Networking: top tips for success!

This conclusion is extremely damaging, because on the contrary, networking is indispensable for all professionals who want to develop their sphere of influence.

But effective networking is a real art!

It’s a question of knowing how to maintain regular relations with different contacts, of not spending more time than necessary to achieve set objectives, and of having a long-term vision of the form that the network that is gradually being woven will take.

It’s a fact that networking is a proven method for building and leveraging a network of professional contacts.

It can help you make a name for yourself in the professional environment you wish to enter, validate your expertise and develop your visibility on the Internet.

You can also exchange best practices with your peers, get closer to recruiters and decision-makers or expand your professional sphere and gain access to new career opportunities.

In fact, many people report that networking has enabled them to expand their sales network, acquire new customers and develop partnerships.

Effective networking should really be seen as an exchange of services that can bring benefits to both you and the person you’re talking to.

On the other hand, networking doesn’t happen by magic, because you need a plan, time and patience, because it’s a long-term investment: it’s important not to expect instant results, but rather to consider that you’re planting seeds that will gradually give rise to beautiful flowers!

In this article, we’re going to share some tips on how to network efficiently, so that you can increase your professional contacts and take advantage of them to develop your career.

Define your objectives!

It’s essential to start by knowing what you want to achieve.

Are you thinking of a career change or, on the contrary, of finding new customers?

Would you like to meet investors or intermediaries who could sell your products?

Would you like to gain greater visibility with recognized organizations, or promote an innovative solution?

In short, whatever your request, you need to know exactly what direction to take.

It’s a bit like asking yourself about your career path: where would you like to be in three or five years’ time?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current professional network?

Are there sectors that you haven’t yet explored, but which could prove interesting for your business?

Making a relatively precise plan of the places to go and the people to meet is therefore an option not to be neglected, as it will save you a lot of time.

All too often, we find that many people who want to expand their network frequent circles that won’t give you the answers you’re looking for, quite simply because the right people are there to meet their needs.

Really interact with others

Yes, sharing is necessary, as is reciprocity: you can’t ask if you don’t give.

That’s why, whether you’re at an interview, a cocktail party or a meeting organized by a professional association, take an interest in others and offer your services before you ask for anything.

If it’s your first time in a circle, you need to make sure you’re accepted, because it’s never a good idea to try to get a privilege first.

What’s more, be genuine in your exchanges, taking a genuine interest in the person: this will build trust and the ability to deepen the bond and mutual interest.

Even if a person doesn’t seem to you to be able to meet your needs directly, they may well know someone who can: that’s why you should never hesitate to take an interest in a person and talk about your background while asking questions of the person you’re talking to: you may well discover that you have something in common.

Give yourself time to network

To network effectively, you need to make time for it, and we advise you to set aside a slot each week for this activity.

You can use this time to reconnect with old colleagues, join new groups or attend seminars and conferences on topics of direct interest to you.

Because, even if many of today’ s exchanges are virtual thanks to videoconferencing, there’s nothing like face-to-face contact to create commitment and connivance!

So, by setting aside a specific time in your weekly diary for networking, you’ll be symbolically giving it importance, and mobilizing your inner energy and motivation to meet new people…

A word of warning: you don’t have to restrict yourself to “official” events.

There’s nothing to stop you, for example, inviting the person you’re meeting for a beer or coffee in a quieter place.

This is often ideal for more personal confidences…

Point number 4: prepare your questions in advance

If you’re not used to getting to know people you don’t know, you may feel a little anxious when you approach them.

This stress can also make you forget important points you wanted to make.

We therefore invite you to rehearse a few key questions at home, which will come up naturally during the interview.

For example, if you want to know more about a person, you could ask questions like :

• what is your background and how did it help you get to this position?
• How would you recommend someone with my profile in your industry?
• What skills do I need for this position?
• what are the most positive aspects of your current job? Are there any negative points?
• do you know of any other people I could meet who might be able to help me?

In the same way, memorize simple formulas that enable you to answer questions about your background or needs.

Be comfortable offering your services: rehearse phrases at home that clearly explain what you can offer the person you’re talking to.

Here are a few examples:

• I’ve been working in an IT department for over 10 years: if you need help in this area, I’d be delighted to give you a hand, free of charge.
• I know someone who would be interested in your services: if you give me your contact details, I’ll pass them on directly with a recommendation from myself.
• I’m looking to invest in promising start-ups: I understand that you yourself are launching a project along these lines. I’d be happy to participate. Can we arrange a meeting to discuss this further?

Finally, if you want to present yourself effectively, you also need to master some answers to simple questions such as :

• Who am I in ten words?
• What exactly is my professional activity?
• What is my added value?
• What differentiates me from others?

Regularly update your resume and social network profiles

Don’t forget to take advantage of the power of social networks to showcase your skills and easily connect with others.

From this point of view, LinkedIn is ideal for professional use.

On the other hand, if you’ve acquired new certifications or developed specific skills, be sure to update your profile.

It’s essential that your profile is constantly updated.

In particular, make sure that you present yourself well, and don’t forget to include details of your current job and the tasks you’re currently carrying out.

Detail your career path, and if you have any recommendations, highlight them!

Last but not least, an unostentatious photo that makes you stand out from the crowd is a real eye-catcher.

Eventually, it may be a good idea to support charitable or humanitarian causes: in this case, you can integrate a few testimonials into your LinkedIn profile.

To conclude…

Keep in mind that networking isn’t something you learn in a day: you have to meet people, try out different approaches and persevere…

It’s by practicing again and again that you’ll improve your contact and communication skills, refine your presentation pitch and feel more and more at ease, even with strangers…

Take networking for what it is: a great way of getting closer to your goals and making yourself known inside and outside your professional sphere.