7 tips to develop your networking skills
GENERATE LEADS AND OPPORTUNITIES
As more opportunities open up to rekindle or build your business network, you really do need to be having better and deeper conversations, to generate leads and opportunities . These conversations are not only with prospects but also with yourself.
Start by having a conversation with yourself, about the value you bring to your client and the impact you have. Anyone in your industry can manage a transaction, but you are unique and the way you solve a problem is unique to you. You want your clients to understand this value and why they should choose you. This is one of the most important starting points to consider and takes time to really define why you are unique and the service provider or product of choice.
Once you understand your value and why you…. you must get out from behind your screen, attend events and when possible, meet face to face. It is faster than any other method to build know, like and trust. Put away your phone and go talk to others. Make appointments to meet up for a walk. You do not need to rely on lunches and cafes, although that would be nice! Sometimes simply checking out who you are sitting or standing next too at , at the coffee shop or even at the local park with your child, can start a conversation with a neighbor or connection that can lead to the next best opportunity, right under your nose.
If you are tired of attending traditional events or feel that zoom does not allow or enough conversation and connection, you are either attending the wrong event or having the wrong conversations. Networking is a life skill and as you are investing your time, you should be benefiting from making connections that enrich, energise and transform you, both personally and professionally.
It has been a crazy year, but hopefully soon, you can consider returning too or visiting a co-working space, or take your laptop to a cafe to get out of your home office.
Learn the names of those around you (neighbours, baristas, retailers, business owners) and use them. Everyone loves to be greeted and these relationships, can be a window to experiences and knowledge that you may be lacking. While we admit that masks do make it hard to smile, remember to say hello and use your eyes to engage as you interact with others in your surrounds.
If you work in an organisation, put in the effort to interact at staff events, even online. Your internal network is a valuable resource and the insights others can share add value to you in improving customer experience, relationships and conversations. It shows you care, understand and want to help.
Conversations with new connections can be awkward, but with practice, you can improve, listen more, and be able to dig deeper so that you can make a difference to your client and they will think of you as awesome!
If you would like some help in developing your networking skills, build a strategy, role play conversations to boost your confidence, or know that your team needs a workshop to have these better conversations than please contact us HERE or perhaps you are seeking a rewarding way to grow your business and access the right connections to leverage opportunities, check out our YTM Membership and benefits HERE .
Receive a FREE gift of our conversation starters HERE when you subscribe to our event alerts
