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Business today is often dominated by emails and digital presence, a far cry from the handshake deals and elevator pitches that previous generations relied on to further their relationships. Yet the necessity of effective networking skills — both in-person and online — has never been greater. Our world is now constantly interconnected, but at the same time, more impersonal than in the past due to the sheer size of our global networks. Although entrepreneurship can sometimes feel like a solo mission, making the right connections can actually play a pivotal role in your company’s success. Honing your networking prowess using the strategies below is a great way to grow your connections and your business.
1. Make a Genuine Connection
The best way to be successful in modern networking is to create a genuine connection. People respond well to those who show interest and ask questions, rather than simply thinking, “What can I get out of this relationship?” In an era when we are regularly bombarded by email marketing campaigns and social media requests from strangers, meeting someone who genuinely shows interest can be pleasantly refreshing.
Cheryl Lynch Simpson, a job-search advisor and LinkedIn coach, recommends taking it slow: “Before asking a networking connection a question or soliciting their advocacy on your behalf, it's critical that you first 'warm' up the relationship.” Take the time to get to know the other person and really listen to what they have to say.
How can you create a personal connection? According to Jaclynn Brennan, CEO of Creative Duality and Fyli, a good place to start is by asking questions. “My strategy is to learn about their backgrounds, family life, culture, what makes them tick, their goals, and then keep them in mind for opportunities or ways I can genuinely help them on their own journey,” she explains in an article for Forbes.
2. Use Good Body Language
Another way to show interest and connect is through body language. Good body language is fundamental for authentic and successful networking among business professionals. Within the first few moments of interaction, individuals form impressions based on non-verbal cues. Positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact, a confident posture, and open gestures, fosters trust and openness, paving the way for more genuine connections.
Good body language also signals attentiveness and interest, crucial for building and maintaining professional relationships. In contrast, poor body language can create barriers, inadvertently signaling disinterest or insincerity. By consciously aligning body language with verbal communication, professionals can enhance their networking effectiveness, ensuring their interactions are not only perceived as genuine but also result in fruitful, long-lasting business relationships.
3. Leverage Digital Tools
Your physical presence is important for face-to-face networking, but your digital presence also speaks volumes. If you’ve made a connection with someone in person, a great tool to encourage future interaction is a digital business card. People you meet can scan this to quickly add your contact details and view your website.
Whether you’ve met in person or online, it’s likely that anyone who becomes part of your network will look up your website or LinkedIn profile. Ensure that your online profiles are consistently updated with accurate information, and use a professional tone in your posts and comments.
Another way to cultivate a professional digital presence is by regularly sharing content that reflects your industry knowledge and insights. Re-posting relevant news and expert insights demonstrates your commitment to staying informed and engaged on trending topics. Creating your own posts on social media or on your company’s blog is also important for establishing thought leadership and enhancing your business’s credibility.
4. Maximize Online Networking Opportunities
Attending online conferences, webinars, and industry-specific forums provides an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. To get the most out of online events, it’s essential to be an active participant by asking insightful questions, joining relevant discussions, and following up with attendees afterward to solidify connections.
Even though they can sometimes feel less personal, there are many benefits of online networking events. As Dustin Owens, mortgage banking executive and podcast host, explains in an article for Forbes, “Online networking lets you ‘see’ more people in less time. You will spend time networking with more of the right type of professionals and less with those less likely to find value in a connection with you.” Considering that you don’t have to travel to attend, online networking is far more time-efficient than face-to-face events.
However, you don’t need to attend every single virtual event that pops up. “Spreading yourself too thin won’t help you get the results you want. Choose to be intentional with your time and only attend events that align with your current business goals,” advises Jamie Johnson, contributor for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s small business platform CO.
5. Follow Up on Contacts
Following up on contacts is a critical step that can easily be overlooked. A positive follow-up message serves as the bridge between initial connections and meaningful relationships that lead to effective collaboration.
After an event or meeting, make contact with people you met to show that you valued the conversation. “I suggest an email or LinkedIn message within 48 hours of the initial interaction to keep things top of mind,” writes Jaclynn Brennan. “Lead with something you discussed so it is easy for the other person to remember.”
Be sure that your follow-up message is clear and concise, reinforcing the value of the connection and expressing your interest in future collaboration. The idea is to show your interest without taking up too much of the other person’s time.
Conclusion
Beyond the exchange of business cards and handshakes, effective networking today serves as a gateway to invaluable opportunities, insights, and collaborative ventures. The modern entrepreneur must navigate a vast and often impersonal digital landscape. But with strong interpersonal skills and a cultivated online presence, we have the chance to reach more people than ever before. By using digital tools and social networks to our advantage, we can make real personal connections that lead to fruitful collaborations and mutual professional benefits.
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