16 Tips On How To Improve Networking Skills

Professional networking is about more than trading information. It serves as a way to build  relationships that offer mutual professional benefits, such as: 

• Sharing Industry Information And Ideas 
• Enhancing Your Brand’s Visibility
• Creating Collaboration Opportunities
• Gaining Insightful Career Advice
• Improving Your Creative Intellect 
• Making New Resources Available 

Networking is an essential component of any successful business, primarily if the foundation of your brand depends on meaningful relationships with others. This type of networking is essential for realtors, consultants, and sales professionals who rely on relationships to drive their bottomline. 

Networking is a vital skill in today's interconnected world. Whether you're seeking new business opportunities or simply looking to expand your professional circle, honing your networking skills can be a game-changer. In this article, we'll explore 16 practical tips on how to improve networking skills, paving the way for greater success and growth in your career.

Our Top Tips To Improve Your Networking Skills In Record Time!

With new online platforms for learning and working, a new set of networking skills are needed to make professional connections successfully. Fortunately, these skills translate well to in-person networking sessions as well. 

Whether you plan to attend a networking event soon or just looking to brush up on your networking skills, let’s take a look at 16 ways to enhance your networking efforts in five minutes or less. 

1. Have Digital Business Cards Ready

Business cards have long been a networking staple. In a digital age, having cost-effective digital business cards allows you to easily edit your contact information and demonstrate how tech-savvy you are, which will impress new contacts. 

Update your digital business card with a professional image, title, and check that your bio is current. Share this information on various networks and always send to new prospects or people you meet at conferences!

Use platforms like KADO to create digital business cards that you can easily share with new contacts, ensuring seamless follow-up and communication. These digital tools are essential for learning how to improve networking skills efficiently.

2. Observe Body Language

During your conversation, focus on the other person and observe their responses. Put down your phone and pay attention to what they are saying and how they are saying it. 

This allows you to see what makes them tick and helps you to gain insight as to how this new connection can benefit your business. As you ask questions, observe their body language and listen carefully to what they say and how they say it. 

Pay attention to non-verbal cues during networking events. Positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact and open posture, can help establish rapport and foster trust, which are essential elements in learning how to build networking skills.

3. Create A Feeling Of Familiarity

Take advantage of name tags and use the person’s name a few times when speaking with him. This not only helps you to connect their face with their name but builds a feeling of familiarity upon which you can build trust. 

People like doing business with people they know or feel comfortable with, so do everything you can to make them feel welcomed and reduce any sense of uncertainty by watching their non-verbal communication. 

Find common ground with new contacts to create a sense of familiarity and connection. Shared interests or experiences can break the ice and make networking interactions more meaningful, a valuable skill when learning how to build networking skills effectively.

4. Ask About Non-Work Topics

It may seem natural to discuss business topics during a meetup, but successful networking also involves getting to know the person as a whole. Ask about hobbies and passions to find common ground to build trust and connection with the person you are speaking with.

Sure, you can ask about their job title, but asking open-ended questions about personal interests may be what you need to get the conversion flowing. 

Don't limit conversations to professional topics only. Show genuine interest in your contact's hobbies, passions, and personal experiences to build rapport on a deeper level. This approach demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how to improve networking skills holistically.

5. Keep In Mind What You Can Offer

Many networkers enter a meetup thinking about what they hope to gain from the event. Instead of this approach, try creating a list of what you bring to the table. This forward-thinking mindset allows you to identify business opportunities rather than look for items to meet your predetermined expectations. 

Approach networking with a mindset of giving rather than just receiving. Consider what value you can offer to your contacts, whether it's expertise, resources, or connections. This perspective shift is crucial in understanding how to improve networking skills authentically.

6. Ask Your Contact For Preferred Follow Up Method

 Once you’ve made a new contact, be sure to ask them how they would like you to follow up. Offer a variety of options like: 

• Email
• Phone Call 
• LinkedIn Profile
• Business Social Media Pages 

By asking your new contact’s preferred follow-up method, you are securing the most successful contact information that will allow you to develop the new relationship. This attention to detail showcases mastery in learning how to improve networking skills systematically.

7. Network On Social Media 

In this digital age, don’t overlook the opportunities that social media outlets, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, affords business owners. 

Connecting with people on social media allows you to communicate with other people in your industry, tag them in your posts, and promote their projects, which helps you build a strong network with meaningful, beneficial connections.  Join industry-specific groups, participate in discussions, and connect with professionals in your field. This multi-channel approach exemplifies versatility in learning how to build networking skills comprehensively.

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8. Network After Hours 

Whether you are at a face-to-face conference or attending virtual networking sessions, take advantage of after-hours networking opportunities. 

During face-to-face conferences, many attendees will flock to a bar or club to relax.  Do the same, even if you don’t plan on having a drink. Be sure to prepare an opening line so that approaching attendees will be effortless. This initiative showcases dedication to learning how to build networking skills proactively.

