Why is networking important? |
Networking is a vital activity in business and life, whether you have your own company or are employed. Where, when and how you network will depend on your objective. Bearing in mind that word of mouth leads to the majority of jobs at a senior level and also work projects and contracts for self-employed people, it is absolutely crucial.
So why network? The reasons vary depending on your circumstances:
To:
Whilst the old adage "it's not what you know, it's who you know", is perhaps true in some professions, in the majority of professions, it is a combination of what and who!
Networking, like public speaking, can be stressful for some people, worrying about what to say, how to come across, not being too pushy etc. They conjure up images of standing awkwardly, shuffling from foot to foot, drying up in conversation, feeling desperate and needy or even spilling food and drink down themselves or standing alone with no-one wanting to talk to them.
In the next section we share some ideas about how to stand out when networking. |
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How to stand out when networking |
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It is really worth investing time thinking about yourself/your business as a brand and how you will communicate this consistently and with impact, when you are networking. Time invested in getting clear will help you to stand out and achieve more, as well as having a greater sense of what makes you/your business special and unique.
When at a networking event, you get asked the question What do you do? it pays to have a distinctive answer. Having a relevant and meaningful company name, or an audio logo which you say when replying helps.
Having an original job title or 'audio logo' not only provides a way of expressing both about your brand and what you do in an interesting way, it also provides for a more enjoyable conversation when networking or socialising.
We love coming up with audio logos for people and an example of one we created for a roofer is: "We keep the roof over your head and you out of the gutter.
Do you have an impactful audio logo? Would you like one? Imagine what difference it could make to create a 'conversation starter rather than stopper' at both networking and social events.
Read on for 5 free tips to help your networking work better for you. |
5 FREE tips to network better |
1) You have 2 ears and 1 mouth; use them in that proportion. People like being asked questions and listened to and this will enable you to find out more about them, so when you respond, it is from an informed position
2) Think of networking as serving others and exploring what their needs are and how you can help them. Find out the issues and needs of your target audience and become an expert
3) Set goals for any networking opportunity. Imagine the occasion is over. What have you done or achieved? Who have you spoken with and what is the next step? Are you information gathering or sourcing relevant business cards to follow up?
4) For major networking events, do some research and prepare key points or questions to ask your target contacts. Take a look at their web site, annual report or recent press coverage. Forewarned is forearmed.
5) Networking is an 'important but non-urgent' activity. Plan it in your diary regularly to ensure it happens. Set aside specific times of day, days of the week or month to catch up with your contacts. www.linkedin.com makes this easy to do. |
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Networking is all about connecting with people and supporting each other. When you think of it like that, it can be enjoyable!
 Kind regards,
Rachel Brushfield, Director
Energise - liberate your talent
The Talent Liberation Company
T + 44 (0) 845 22 55 010
M +44 (0) 7973 911137
Twitter: @talentliberator
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