Networking can sound intimidating, especially if you’re an introvert or shy. However, with a little preparation and the basic rules in mind, anyone can do it and harness the power of connections.
Why is it important to develop communication skills?
Developing communication skills is important because it helps us establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. Communication allows us to interact with others, share our ideas and express our needs. It also helps us to understand others and to be understood by them.
The basic rules of networking
Networking has become an indispensable tool for anyone looking to succeed in the world of work. However, many people do not know how to network effectively. Here are the basic rules for networking:
Identify your key contacts: Before you start networking, you must identify the people who can help you on your path to success. These contacts can be professionals who occupy prominent positions in your field of activity, or simply people who have knowledge and experience that can be useful to you.
Prepare a plan: Before approaching your key contacts, you must draw up an action plan. In this plan you must establish your objectives and strategies to achieve them.
Take the initiative: Every day set the goal of getting 5 new contacts. If you sit around waiting for them to come to you, you are wasting your time.
Respect the time of others: Do not waste the time of the people you are trying to contact. When you try to contact them, don’t start beating around the bush and value their time.
Be yourself: You don’t have to stage a movie role to get new contacts. By being yourself and showing your originality, you will transmit confidence, honesty and security.
Anticipate: Discover what is your effective way to get new contacts and detect the opportunities that are out there.
Cultivate relationships: Take care of maintaining a fluid relationship with your contacts by nurturing the exchange of relevant information so that relationships last as long as possible.
Segment: Take care of creating groups of people with similar affinities or interests, by geographical location, language, origin of the contact, ages, etc. The message you send must be adapted according to each segment and may be valid for some and not for others.
Listen: Learn to listen to others and save the information they offer you. It can be very relevant!
Thank you: If someone has introduced you to a new group of contacts, don’t forget to thank them privately or publicly.
Technology is your ally
The popularity of social media and the rise of the internet have changed the way we network. It is no longer necessary to make face-to-face visits full of strange and unknown people; Now, you can connect with potential clients and contacts from the comfort of your home or anywhere.
To get started, create a professional profile online. This will be your starting point to launch into the world of networking.
Also forget about the typical business card printed on paper and switch to the digital world. With coontact.me you can create your online profile that will become your unique and exclusive business card. You will never have to worry about “I left my card behind” since you can always share your data from your mobile.
Networking is an art. Discover the Picasso that you have inside and succeed in the professional world!