How to network to improve your career and personal life (Video)
Networking can be a very important part in your business and career; however, many don’t like networking because sometimes it feels awkward and more like a chore than a pleasant thing to do so they end up avoiding it. But we believe that people have the wrong approach about networking as it can be a great opportunity to create and foster great relationships, to learn from each other, and to help each other. Also, networking is not only for your business, but it can also improve your personal life since it allows you to create relationships and even friendships that can last forever.
In the video above, our coach expert Sabrina Cadini shared some tips that we hope will be helpful at your next networking event, whether in person or virtual.
Set your goal
What do you want to get out of the networking event you’re attending? Are you looking for a new job? Are you looking to expand your network? Are you looking for advice about a new service or product that you’re ready to launch? Knowing what type of people you want to meet will help you keep you stay focused with your conversations and your engagement at the event.
Be prepared
You want to be ready to introduce yourself when people ask you what you do, but we would recommend staying away from your classic elevator pitch. Try to be less formal and more conversational, natural, and authentic. People want to talk with people, not with businesses. Most of all, avoid technical terms that other people who are not in your industry might have a hard time to understand. Also, you don’t want to bore them to death: provide a brief introduction about who you are, what you do, and what value you can provide.
Be curious
Have you ever met someone at a networking event giving you their business card as soon as you shake hands, and telling you everything about what they do without even leaving you time to introduce yourself? Not interesting!
Show interest in the other person, ask questions. Don’t just tell them who you are and the awards you won, show that you want to learn more about them and what they do. Also, go beyond the business: talk about family, hobbies, interests, things in life; you might discover things in common that will bring you closer to that person, especially if there is a possibility to work together. Have a conversation, don’t just stand there wondering how this person can benefit you from a business point of view.
Keep watching the video for more tips! Enjoyed this video? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to get fresh tips and tricks delivered every two weeks!
If networking is one of your weekly or monthly goals, Mana can be a great tool to keep you on track with it. Want to know more about Mana? Download the app today and schedule a call with one of our coaches to learn how to spend your time better!
