Networking isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be terrible either. Jean Evans outlines vital actions you can take to start successfully networking this year.

1. Make your introduction unforgettable

By telling people that you are about to give your name, they are more intent on listening to hear it and remember it. It also offers the opportunity for people to ask for you to repeat it or clarify it if your name is unusual.

If you start with ‘I’m…’, you could be about to say, “I’m getting a cup of coffee”, “I’m leaving”, or “I’m going to a meeting…” and people will stop engaging.

2. Default your networking

The process of networking has to default into the diary. Make it a priority. I start the month by putting  networking events into my diary – they are sacrosanct. This time is my time to meet other business owners, work on my business, learn and grow. All other meetings with staff, suppliers, and customers will always be there. You can wrap those meetings around the time set aside for networking.

3. The number of networks to join

People should join two or three networks. The networks you choose need to be different types of groups, as different networks will bring different value depending on where you are with your mindset, journey, career, or business.

4. The art of conversation

If you are going to a networking event or meeting, plan some conversation topics ahead of time and have a few ideas in your back pocket. Small talk is the art of finding common ground and areas of interest with another person.

Suppose you are interested in getting to know them. In that case, the conversation will flow, and one question posed with genuine interest could be the start of a beautiful new friendship or business relationship.

5. Invest the time in one-to-ones

Take the time to get to know your fellow network members. Aim to do a one-to-one with at least one new member each week. If you accomplish this, you will steadily and consistently build up your network.

What is a one-to-one? It’s where you schedule time to get to know a fellow member or networker. A one-to-one can be over a coffee or on a walk. These days, they tend to be on Zoom, but when and if it’s safe, it’s good to meet in person to pick up non-verbal cues.

The second win is now you can actively follow, like, share and listen to what is going on with these businesses. It’ll help you in conversation, with small talk, showing interest and give you content for those all-important one-to-ones.

6. Learn to give

A key trait of a great networker is someone who has learned to give freely. It’s essential to learn to help others without expecting to receive in return.

Helping others can come in many different forms: a contact, a connection, a piece of advice, an interesting article shared, willingness to engage in one-to-ones, invitations to other networks to pay a visit, sharing a book recommendation or referring business.

7. Invest in your brand

Visibility is everything when it comes to career and business success. It would help if you took some time to audit how visible you are. Ask yourself these questions:

• Who knows you?
• Who knows what you know?
• Who needs to know you and what you know to achieve your goals in life and business?

When thinking about this, include both internal and external stakeholders. Where do these people network, and are you networking in the right places to meet people who can help you in your career or business?

Next, do you have a strategy to build the right network? How you are going to nurture this network? Networking must be intentional.

8. Introverts: protect your asset

Your most important asset in business is you, and the best way to protect yourself is to ensure you get enough sleep. While essential and enjoyable, networking can also be tiring and draining, especially if you are an introvert.

If you know you are going to a networking meeting, whether it’s online or in-person, ensure you have had a good night’s sleep. This will give you the energy to network and remain engaged.

Don’t plan meetings in advance of, or immediately after, networking. Try to keep some time for yourself.

9. Get curious

While  networking, people can often meet others at events, stop at the name of the company or the person’s title and make a snap decision about whether that person is worth their time. Assumptions do a disservice to both parties.

You cannot define a person by the title, role, and job they hold. Rather they are the culmination of a vast array of experiences, ideas, and connections. Networking should be about uncovering this and going on a voyage of discovery.

Jean Evans is a Networking Architect and Founder at NetworkMe.