To be successful when Networking you want to create strong and long lasting relationships, here are some tips you can use next time you encounter somebody.
“I want”
When you meet somebody in an event, conference or anywhere, you should not rush just to say what you want. Don’t forget you are trying to build a stable and strong relationship, a friendship, so you need to show real interest in what the other person is doing, not just try to sell something.
- Don’t just say “what you want”.
- Don’t instantly talk about yourself.
- Don’t try to sell anything.
Show Real Interest
Ask what the other person does for a living, what are his/her successes and what he/she is proud of, ask about what bring them here and then you can learn if you can help them and how, or somebody who can, then you will be regarded as a connector in your network.
Just listen and ask, talk about yourself when they ask you and be humble about yourself, people will feel better.
Also it may be the case that the person isn’t valuable for you or you aren’t for him, don’t lose too much time once you’ve realized that.
You can use Networking apps like Near, Annecto or Weave to see who’s around you and help you filter.
If you are in an event use an excuse like “Let me go talk to my friend for a while” and spend time connecting with other people.
- Try to show real interest like when you meet your friends
- Listen and try to understand the other person needs
- When you encounter people where there will be valuable don’t lose too much time and use an excuse to walk away
- Filter who you want to connect with using Networking Apps.
Remember as much as you can about the people you meet
Is difficult to remember all the people you will meet in events but if you are using a Networking app like the ones we commented before (Near, Annecto, Weave) it can help you filter, connect and then associate the name to the face.
If you don’t use any of these apps then you can still write notes in the back of their business card after you finish talking to them, anything that helps you remember them. You can use a notebook or your smart phone as well for that.
- Use a Networking app like Near to connect so is easier to remember and re-connect later with who you meet
- Take notes if necessary
- Don’t spend too much time when you see there’s not a good fit
Hope this tips helps you, let me know how it goes !
