7 Expert Tips to Improve Your Networking Skills
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2025 4:24 am
One of the most useful skills you can have is the ability to network. Unfortunately, it's not something you're born with - it takes practice to get better at it.
Fortunately, with a little guidance, you'll quickly master networking. In this article, uae phone number material you'll learn how to improve your networking skills .
How to improve your networking skills
1. Offer more than you receive
When networking, think about how you can add value to the lives of others. Tory Bullock , a YouTube content creator for HubSpot, recommends being that “someone” who always has something to offer.
For example, if a person mentions that they want to revamp their site, introduce them to that friend of yours who has years of experience in web design. Or, if you see an event that might be useful to others, send them a message along with an invitation through LinkedIn.
What we like: If you're a problem solver, others will see you as the person who always has a solution. This also increases the chances that you'll be introduced to others or given a helping hand.
2. Network throughout your career
Brian Tracy , a business training consultant, believes that to be successful, you have to surround yourself with the right people. And often it's not about what you know, but who you know.
To help with this, Tracy suggests developing a deliberate and systemic approach to networking throughout your career. She goes so far as to say that you should divide the people you meet into categories:
Helpful and accommodating versus not helpful and accommodating
Ambitious versus non-ambitious
Those who go somewhere versus those who go nowhere
Whenever you are in a new place, whether it is an event or an office, you should try to identify the influencers. If you change jobs, look for the most outstanding individuals in the organization, make them your role models and follow their example.
What we like: Tracy treats networking as an ongoing process. She doesn't stop when she meets a few people, but instead continues her search. Remember that networking is an ongoing process.
3. Be honest with yourself
Ouigi Theodore , creative activist for Brooklyn Circus, emphasizes making a good first impression . Since it takes a fraction of a second to form a first opinion, you can't leave this point to chance.
Clothes, hairstyle and speech all have a lot of influence. With this in mind, be honest with yourself and with others. Ouigi suggests starting with something as simple as looking in the mirror. Observe your body posture and try to pick up on non-verbal cues.
Does the person looking back at you seem to be comfortable with themselves? Think about any changes you can make that will improve your image, while still feeling 100% comfortable.
For example, a networking event can be casual. Pink may be your signature color, so you can opt for your favorite pink blazer. An authentic "you" will always beat a fake version.
What we like: Being honest is a great way to appear trustworthy. And it’s also a liberating feeling. You’ll get the confidence boost you need when reaching out to strangers or that conference speaker you’ve been meaning to network with.
4. Be selective about including people in your inner circle
Both Warren Buffet and Bill Gates agree that you should choose wisely the people you surround yourself with . They will have a significant impact on your life, including your career choices. Be picky. Network with aspirational people. Someone who can serve as a role model for you.
Buffet and Gates argue that too many people take an unstructured approach to networking. The result is that they end up surrounded by people who aren’t ambitious and who don’t motivate them to achieve their goals.
What we like: It's not about quantity, it's about quality. Throughout our lives, we meet hundreds of people. However, our time is limited. Focus on networking with people who have a positive impact.
Fortunately, with a little guidance, you'll quickly master networking. In this article, uae phone number material you'll learn how to improve your networking skills .
How to improve your networking skills
1. Offer more than you receive
When networking, think about how you can add value to the lives of others. Tory Bullock , a YouTube content creator for HubSpot, recommends being that “someone” who always has something to offer.
For example, if a person mentions that they want to revamp their site, introduce them to that friend of yours who has years of experience in web design. Or, if you see an event that might be useful to others, send them a message along with an invitation through LinkedIn.
What we like: If you're a problem solver, others will see you as the person who always has a solution. This also increases the chances that you'll be introduced to others or given a helping hand.
2. Network throughout your career
Brian Tracy , a business training consultant, believes that to be successful, you have to surround yourself with the right people. And often it's not about what you know, but who you know.
To help with this, Tracy suggests developing a deliberate and systemic approach to networking throughout your career. She goes so far as to say that you should divide the people you meet into categories:
Helpful and accommodating versus not helpful and accommodating
Ambitious versus non-ambitious
Those who go somewhere versus those who go nowhere
Whenever you are in a new place, whether it is an event or an office, you should try to identify the influencers. If you change jobs, look for the most outstanding individuals in the organization, make them your role models and follow their example.
What we like: Tracy treats networking as an ongoing process. She doesn't stop when she meets a few people, but instead continues her search. Remember that networking is an ongoing process.
3. Be honest with yourself
Ouigi Theodore , creative activist for Brooklyn Circus, emphasizes making a good first impression . Since it takes a fraction of a second to form a first opinion, you can't leave this point to chance.
Clothes, hairstyle and speech all have a lot of influence. With this in mind, be honest with yourself and with others. Ouigi suggests starting with something as simple as looking in the mirror. Observe your body posture and try to pick up on non-verbal cues.
Does the person looking back at you seem to be comfortable with themselves? Think about any changes you can make that will improve your image, while still feeling 100% comfortable.
For example, a networking event can be casual. Pink may be your signature color, so you can opt for your favorite pink blazer. An authentic "you" will always beat a fake version.
What we like: Being honest is a great way to appear trustworthy. And it’s also a liberating feeling. You’ll get the confidence boost you need when reaching out to strangers or that conference speaker you’ve been meaning to network with.
4. Be selective about including people in your inner circle
Both Warren Buffet and Bill Gates agree that you should choose wisely the people you surround yourself with . They will have a significant impact on your life, including your career choices. Be picky. Network with aspirational people. Someone who can serve as a role model for you.
Buffet and Gates argue that too many people take an unstructured approach to networking. The result is that they end up surrounded by people who aren’t ambitious and who don’t motivate them to achieve their goals.
What we like: It's not about quantity, it's about quality. Throughout our lives, we meet hundreds of people. However, our time is limited. Focus on networking with people who have a positive impact.