How to network like a pro

We live in a world where having large numbers of social media followers is used as an appropriate marketing tool. While there are few professions where these somehow superficial social media relationships may be good for business, the corporate world values the quality connections rather than quantity of “friends.”

An effective approach to networking is key in becoming insanely well connected with people you can help and who can help you. Here are insightful recommendations to tactfully create connections that count.

1. Have your critical few

According to author Andrew Sobel, the critical few represent a group of professionals who are clearly valuable to your career. They could be co-workers, customers, mentors, former supervisors or interview panelists who did not give you the job. Identify at least 20 people who you think fit best in the critical few group and develop a habit of keeping in touch. Keeping in touch should go beyond just the usual “checking up on you” kind of talk. Get to know their interests and follow up with them. Be articulate, concise and enthusiastic when communicating with them. After listing your critical few, establish other connections of people who have the potential to help you in future. Find easy ways to engage with them like sending monthly newsletters, emails and invitations to conferences and networking events.

2. How do you make great connections with people?

Strong listening skills, keen observation and willingness to shine the spotlight on others are traits that have considerable advantage in making meaningful connections. Such skills ensure that you have a sense and grip on what to ask or expect from the people you come across and helps to build and maintain a network. Keen observation is largely useful when meeting a new contact especially in seminars, conferences and other networking events. It gives you a greater understanding of others and allows you to keep new contacts at ease and in most cases, guaranteeing a solid connection. Smile and be approachable and impress with follow up questions when conversing. Do not forget to share and trade business cards.

3. Arouse people’s curiosity

Intrigue can easily catch someone else’s attention. You have to be very well read and highly knowledgeable in your field to be able to put forward compelling arguments that will put you out there. In no way does this mean that you have to showcase your prowess in thriving in controversy to make yourself memorable. It only means that when you are given the opportunity to talk, own it and express yourself in a manner that makes people listen rather than reply. Mention something unexpected and have good backing to support your statement and sell the idea to your listeners. When attending industry-relevant conferences and summits, interact with people with similar interests showcase your expertise as a speaker rather than an attendee. This builds your credibility as leader in the industry and hands you a platform to pass your insights to others.

4. Don’t reach out only when you need help

Nurture your connection before you need it. Genuinely integrate your network into things you are already doing. Invite your contacts to events your company is hosting and whether or not they attend; your asking goes a long way. No one likes a one-sided relationship. Networking can lead to lifelong friendships. Your relationship is best nurtured when you each mutually help each other and continue to offer time and attention when neither of you needs anything from the other. “If you treat your connections as a kind of personal ATM you use for frequent withdrawals, you’ll quickly be disappointed and overdrawn”, says Karen Wickre, author of Taking the Work out of Networking. Reach out to them on career milestones and send thoughtful congratulatory messages. Do not be silent when some of your connections are going through a rough patch. Challenges are bound to come, your genuine and authentic support will strengthen your connection.

5. Look for opportunities to help them

Always offer to help before you ask for a favour yourself. It is always worth the trouble to learn a contact’s concerns and wishes with a genuine interest. More often than not, you are likely to find something worthwhile you can offer to assist. Make value-add introductions when your contact is facing challenges that affect their desired goals. Be resourceful and connect them with other people in your network who will offer genuine and well needed assistance. The bonus is that you get to help both your contacts in adding connections and they will both be singing your praises when the challenging aspect is solved without a hitch. This continues to emphasise your status as a reliable and resourceful person and cements your network. With such a relationship, calling in for favors will in most scenarios lead to an automatic yes. Always show gratitude when help is reciprocated without feeling some sort of entitlement.