“The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity.” — Keith Ferrazzi
Most of us want to be strong in networking but we lack the why and how part of networking. I would say no one is perfect in networking skill and like any other skill, it's also a journey and we can get better if we want to.
You should network because you genuinely want to network without expecting much in return. Networking is not short-sighted, you network because you know someday you will reap the benefits.
To start with, Networking is about giving. It’s like a saving account, more you give, more you help others, more you accumulate in your account. Next time you are looking for some help, You have good chances of receiving it from your newly formed network.
We struggle to answer, what should we talk to unknown people with whom we are targetting to network. If this network is professional, still start with common interests like Sports, Music, Book. Most people will have something to share about it. This will help you break the ice.
In the world which does not stop talking, if you are a good listener. It will help you build the network bond faster. Don’t shy away from sharing your thoughts also. The most important thing is being genuine and authentic.
Don’t fake. Be yourself. It comes out strongly if you are not being yourself and no one wants to build a network with fake people.
Be visible, be approachable to your network. Empathy, kindness, gratitude use these skills strongly with your network. No place for ego, self-centeredness and self supremacy in networking.
In virtual medium networking also, go with the right attitude. Be consistent in your approach. Be visible. Expand your network. Create your brand image, come out clearly who you are.
While it's important to expand your network, it's equally important to nourish your current network. Check with your network on a regular interval and keep your network alive.
Quality of your network is also essential. Not all of your network will be of the same quality. You will need to make a clear chart, what each network means to you and how you can nourish it.
Last but not least. “A person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language”. Use this for forming a new network. Call them by their name and they will see the genuine interest. Try not to mistake one person names with others, nothing put off people more than someone calling them by an incorrect name. In written communication, pay special attention to the spelling of the person’s name.
“You can have everything in life you want, if you just help enough other people get what they want” — Zig Ziglar
