5 Tips to Networking Like A Badass
BE YOURSELF – Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others. People want to invest in other people. They want to feel good about the people with whom they have business relationships.
FACE TIME – In a day where it’s easy for people to hide behind their desks and call, email or text, making solid connections in person is necessary. Whether at networking events or elsewhere, this helps build more fruitful relationships with people who can benefit your business. Ask open-ended questions in these networking conversations. This means questions that inquire: who, what, where, when, and how. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
Be yourself.
BECOME A POWERFUL RESOURCE – When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT MAKES YOU VALUABLE – Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your approach special or different from others doing the something similar. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.
FOLLOW THROUGH – Follow through quickly and efficiently on the referrals or leads you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
Author: Kimberly Osborne, Director of Operations & Brand Manager for Boston Business Women, Founder of Osborne Design, Principal of Kimberly Mae Photography
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