A wise person knows everything, a clever one, everybody. It’s not what you know but who you know that counts most.
Networking is essential to build new business relationships, it will help you generate new opportunities and make new friends.
A handful of tips on ways to extend your network
*Join groups
There are numerous types of groups you can consider joining.
There are professional societies and business or service clubs. Then there is the hobby, sporting, educational groups or religious groups.
The Internet can play a role. You can network internationally by attending Zoom type meetings.
Try joining a group or groups that appeal to you and make an effort to get known by contributing in some form or other.
You will enhance your life by making new contacts and friends.
*Try to make a contribution
Join in activities and help organise events. Take office. Contribute to the group to get known and gain respect.
Go out of your way to help others. Generosity is an attractive quality and it’s something special that people will remember about you.
Move around at social events and talk to many people. Show you are interested in others and ask open-ended questions. “How is your family doing?” “Where did you grow up?” “How can I help?”
Also, make an effort to improve your listening skills. Don’t talk too much. Try to become a good listener.
*Follow up fast
If you say you will do something to help someone, do it as soon as possible.
Respond to any referrals you are given by others as soon as you can. Don’t forget to keep in touch with them and let them know how the new connections are going.
*Keep records
Collect and file business cards or use an electronic filing system. You must be able to make contact quickly if and when required.
Keeping a diary can be a valuable tool and can bring you rewards when you need names, dates and specific details of events.
Jot down notes about people on the back of their business cards so you can quickly establish a rapport with them next time you meet. “Keen on Rugby.” Has a family of two boys.” “Born in Tasmania.”
*Meet regularly
Groups should meet on a regular basis to reinforce contacts and to refresh relationships.
Business networking is successful when groups of like-minded businesspeople recognise, create and act upon opportunities and go out of their way to help each other.
Who you know is usually more important than what you know so fortify your life with friends and contacts.
-Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)
“Use all the brains you have and all the brains you can borrow.”
Source: “Secrets for New Managers” first published by Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand (mossassociates.co.nz) and Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore.
Contains a decade of articles from “Today’s Manager” the official bi-monthly publication of the Singapore Institute of Management.
Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com and from the VitalSource Bookshelf.
Another Handful of Tips 