and time, but it’s well worth the effort. When you need to find a job or sales lead, you can approach your contacts with ease.
It will feel natural and won’t be a burden to others because they will trust and know you. These are the kind of relationships you should strive for through networking. These will ultimately make the networking process more effective for you.
Regularly Attend Networking Events
In order to meet people and build your network, you need to regularly attend networking events. It’s a good idea to attend several events every month so it becomes part of your routine.
“The approximate range of monthly Chicagoland technology-related and business-focused networking events that are posted on the TechVenue.com calendar is five to 10 per month,” said David Flint, founder and president of TechVenue.com.
Another great source for Midwest technology and business events is MidwestBusiness.com. Both of these calendars should give you several options to choose from each month.
By getting yourself out there, it will become easier and more natural for you to talk with people. You will start to run into some of the same people, which will help you to build relationships and become known in networking circles.
The more people you know, the better your resources will be for helping others. With each new person you meet, you should pay attention to his or her needs so you have a chance to connect someone in your network with this person.
Connecting people is a great way to keep in touch with others and continually build your relationships. Networking is a continuous process rather than just something that happens every once in a while.
Keep in Touch
One of the more time consuming but fun aspects of networking is keeping in touch with the people you meet. Yes, it’s challenging, but it’s often rewarding to remain in contact with your network. After you meet people, the networking shouldn’t stop.
You should make an effort and find a way to continue to communicate with these people. Find out their interests and send articles and other resources to them, which will let them know you’re thinking about them. Your contacts will appreciate your thoughtfulness and will remember you.
A great way to keep in touch is to create an e-mail newsletter or e-mail group. With each new person you meet, you can add them to your list. Make sure to use content in your newsletter that will either reach a broad audience or a niche audience (depending on what you would like to share and with whom).
One affordable solution is Constant Contact, which allows you to create professional-looking email newsletters through template designs. With Constant Contact, you can easily keep in touch with people and track who’s opening up your newsletter. You will then have a good idea of who values what you’re providing.
Another great way to keep in touch is to periodically ask people to meet you for coffee, lunch or drinks. Let them know what events you will be attending so you can reconnect. With networking, one of your goals should be to get people to remember you. Make sure to keep in touch so you will be fresh in their minds when you need to approach them.
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