In any successful endeavour there are some key skills, actions, or competencies that must be done for success. This is no different in productive networking. Below are three core networking competencies that when done effectively will guarantee success.
The Right Education
Having the right education sounds obvious, right? However I see so many people networking without any real thought other than who can I sell to, give my business card to, or talk to? There is no real plan or strategy to what they want to gain from their networking. This is very time consuming and potentially very brand damaging. It is also a hit and miss approach. Planning your networking strategy and researching how to be an effective networker is key. Working with an organisation or an expert in the field is paramount for success.
You wouldn’t take a driving test without having lessons would you?
Stay Immersed
Staying immersed in any topic is vital for continued success. Too often people learn a topic and then don’t look to keep on top of any changes, trends or new developments within that topic. Keeping your axe sharp is so important. Staying immersed in a topic brings continued success and improved skills which will help with future success.
Get Your Network Trained
We know that having a great team around us will massively improve our chances of long term success. This is vital in networking. If you get yourself trained, but then don’t look to get the key people in your network trained on how they can help you, then you are leaving opportunity on the table. If you are the only person who knows how to get business for yourself then you are missing a trick. Imagine if you had six or seven people that you trusted and that worked with your target market clients too, all networking effectively on your behalf. Imagine this team of people supporting your business success, because you had educated them how to do it effectively.
When working with clients I will constantly remind them of the three core competencies and why keeping them at the forefront of their thinking will massively increase their networking success.
More tips?
If you enjoyed this blog and would like to how to get the most from your networking then you can download my free ebook “47 Networking nuggets” by clicking on the link below.