Trevor Turnbull: Sports business and online marketing consultant, Linkedin trainer and speaker at TrevorTurnbull.com
Networking can play a major role in your personal and business success. After all, in a tough economy, jobs are filled based on personal connections, the best (and cheapest) way to secure new clients is through referrals and, even in today's connected world, business relationships are solidified with face-to-face connections.
But, let's be honest, for most people, the thought of networking is filled with anxiety, nervousness or even fear. If this is how you're approaching networking, you're doing it wrong. The most rewarding and effective networking is not like this at all. By approaching networking thinking about how you can help others, rather than what they can do for you, you'll find that the anxiety, nervousness and fear go away.
Here are three tips that will help you get more out of your networking efforts.
1. Do your research: Google the people you'd like to meet at an event. Check out their company and personal websites, LinkedIn account and Twitter profile to gather information (mutual connections, common interests) and use it to break the ice when meeting them for the first time.
2. Step out of your comfort zone: Introduce yourself to three new people at every event, ask questions and listen for ways you might be able to help them or connect them with someone in your network who can.
3. Followup: Mention them on Twitter, connect on LinkedIn, send an email or even an "old-fashioned" letter. (Yes, people still do this.)
Business is still conducted between people (regardless of what you might hear about social media), so be authentic and genuine. If you promise to follow up with someone, make sure you are true to your word.
Jen Schaeffers: Founder, NetworkinginVan.com and executive director, CKNW Orphans' Fund
To me, networking is about connections and conversations. I believe it is important for anyone in business to continue to make meaningful connections – not just contacts.
Many people view networking as going to an event and having someone you don't know thrust a business card in your face the moment you get there.
That is Networking 1.0.
I believe we are now in the phase of Networking 2.0, and that involves having a genuine conversation with individuals to find if there is a mutual connection and reason for followup.
It's also about giving back and seeing how you can help another individual (the great law of reciprocity).
Networking is essential for both positions I hold. As the executive director for the CKNW Orphans' Fund, it is very important for me to be visible in the community. Networking is essential for one's professional development.
I attend events with powerful and inspiring speakers, experienced panellists and vibrant groups of individuals. Networking can simply be a byproduct of you developing yourself!
As the founder of NetworkinginVan.com, networking has helped me develop true connections in our city.
Meeting great individuals at different events in Vancouver has brought about many benefits, including opportunities for partnerships, feature writers for our website, promotion and sound advice and mentorship from others.
I believe face-to-face networking is paramount to success in business – couple that with networking "post" event – connection on LinkedIn, following on Twitter – and you have a winning combination.
Sue Clement: Business coach and speaker, Success Coaching
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others."
– African proverb
Have you ever wondered what makes some people so successful? I believe it's because they "get" that business is based on relationships, and they focus on connecting. We all know people who are more successful than we are and yet they generally aren't any more qualified or skilled … but they are better networked!
Networking is critical for business success, because business is built on our ability to make connections. Whether you're networking online or in person, it's how you build your reach, visibility, referrals, connections and relationships.
Many people think networking is just about attending events and getting clients – but it's not. Although getting clients may be the ultimate business goal, it's not the goal of networking, which is building relationships and helping others.
Here's the irony: focusing on building relationships and being of service instead of going for the sale may feel counterintuitive. Yet the relationship-focused approach will help increase sales.
Sandra Yancey, the CEO of eWomen Network, has a phrase that captures the essence of networking: "Lift as you climb." When we help and are helped by our collaborative network, everyone wins!
Master networkers network everywhere, all the time; it becomes a way of life.
Finally, it's important to remember that networking is not a one-shot deal. Followup is critical to nurturing and developing solid relationships that will help grow your business and increase your success.
