Successful people are masters of building mutually beneficial relationships. TIf you want to become a better networker, start by stop making excuses. The following most common excuses to avoid networking were summarized by U.S. News. Which one is the yours?
I don't know anybody
And what about your colleagues, friends, family members or service suppliers? When you think about it, you know a lot of people but you are just shy to approach them.
I have no time
If you can schedule a time to visit the cinema or exercise, you will have enough time to meet with interesting people to deepen your relationships.
I don't have anybody to talk to
Then you are not growing your relationships properly. You should take away tips to other interesting people with whom you can discuss your issues from each meeting.
I have no money
Plan your meetings wisely. Take aside money for food, fuel and one meeting of a selected professional associations a month.
I don't need any other sources
This is never true. Meeting new people from different companies and business fields will show you new perspectives.
I am shy
Think of networking as an ideal opportunity to develop the extroverted side of your personality. Start with what introverts are good in - listening to others.
People don't listen to me
First try to listen to yourself. Take interviews with new people as opportunities to ask for help and advice.
I don't know what to say
Ask questions. Ask how the person is doing and what he/she works on. If you meet eg. at a conference, ask how he/she likes the individual performances, why he/she came, and so on.
I don't have good past experience with neetworking
How long have you tried? If you were expecting instant results, you may be disappointed. Building relationships takes time.
The biggest challenge of networking is to step out of your comfort zone and do something new. Don't be discouraged, with more practice you will get better and better.
-kk-