When asked what their biggest networking challenge was, the attendees of this week’s Reflect Your Success – Building a Strong Personal Brand and a Powerful Network webinar named ‘follow up’ as their biggest challenge.
You know the scenario. You go to an event, meet some people, grab some cards and then head home, and promptly leave them on the corner of the desk to collect dust until you find time to follow up.
The second most-noted challenges faced by the women business owners polled were equally ‘knowing what to say’ and ‘leveraging opportunities’ which could tie back into why we don’t follow up.
Networking Tips for Women in Business
Marny Lifshen, author of “Some Assembly Required – A Networking Guide for Women” offered these suggestions for more effective networking:
- Have specific goals and achievable strategies for your networking. Who do you wish to meet? What is that you are seeking to do? When you have a limit amount of time plan what will help you achieve your networking goals.
- Keep good company. The company you keep matters. Go for quality over quantity when it comes to your network. Make sure those in your network align with your brand.
- Leverage your contacts. True networking doesn’t have to be a cold call. People you know can introduce you to other influencers. When you use your existing network to meet others you never have to ‘rely on the company of strangers’. Rather than trying to meet more people, cultivate the relationships you already have.
- Blend networking opportunities. Go to face-to-face events, network online, visit different associations and trade events and do some one-on-one networking.
- Ask for help and ask others if they want help. When did you last ask: “What can I do for you?” to another. Develop and leverage mutually beneficial relationships. And, ask for help to be introduced to those you want to meet.
- What do you want to be known for? Not sure what to say when asked “What do you do?”. Rather than naming your job title create a personal tag-line that tells people how you add value. Try the line out on friends to ensure it’s easily understood and not hokey.
- Dress the part. While we don’t like to think that we judge people by their appearance, we often do and in turn are also judged. If you haven’t recently updated your appearance (whether in person or online), it may be time to get some professional makeover help.
- Follow Up and You Could Be Way Ahead of the Networking Game. Most people don’t follow up on new contacts, so you’ll stand out just by making that next step. Use the points above to help you determine what you will say and who you’ll connect with and your strategic approach should see you benefit from thriving new business relationships.
The Reflect Your Success – Building a Strong Personal Brand and a Powerful Network was part of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network’s members webinars program. Normally $59, Premium Members attended free and also had access to the on-demand recording. Learn more about Premium Membership here. For more great tips on effective networking, I recommend Marny Lifshen’s book: “Some Assembly Required – A Networking Guide for Women”.
