Make networking a daily habit by treating it like tending to a garden of opportunities. Set clear goals and focus not just on what you want but also on what you bring to the table. Embrace networking as a way to create mutual benefits, turning each interaction into a step towards continuous growth.

Setting clear goals also allows you to find the right groups to network with. Some assume that we have to network with the same people like us. However, what I have found is setting the stage to network with those you can help and that can help you in different areas is also just as helpful. Setting the goals is equal to setting the standard of who you want to be associated with.

Costumo explicar para os meus mentorados, alunos e amigos que networking a gente faz o tempo todo e muitas vezes sem perceber. Ouvir um amigo ou colega de trabalho num cafézinho rápido, convidar um amigo(a) que vc não costuma almoçar encontrar com frequência, enviar uma mensagem de áudio para alguém que você lembrou do nada e simplesmente quer saber como ele está, desejar um feliz aniversário, etc.. são exemplos de como podemos enxergar que simples acontecimentos podem ser uma oportunidade para fazer networking, não se torna uma obrigação, mas sim um prazer. Network é "work the net" e precisa ser um exercício diário, com um olhar mais empático e acolhedor, é um movimento de vida a vida...

I agree! Having set clear goals before diving into networking has been a game-changer for me. It doesn't only sharpen my focus but also provides a roadmap to measure progress. Whether it's learning new skills, exploring opportunities, or broadening my network, the SMART criteria have added a practical touch to my networking journey.

1. Define your purpose for networking - is it professional development, business relationships, collaborators? 2. Identify the types of people most likely to be mutually beneficial connections based on your aims. 3. Approach interactions with a "how can I help?" attitude. Don't start with an ask. 4. Follow up consistently with new connections. 5. Expand your comfort zone in small steps. Try one new networking activity monthly. Maintain momentum

I find good ole market research is great for this. Forums and chat rooms, Quora and Reddit, too. You want to try and get in and really embrace being the dumbest person in the room. Asking questions being genuinely interested in those you want to connect with. Also, referalls are dreamy. Word of mouth is probably the strongest form of networking and will always be a way to help you really form the human bond because a human connected you. If this guy trust you, you must be trustworthy or even great at whatever they shared with you. Just being seen with the right people can boost you credibility, so find out where those people are and get in that room. In my experience, once you are in the room, you will find that hey are human, too.

One thing that I think is really important is to make a deeper connection through one-on-one, in-person meetings over coffee, drinks, or meals. This way, they can get to know who you really are and understand your expertise. You never know what the future holds, but when you build a genuine and deep relationship, it might open up opportunities for business, collaboration, and partnerships. Another thing you can do is to make networking a routine, whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. You can add these networking events to your calendar and attend various industry-specific events. This way, you can keep learning from people in different industries, staying excited about learning new things, and avoiding boredom.

Networking isn't just about your immediate goals; it's about listening to others' aspirations and figuring out how you can connect them within your network. Restricting your focus to a narrow group limits your potential. I've facilitated deals exceeding $100 million with people outside my industry, all because I chose to be open and inclusive. Remember, broad horizons create broader opportunities.

Beyond just pinpointing who these individuals are, it’s beneficial to understand their interests, challenges, and motivations. This deeper understanding enables you to tailor your approach, making your interactions more meaningful and relevant. For instance, engaging with their content on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter, or participating in discussions on blogs and podcasts, can provide insights into their professional world. This approach not only helps in identifying how you can offer value to them but also in crafting more personalized and impactful communication. Furthermore, leveraging your existing network for joining industry-specific groups can provide a more direct and warm approach to reaching these key individuals.

En el networking, una figura muy importante es el conector/a. Si puedes localizar y seguir a uno de ell@s podrás enterarte, quizás, de interesantes y porque no innovadores eventos de networking. En el mundo de los RRHH, nosotros los reunimos de manera periódica y, a veces, de manera curiosa.

This approach of providing value first shifts the dynamic from merely seeking personal gain to fostering genuine, reciprocal relationships. The value you offer doesn't have to be monumental; it can be as simple as sharing an article relevant to your contact's interests, providing thoughtful feedback on their projects, or offering your expertise in a specific area. This proactive and generous approach to networking not only builds trust and rapport but also establishes you as a valuable and respected member of your professional community. By consistently offering value, you lay the foundation for a network that's both robust and mutually beneficial.

Absolutely! Networking is fundamentally about building trust and rapport through mutual value exchange, rather than simply asking for favors or promoting oneself. Providing value can take many forms, such as sharing insights, resources, or experiences, offering help or expertise, or facilitating introductions to beneficial contacts. By prioritizing the needs and interests of your contacts and offering genuine assistance, you cultivate stronger and more meaningful professional relationships. Focus on adding value to create a network built on trust and mutual support.

Giving first is at the heart of successful networking. Start with little gestures, offer to get a drink for someone, or introduce them to someone you know. You'll be remembered for helping someone feel at ease. Offering to help others sets you apart, raises your profile higher and postions you as someone to be trusted, which in turn raises your profile even higher.

