6 Strategies You Need To Network Effectively Like A Leader

With Christmas and New Year’s celebrations around the corner, it’s the season of festive networking events. Undoubtedly, we know that networking is essential to professional growth and business development. But understanding how to network effectively is where many professionals and aspiring leaders get it wrong. Networking is a critical skill for leaders to master, because it results in building trusted relationships that transcend into new career opportunities, potential clients, and even strategic partnerships.

So how do you take advantage of this season and network strategically?

Before you step into that conference room or other networking venue, consider these six strategies for effective networking:

1. Define Networking Goals

What’s your purpose in attending this event? Are you there to seek collaboration opportunities, identify new prospects, conduct market research, or seek coaching and professional development opportunities? To be able to maximize the event’s value, you need to come with a clear agenda in mind. Otherwise you’re throwing ticket money and valuable time down the drain.

2. Be Authentic

When engaging in networking remember that people want to meet you, not a copy of someone else you admire. Don’t try to be like the next person. Do what feels comfortable for you and your personality If you’re an introvert, for example, stretch yourself outside of your comfort zone to meet new people but don’t force yourself to be vivacious and bubbly if that’s not who you really are. Being genuine and authentic goes a long way, and people will appreciate you for it and be more likely to buy in to what you have to say or offer.

3. Actively Listen

Remember that networking is two-way communication. If you’re attending a networking event for the sole purpose of focusing on your agenda, then you’ve missed the entire purpose of networking The real value of networking comes through shared experiences, relating to people through stories, understanding them, and asking insightful questions.

ForbesActive Listening Skills: What They Are And Why They’re ImportantBy

4. Add Value

Establish your reputation in your professional community, online via platforms such as LinkedIn, and at in-person networking events, as someone who provides consistent value. Offer to link others with your contacts if needed, provide useful insights, answer questions, and engage meaningfully online and offline through thought leadership, more often than you sell or promote your services.

5. Online Presence

Establish your presence across relevant social media platforms, and contribute regularly to articles as a guest blogger. You could even consider having your own website to host your blogs, or create a LinkedIn newsletter to cement your thought leadership. This will make it easier for others to find and connect with you for the longer term after meeting you at networking events. You could even consider engaging in online communities of practice and groups related to your industry.

6. Sustain The Connection

Networking is not a one-time occasion. Quality networks and trust are fostered over time, after the initial connection is made. Proactively and regularly share updates, maintaining a genuine interest in their updates as well, so that you do not fall out of sight and consequently out of mind.

Through applying these six networking strategies, you can confidently forge new relationships, maintain existing ones, and accelerate your career progression and business opportunities while building trust and respect amongst your industry peers. You’ll also be able to add to your own breadth of expertise and knowledge through connecting with others who are more seasoned than you, or those who may need the support of your mentorship.

Networking events provide enormous opportunities, but only for those who leverage them effectively.