9. Skip Sessions And Socialize

Conferences are often jam-packed with back-to-back sessions. It’s ok to skip one or two and hang out in the hallway or common area to look for networking opportunities. Be friendly and strike up conversations with people you recognize from earlier sessions. 

While attending conference sessions is essential, don't underestimate the power of networking during breaks and social events. Use these opportunities to mingle with fellow attendees and exchange contact information. This strategic decision reflects a nuanced understanding of how to improve networking skills opportunistically.

10. Ditch The Elevator Pitch

While brief elevator pitches are popular in sales situations, you want your networking efforts to create authentic connections. Inserting your pitch into a conversation will make your new contact think you are only there for the business prospects. 

It’s ok to sell yourself at the right moment, but in your initial networking attempts, stick to the basics and ask non-industry questions to get to know your potential contact as a person rather than a job title. Instead of delivering a rehearsed elevator pitch, focus on building genuine connections through authentic conversations. Share stories, ask questions, and listen actively to establish rapport with your contacts. This approach emphasizes authenticity in learning how to improve networking skills organically.

11. Keep It Quick 

Don’t monopolize sometime’s time. The conversation should be a two-way street. 

If you notice that you are carrying the weight of the conversation, wrap things up and move on. Your time is valuable, so don’t waste it on a potential contact that may not work out. 

When introducing yourself, keep your message concise and to the point. A clear and succinct introduction makes it easier for others to understand who you are and what you do. This clarity of communication demonstrates proficiency in learning how to build networking skills effectively.

12. Take Notes

Once you gain the information for a new business contact, make a few simple notes to help you remember the interaction. This will allow you to maintain the connection next time you engage with them, making your efforts appear more genuine and meaningful. 

After meeting new contacts, take notes to remember important details about them. Jot down key conversation points, mutual interests, and follow-up action items to facilitate future interactions. This attention to detail underscores the importance of learning how to improve networking skills systematically.

13. Enlist A Social Butterfly

If you are an introvert who struggles to engage a potential networking contact, ask a coworker who is a social butterfly to attend the conference with you and help you build relationships.  

Because this person has more extroverted social skills, they will easily break the ice and ease you into the conversation. This will prevent you from missing out on key networking opportunities. 

If networking doesn't come naturally to you, consider bringing a more outgoing colleague or friend to networking events. Their social skills can help you break the ice and initiate conversations. This collaborative approach highlights adaptability in learning how to improve networking skills collaboratively.

14. Enhance Your LinkedIn Presence

If social distancing keeps you from attending face-to-face conferences, or your networking budget is thin, turn to LinkedIn to help boose your networking skills. 

Upload slide decks, share content and join industry groups to build your virtual network. Leverage “@” mentions to bring in potential contacts. 

Optimize your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills, experience, and professional achievements. Regularly update your profile with relevant content and engage with your network to stay top of mind. This proactive approach exemplifies strategic thinking in learning how to build networking skills comprehensively.

15. Always Follow Up...Eventually

After a successful networking session, you need to follow up to continue to build a new relationship. 

Following up is a great way to let your new contact know that you mean business. Be helpful, generous, and considerate when reconnecting after your initial conversation. 

You may be tempted to immediately send a LinkedIn invite or follow up with an email. For the best results, wait until the next day, or the day after that, to follow up. You don’t want to overwhelm your new contact or appear overeager. This commitment to follow-up illustrates dedication in learning how to improve networking skills diligently.

16. Know That Relationships Take Time

Despite all the initial contacts you made during a networking event, you know that the best relationships take time to cultivate.  

Don’t be dejected if no new relationships form from your most recent networking efforts. Continue to reach out, break the ice, and develop critical relationships with others in your industry. 

Always be excited and optimistic about networking and offer to help people. Generosity is the currency of good relationships. This understanding of the long-term nature of networking underscores wisdom in learning how to build networking skills patiently.

Use These Networking Tips To Build New Relationships

Whether you are embarking on a job search or looking to build your professional network, effective networking takes time and effort. 

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. Take advantage of virtual and face-to-face networking events. Use this networking advice to initiate meaningful interactions with coworkers and others in your specific industry. 

By incorporating these 16 tips into your networking strategy, you can enhance your skills, expand your professional network, and unlock new opportunities for growth and success. Remember, business networking is not just about collecting business cards; it's about building lasting relationships that can propel your career forward.

Building professional connections will lead to new opportunities and business partners. 

FAQs

What is an elevator pitch? 

An elevator pitch is a brief, preplanned speech that sells you and your credentials to a networking contact or prospective client.

What skills do I need for networking? 

To successfully network, you will need social skills, active listening skills, and good nonverbal communication habits. 

Is it challenging to learn how to network? 

No, with some practice, it is simple to build business relationships and forge meaningful industry connections.