5 TOP Benefits of Networking - Why is Networking so important?

Networking focuses on forging new connections and business relationships. When you start networking, you need to be clear on what you want to accomplish to identify who needs to be on your network and who you should build a relationship with. 

 These days, expanding your network is the new door-to-door sales, taking advantage of technology and what it offers to your business.

 TOP 5 BENEFITS

1. Improve your communication skills
2. Developing new business relationships
3. Staying on top of the latest news and industry trends
4. Getting noticed by potential clients 
5. Identifying opportunities for growth

 How to start networking

Networking is key to a successful business. It helps you recruit talent, find investors and customers, and find jobs. Early networking tricks are intense, going straight to the point and making yourself memorable.

• Begin with people you already know- You probably already know some people that can help you out, like your friends and family, the university's alums of people in your field, and even people who have guided you before. Once you have contacted people you already know, you can expand to people they know and, after that, strangers once the process becomes natural.
• Ask for advice, not a job- When you ask for advice, you make an impression of someone who wants to learn and improve. It will also let them get to know you better and connect with you; in the end, they might end up recommending you for a job.
• Be bold and try something new! Don't use typical networking phrases. Get a bit more creative. Make sure to talk about more interesting things for peers in your industry. 

Here are a few more essential things you can do to improve your networking strategies:

• Update your LinkedIn profile since it will be the first place your contact will look up for you to get references.
• Always have your resume up to date. You never know when someone may ask for it.
• Do not engage in hate speech. Never talk badly about your previous colleagues or places you have worked at. This will help you avoid getting a negative image of yourself in front of others, besides negativity doesn’t build trust.

Who should be in your network?

The people you keep in your network are crucial to the success of your business. Friends and colleagues are number one since they may have acquaintances interested in someone with your profile. People in your same or similar areas are also key people in your network since they can be strategic allies for your business or help you get in touch with important contacts.

What information should you share? 

Someone who has a strong network is capable of sharing resources and being of help in different situations, also having credibility in the content shared. Although we all want to increase our network size in our specialization area, it is essential to consider expanding to different specialties, so you can be of help outside your circle.

Knowing other people means that when someone needs someone in your area, the network will help them find you, or they will remember you. Having a network with various means, you get to know others’ interests and be more helpful in the long run; so, remember to share resources of your area of expertise and also in other sites as well.

 How to introduce yourself and start a conversation                                          

An introduction is when you first meet someone and tell them who you are, so it's an opportunity to create a great impression, to begin with. It can be the first step within the networking process and may lead you to build a critical relationship, pick up a coach or listen about a new job opportunity. You ought to attempt to present yourself to people frequently at networking events to grant yourself more openings for professional development and connections.

Consider setting a goal before the event, such as introducing yourself to five or ten new individuals. As you give yourself more, you should pick up more confidence and become better at approaching people, beginning conversations, and building connections.

Try these three steps to gain important contacts by introducing yourself professionally:

• Use nonverbal cues- When first meeting someone, nonverbal language is just as critical as the words you say out loud. To create a positive impression nonverbally and show your desire to meet somebody, you should stand up straight, make eye contact, smile, and reach out to shake hands along with your new connection. These little gestures show openness and interest in connecting with a new person and can make a great impression as much as the subtle elements you use to present yourself. 

• Prepare a statement- To present yourself successfully at a networking event, arrive prepared with brief information about who you are. The idea should incorporate your first and last name, company or target industry, and critical details about yourself. It should be shorter than the standard elevator pitch. Keep your presentation brief by holding up until later to allow details like your title or more information about your business. If the conversation proceeds, you may have opportunities to offer more details.

• Make a connection- As you present yourself, focus on making a connection with your new contact. To network viably, you need to construct a foundation for a relationship that can last beyond the event. Find something you've got in common that you can use to start a connection. Then ask a question.

Some options for making a connection may be:

• Connect over common ground
• Use a typical conversation starter
• Mention a detail about the event 

Many, if not most, of us are still deciding about networking. We know that it's essential to our professional success. However, we discover it is burdening and regularly distasteful. These key points can assist you in overcoming your aversion.

By moving to a promotion mentality, identifying and exploring shared interests, extending your view of what you've got to offer, and motivating yourself with a higher purpose, you'll become more energized and effective at building connections.

Starting with networking has a lot of benefits and helps your business propel.

Comment below if you have any other strategy that has been an icebreaker for you and has helped you in the past to increase your networking.