How to master networking

  In this article, we will show you roles, if followed you will be able to master the art of networking.

• Stop focusing on what you want

Smart networking is mostly based on mutual benefits. I help you and you help me back, and since you are the one who want to connect then you are the one who must start this win-win relationship by adding value to other person's life.   In the book "The connectors: How the world's most successful business people build relationships and win client for life" famous marketing consultant says: "concentrating on others need can be extremely beneficial; you can assume that almost every one else focus is "what is in it for me" and not the vice versa.   Therefore adopting a "what is in it for them "mentality will actually allow you to standout in a crowd".

• Listen curiously

  Connecting is not about being a great talker, in order to connect effectively you must be an active listener which is very different from hearings. This is difficult because very often the listener is so busy thinking about responding to what the speaker is saying that he misses much of what the speaker is trying to convey.

• Know what to do if they don't talk much

  It's hard to listen if the other member of your exchange isn't doing much talking. To really connect with someone, you need to ask good questions that show you are interested, help you learn, and will allow you to use your listening skills.

• Know who to network by email

  If you network by email, all you need is to do your homework and research your target. The best way to do that is by reading what they post or say on social media or even taking a look at their blog posts. This will help you know what they need and what they complain about.  What you have to do is to keep tracking them until you find what I call "an effective point of entry" that will help you grab that person attention or at least reduces of them neglecting your email.

• Stay short and quick

  You have less than 10 second to grab someone's attention. The best tool to over come, this is a short targeted pitch that tell's people who you are, what you do and what you can offer.  Busy people don't like wasting their time, make sure you get their attention before they feel their time getting wasted.

• Network with everyone

  You shouldn't connect with people only inside your area of expertise. Grow your network and connect with people outside your industry. You don't know what the future holds for you, you might need them some day.

• Until you get them under their radar, don't ask for anything

  Influencers and important people face lots of mediocre or pushy networking attempts every single day and they suspect new approaches and new emails almost all the time sometimes even after adding value to their lives you still won't get a clear chance to ask them to repay your favor.That's why you must have enough petience to wait until it's the right time to ask for what you want. And when is this "right time" comes? We don't know. You know better than us.

• Introduce people to each other

  The best way to owe someone a favor is by simply introducing him or her to someone who can benefit them.Assuming that you know both person's well, a simple email asking both of them if they like to introduce to each other, will set you as a "know' email" person and of course; both of them will pay you later if things work well.

• All people are not the people

 Quality matters when networking with people. If you are going to approach someone then make sure that you are approaching someone who can help. Other than that, you are simply wasting your time.

• If it's your first time or if you are afraid, then do it the clumsy way

Networking is simply reaching out to those you have no relationship with which is scary for alot of people.If it frightens you, then doing it the clumsy way is better than not doing it at all (while working on upgrading your skills). If you feel overwhelmed because you are not that qualified or because your pitch is not extra professional then jump into the water right away and click send or push the call button. Just like what Michael Jordan has said:"I can accept failure but I can't accept not trying".

• Don't be an Asset licker

 Most people perceive too much complementing as fake or cheap especially when it comes from some one they barely know or not know or not know at all.Even if you really admire that person, don't over show it and make sure that they respect you as much as you want them to like you. An easy catch in such position.

• Accept that you will get rejected many times

 Don't take it personal, sometimes people are busy or they just don't like you. Accept that and get over it quickly. It's a part of the game.

• Find a mentor

Build a list 3-7 people whom you had like to be your mentor and reach out to them, learn from them and even work for them for free. A mentor can teach you what books can't plus one a mentor trust you, his or her network become your network.You offer them help plus prestige or ego satisfaction and they offer you experience and connections. That's a strong relationship from which both of you can win.

• Never be too busy for networking

 Networking is business, and if done right it will save you time and make you money more than anything else on your busy schedule.Have space on your schedule for networking. Something as simple as reaching out to one person a day can do miracle to your business. It doesn't matter to start small, as long as you are consistent enough.

Thanks for going through, we appreciate.

By Yayah Waliyudini Kwah