You get it. You know that professional networking is essential to your business success. But knowing that fact does not necessarily make it easy to get out there and network, especially if you are a bit of an introvert by nature.
Volumes have been written about how to up your networking game. The problem with a lot of the advice out there is that it presupposes that you have to be more gregarious, more outgoing, and less ... well, you.
That is simply not true. Here, then, are some real tips for improving your professional networking skills while still being true to yourself.
Tip One: Look Out Rather than In
It is easy to be distracted by your own worries and insecurities when you are an introvert. The best way to overcome this pitfall is to think of networking in terms of what you can give to the other person rather than what you hope to achieve by reaching out.
Focus on yourself only long enough to spot what you have of value to offer to a business relationship. Once you have that firmly in mind, turn your focus to how to deliver that value to the person you are contacting. Networking at its best is a give-and-take situation. But notice that it is give, then take, not the other way around.
Tip Two: Control Your Body Language
One of the easiest ways to make a connection with another person is to smile. A warm smile, a firm handshake, and good posture all convey that you are a person other people want to know. Avoid defensive posture such as crossing your arms or hunching your shoulders. Make eye contact, take a deep breath, and speak naturally.
Tip Three: Stop Apologizing
Here's a reality check. Professional networking is not a sleazy business and it is not an imposition to the person with whom you are trying to connect. Remember tip number one. You have something of value to offer to a professional relationship. There is no need to be apologetic about reaching out.
Tip Four: Have Your Pitch Ready
Having your pitch ready does not mean trying to memorize word for word what to say when networking. That strategy never works, because networking is inherently about going with the flow and building on what is happening at the moment. So how can you prepare? The best way is to have in mind your objectives for networking with a particular individual. Think of questions you can ask, points of interest you may share in common, and so on. Having a short mental list of available topics will help you stay cool under pressure.
Tip Five: Use Your Email Signature
While business cards are a tried and true tool for networking, you might be overlooking an even easier way to get your information to the right people. BusinessKnowHow.com suggests customizing your email signature with pertinent contact information as well as a sentence or two about yourself. This is an inexpensive and easy way to get your information in the hands of the people with whom you wish to establish a relationship.
Tip Six: Connect on Facebook
Facebook is a great way to connect with potential clients, and the platform offers the ability to add new connections to specific groups. This allows you to separate your college friends from work contacts. Create a new group called “Business People” and add new professional contacts to that group. When you post, you can decide which group/s will see your message on their feeds.
The Takeaway
Even if you are naturally introverted, you can build a healthy professional network by thinking about what you can bring to the relationship, using appropriate body language, and using social media platforms to your advantage. You just have to step a bit outside of your comfort zone and take action!
Andy Fine
Andy helps people start and grow successful freelancing careers. He is an expert at helping people get clients using online methods and making things super simple to understand.
If you're interested in starting your own freelancing business or scaling up and getting clients then definitely reach out and request a free strategy session today.
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