Businessdictionary.com describes networking as “Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit. Networking is based on the question ‘How can I help?’ and not ‘What can I get?’”
Whether you network to expand your professional horizons, gain referrals, find a new job or develop your current career it is important to focus on networking as an exchange of information, contacts or experience.
Keep the following tips in mind:
Understand the needs of others before you tell them about yours
Successful people always learn something new
Reconnect with your current network. The easiest way to meet new people is to leverage your current network
Smile when you enter a room. People are drawn to a positive person
Focus on the people who are right for you! Have five people in your network who can help, rather than 200 people who know your name! Choose an event that suits your business goals and don’t go to events where everyone does the same thing you do.