Why Is Networking So Important In Business Anyway?
“I mean, isn’t it ‘dead?’”
“Everything is digital now….”
Digital tools make networking easier in many ways–from finding someone on LinkedIn, to emailing them, to texting a quick message–but it can’t stop there. That isn’t how you build a solid relationship with a client or a Power Partner. At the very least, most of us need to get on a call or a Zoom, or even better, meet in person.
At the Inner Circle, we know people are always looking for great connections. But no matter how you connect with someone, the important thing is how you handle the follow-up. You can meet someone once and leave a nice impression. Okay… good start, but that isn’t necessarily going to help you land a deal or get them to think of you and your company in the future. You might have to do a bit more.
That’s where follow-up comes in. Regardless of what your follow-up process is (and you should have one for sure!), if you stay consistent and improve your networking skills over time, you WILL see a change in your closed business and revenue.
Now, we’ve talked about follow-up in the Inner Circle before, so this time let’s focus on how you show up. Here are three tips to show up as your best self:
Calm your nerves. Bring your nervous energy down by talking to a friend right beforehand, listening to some motivational music, or even taking a short walk in nature before you hop into a networking conversation.
Make sure you listen as much as you talk. The first networking interaction is all about understanding what each person does and building rapport. Your goal is a follow-up meeting, perhaps even in person if the first encounter was via Zoom.
Follow up with something of value. Send a thank-you and an article on the topics you were discussing. Make an introduction to someone with immediate benefit to the new contact. Don’t waste their time, though. Make sure it’s a good one!
Creating a strong network helps you in so many valuable ways: finding or placing a job, creating a contact at a company you want to sell to, gaining a new client opportunity, or building a Power Partnership. And when your network is full of other networkers who understand the process and the benefits, it makes the return on your efforts exponentially greater!
Want to hone your skills and grow your network with other strong networkers? Come join us at our Summit this fall. You will make impactful connections while gaining insights around setting and reaching your goals. Hope to see you there!