How can you go about building your professional network?
Today, we’re going to talk about networking or “réseautage d’affaires” in French. It’s a truly valuable technique for growing your business, because these days, simply meeting your customers’ expectations may not be enough to help your company thrive. Building a professional network is a great way to achieve that. We’re here to help you understand it better.
What is networking?
First of all, it’s important to fully understand what this is all about. Networking is about expanding your professional network to create real opportunities for your business. It’s about breaking out of professional isolation and raising awareness of your business in order to develop new relationships that can lead to business growth.
In practical terms, what are the benefits of networking?
The ultimate goal for a business leader is, of course, to ensure the long-term viability of their business. Networking contributes to this by helping to achieve many intermediate objectives. Here are a few examples to illustrate the importance of incorporating networking into your strategy:
- get in touch with other suppliers;
- attract new prospects;
- get opinions or advice from professionals;
- seize new opportunities;
- reach out to investors or potential partners;
- recruit qualified staff;
- to enhance the visibility and reputation of its business.
Networking also means believing that connecting with other professionals helps you expand your knowledge on a specific topic.
Of course, the idea isn't to spread yourself too thin and run around to every event in the region. Rather, it's about clearly determine why it’s important for your business to take this step by setting SMART goals (i.e., goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound),to identify the key players who will help you reach your goals, and to pinpoint where these elements come together so you can go there.
How do I get started with networking?
Some people are always in the right place at the right time and know everyone. This isn't just a matter of chance. Even though some people are more inclined than others to build a network of contacts, networking is still accessible to everyone.
To get started, you could, for example, select organizations that meet your expectations, identify incubators in your area, join a professional association, attend networking events after work, or participate in entrepreneurs’ breakfasts. You could also choose to attend a conference or visit the business-focused section of a trade show.
Opportunities to meet people in person should be prioritized, as this is the best way to turn professional opportunities into reality.
With the decline in in-person meetings and traditional networking events, it’s clear that post-COVID networking focuses more on the quality of relationships than on quantity. Which is actually a good thing.
Furthermore, with the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, networking now involves a significant virtual component. Online networking platforms, virtual events, webinars, and meetings via videoconferencing tools have become important ways to establish and maintain professional relationships.
Being active on social media ,especially through a well-crafted LinkedIn profile is particularly effective for online networking.
How can you prepare for a networking event?
There you go, your calendar now has your first trips scheduled. There's no way you're going to show up without at least some preparation and miss out on opportunities.
To start, we recommend that you bring business cards and something to take notes with. Give special thought to how you’ll introduce yourself to your future contacts. As you know, you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. So think carefully about the right way to introduce yourself and your project. There are techniques, such as the elevator pitch, to help you with this.
Try to be yourself and show genuine interest in the other person. You’re in a two-way relationship, so trying to close the deal at all costs could backfire. That’s why it’s also important to be a good listener.
You certainly won’t be able to achieve anything during your first few interactions. Don’t let that discourage you, though it’s perfectly normal. The process requires giving a lot before you can finally receive. Networking is a long-term effort. Consistency is key. We recommend investing two to three years in developing a targeted network. Attending two or three meetings is the minimum before drawing any conclusions.
One last piece of advice: be confident that you belong at this type of event, and see yourself as an equal among your counterparts. You’ve accomplished a great deal throughout your career; you’ve built up your experience and your business, you, too, have something to offer the other participants.
We certainly shouldn't neglect to follow up on the contacts we've made, should we?
There you go, you've taken the plunge, met some interesting people, and your address book is getting fuller and fuller. Way to go!
Now, as the saying goes, “strike while the iron is hot,” and we need to nurture and maintain our connections with the people we’ve met.
Follow-up is crucial for maintaining productive professional relationships. It helps strengthen the connections made during initial meetings, demonstrates your commitment and interest in your contacts, and fosters potential collaborations.
By maintaining regular communication with your network of contacts, whether through emails, phone calls, or in-person meetings, you strengthen mutual trust and foster the exchange of professional opportunities.
The way you follow up with contacts also reflects your professionalism and commitment to building and maintaining a strong network, which can prove invaluable throughout your future career. Investing time and energy in this is essential to reaping the benefits of effective networking.
You now have everything you need to grow your business network. It's up to you!