In today’s digital world, effective business networking could be a game-changer for your business. Getting referrals, expanding your circle, finding the right business opportunities and generating sales- with an effective business networking strategy you can have it all!
Even in the new times, face to face business networking or one-to-one online meetings have proved to be an excellent way to establish relationships with potential clients. Studies have shown that
- 95% of professionals consider face-to-face communication vital for long-term business.
- 46% of freelancers got work via friends and family.
- Investing time in relationships helps you land your dream job. 85% of positions are filled by networking!
The power of networking is incredible but only when it’s done the right way. And, by the right way we mean investing time in building relationships. An established relationship can make you stand out against the competition, help build trust & confidence and develop your emotional intelligence.
In short, just go out there with an aim to network, network, and network!
Networking Secret: Build Strong Meaningful Relationships
A lot of people think that networking is number-game. But having five people in your network who know you is better than having fifty people who don’t even know you. Don’t you agree? Because these five people would go out of their way to help you grow your business. Hence, we say that effective networking is a name-game! When you go beyond the numbers towards actually building a relationship with your contact that’s when you’ll experience the true essence of business networking.
Our founder and chief visionary officer Dr Ivan Misner famously said “It’s not what you know or who you know. It’s how well you know each other that counts.”
Which is absolutely true because a friend or acquaintance will surely help if the business faces a downside but just a random person in your network won’t. So while networking, focus on how you can make more friends and an easy way to do this is:
Prepare an impressive elevator pitch. Just imagine you’re in an elevator with your connection. How would you introduce yourself in a way that your connection remembers you? A short summary of you can quickly help new contacts understand why they should connect with you or consider you when an opportunity arises.
Have positive energy. Humans are drawn to positivity because it is contagious. Try to take a positive spin on things, this will make others remember and want to be around you.
Smile :). This simple curve that sets everything straight also tricks your brain into releasing chemicals that makes people feel happier. Enter into the conversation with a smile to make it happier and friendlier.
In the end, remember to be YOU. Treat others as you’d want to be treated and in no time you’ll have an effective business network in place full of meaningful relationships.
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