Successful Networking: Secrets You Need To Know

Networking is integral to your success. As a business woman, you know what you want out of life. You are striving to create a career and a lifestyle that suits your personality. It is not easy, but you have a goal, and you’re chasing it regardless. Business contacts can help you to succeed and reach your goals fast. When you meet people of interest, you need to build a relationship with them. If you have yet to try networking, it is time to start now. Here are some secret tips to help you succeed.

Enjoy yourself
Don’t approach networking as a business function; approach it on a personal level instead. When you are having fun, you appear attractive to others. That means that people will naturally gravitate towards you. Relax and have fun at networking events. In general, people tend to approach these events with anxiety. They are uptight. That is a turn off. Be yourself and watch people flock to you.

Know your audience
Before you attend a networking event, you can research who will be there. Much of the time, the event organizers will post a guest list online before the event. If you have access to the guest list, you can start to research your audience. Google people and look at their LinkedIn profiles before you meet them. That way, you know who people are and what they can do for you before you meet them.

Listen to people
When somebody is talking to you, you need to make sure that you are listening to them. We give out unconscious signals when we’re listening to others. You might not think that people notice when you tune out, but they do. There is nothing ruder than somebody who is pretending to listen to you. Make sure that your mind does not wander while you are talking to people, or you will offend them.

Mirror people you like
When you like someone, you should mirror them. Copy what they do with their hands and their body language. People like people who they find to be familiar. The easiest way you can make yourself appear to be familiar is by copying someone. Make sure that you are subtle when you mirror someone. Many people are aware of this trick, and they might see what you’re trying to do.

Give your time for free
When you speak to someone for a while, you should not expect to get anything from them. You need to offer your time for free. You need to be genuine. If you are talking to someone because you hope that they will give you something, they will notice. Don’t be a leech. Talk to people because you want to help them, not because you think that they can help you. Make an effort to show an interest in people.

Be proud, not egotistical
Let’s get one thing straight – you have every right to be proud of yourself and your achievements. There is nothing wrong with being a proud person. You have worked hard to get where you are, and so you deserve to commend yourself. There is a fine line between being proud and being an egomaniac. Make sure that you are gracious and charming. Nobody wants to hear you bragging. When you start telling your career story to people without them asking, you’re taking things a little too far. If people ask about your achievements, tell them. If they don’t, listen to what they have to say instead.

Look the part
When you attend a networking event, you need to look the part. That means that everything, from what you wear to where you stay, should be professional. Invest in a new suit before the event. Book business accommodation from sites like www.executiveaccommodationandservices.com/. When you look the part, people will take you seriously as a business person. Make sure that every aspect of your being is professional and business-like. It will take work, but when you present the right image, it will pay off. Make sure that you are friendly, yet professional at all times.

Seek common ground
When you speak to someone new, you need to make sure that you find common ground with them. When you highlight your differences, you create a barrier between you and the person you’re talking to. When you highlight your similarities, you bring people closer to you. When somebody is talking, try and find some common ground to discuss. Show people that you have things in common, and they will adore you. Show people that you are different, and they will hate you. It is that simple. If you want people to like you and work with you, find a common topic to discuss.

Compliment others
When you pay people genuine compliments, they remember it. You need to show people that you appreciate them and who they are. Don’t be fake. If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. If you find that you are envious about something, don’t lash out at people. Instead, compliment them on their success. That way, people will know that you are a good, nice person. People want to trade and work with good people. If you can show people that you are gracious, rather than jealous, they will respect you. It is not a competition.

Know what you want (and get it)
You should know what you want out of a networking event before you attend it. You need to focus on getting what you want at all times. For example, if you want people to know more about your business, make sure that you take some literature with you. Or, if you want to find new people to work with, ask people questions about their business. Once you have a goal in mind, nobody will stop you from getting what you want. Remember, you are in control of yourself. That means that you get to decide what happens to you. Be strong, powerful and focused.

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