Peter Chibayamombe
We form relationships for different reasons. We are social creatures by nature and so we need the approval and feedback provided by those around us. People fail to network due to ignorance, fear, lack of confidence, embarrassment and resistance to change among other reasons.
At the end, they miss out on a lot of opportunities. We should remember that networking gives people access to doors that they would not ordinarily have access to. In order to benefit from networking especially in the world of business events, one should sharpen their networking skills. This article addresses this need.
The following are some networking skills which might be helpful. The list is not exhaustive but it will definitely point you in the right direction.
Have a clear goal
It is a good idea to start your networking with a clear vision of what you want to achieve out of your efforts. As a business executive, you might be looking to widen your pool of suppliers, distributors or franchisees. Maybe as a young professional, you wish to place yourself under a mentor as you grow in your career. Perhaps you are a sales manager at your company and your objective is to add to your potential leads.
Take some time and define what you are looking for in your networking. When delegates, attendees and visitors attend conferences or confexes networking has become the norm and one can easily participate in them as a matter of routine. One is bound to make more out networking if they have a clear idea of what they are looking for and wish to achieve.
Profile your contacts
After establishing your networking goals, you need to start by assessing people within your current contact list. You’ll be amazed at the number of people you know and what they can do for you. Statistics indicate that an effective network contains at least 250 contacts.
Your current contact list is divided into two sets of people; strong ties and weak ties. Strong ties are people you talk to frequently. They probably know the same people you know. They probably have the same information you have. You do not need to put too much networking effort on these people. They are already your buddies and you can call on them at any time. Your networking efforts should focus on the weak ties.
Weak ties are those people whom you do not frequently contact but they are a bridge to a world you don’t walk in. All you need to do is to contact them a few times within a month so that you keep in touch.
Create a ‘get to know’ list
Create a ‘get to know’ list for people who are not already within your current contact book. These might be the important people in your industry or area of interest. If you are a marketer, your ‘get to know’ list might include high profile marketers like; Dr. Douglas Mamvura, Gillian Rusike, Stella Nkomo and Cynthia Jani among other respected marketers.
You also need to target advertising agencies, promotional product suppliers, social media influencers, renowned journalists and organisers of networking events. These people will help you in different ways (in accordance with your networking goals) such as mentorship, marketing and branding among others.
Make a deliberate effort of meeting new people
Make it a habit to attend networking events. You will definitely meet new people. Seminars, conferences, workshops, brand launches, luncheons, high teas are all amazing events to attend and get to meet new people. You should also consider joining social networking clubs such as the Rotary Club, Lions, athletics clubs, social soccer, gym and religious gatherings.
Do not neglect networking on social media. You can meet people who are aligned to your networking goals through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Just acquaint yourself with how each of these platforms operates.
Invest in networking tools
You need custom made business cards branded in line with your business organisation, profession and position. This will be a great way of reminding people about your work. You also need a business card holder where you keep all the cards you collect.
If you are technologically savvy, you can create an electronic diary. Just make sure it is saved somewhere safe where you won’t lose your information. You will also need a business card holder for your own business cards that you will give at networking events. Pulling out your business card from a business card holder presents you as more organised than someone who takes out a card direct from their jacket or shirt pocket. It contributes to your personal and professional brands
Practice makes perfect
You may arm yourself with the foregoing networking tips but they don’t work unless you do. This means that in order for the tips to work for you, they have to be put to use through attending more and more business and other events which present opportunities for networking. Put differently, practice makes perfect and permanent.
- Peter Chibayamombe is a Christian author who published his first book, How to unlock the blessing of God in 2010. He has also written other books namely, Contending for the Faith, Born of God, Jesus Christ: the author of our salvation and Women in Leadership. He is working on the publication of these four books. Peter does music and he has three albums under his belt.
