For some, networking involves forced smiles, awkward small talk, and a transactional exchange of business cards. If you hate socializing, the thought of entering the room while building connections fills you with so much dread. But what if the secret to building a good professional network is about using your natural strength and focusing on strategies that feel more authentic? Today, we’re bringing you the 7 tips to create powerful relationships without feeling like a fake.
7. Master the Art of Follow-Up
Networking doesn’t always happen at events; instead, it happens in a follow-up. Just a brief and personalized follow-up message can transform your conversation into a lasting connection. Instead of saying the generic “nice to meet you,” reference a specific topic you discussed. Send them a link to a relevant article or tool that would show that you’re willing to be a resource. It’s a powerful way to re-engage and build a positive impression for yourself.
6. Embrace the “Giver” Mindset
Instead of thinking about what you can get from a person, ask yourself about what you can offer. Once you approach networking with a giving mindset, you build more meaningful and lasting relationships. It can be something simple like making a thoughtful introduction to someone else in your network or offering them a genuine compliment. When you’re known as a giver, people will likely return.
5. Ask For Advice, Not a Favor
One of the barriers when it comes to networking is the feeling of using people to your advantage. To overcome this is to reframe how you ask. Instead of asking for an awkward direct favor, you can ask for advice. People get flattered to be seen as an expert about something, so they’ll be willing to help those who value their opinions and experiences.
4. Become an Expert Listener
One of the biggest anxieties when it comes to networking is the pressure to be an interesting individual who has something brilliant to share. Take the focus off yourself and put it on the other person by becoming an expert listener. Listening shows the other person that you’re powerfully hearing them, that you’ll instantly build a rapport and connection. Ask them about the most exciting project they’re working on or the biggest challenge that their industry is facing. Listen to them and ask follow-up questions. This takes the pressure off you.
3. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
A small but strong and diverse network is more important than a large but superficial one. Instead of introducing yourself to everyone in the room, focus on forming meaningful conversations. Have in-depth conversations rather than fleeting in the room to converse with every person. This allows you to be more present and engaged, which leads to authentic connections. Focus on the people who really find a connection with and invest your energy to build these relationships.
2. Reactivate Your “Dormant” Ties
If you’re one of those individuals dreading meeting new people, you don’t really have to. Some of the most valuable connections you gain are the people you already know. They’re the “dormant tiles” like your former colleagues, old friends, or past classmates that you haven’t spoken to in years. Why? They’ve formed their own circles, too, that gain new contacts. Reconnecting with them is easier than starting to form a relationship from scratch. Just a simple email about expressing gratitude for a past advice you remember or asking for their expertise on something can rekindle that connection.
1. Embrace the Power of “Weak Ties”
Surprisingly, our weak ties, like acquaintances or people we know casually, are more valuable than the strong ties we have. We’re talking about casual people, you know, and not your close friends. Why? Your close friends track around the same circles and know the same people and information that you do. But your weak ties can serve as bridges to new networks and information. Having a simple but pleasant conversation with your acquaintance might bring you the most valuable connection.