Why Effective Networking Is Now More Critical than Ever

Networking may seem like a trivial thing that people do on the go, but it’s actually a powerful business strategy that requires full focus and dedication. Reports show that as much as 85% of jobs are filled through networking, but it seems like 25% of all the professionals don’t network at all.

The benefits of networking are incredibly important because a wide base of personal and professional connections can get you closer to all sorts of business deals and arrangements. It can also help you to generate fresh ideas, advance your career, get business-related advice, build confidence, and many more.

Networking is now more critical than ever, but how exactly do you approach it? If you are not sure how to do it properly, keep reading to learn nine ways to make networking your way of life. Let’s take a look!

Show interest in other people

Individuals who want to build a strong network of professional connections have to be genuinely interested in other people. You should know what makes them so special and valuable because it will help you to understand their ideas and actions.

Nurture your connections

The best way to build a relationship with someone is to know his/her beliefs, values, habits, and interests. That way, you can initiate a broad scope of topics that you know will attract this person. For example, you can mention topics such as holidays, business events, family life, birthdays, food, likes, dislikes, and many other details.

Keep in touch regularly

The worst thing you can do networking-wise is to give someone a call or text a message only when you need something. Jake Gardner, a human resource manager at uk.bestessays.com, believes it is essential to keep in touch with your acquaintances regularly: “It’s not possible to build an honest and trustworthy relationship if you don’t dedicate enough time to it.”

Do as promised

Number four on our list is one of the most important networking tips. Namely, you should always do as promised if you want people to take you seriously. If you promised to text someone next week, make sure to do it. It’s a simple trick, but it has the power to make or break your networking hopes.

Keep your eyes wide open

Networking is not a one-time thing, but rather a full-time job that goes on 24/7. Wherever you go and whatever you do, keep your eyes wide open and look for relevant people and information. And if you have a chance to help someone along the way, don’t hesitate to do it!

Be patient

It takes a lot of time to build trust and make friends with your contacts. Be honest and don’t push it too hard. Be patient and let the relationship grow naturally.

Take the initiative

Another important tip we have for you is to be proactive while searching for fresh networking opportunities. Take the initiative and don’t wait for other people to get in touch with you. On the contrary, you should show the willingness to make the first move and kickstart the relationship on your own.

Add value to the relationship

You can’t expect one side to give all the value to the relationship, so you better make sure to contribute with excellent ideas, clear communication, and nice proposals. It will convince your latest connections that you are a credible person who deserves to become a member of their professional networks.

Stay passionate and enthusiastic

The last tip on our list is to stay passionate and enthusiastic about the whole process. Networking does not guarantee instant results, but it will lead you to great business opportunities sooner or later.

Up to You!

Networking is not just a side effect of everyday communication, but also a valuable aspect of the business that can help you to build a better career. In this post, we discussed nine ways to make network building your way of life. Do your best to put our ideas into practice and let us know in the comments if you have other interesting thoughts on the topic!

 

 

About the Author

Justin Osborne
Justin is a marketing specialist and blogger from Leicester, UK. When not working and rooting for Leicester FC, he likes to discuss new trends in digital marketing and share his own ideas with readers on different blogs and forums. Currently, he is working as a content marketer.