No matter what your line of business is, networking is essential to your success as an entrepreneur. With that in mind, today we take a closer look at four essential networking skills that will help you level up your networking game.
1. Active Listening
Active listening involves giving your full attention to what someone is saying and absorbing the meaning behind their words. This can be a challenge, as you may have to deal with distractions from your surrounding environment.
One easy way to practice active listening is to minimize any background noise, avoid multitasking during interactions, and ask relevant questions to show that you are genuinely interested in what the person is saying to you.
2. Body Language
Body language refers to the nonverbal communication cues expressed through physical movements, gestures, and facial expressions. It reflects a person’s thoughts, emotions, attitudes, and intentions. Body language can convey messages more effectively than words alone, as it often reveals underlying feelings and attitudes that may not be explicitly spoken.
Mastering the basics of body language will help you be more effective in your interpersonal interactions.
3. Follow-up
Networking is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous process. After a networking event or meeting, it’s essential to follow up with the people you meet.
The good news is that following up is easy with today’s technology. A simple email or LinkedIn message can go a long way in keeping the conversation going and potentially opening new doors in the future.
4. Giving and Receiving Feedback
Receiving feedback can be hard, but it’s essential for professional growth and development.
When networking, ask for feedback, and be open to receiving it. It will show that you are serious about improving yourself. Similarly, practice giving feedback in a constructive and supportive way.
Giving feedback gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and helps you build trust with your connections.
Wrapping It Up
Networking is an ongoing process, and like any other skill, it can be learned and honed.
To improve your networking skills, you need to continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn as you navigate the fast-evolving landscape of professional relationships.
Mastering the four networking skills described her will help you build stronger relationships, better understand the people you work with, and increase your chances of landing that next big opportunity.
About The Pomona Chamber of Commerce
At the Pomona Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to keep you up to date with the most relevant developments in business management and administration so you and your company can take advantage of new opportunities.
Contact us by email (info@pomonachamber.org) telephone (909-622-1256), social media, or click on this link to join and start enjoying the benefits of membership today.