6 Useful Networking Habits

I have compiled a few more tips that have proven useful to me in practice. Let us learn together how to become a successful networker!

1. Step outside your comfort zone

Don't let your fears prevent you from successfully getting to know and collaborating with other people. An optimistic outlook on life attracts people. Be positive - smile more often!

Focus less on yourself and more on your conversation partner. Look for topics that interest you both - travel, collecting, attending seminars, sport, and so on. This helps to sustain what is called small talk, to feel comfortable and at ease yourself, and to allow your conversation partner to feel just as comfortable.

Don't undervalue yourself. Every person is unique, and each of us can be interesting enough - the main thing is knowing how to tell others about yourself.

2. Choose quality over quantity

Rather than exchanging a few words and superficial phrases with many - or even all - of the people who have come to a networking event, it is better to spend more time with a smaller number of carefully chosen conversation partners. You can reassure yourself: strength lies not in the number of contacts but in their quality.

3. Network always and everywhere

Don't throw yourself into a networking event with the goal of gaining some tangible benefit from the very first meeting. Everything takes time - including building a relationship, which is founded on several regular meetings, conversations, and the sharing of ideas, advice, and useful contacts.

Apply a networking strategy everywhere you go or take part - wherever you meet new people, whether the occasion is formal or less so. Ask simple questions: how can I help you? What are you looking for or wanting to achieve right now? What is occupying, worrying, or exciting you at the moment?

4. Work on your body language

Everything we say is confirmed, amplified, or contradicted by our facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice. Try to keep an upright posture, look your conversation partner in the eyes, show genuine interest, and use open positions and gestures.

Be ready to shake hands - whether you are being introduced to someone or you are the one welcoming guests and making introductions.

5. Practise remembering names

When you are introduced to someone, try to repeat their name aloud - for example: "Pleased to meet you, Tom!" But if a name has completely slipped your mind, don't be embarrassed to admit it and ask your conversation partner to repeat it.

At well-organised events, each participant usually has their own name badge - this improves communication. Try to discreetly glance at it and address each person by name.

6. Enjoy the networking process

The less you tense up about the result or what you want to gain, the sooner and more easily it will come. Simply be a pleasant, competent, courteous conversation partner - preferably with a good sense of humour and healthy curiosity. Sometimes information or a useful contact arrives completely unexpectedly, and from the person you least expected it from.