I think the connection only really happens after the event, in the next steps. No next step, no relationship. Avoid the spray and prey, talk to a handful of people, 2nd degree is best from someone you know at the event. Research who will be there and meet the people you want. Take the next steps, follow up, follow up, connect follow up. Build trust through knowing and follow through. Good success

When both parties see networking as a value exchange, then it works the way it should. As we focus more on offering value and less on asking for favors, our networking will start growing organically and attract the "right" people. Here are a few ways of doing that: - making introductions - giving referrals and recommendations - sharing information of interest - offering expertise or advice - providing needed resources - solving unique problems - helping others achieve their goals. Here proactivity is key. Stay visible, actively engage with others, regularly follow-up, and build genuine relationships.

En mantener el contacto y, por tanto, la relación "viva", está la clave. Identifica a cada contacto con su temática/área de interés. Así te será más fácil encontrar elementos de valor

There are many different ways of staying in touch with people in your network, and LinkedIn is a great tool for doing that, especially with those you don't know that well. You can greet them with a new role, congratulate on a special occasion, or respond to any recent update, from publishing an article to launching a new product. Similarly, you can send updates and invitations, share relevant information, or simply engage with their LinkedIn posts and newsletters.

This is crucial. You are only as visible as you make yourself. Not following up shows a lot about your character. It means you may be flaky. Maybe you are busy. make a note... do whatever it takes. If you forget and come across their card or an email. Take 5 minutes right then just to say hey. It may be the HEY that changes your life and business. There are no coincidences.

By choosing a strong network to join, which offers plenty of high-quality opportunities to meet fellow members, you’ll develop outstanding connections over the short, medium and long term. Personally I’m an active member of many business networks, notably the British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Geneva where the very high-level discussions offer a great source of inspiration and enrichment.

You should have habits that you cannot give up. Be sure to have a calendar with all the birthdays and large annual events that you need to attend. 1-2 times a year organize your own events, where you invite those with whom you need to maintain contact. Leave the ball in your court - share information or some kind of update with each person. Keep lists: met this person 3 times a year, met this person 1 time, but every year. Once a week make at least one new acquaintance at breakfast, for instance. Find your favorite places in the city, where the waiters know you and your habits - this will make a pleasant impression.

The greatest compliment you can give someone is asking for their advice! It never hurts to ask a new connection for their input — they feel good, you get feedback, the relationship is stronger.

Networking serves as a valuable learning opportunity, providing a platform to enhance your skills, knowledge, and performance. Actively seek feedback from your contacts on your work, goals, or challenges. Leverage this feedback to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, inquire about suggestions for improvement, such as recommended books, courses, or mentors. Utilize these insights to refine your approach and continually evolve. By embracing networking as a feedback-driven learning process, you not only foster personal growth but also cultivate a network that actively contributes to your professional development.

Networking is a valuable learning opportunity, offering a chance to enhance your skills, knowledge, and performance. By seeking feedback and advice from your contacts, you can gain insights into your work, goals, and challenges, helping you identify strengths and areas for improvement. Ask for constructive feedback and improvement suggestions, such as recommended books, courses, or mentors, to further your growth. Leveraging your network in this way transforms connections into resources for continuous learning and professional development.

The most important question you can ask when networking is, "How can I help you reach your goals?" Networking is a reciprocal activity, not a transactional one. You are building a relationship, so be kind and generous. Be your awkward, funny, super smart self if that is you. you will build better, deeper, and more supportive relationships if you do.

Doesn't it just feel better to give? Approach networking with an abundance mindset, never a scarcity mindset. It's amazing how much comes back to you when you're willing to give first.

Las herramientas virtuales son fantásticas porque han ampliado exponencialmente nuestras posibilidades de networking. Pero antes de enviar una petición digital, piensa bien si lo harías teniéndolo delante.

One of the main keys is to network "without expecting anything in return." And above all, start when you don't need it, when there is no pressure because you need it.

You make networking a habit by not thinking of it as networking. In it's most simple form, networking is just forming a connection between two people. An act that can happen anywhere especially outside of networking events. By expressing genuine interest in getting to know others, you open up an endless amount of opportunities to meet new people.

The best way to help others within networking is to always have the question in your mind of “what’s the next big thing you’ve got coming up?” When you ask that question of your clients, suppliers, friends, family members or networking members they’ll often tell you about something that’s happening either in work, or in their personal life. It could be a holiday, house move, extension, business acquisition, new hire, new car or something else. Whatever it is, it’s also a chance for a referral for one of your networking members. “What’s the next big thing you’ve got coming up?” – Ask that question more, and you’ll find more referrals for people.

The Four P’s of Business Networking To get the best from your networking you should consider the 4 P’s. Namely Preparation, Participation, Pursuit and Propagation. Preparation Without preparation, you will not get the best from your networking. Why are you there? Who will you meet? and what do you want from meeting? Participate If you do not get out of your office, then you are unlikely to meet potential customers. Pursue Follow up contacts and make the most of the relationship, even if they never buy anything, they may now someone who will. Propagate Set up your own networking group, make the most of the close network that you develop through your business life.

I love to ask people not for favors but for advice and tips on a topic that is relevant to networking. For example at a business event I can say: "I can see you go to many events or have a lot of contacts, how do you make sure you remember or track where and when you met someone?" Short follow-up is a quick "trick" but remembering contacts that are 2-3 years old is sometimes tricky. This questions either brings me new information or make the other person think about their long-term strategy and I get a thank you for making them realise that a long-term strategy and the right tools are a good thing.

Networking works especially well with those with abundance mindset. Another way of looking at it as "How can I add value?" vs "what can X do for me?"