Create and preserve your network: ‘The art of networking’

Create and preserve your network: ‘The art of networking'

Simple, concrete and specific advice on how to create and preserve your network.

By Vasilis Efthymiou

Creating your network

The best opportunity to expand your network, is attending networking events. In my previous blog I have written about the importance of having a strong network and now, I will give some of the best practices for creating a network.

1. You need to arrive on time, as most conversations and dynamics are formed at the beginning of the event, and it is more likely that you will be engaged in various conversations.
2. Remember, there is not a second chance of making the first impression, and either we like it or not this is what people remember from us. So, take your time and focus on key persons you want to meet and wait for the best moment to approach them and dress appropriately for the occasion. Make a great first impression with a warm and strong handshake, smile, eye contact and a good posture and show to others how confident and social you are. Then, it is crucial to make a compelling and concise ‘opening statement’ to introduce yourself, your role, the reason why you attend this event and engage with the other person.
3. You don’t want to waste the person’s time and bombard him/her with many irrelevant questions and have endless conversations. You need to practice the art of small talk. Approach, engage and then proceed to create the connection. That usually can be done by exchanging business cards. Think, what do you want to achieve by approaching that specific person.
4. Having an ‘exit’ strategy is of equal importance. You don’t just walk away from the conversation. You want to make it seem natural and gentle. Think of an excuse and give the other person a good reason why you need to go. However, if you walk away from the conversation you had, without having established any connection, the whole effort was useless.

And that brings us to the next topic:

How can you follow up with people you have just met?

Use the business cards you got within the next 24 hours, while the event is still recent and the other person still remembers you, and:
1. Send an email by reflecting back on the conversation you had and say that you would enjoy a meeting with them, whenever they are available.
2. Send a connection invitation on LinkedIn, as this is the most professional social media to connect with other people. Create a strong social media presence by having a broad network of people that in turn will enhance your creditably, social and professional image and prestige. If a company wants to know who you are, your LinkedIn profile is the first thing will be checked first and a perception about you will be shaped in less than 15 seconds.
Here is where you build your network: https://www.linkedin.com/
3. Remember Birthdays and look for updates on their LinkedIn profile such as work promotions, new job positions and get the chance to communicate with that person again and show interest.
4. Be there for your network. You should always be willing to help and give to them without expecting anything in return.

Click here to download the complete guide for mastering the art of networking for free!!

And here is another blog that I really like by Jennie Kitchin.

Stay tuned for my next blog about: The corporate ladder system that many employees follow to go higher up to the business hierarchy faster than others.