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The ability to network successfully can be one of the greatest assets in business. It allows some people to find incredible opportunities, while others just watch from the sidelines.
Effective networking isn't a result of luck -- it requires hard work and persistence. What does it take to be a super networker? Here are seven of the most important habits to develop:
1. Ask insightful questions.
Before attending networking events, get the names of the people
who are expected to attend and search social media sites like
LinkedIn to figure out which topics they're probably most
interested in. For people who are already in your network, don't
assume you know everything they're up to. Find out what they're
currently working on -- or perhaps struggling with. This
attention to detail can go a long way at your next one-on-one
lunch or dinner meeting.
Related: Can't Spare the Time to Network? Can You Afford Not To?
2. Add value.
One of the most powerful networking practices is to provide
immediate value to a new connection. This means the moment you
identify a way to help someone, take action. If, for instance,
you know someone in your network who can help a new connection
with a problem, drop what you're doing and introduce the two
individuals.
3. Learn their 'story.'
Ask successful entrepreneurs to tell you how they got where they
are. Most people think of this as an exercise in rapport
building, but hearing these stories can tell you a lot about a
person's approach to business. The more you understand your
networking partner's mentality, the better you can add and
extract value from your relationship.
For example, some entrepreneurs pride themselves on working 16-hour days and doing whatever it takes, while others focus on being strategic and waiting for the right opportunities to open up. These are clues that can not only allow you to see what people value, but also what working with them might be like.
4. Share a memorable fact.
When someone asks, "What do you do?" don't give a canned elevator
speech about your company and career. Mention something personal
that defines who you really are. Maybe you have a passion for
playing an instrument or an obsession with collecting antiques.
These are also "things you do," so make it a point to share them.
Such personal details can help lighten the mood and get people
talking.
Related: 7 Tips For Building a 'Power Network' on LinkedIn
5. Keep a list.
What's your routine after attending a networking event or meal?
If your answer is, "I go home," you're probably going to miss out
on opportunities. Write down important topics that came up at the
event. This habit can help prevent opportunities from falling
through the cracks and give you something to reference in
conversation the next time you meet. You can also develop a
reputation as someone who's on top of things.
6. Make small promises and keep them.
No matter how small a promise you make -- such as sending an
email or returning a phone call -- delivering on that promise
reflects on your character. By following through on your word,
you start building a reputation for trustworthiness, which is
exactly how every great networker wants to be perceived.
7. Reward your 'power' contacts.
Keep a list of your top five to 10 networking partners and do
something each week to add value to one person's life or
business. You might send them a book or set up a lunch to
introduce them to one of your other contacts. This habit can help
you be proactive about staying in touch with your most powerful
contacts. Just as with fitness or investing, the most successful
people are the ones who choose to be consistent in their actions.
Related: 5 Ways to Use Your Network to Grow Your Business
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