Cracking The Effective Networking Code

CrackingThe Effective Networking Code
Developing Good Business Partnerships

Many people dread the whole idea of
‘networking’.
They see it as being pushy or
demanding and worry about how other
people will perceive them if they do it.
However, it doesn’t have to be like
this.

WHAT IS NETWORKING?
Networking usually involves meeting new
people, who share a profession, industry, or
interests. It is the process of making
connections and building relationships.
These connections can provide you with
advice and contacts, which can help you
make informed career decisions.
Networking is a two-way street where we
can learn from each other because a
relationship is only as strong as the people
in it.
?

THE VALUE OF NETWORKING
2
3
1
Trust is a vital element of good networking.
Once it’s there, it will make your networking
much more effective.
Keep promises and be conscientious, don’t
promise what you cannot offer.
Stay in touch with everyone you meet,
whether it’s a lunch or a comment on their
LinkedIn post.
4
5
6
Generosity and sharing will transform your
networking! The more you give, the more
you get.
Make people feel good about themselves by
asking questions or being appreciative.
Loyalty will help you, and shows how great
of a contact you are.
There’s a set of core values at the heart of good networking. Once you understand them, you’ll find
networking much easier and more effective.
Read more: 7 Most Common Leadership Development Pitfalls to Avoid

The currency of real networking is not
greed.
Keith Ferrazzi.

THINGS TO DO WHEN NETWORKING
01
06
03
04
Ask Questions
and Listen
Present Yourself
Well
Choose a goal
Prepare Your
Pitch
Don’t be
negative
Identify
conversational
icebreakers
05 02
Read more: Leadership in Startups: 8 Strategies for Business Transformation

Ask Questions and Listen
Don’t be afraid to start a conversation. Ask open-ended questions that will
allow you to build on the answers.
Remember that networking is about building relationships, not just making
contacts.
People want to know that you have heard and appreciate their experience and
what they have to say.
1

Present Yourself Well
Always stand when you introduce yourself. If you’re wearing a nametag, point
to it.
Use a firm handshake and make eye contact.
First impressions can be lasting impressions.
2

It’s hard to get what you want out of your networking endeavours if you don’t start
with a clear agenda.
Before attending meetings or events, determine what your goals are for the
experience.
For example, you might want to learn about the latest developments in your
business or industry, make new connections, or donate your time to the
community.
Choose a goal
3
Read more: How to Develop Leadership Skills in Your Employees

Identify conversational icebreakers
If you want to overcome initial awkwardness and make a good first
impression, consider opening with a compliment.
The most effective factor in starting a conversation with someone is to smile
and look them straight in the eye.
As you speak, keep your head up high and your back straight. Avoid
slouching or crossing your arms and legs.
4

Don’t be negative
Avoid speaking negatively about former companies or coworkers when searching
for conversation starters.
After all, you don’t want potential contacts thinking you’d say bad things about
them given the opportunity.
5

Okay, so it’s not a pitch but a story; when others ask what you do, make it
interesting and show them your passion.
Instead of just passing over a business card, try to make it a little less formal and
say something memorable to keep the interest of those you are talking to.
Prepare Your Pitch
6

THINGS NOT TO DO WHEN NETWORKING
01
03
02
04
Don’t be too casual with
language
Don’t be a passive
listener
Don’t start a conversation
with your business card
Don’t stand around
looking at your phone.
Read more: 5 Reasons Why Leadership Development Programmes Fail [& Steps for Success]

Keep your phone in your pocket.
Just because a side conversation started or someone with
whom you were speaking has been interrupted doesn’t
mean it’s time for you to start checking your email or your
Instagram feed.
1. Don’t stand around looking at your phone.

When you attend an event, it is unprofessional to
just go about handing out your business cards.
However, you should come to business functions
and networking events with high-quality, well-
designed business cards (yes, those still matter).
There is a time and place for the card exchange.
Invest some time, first, in actually making a
connection.
2. Don’t start a conversation with your
business card.

3. Don’t be too casual with language.
The business world has become more casual
about language, but you should not use language
that’s unprofessional or contains vulgar words.

4. Don’t be a passive listener.
A passive listener listens but isn’t reacting to what’s
being said, is often distracted and fidgety, and
doesn’t even look at the speaker.
But instead, learn to pay rapt attention and give a
response when needed.

STRATEGIES OF NETWORKING
Many industries have groups that working professionals can join to network with members of other
organisations within their industry. This group can facilitate partnerships within the field, allow
members to share industry strategies and help employees of competitor organisations establish
positive relationships.
Grow a database of professional contacts
A database of professional contacts is a list of names, emails, phone numbers, and other personal
information of people you have met in a professional setting. These may be members of your
organisation or members of partner organisations.
Join industry groups
Read more: 5 Effective Leadership Principles for Your Organisation

Conventions and conferences often occur throughout the year, and they provide opportunities for
professionals within the same industry to attend talks, make connections, and participate in activities.
This connection can lead to new projects and partnerships between members of different organisations.
When establishing and maintaining networking connections, offering assistance is an effective way to
develop stronger relationships. The type of assistance you provide may include giving professional
advice, acting as a reference, facilitating a professional introduction, helping with a project, or joining a
board of advisors or directors.
Attend conventions and conferences
Offer assistance

WHY IS NETWORKING
IMPORTANT?
 Networking contributes to your social well-being
 Networking leads to the exchange of ideas
 Networking helps you meet people at all professional levels
 Networking boosts your professional confidence
Here are 4 reasons why networking is important
to your career development:

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Cracking The Effective Networking Code

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Cracking The Effective Networking Code