“Business networking refers to a transactional method based on network theory creating opportunities forexchanges or gifts between professionals.”
This somewhat convoluted definition from Wikipedia is nevertheless very accurate!
Effective networking necessarily involves an exchange of good practices between stakeholders. Sharing is the key word.
But contrary to what some (many) people think, building your network involves an investment that goes beyond the occasional trip to a business party for a glass of champagne and petits fours…
Indeed, not only does a network need to be nurtured and enriched, it also requires organization and strategy… as well as common sense and interpersonal skills.
Rule 1:
Determine your goals and priorities. Depending on your target sector and your motivations (partner search, professional change, business development), you need to select the business clubs, professional evenings, conferences, etc. to attend.
Rule 2:
Introduce yourself. Time is often short, and in between handshakes and interruptions, it’s essential to leave your interlocutors with a clear idea of who you are, and even better, the desire to find out more.
And, as basic as it sounds, make sure you have business cards to leave your mark.
Rule 3:
Capitalize and save. Systematically connect on social networks after an interesting encounter to safeguard contact and capitalize on this new relationship. Let’s not forget that LinkedIn is the world’s leading professional directory, enabling you to track the professional development of your contacts in real time.
Rule no. 4
Exploit and enrich. Keep your network alive outside the opportunities to bump into each other at professional meetings: share information on social networks, personally send a link to an article, and simply give and take news.
A long-term, time-consuming and demanding investment, professional networking is essential to building your reputation and raising the profile of your expertise. Backed by social networks, your actions will also benefit from the virality of digital technology, making you a key player in your field!
