Don’t Just be Good at Networking—Be Great

By Stefanie Neyland, Small Business Content Developer at Bizlaunch.com

Every small business owner knows that networking is paramount to business success, and most entrepreneurs probably consider themselves to be fairly good at it. But ask yourself: are you a good networker or are you a great networker? Here are seven tips to help you become the latter, allowing you to convert those all-important contacts into fruitful business relationships.

1. Be helpful

If you approach networking as a way to increase your business revenue, you’re likely to fail. Relationships form best when you go in with the intent of helping somebody else; offer your help without expectations for something in return.

2. Don’t prejudge

We all make first-impression judgments about the people we meet. Even if the person doesn’t appear as if they can add value to your business, it’s worth investigating further—you never know who they have in their network that could be of value to you.

3. Talk less, listen more

Ever met someone who just wants to talk about themselves throughout the whole conversation? Those people often have the best intentions, but they may struggle to form long-term relationships because they don’t demonstrate an interest in others. When networking, learn more about the other person than you communicate about yourself.

4. Quality over quantity

Although you should take some time to get to know others at networking events, dinners, and other social engagements, that doesn’t mean you should invest time connecting with everybody you meet after the function. Just like personal relationships, pursue people where you see potential.

5. A compliment goes a long way

Do you want to meet an influential person but don’t know how to approach them? Start with a compliment. For example, telling them that their support of a local nonprofit is inspiring to you is the perfect icebreaker.

6. It’s all about who you know

Remember tip #1? You can be of service to people by connecting them with one another. Maybe the person you’re talking to could benefit from talking to somebody already in your network that knows how to promote businesses online. Connecting people makes you look good to both parties.

7. Don’t overdo it

Remember: you have a business to run and it has to produce income right now—networking is an investment in the future. Spending 10 hours each week on LinkedIn and attending daily networking lunches probably isn’t the best use of your time.

Bonus: Sending a social media message isn’t networking

Networking involves meeting people face to face and forming a relationship. It will likely force you to operate outside of your comfort zone, but it’s the only way to become a master networker.

As with any skill, a little personal growth and refinement is all it takes to make your networking capabilities go from good to great.