Steps to improve your business networking skills

Many of us shy away from networking because it sounds daunting. We don’t know where to start, we don’t know what to say, and we sure as heck don’t know how to keep up a brand new relationship in the business sector.

After all, this is not the sort of relationship you have with your buddy who you can call up in the evening for a good old chat.

But business networking is fundamental if you’re going to enlarge your business and sustain it. Networking can accelerate success, taking your business from small fry to big fish, and for this reason it’s high time to maximise the power and potential of networking.

Whilst networking is both a science and an art, it isn’t all that complicated. Often, to improve your business networking skills it’s simply a matter of a little fine-tuning.

So let’s take a closer look…

How To Improve Your Business Networking Skills – Be Genuine

You might have heard colleagues telling you they’re about to put on their “networking A-game”. It’s a well-worn phrase, but ultimately it’s a little bit shallow and won’t do them any favours.

See, if you’re trying to cultivate a relationship with people in business, you should treat them as you would your friends. They’re real human beings just like you who warm to genuine, authentic people. If you decide to put on a front and a false smile, they will see through you immediately. They will become distrustful, and you will struggle to build a solid foundation.

How To Improve Your Business Networking Skills – Ask The Right Questions

In order to foster a solid relationship in the business world, it’s important that you remember to ask the right questions. This means that you ask insightful questions that mean something. It means that you ask better questions in order to receive better answers, rather than poor questions that come with poor, useless answers. It also means that you work hard at listening to the answers, rather than fidgeting with your smartphone. Listening is now a skill, and in order to build good relationships it’s a skill that you need to master.

How To Improve Your Business Networking Skills – Meet Connectors

In the business world, a connector is someone who knows lots of people. We’re not talking a handful of people, we’re talking LOTS of people. Even better, these people could be useful to you.

Connectors are influencers. They have access to an array of contacts, and if you can hook up with one of them, you could find that you open yourself up to a whole world of new people who can help to enlarge your business.

How To Improve Your Business Networking Skills – Leave Your Comfort Zone

It’s really easy to just keep on talking to the people you know. You go to an event, you’re a little nervous, but you soon brighten up because you see your pals.

“Hey, buddies!”

But this is not going to get you anywhere. Instead, you need to open yourself up and introduce yourself to new people. It might sound daunting, but it’s the only way you can expand your profile.

Business networking is an invaluable resource that can enhance your business 100%. Now that you’re clued-up on what you need to do, what are you waiting for? Get yourself out there!

While you’re out there improving on your business networking skills, let the team at Easy Consulting keep improving your business. We are the one-stop-shop for Online Marketing, Social Media, Website Design, Google Development and SEO! Get in touch with us today and let’s discuss how we can help you!