Change the Way You Think About Networking

The holidays are upon us - ‘tis the season for office parties, client appreciation gatherings, and networking events. Many people get anxious just thinking about networking and “promoting themselves” at professional get-togethers. It’s time to change your thinking and identify some new strategies to boost your confidence and ensure results.

Don’t go into an event thinking you have to sell yourself – so much pressure! Have a mindset of connecting with people.

In today’s world you may rationalize that because you are connected to others on social media and professional platforms you don’t need these face-to-face meet-ups. Not true. You can build genuine person-to-person connections which stand the test of time.

Being more open-minded about networking in general takes the pressure off a bit:

·         Yes, you still need to practice your “elevator speech”.

·         Plan a brief greeting about yourself. Make it succinct and avoid being vague. Think about how you want to present yourself. It takes practice to briefly introduce yourself and your professional position or accomplishments without sounding boastful, or conversely, being so vague that you didn’t really say anything.

·         Remind yourself that people are interested in helping each other. In the course of conversation you may find opportunities to help others as well.

·         Even if you are not in the best place in your career or life right now, you have more to offer than you may think.

·         Pay it forward. Maybe you’re the one reaping the benefit from a networking encounter; next time it could be your turn to assist someone else.

The best ways to build your professional connections:

1.       Have a brief statement about yourself, what you do, or what kind of opportunity you seek.

2.       Actively listen to what others say to you. Make a concerted effort to remember names and details about those with whom you are speaking.

3.       Ask how you can help. We all have something to offer others.

4.       End the conversation with a plan. If you’ve made a connection, share your contact information and follow-up. Personal connections such as these are the building blocks of a mutually beneficial professional network.

5.       ↑ Follow through with the follow-up!