Your Network Is Your Networth

Networking” – the word alone can make introverts break into a cold sweat, while gregarious colleagues stuff their pockets with business cards to hand out to anyone they meet. But what is networking, exactly, and how can it fit into your already-packed schedule?

Networking is an important part of planning for your future. The relationships you make now can last for years to come and help you in your career.It is a well known fact that in Kenya,you are only as great as the people you know and the greater your connections,the higher your chances in advancing in any career.Whether you are doing something as Simple as pulling a hand cart or you are a massive engineer at a tech company,the number of influential people you know really influences the pace at which you grow in your business.

How you look,your body language and how you carry yourself are very important in Networking.

Here are a few tips:

Managing Networking Expectations.

Networking is not about selling your product or service; it should be a conversation.You can’t expect that everyone is automatically going to use you because you’re the person that they met at a networking event. Most people already have longstanding relationships with other business people. But if eventually the work starts to come your way, whether it is directly from the people that you meet or from the referrals that they provide your name to, then you’ll know that it’s working.

Preparations Before An Event
the people putting on the event.

You’re headed to a trade show, conference or seminar, and you’re hoping to make some connections while there. Preparation is key. Here are some ideas of what to do before you leave.

• Let others know you’re going. Use social media to not just promote yourself but to promote others, such as

• See if you know anyone else who’s going. If it’s possible, I like to know who’s going to be there and see if there’s anyone attending who I haven’t seen for a while. Or someone new that I’d like to make a connection with.

• If someone you’d like to meet is going to be there, find out more about them. A quick Google search may lead you to an interesting article they wrote or were mentioned in.

Conversation Starters

• Smile. It may seem basic, but it's hard not to start a discussion or at least smile back.
• "Hi, my name is...." It can be intimidating to approach someone (or a group of people), but push yourself to walk over and introduce yourself. Start with your name and follow it up with an easy-to-answer question like "How do you know the host?" or "What brings you here tonight?"
• "I love your [shoes/shirt/necktie]." You'd be surprised how quickly someone's guard can come down when you dish out a compliment. "That was an interesting presentation you just gave" or "That's one of my favorite books you're reading" can go a long way.
• "You look familiar." You run into each other at the library,mall or coffee shop several times a week. Why not say hello?
• Bring up a timely topic. Talk about a book or movie that just came out, or something big that's happening in the news. Try to avoid religion or politics.

Networking Online

Online associations are great ways to connect with a larger number of people.Forums are becoming a part of that, and online chats are great ways to get your name out there and make your presence known without having to put yourself out.

• Use a digital signature – four lines maximum – that acts like a business card on your email and online posts.

• Join LinkedIn and online associations.

• Use your online activities to promote others wherever possible. That includes re-tweeting to build Twitter relationships.

Assess Your Network

You’re probably more connected than you think. Your network includes people you know on a personal and professional level, such as:

• Friends
• Family
• High-school alumni
• Church members
• Fellow volunteers
• Former colleagues
• Fellow club members
• College/university alumni
• Former and current neighbors
• Healthcare professionals you see routinely (doctors, dentists,Lawyers.)
• Service people you go to regularly (auto technicians, dry cleaners,Tailors etc.)
• Fellow association members

Volunteering

Serve on the board of a charitable organization that you truly believe in, and you’ll soon be connecting with like-minded professionals.

Be A Go-Giver, Not A Go-Getter

How can you turn a networking opportunity into a new business relationship? By using the right approach.

• What turns people off is asking, ‘Can you help me?’ right away.In networking, you give before you get.

• Once you’ve helped an individual, that person sees you as someone on their side, part of their professional circle of colleagues, and someone they will one day return the favour to.

The Networking-Don’t List

• Don’t stand by yourself at an event or gathering, waiting for others to approach you.

• Don’t broadcast a sales pitch repeatedly.Most people who believe that they’re networking are trying to sell a product or a service.The only reason that they’re there is for the ‘me’ effect, not the ‘we’ effect.

• Don’t interrupt. If you’re joining a group, don’t just barge in and hand everyone in their circle a business card.Wait for a break in the conversation before introducing yourself.