Recently I came across some random Twitter voting asking entrepreneurs whether strategy, networking or learning is important for their business. I choose learning because that’s always been one of my best assets. But networking was voted the most, way more than learning and strategy. This is not the first time I have noticed other entrepreneurs saying networking is one of the most crucial elements of their business. Of course, getting better at networking was something I have worked on in the past.
Wondering why networking plays this significant role in business? The answer is that your relationship with customers is all that matters for your success. Even if they don’t purchase your products or come on board with your business plan, the connection you build will come around as help at some point. So, entrepreneurs must be better networkers.
The secret to better networking is the interest in getting to know new people and developing a connection. Whether it is with the purpose of supporting your business or making friends, you need to be ready to meet new people and develop good relationships. Staying in touch with your friends from college and old colleagues and striking up a conversation in a meeting while respecting their interests and boundaries can help your business.
Read this article to learn the top ways to become better at networking.
6 Ways to Get Better at Networking
A myriad of opportunities will open for you once you start building contacts with long-term and short-term goals. That’s right, your contacts and connection should be able to win you support in the short-term, meaning in the immediate future. At the same time, the long-term contacts should be effective enough to play a crucial role in your business even after one or two years. If you create business contacts with a long-term vision, you can make your future secure.
Know What You Offer
When you build a network, not just focus on the benefit it has for you. Instead, know exactly what you have to offer to the network. Why should they buy your products, join your network, or refer your business to others? There should be something for them in it in their favor. It could be products they prefer or profitable business opportunities, rewards for referrals and more. Know what exactly the connection with you can give them. Focus on it as much as understanding how crucial their support for your business is.
Create an Action Plan
Build an action plan that focuses on networking. Make a list of people you want to meet. Focus on your target audience at the same time, and make sure you let everyone know about the opportunity with your business. Networking works the best when you meet people in person. But since the pandemic, more online networks have been developed. Your action plan should include ways to network online and in person. An effective action plan can make the networking process much easier and give a good result.
Connect with Like-minded People
No matter how many people you meet, a good result will only occur if you meet with like-minded people. Even though building relationships with many people might help you out at some point, it’s important that you focus on people who share the same interest as you. The business opportunity with direct selling will seem attractive to a person with entrepreneurial dreams and some knowledge about business. So, to boost your network growth, it’s better if you focus on like-minded people.
Keep in Touch with People
Even if the people you meet or connect with for networking don’t support your business, keep in touch with them. One, there’s no need to feel bad because people are not interested in the business from the first discussion itself. Two, people can change their minds about the business opportunity or gain interest anytime. Of course, the relationship you build shouldn’t end just because they are not interested in the business. A better networker will respect relationships and are aware of its worth. So, keep in touch with people whether or not they show interest in the business.
Networking Should be About Others, Not You
The network should be about the customers and clients, not about you. As I said, the network should offer something valuable to your prospects. The network should benefit you and them. It’s a good idea to treat your customers as the boss. So, when building your network, make sure that the business is a support and service to them rather than just a prospect of profit for you. If you’ve genuine intentions and vision for social impact and service through your business, it should manifest in your work.
Do Not Write Off Anyone from the Network
In spite of the fact that we give importance to the target audience in the networking, it is important to build valuable connections. At some point, when you want to expand the business and attract new customers, this might help. So, when you think from the long run perspective, it is better to present the network opportunity to anyone who is interested. An entrepreneurial attitude is genuine when they have focus customers, yet are interested in making new contacts. So, don’t write off anyone from the list. The more contacts you’ve will work in your favor in business.
Customers and your relationship with them can go a long way in your success. I am sure I learned a thing or two when I wrote this article. Becoming a better networker is something I have to work on more. Getting through any challenging phases is possible if we have support from the customers, target audience and anyone who is interested in business.
