Networking Success Tips

How Networking Can Help Build Strong References

Aug 21, 2009 Anthony Vultaggio

Networking can open doors to new opportunities. But it is important to have clearly defined goals and objective before heading out to meet others.

Successful people know that networking is everything. It can uncover job leads, provide vital information about the inner-workings of a specific company, and even result in securing a reference from the right person.

While some people are natural networkers, most struggle with the basics of mixing and mingling. There's only one way to overcome this and that's practice. The only way to get better at meeting people is to meet people. It may feel awkward at the beginning, but this skill is worth suffering a little discomfort to acquire. Learning how to make a positive impression and connect with the right people can mean the difference between securing a fabulous job or spending another month trying to stretch unemployment dollars.

Develop a Winning Attitude

When people are uncomfortable, they tend to make others feel uncomfortable. This isn't deliberate, rather it's the byproduct of an untrained mind. Feeling shy or awkward when approaching a stranger is natural. However, letting those feelings dictate responses and outcomes is unacceptable. To develop a winning attitude, it's essential to prepare mentally before heading to the event.

Negative Thoughts are Not Allowed

Negativity prevents people from working through challenges. It perpetuates a self-defeating cycle that ends in misery. The mind is a garden. Keep garden sheers handy to prune negative thoughts before they blossom into a defeatist attitude. A person can change their life simply by changing their attitude from negative to positive.

Strangers Can be Friends

"Don't talk to strangers!" It's advice that's been given to every child since the beginning of time. In order to embrace networking, people need to get past this cliche and understand that relationships are created when strangers connect. Remember, common ground helps "strangers" to become "friends."

  • Don't be afraid to approach others, make introductions and share some piece of information that could benefit the other person.
  • Listening makes people feel valued. Pay attention to details and use those details later in the conversation.
  • Expand on shared interests or goals to keep the conversation lively.

Rehearse the Ice Breakers

Preparing for networking events means selecting clothing that is comfortable and conveys the right message. It also means practicing the art of conversation. Want to take the lead in any conversation? Remember these tips:

  • People are their own favorite topic. They love talking about themselves. Ask them questions about themselves and watch the conversation take flight.
  • Flattery opens doors. Express genuine interest in a person's work or organization and they will open up about what really matters to them. They will also reciprocate the interest.
  • Know five politically correct jokes. These can, and should, be pulled out if there is ever a lull in the conversation.

Prepare and Practice an Elevator Pitch

Prepare a personal-introduction that is clear and interesting. Keep it under 8-10 seconds. Practice it until it can be delivered confidently. Use it with everyone but don't let it become routine. Each presentation should be alive with enthusiasm.

Of course, if someone doesn't respond to the introduction, don't take it personally. Keep a positive attitude and find the right person to connect with.

Networking for the Right References

Remember, networking should be part of everyday life. Whether it's a chance meetings, scheduled encounter, or on-going relationships, take the time to reach out and connect. When the time is right, don't be afraid to leverage those relationships to get a personal or professional references.

Because professional references have more value than personal references, it's important to leverage the business relationships. Ask a supervisor to write a statement about work habits. Seek out people that have a business relationship with the organization whether vendor or client.

At the end of the day, the approach doesn't matter. It's all about getting in front of people and making connections. Some relationships may not yield benefits for many years, but when they do, the payoff is big. Networking is the single best way to build a business, improve sales figures or land a better job. Make a habit of attending at least one function each month and follow up with at least six contacts each week.

The copyright of the article Networking Success Tips in Career Advice is owned by Anthony Vultaggio. Permission to republish Networking Success Tips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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